Rep. Stevens' Statement on the Passage of the Securing America’s Federal Elections Act

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2722, the Securing America’s Federal Elections (SAFE) Act to strengthen the security and integrity of U.S. elections. The SAFE Act protects U.S. elections by providing funding to states to replace outdated and vulnerable voting equipment, ensuring paper ballot voting systems are in place, encouraging post-election audits, and fortifying cybersecurity requirements for both election technology venders and voting systems. The bill builds on the important election reforms that were included in H.R. 1, the For the People Act.

“Our nation is facing a serious and ongoing national security threat from foreign adversaries who seek to undermine our democracy by interfering in our elections,” said Congresswoman Haley Stevens. “Congress has a responsibility to forcefully respond by doing everything we can to safeguard our democracy and protecting the integrity of our elections. The SAFE Act, as well as the election reforms including in the For the People Act, are a great start and I applaud the passage of these important bills. My state of Michigan has made great strides to ensure the protection and legitimacy of the vote, and the SAFE Act will significantly reinforce these efforts.” 

This week, Congresswoman Stevens also participated in a Science Committee hearing to examine vulnerabilities in voting technology.

“The elections of 2016 showed us how vulnerable our election infrastructure can be to foreign adversaries who interfere in the very foundation of our democratic process and began a national conversation on the security and integrity of elections,” Congresswoman Stevens said during her opening statement on Tuesday. “Unfortunately, many Americans still cast their vote on machines with no paper record. I know we will hear from our experts today that, with all of the conveniences that the internet and 21st century technology provide, paper ballots are still the most secure. But even if we implement paper records everywhere, we are still left with the new security challenges posed with online registration and e-poll books. In fact, every point of internet connectivity in the election system, including software development and updating, introduces a vulnerability. Security must be a priority at every step of our cherished democratic process.”

Click HERE to read Congresswoman Stevens’ opening statement in full.

Click HERE to watch a video of Congresswoman Stevens during this week’s election security hearing. 

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