SE North Carolina News

Washington, D.C. — A group of Republican senators, led by Senator Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, has written a letter to President Biden demanding transparency regarding the use of taxpayer dollars to implement an executive order on voter mobilization. The letter, which was also signed by Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina and several other colleagues, calls for information on the implementation of Executive Order 14019 and the use of federal resources for voter-related activities.

Executive Order 14019, issued by President Biden, allows federal agencies to use taxpayer funds to engage in voter mobilization activities and enter into agreements with partisan organizations. The senators express concern that this order could potentially lead to the improper use of federal resources for partisan purposes. They argue that federal agencies should focus on their defined missions in a nonpartisan manner and that it is not the job of the federal government to drive voter turnout.

The senators point out that the order directs over 600 federal agencies to engage in voter-related activities without congressional approval. They question whether Congress has approved the use of appropriated agency funds for voter mobilization and highlight the potential violation of the Antideficiency Act, which prohibits agencies from expending or obligating funds in a manner not authorized by law.

Despite previous inquiries from the senators, the White House has failed to respond and provide the requested information. The senators note that the initial deadline for providing this information was 27 weeks ago, making the response significantly overdue.

In their letter, the senators request the following information:

- Full copies of all federal agency "strategic plans" required under Section 3 of the executive order, as well as a list of agencies that have not yet submitted a strategic plan.

- The strategic plan required by the General Services Administration under Section 5.

- The recommendations provided by the Office of Personnel Management under Section 6.

- All procedures established by the Attorney General under Section 9.

They also request a full accounting of all federal funding used to date to implement Executive Order 14019, including the accounts from which the funding was used.

The senators emphasize the need for transparency and oversight in the implementation of the executive order. They argue that reviewing the agency plans is crucial in determining whether there has been any improper use of federal resources. They call on the Biden administration to provide the requested information as soon as possible.

The letter concludes by stating, "So that Congress can determine the voter mobilization and electioneering activities to which your Administration has devoted taxpayer resources, we respectfully request the following information developed in accordance with Executive Order 14019 as soon as possible."

The senators' renewed demand for transparency on taxpayer-funded voter mobilization reflects their concerns about the potential misuse of federal resources for partisan purposes. They stress the importance of congressional oversight and accountability in ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used appropriately.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.budd.senate.gov/2023/11/29/budd-hagerty-colleagues-renew-demand-for-transparency-on-taxpayer-funded-voter-mobilization/