House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil issued subpoenas to 15 Biden cabinet officials on Thursday, demanding documents related to President Biden’s executive order, dubbed “Bidenbucks,” which aims to turn federal agencies into voter registration hubs nationwide. Steil’s move follows his initial request on May 15 for materials regarding Executive Order 14019, which went unanswered.
Steil emphasized the need for impartiality in election administration, stating, “Elections are partisan, but our election administration should never be partisan.” He argued that allowing federal employees to influence election administration sites threatens the integrity of elections and undermines public confidence.
Critics of Executive Order 14019 have labeled it “Bidenbucks,” a reference to the controversial “Zuckerbucks” incident during the 2020 presidential election. In that case, approximately $400 million from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was funneled through nonprofits to boost Democratic voter turnout. Steil contends that Biden’s order is another attempt to skew the electoral process in favor of Democrats ahead of the 2024 election.
According to the executive order, agency heads are tasked with identifying ways to promote voter registration and participation, including collaborating with nonpartisan third-party organizations and state officials. Steil criticized the order, asserting, “This Executive Order is another attempt by the Biden Administration to tilt the scales ahead of 2024.”
In his push for transparency, Steil declared his commitment to holding the administration accountable, stating that Congress did not allocate taxpayer funds for partisan activities. The subpoenas aim to shed light on the administration’s efforts and ensure that election administration remains fair and nonpartisan.
The issuance of these subpoenas marks a significant step in the ongoing debate over the role of federal agencies in election administration. Steil’s actions highlight the concerns of those who believe that the executive order could lead to undue influence on the electoral process. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor the responses from the Biden administration and the potential implications for future elections.
