Klobuchar Introduces Legislation to Improve U.S. Election Cybersecurity, Infrastructure, and Administration

Press Release

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee with oversight jurisdiction over federal elections, has introduced legislation to improve the security of U.S. election systems and make commonsense improvements to election administration. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has designated election infrastructure as a critical infrastructure, but the designation only provides expedited access to DHS information, it does not provide local jurisdictions with the resources they need to modernize and upgrade infrastructure to keep elections secure. The Helping State and Local Governments Prevent Cyber Attacks Act would help combat foreign interference by providing state and local governments with information and resources they need to keep our elections secure and improve voter confidence. The bill is cosponsored by Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) , Dick Durbin (D-IL), Al Franken (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mark Udall (D-CO), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).

"Free and fair elections have become targets for adversaries looking to subvert our democracy," said Klobuchar. "According to the Department of Homeland Security, in the last election, as many as 21 states may have been hit by Russian hackers. State and local election officials must have the tools and resources they need to prevent these attacks and ensure that future elections are safeguarded from foreign interference."

Source