As President Trump continues his false claims of widespread voter fraud — tapping Vice President Mike Pence to lead an investigation — a House committee meets today to consider eliminating a federal agency that helps improve and protect American elections.
At 12 p.m. ET today, the House Administration Committee will consider the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) Termination Act. The EAC is an independent government agency that sets security standards for voting machines and functions as a clearinghouse for election administration.
“At a time when the vast majority of our country’s voting machines are outdated and in need of replacement, and after an election in which international criminals already attempted to hack our state voter registration systems, eliminating the EAC would pose a risky and irresponsible threat to our election infrastructure,” reads a Brennan Center letter, urging the committee to reject the bill.
The House Administration Committee will also weigh legislation to dissolve the presidential public financing system, which is one of the few remaining tools to increase the voice of everyday Americans in elections.
“Instead of eliminating the Presidential Election Campaign Fund, Congress should respond to voters’ frustration with the dominance of large and often secret spending in our elections by amending the system so it gives everyday citizens a chance to increase their voice and influence,” urges the Center’s letter.
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In 2016, 42 states used voting machines that were at least a decade old, which is perilously close to the end of most systems’ expected lifespans. Old voting equipment can have serious security and reliability flaws.
See all of the Brennan Center’s resources debunking the myth of voter fraud.
For more information, or to set up an interview, contact Naren Daniel (naren.daniel@nyu.edu, 646–292–8381) or Jessica Katzen (jessica.katzen@nyu.edu, 646–292–8368).