House of representatives news article
Here is a recent news article about the House of Representatives:
House Passes Bill to Increase Funding for Election Security
Washington D.C. - The House of Representatives passed a bill on Thursday to increase funding for election security measures, aiming to protect the integrity of the 2024 presidential election.
The bill, which passed with a vote of 234-193, would provide an additional $1.5 billion to the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to help states upgrade their voting systems and improve cybersecurity measures. The EAC is responsible for certifying voting systems and providing guidance to states on election security.
The bill's sponsor, Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), said that the legislation is a "critical step" in protecting the integrity of the election process. "We cannot afford to have our elections compromised by foreign interference or domestic manipulation," she said.
The bill's passage comes amid growing concerns about election security following the 2016 presidential election, which was targeted by Russian hackers. In 2018, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) identified Russian hackers as the culprits behind a cyberattack on the EAC's systems.
The bill also includes provisions to improve election security by:
- Requiring states to conduct regular risk assessments of their election systems
- Providing funding for states to upgrade their voting systems to paper ballots
- Increasing funding for the EAC's cybersecurity programs
- Requiring the EAC to develop guidelines for states on election security best practices
The bill now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to face opposition from Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has expressed concerns about the bill's cost and the potential for states to use the funding for other purposes.
The House also passed several other bills on Thursday, including a measure to increase funding for the National Institutes of Health and a bill to improve access to affordable healthcare for low-income individuals.
Other News from the House of Representatives
- The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the impact of the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" immigration policy on families and children.
- The House Energy and Commerce Committee held a hearing on Thursday to discuss the impact of climate change on the economy and public health.
- The House Appropriations Committee approved a bill on Wednesday to increase funding for the National Park Service and other federal agencies.
I hope this article is helpful!