Central Louisiana News

U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN) have joined 21 Republican colleagues in sending a letter to President Joe Biden, expressing concerns over the lack of transparency regarding the use of taxpayer dollars to implement Executive Order 14019. The order instructed federal agencies to engage in voter mobilization and submit plans to the White House for doing so. The senators are concerned that this may be a potential violation of the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits agencies from expending federal funds without Congressional authorization.

In the letter, the senators stated, "We are concerned by your failure to respond to our previous inquiry on May 10, 2023, regarding Executive Order 14019 on 'Promoting Access to Voting.' This policy directive merits congressional oversight both as a general matter and under the Antideficiency Act. Accordingly, we write to reiterate our request for information regarding the implementation of this executive order, including copies of the plans submitted to the White House."

The senators argue that federal agencies should be focused on their defined missions in a nonpartisan manner and should not be using taxpayer funds for voter mobilization efforts with potentially partisan impacts. They believe that it is not the job of the federal government to drive voter turnout.

The senators, along with their Republican colleagues, have requested basic information from the Biden Administration to determine the voter mobilization and electioneering activities that have been conducted using taxpayer resources. They are asking for a full accounting of all federal funding used to implement Executive Order 14019.

The senators' concerns stem from the fact that Executive Order 14019 directs over 600 federal agencies to engage in voter-related activities without Congressional approval. They believe that it is doubtful that Congress approved the use of appropriated agency funds for voter mobilization, and violating this statute carries administrative and potential criminal penalties.

Unfortunately, the White House has not provided the requested information, despite multiple requests from Congress. The senators highlight that the initial deadline for providing this information was May 23, 2023, making the response 27 weeks overdue.

The senators concluded their letter by respectfully requesting the requested information and a full accounting of all federal funding used to implement Executive Order 14019.

It remains to be seen how the Biden Administration will respond to these concerns and demands for transparency on taxpayer-funded voter mobilization plans.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://www.cassidy.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cassidy-hagerty-call-out-biden-for-ignoring-demands-for-transparency-on-taxpayer-funded-voter-mobilization-plans/