House GOP Leaders Criticize ActBlue Following Subpoena Scandal
Top House Republicans are supporting the House Administration Committee’s subpoena of ActBlue, a Democratic fundraising giant. They have accused ActBlue of lacking adequate donor verification standards. Committee Chair Bryan Steil, R-Wis., believes the platform is at risk of receiving fraudulent and illegal foreign donations. ActBlue, however, has stated that it takes extensive measures to protect the security of donors.
Republican leaders such as Rep. Richard Hudson, R-N.C., and House GOP Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik have expressed their concerns about ActBlue. Hudson emphasized the importance of ensuring that American elections are free from foreign financial interference. Stefanik pointed out reports of China and Iran attempting to influence the election through ActBlue, stating that it is crucial to prevent foreign manipulation in American elections.
One of the key issues raised by Republican lawmakers is ActBlue’s recent decision to require a card verification value (CVV) for donations. This change prompted a wave of apprehension among GOP officials and state attorneys general. Chairman Steil has sent multiple requests for information to ActBlue, emphasizing the importance of maintaining high donor security standards.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., has expressed his support for the subpoena, stressing the need for American citizens to be the only participants in elections. Scalise believes that the investigation is essential to safeguard elections from foreign interference and maintain their security.
Steil issued a subpoena to ActBlue requesting documents and communications related to the platform’s donor verification policies. The subpoena aims to investigate the potential for foreign actors from countries like Iran, Russia, Venezuela, and China to funnel illicit money into U.S. political campaigns through ActBlue. In response, ActBlue reiterated its commitment to protecting donor security and maintaining anti-fraud compliance practices.
Fellow Republicans on the committee have echoed the necessity of the subpoena. Rep. Laurel Lee, R-Fla., highlighted loopholes in ActBlue’s security protocols that could be exploited by bad actors from countries like China and Russia. With the general election approaching, Lee emphasized the importance of ensuring the security and integrity of the electoral process.
Rep. Greg Murphy, R-N.C., stressed the critical role of the subpoena in preventing violations of federal campaign finance laws. He expressed concerns about money laundering through inadequate security protections. Additionally, Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Okla., shared her worries about ActBlue’s security protocols, particularly the lack of CVV verification for donations.
As Election Day draws near, the accusations against ActBlue have intensified, raising concerns about the platform’s security measures and potential vulnerabilities to foreign interference. Despite ActBlue’s denial of any wrongdoing, the issue remains contentious among House Republicans. The ongoing investigation and scrutiny of ActBlue’s practices underscore the significance of ensuring the transparency and integrity of the electoral process.
