In a move that highlights the ongoing efforts of House Republicans to prioritize election security, Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) introduced a bill on Monday that would combine the 60-day Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding measure with the SAVE America Act. This comes as the Senate has shifted towards a reconciliation strategy, leaving some House Republicans determined to push for the election-security package.
The SAVE America Act, which stands for Securing America’s Voting Equipment Act, was previously passed by the House in June with bipartisan support. The bill aims to provide funding for states to upgrade their voting systems and enhance election security measures. However, it has since been stalled in the Senate, prompting Rep. Roy to take action and attach it to the 60-day DHS funding measure.
The move by Rep. Roy is significant as it not only highlights the importance of election security but also showcases the determination of House Republicans to address this critical issue. With the 2020 presidential election just around the corner, it is crucial that steps are taken to safeguard the integrity of our democratic process.
In an exclusive interview with Breitbart, Rep. Roy stated, “We need to make sure that we are doing everything we can to secure our elections and make sure that every American’s vote counts.” He also emphasized the need for a bipartisan effort in addressing election security, stating that “this is not a partisan issue, this is an American issue.”
The 60-day DHS funding measure, which was previously passed by the House in July, provides funding for the department until November 21st. By combining it with the SAVE America Act, Rep. Roy’s bill would not only ensure the continued functioning of the DHS but also provide much-needed resources for states to secure their voting systems.
The SAVE America Act would allocate $600 million in grants to states for the purpose of upgrading their voting equipment and implementing security measures such as post-election audits and cybersecurity training for election officials. This funding would go a long way in addressing the vulnerabilities in our election systems and ensuring the integrity of our elections.
The bill has received widespread support from election security experts and organizations, including the Brennan Center for Justice and the National Election Defense Coalition. In a letter to Congress, these organizations stated that the SAVE America Act “would provide critical resources to states to secure their election infrastructure and protect against foreign interference.”
The introduction of this bill by Rep. Roy is a positive step towards addressing the issue of election security. It sends a strong message that House Republicans are committed to protecting the integrity of our elections and ensuring that every American’s vote counts.
In a time where there is growing concern over foreign interference in our elections, it is crucial that we take proactive measures to secure our voting systems. The SAVE America Act, combined with the 60-day DHS funding measure, is a comprehensive approach that addresses both short-term and long-term election security needs.
As the bill makes its way through Congress, it is important for both Democrats and Republicans to come together and support this crucial legislation. The security of our democracy should not be a partisan issue, and it is heartening to see Rep. Roy and other House Republicans leading the charge in addressing this critical issue.
In conclusion, the introduction of Rep. Roy’s bill combining the 60-day DHS funding measure with the SAVE America Act is a positive development in the ongoing efforts to secure our elections. It highlights the determination of House Republicans to prioritize election security and sends a strong message that protecting the integrity of our democracy is a top priority. Let us hope that this bill receives the support it deserves and takes us one step closer to ensuring fair and secure elections for all Americans.
