Citing what they say is clear evidence that the Russians have tried to interfere with U.S. elections, Maine’s members of Congress say the House and Senate should consider providing additional money to help the states bolster the security of their voting systems.
Republican Susan Collins, who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, says Congress approved $380 million in this year’s budget for grants to the states to fortify the security of their elections systems. But she has no doubt there will be need for some additional funds in order to defend against ongoing hacking attacks.
“The Russians and other malicious actors are continuing their efforts to probe our electoral systems,” she says.
Collins says the states can use the grants to fund a wide variety of efforts aimed at protecting their election systems, from buying new equipment to training elections officials. But she says that until the state applies for the grants, it is not clear how much more money may be needed in the 2019 budget.
“We need to make sure that we’re not just throwing money at a very serious problem without ascertaining how much money will be needed,” says Collins.
Maine is eligible for $3.3 million under the current appropriation, and the Secretary of State’s office says it is preparing an application.
Democratic First District Rep. Chellie Pingree, who serves on the House Appropriations Committee, is critical of President Trump for not supporting any funding for the program in the next budget year, which starts in October.
“The idea that the administration didn’t think we should do it is awful, but I think this is the moment when my Republican colleagues need to step and say this an important time to invest and show that we are really concerned about what Russia did and what they could do in the future,” says Pingree.
Independent Sen. Angus King says given all of the findings that the Russians did try to influence U.S. elections two years ago, and are likely to continue, it makes no sense that House Republicans are not supporting additional funding for election system security.
“It’s just ah…it,… it …again if I sound incredulous it’s because I am,” says King. King says securing American elections is fundamental to national security and that the federal government should assist the states in making sure voting systems are secure and tamper proof.
“It’s harming this country and setting us up for letting the Russians keep doing what they did in 2016.” he says.
Second District Rep. Bruce Poliquin declined to be interviewed for this report, but in a statement, he says he voted for the $380 million in the current budget year for assistance to the states, and he will consider further funding to bolster ballot security.
Initial votes on additional funding are expected soon in the House.
Originally published July 18, 2018 4:50 p.m.
