Senator Ben Ray Luján and over two dozen Democratic Senators are urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to preserve the Election Threats Task Force, crucial for safeguarding election officials against rising threats. Their letter expresses concern over recent federal actions that have undermined election security efforts, particularly noting a significant rise in threats faced by election officials. This coalition demands immediate updates on the Task Force’s status and necessary resources to ensure its continuation.
U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján from New Mexico has joined a bipartisan group of over two dozen Democratic Senators in a concerted effort to push Attorney General Pam Bondi to maintain the operations of the Department of Justice’s Election Threats Task Force. This Task Force is essential for protecting election officials against increasing threats and acts of violence that have recently escalated.
The recent letter from these Senators highlights concerns regarding the Trump Administration’s actions that weakened federal measures against both foreign and domestic election threats. On her first day in office, Attorney General Bondi disbanded the FBI’s Foreign Influence Task Force, thereby impeding critical efforts to counteract covert influence campaigns from adversarial nations like China and Russia.
Additionally, the Senators express alarm regarding the significant reduction in personnel and resources dedicated to combating election interference at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Reports indicate that numerous officials with expertise in this area have been dismissed or suspended, stalling advancements made in election security training and monitoring.
The Senators voiced their concern in the letter, stating, “Recent surveys have found that one in three election officials reported facing threats, harassment, and abuse”. They further emphasized the critical need for the Task Force’s continued operations, citing that nearly half of local election officials are aware of colleagues who have resigned due to safety concerns, which threatens the institutional knowledge vital for electoral processes.
Luján’s advocacy is supported by a wide range of Senate colleagues, including prominent figures such as Senators Alex Padilla and Dick Durbin. Other signatories range from Amy Klobuchar to Bernie Sanders, illustrating a united front in addressing the safety and security of election officials nationwide. To reinforce their demands, the Senators have called for a prompt update on the Task Force’s status and the necessary resources to support its essential activities.
In summary, Senator Ben Ray Luján, alongside fellow Senators, has urgently appealed to Attorney General Pam Bondi to sustain the Election Threats Task Force amid troubling reductions in election security efforts. The letter emphasizes the increasing dangers faced by election officials, highlighting an urgent need for comprehensive support and transparency regarding the continuation of this Task Force. Ensuring the safety of those administering elections is imperative to uphold democratic processes and institutional integrity.
Original Source: ladailypost.com
