New boost for election security?
Similar to his report to Congress about the 2016 presidential election, special prosecutor Robert Mueller's recent appearance before two House committees served to further members' political causes. Democrats continue to push for impeachment proceedings against President Trump, Republicans say it's time to move on.
What may have gained some momentum, however, is the issue of election security, a topic Mueller was firm about on a day when he otherwise seemed addled.
Mueller reiterated that Russia is already trying to mess with U.S. elections as it did in 2016. His report had said that “sweeping and systemic” attacks were leveled against election infrastructure, along with a disinformation campaign on social media. Before Congress, he said, “I have seen a number of challenges to our democracy. The Russian government's effort to interfere in our election is among the most serious. This deserves the attention of every American. They're (the Russians) doing it as we sit here. And they expect to do it during the next campaign.”
Several times before the House Intelligence Committee, Mueller cited the potential damage that could result from meddling
by Russia and other U.S. enemies.
Journalist Judith Miller, writing for City Journal, suggests that Mueller's appearance could ramp up pressure on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to allow votes on bills that seek to strengthen our voting systems against interference.
“As the 2020 presidential election nears, Democrats may benefit from what they portray as Republican indifference to protecting America's vulnerable voting systems,” Miller wrote.
McConnell, R-Ky., has blocked two bills recently, saying they're redundant. He also notes that Congress already has allocated about $380 million in the past year to boost states' election security.
However, last week the Republican-led Senate Intelligence Committee released its report on Russian meddling and said once that $380 million is spent, Congress should direct more money and attention toward this issue.
The report said elections should continue to be locally run — McConnell and others have cited concerns about federalizing elections — but suggested Congress could do more to help.
The committee's chairman, Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., says election officials at the state and local levels “have dramatically changed how they approach election security” in the past three years, but that, “There is still much work that remains to be done, however.”
One recommendation from the committee is for states and local jurisdictions to replace outdated voting systems that are potential targets for cyberattacks (this wouldn't apply to Oklahoma, whose system is first-rate).
Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the committee vice chairman, said he hopes the report drives home the point that “regardless of political party … this threat remains urgent, and we have a responsibility to defend our democracy against it.”
Miller argues that McConnell “may be able to dismiss prosecutor Mueller's warning, but ignoring the Senate intelligence committee may be harder.” In the months ahead, we'll see whether that proves true.