Zoe Lofgren: “Woman, I support this amendment, given the level of foreign interference in the elections in 2016 and 2018 and efforts…”

“Woman, I support this amendment, given the level of foreign interference in the elections in 2016 and 2018 and efforts to penetrate our voting systems. I think it makes sense that we use American-manufactured systems as well as software. But I would note this: this amendment is not proscriptive. It says that ``States shall seek to ensure.'' That is not a mandate to do it. Really, this is saying this is a good thing to do. I think it is a good thing to do. While I have the microphone, I would like to note that we have just received a letter from 27 religious institutions, including the Alliance of Baptists, African American Ministers In Action, the National Council of Churches, the NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice and the Presbyterian Church in the United States, in favor of H.R. 1, which I include in the Record. March 6, 2019. Dear Representative: As national faith-based advocates and congregations we urge passage of H.R. 1--the For the People Act. Our organizations strive for policies and systems that diminish inequality, support the most vulnerable, nurture human potential, and protect the health and well-being of all members of our society and of creation. We look to our government to reflect those ideals and we support a strong democracy: . . . where voting is a fundamental right and a civic responsibility. . . . that serves the people rather than the private interests of public officials and wealthy political donors. . . .…”