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A NOTE FROM FRED
As Congress returns from its August recess, “Moscow Mitch” McConnell continues to refuse to allow the Senate to vote on legislation to strengthen the nation’s election security and the rules prohibiting foreign interference in our elections.
In taking this stonewalling position, Senate Majority Leader McConnell is standing in the way of protecting the integrity of our democracy and our elections.
McConnell’s obstruction is a dereliction of duty of the highest order.
In June 2019, the House passed the SAFE Act.
According to its chief sponsor, Rep. Zoe Lofgren, Chair of the House Administration Committee, the Act would provide “meaningful investments to upgrade the security of voting systems across the country to guard against foreign interference in our democracy.”
McConnell has blocked this House-passed bill as well as a number of bipartisan election security bills introduced in the Senate.
The House is expected to act on a second bill in the coming weeks: the SHIELD Act, a comprehensive bill to strengthen the laws that prohibit foreign money and influence in our elections. Both the SAFE Act and the SHIELD Act incorporate provisions contained in H.R. 1, the House-passed democracy reform bill.
Perhaps the best chance for action on election security lies in the appropriations process. The House has passed an appropriation of $600 million for election security use by the states. All or part of this could end up in a final House-Senate appropriations conference report, although the funds would be very late for states to use effectively for the 2020 elections.
If Russia or any other foreign country interferes in the 2020 elections, responsibility for this cyberattack on our democracy will fall squarely on “Moscow Mitch” and on President Trump. The President has adamantly rejected the reality of this issue and has refused to support any legislative efforts to address election security problems.
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D21 NEWS
Trump’s Critics Are Targeting His Donors, Sparking Fears Of A Backlash Against Disclosure
D21 President Fred Wertheimer: The role of social media in political discourse “is not going to justify eliminating disclosure … but it’s worth watching because we see so much hostility and attack mode playing out on social media these days that takes us into uncharted waters,” via The Washington Post.
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Trump Insists Everything Is Fine As Economic Anxiety Surges
“The president’s free-wheeling approach and rapid-fire tweets are driving up uncertainty to historic levels,” via Politico.
White House Pressed Agency To Repudiate Weather Forecasters Who Contradicted Trump’s Claims Of Hurricane Dorian’s Risk To Alabama, via The New York Times.
The Myths of the “Genius” Behind Trump’s Reelection Campaign
Like Trump, Brad Parscale, Trump’s 2020 campaign manager, “is largely unencumbered by the concerns for consistency and accuracy that are the hobgoblins of smaller minds,” via ProPublica and Texas Monthly.
US Military Spent $17.2 Million At Scottish Airport Near Trump Resort
“That’s a 100% increase from what the DoD spent at Prestwick before Trump’s election,” via Quartz.
Checking In At Trump Hotels, For Kinship (And Maybe Some Sway)
“To ethics lawyers, the most extraordinary aspect of the daily merging of President Trump’s official duties and his commercial interests is that it has now become almost routine,” via The New York Times.
From Mar-A-Lago To Trump Hotels, Trump Profits As President
“Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist David Fahrenthold says in the past, an honor system helped keep presidents from using the office to benefit themselves. Not Trump: ‘He exploits honor systems,’” via NPR Fresh Air.
Fox News Has The Power Over Trump
“Fox speaks directly to Trump’s base, a core constituency that the president must keep intact if he is to win reelection,” via The Atlantic.
John Bolton’s Gone — And Republicans Want In
Bolton’s departure exposes the “messy debate” within the GOP , via Politico.
He Used To Work At The NRA. Now He’s Shaping Gun Policy At The White House, via Vice.
Trump Is Not Well
“Every day Donald Trump is president is a day of disgrace. And a day of danger,” opinion via The Atlantic.
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HEADLINE OF THE WEEK
We Need Our Elections Protected. A Weakened FEC Only Invites Attack.
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THE INVESTIGATIONS
Democrats To Broaden Impeachment Inquiry Into Trump To Corruption Accusations
“Beyond the president’s efforts to impede the special counsel’s investigation, Democrats also plan to scrutinize his role in hush payments to two women who said they had affairs with him and reports that he dangled pardons to officials willing to break the law to implement his immigration policies,” via The New York Times.
What’s In The Judiciary Committee Resolution On Impeachment Procedures, via Lawfare.
House Panels Launch Investigation Into Giuliani's Dealings With Ukraine, via Politico.
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INTERACTIVE TOOL OF THE WEEK
See How And Where Each 2020 Candidate Is Spending Their Money
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418 DAYS ...
North Carolina Special Election Gives Republicans A House Seat – And A Wake-Up Call
“The results of a special election portend trouble for the GOP in 2020 — but also reveal real weaknesses for Democrats,” via The Atlantic.
More GOP Challengers Line Up Against Trump, More States Cancel Their Primaries, via NBC News.
“Flush With Cash”: Inside Trump’s Plan To Flip Blue States In 2020, via Time.
Planet Money Examines How Presidential Candidates Need To Use Their Cash, via National Public Radio.
ACLU Files Suit In Favor Of “Dark Money,” Says Donors Should Be Able To Give Money Anonymously, via NJ.com.
Here’s Why Mitch McConnell Is Blocking Election Security Bills, via The Washington Post.
More than 1,600 Polling Places Have Closed Since the Supreme Court Gutted the Voting Rights Act. Most Of Them Are In Minority Communities, via Mother Jones.
Instead Of Fixing Their Gerrymander, North Carolina Republicans Are Trolling The Court, via Slate.
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