ActBlue, a key player in political fundraising for liberal causes, is facing scrutiny as it fortifies its security to block foreign donations—a vulnerability that challenges election integrity.
At a Glance
- House Republicans subpoenaed ActBlue over foreign donation concerns.
- Security updates were implemented after Republican criticism.
- The Treasury Department investigates suspicious ActBlue transactions.
- Potential foreign influence through unsecured donation methods.
Republican Oversight and Subpoena
ActBlue’s handling of foreign donations prompted House Republicans to issue a subpoena. This legal action requires ActBlue to provide detailed records about its transaction checks and donor assessments. The primary aim is to bolster election safeguards by addressing gaps in donor identity verification and scoping out any potential foreign influences that could affect American elections.
The inquiry, spearheaded by Chairman Bryan Steil, is investigating how ActBlue’s donation procedures may not align with federal election laws. These intensifying scrutiny measures highlight a broader effort to ensure election integrity, particularly with an upcoming presidential election on the horizon.
.@Jim_Jordan and I are demanding answers from Sift regarding potentially fraudulent transactions made on ActBlue. I’m committed to preventing foreign funding in our elections. https://t.co/0nBLMEb6OP
— Bryan Steil (@RepBryanSteil) December 10, 2024
Security Protocol Enhancements
Responding to the uproar, ActBlue has begun revising its security policies. Key changes include the requirement for donors to input CVV numbers, a move that was noticeably absent before and raised concerns. Without CVV verification, the risk of accepting tainted funds was higher, inviting scrutiny of potential breaches in electoral funding laws.
“Illegal and malicious conduct have no place in our elections. Ensuring all parties are complying with federal election law as we approach a presidential election is of utmost importance. By launching a new phase of our investigation into ActBlue, the Committee on House Administration has begun robust oversight of ActBlue’s lenient donor verification standards. I’m committed to ensuring Americans can have confidence in our elections and to preventing foreign or malicious actors from influencing American elections.” – Chairman Bryan Steil
James Comer, Chair of the House Oversight Committee, is working alongside the Treasury Department to expedite investigations into flagged transactions. These transactions, identified as suspicious by financial institutions, have prompted a review to verify their legality and source.
Broader Legislative Implications
The heightened scrutiny has inspired legislative action. Bryan Steil has introduced a bill aimed at closing loopholes in campaign finance by mandating donor vetting and banning the use of gift cards for contributions. This legislation has passed committee review and awaits a full House vote.
“We cannot allow foreign actors to influence our elections through campaign financing. The Committee’s investigation uncovered that foreign actors might be taking advantage of ActBlue’s inadequate security protocols.” – Bryan Steil
State Attorneys General from Virginia, Wyoming, and Missouri have also undertaken similar investigations to ensure compliance with federal election law. As these investigations proceed, the focus remains on ensuring that all parties are held accountable, reinforcing a collective commitment to upholding democratic processes.
Sources
1. Chairman Steil Launches Expanded Investigation into Online Political Donations Through ActBlue
