Senator Ben Ray Luján and over two dozen Democratic Senators have urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to maintain the DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force. They express concerns over diminished federal efforts to combat election security threats following the disbandment of key agencies under the Trump Administration. The Senators highlight the dire situation many election officials face, emphasizing the need for ongoing protection and support for election integrity.
United States Senator Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico has joined Senators Alex Padilla and Dick Durbin, along with over two dozen of their Democratic colleagues, in urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to ensure the continuation of the Department of Justice’s Election Threats Task Force. This initiative is vital in protecting election officials from escalating threats and acts of violence.
The Senators expressed their concerns following the Trump Administration’s significant reduction of the federal government’s ability to combat both foreign and domestic election security threats. This decline began with Attorney General Bondi disbanding the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force on her first day, creating obstacles in addressing foreign influence campaigns from adversaries such as China and Russia.
Moreover, the Administration has dismissed or placed numerous officials on leave at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which hampers ongoing election security efforts. It has also defunded crucial initiatives aimed at training local officials and monitoring threats through the Elections Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center.
In their letter, the Senators highlighted troubling statistics: one in three election officials has reported encountering threats or harassment, and close to half of local election officials know of colleagues who have resigned due to safety concerns. This situation contributes to a concerning loss of institutional knowledge essential for conducting elections smoothly. It is imperative that the Task Force continues its work to protect election officials and fortify public confidence in the electoral process.
The Senators’ letter was co-signed by numerous significant figures, including Senators Amy Klobuchar, Chuck Schumer, and Bernie Sanders. They collectively emphasized the need for transparency regarding the Task Force’s status and the resources necessary to safeguard election officials effectively. The full text of the letter is available for review.
In conclusion, Senator Ben Ray Luján, along with numerous Democratic Senators, is advocating strongly for the continuation of the DOJ’s Election Threats Task Force amid significant governmental cutbacks. The alarming reports of threats against election officials necessitate immediate action to ensure their safety and uphold democratic processes. The bipartisan concern illustrated by this group underlines the critical need for transparency and resources to effectively combat election-related threats.
Original Source: ladailypost.com
