With less than six months left until the 2024 presidential election, Republicans are taking measures to ensure the United States has a fair and secure election.
House Republicans subpoenaed 15 top Biden Administration officials related to concerns regarding a 2021 executive order President Joe Biden signed.
In March 2021, Biden signed into effect the “Promoting Access to Voting,” which states that "executive departments and agencies should partner with State, local, Tribal, and territorial election officials to protect and promote the exercise of the right to vote, eliminate discrimination and other barriers to voting, and expand access to voter registration and accurate election information."
It also claims that people of color face “significant obstacles” when voting in elections.
House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil (R-WI) sent a letter asking for documents on plans for how the order would increase voter turnout just months from the November election.
Republicans have consistently rejected Biden’s order, calling it “voter mobilization" that "potentially partisan impacts."
“Elections are partisan, but our election administration should never be partisan. Allowing federal employees from the Biden Administration to flood election administration sites threatens election integrity and reduces Americans’ confidence,” Steil said. “This Executive Order is another attempt by the Biden Administration to tilt the scales ahead of 2024. I will continue working to provide transparency and accountability on this Administration’s latest scheme as Congress did not appropriate taxpayer funds for partisan activities.”
The Committee has concerns about the implementation of E.O. 14019, particularly regarding its compatibility with provisions of the National Voter Registration Act (NRA) of 1993. Congress delegates to federal agencies specific functions and missions, which by law they are required to follow. Congress's delegation of authority to HUD does not include using funds and resources to provide Americans with voter registration materials. Moreover, E.O. 14019 requires every federal agency to submit a strategic plan outlining how the agency can promote voter registration and voter participation. Over the last few months, some agencies have taken actions that were likely outlined in their strategic plans. Examples include the Department of Education's new federal work-study requirements, and the Small Business Administration's entrance into a voter registration agreement with Michigan. Via Steil’s letter.
Steil said that GOP lawmakers are planning to appeal Biden’s executive order, citing concerns that federal agencies have already quietly implemented aspects of the order.
The 15 agencies include: Homeland Security, Defense Department, Justice Department, Education Department, Office of Management and Budget, State Department, and the Transportation Department.