On the recordSeptember 16, 2020
Election security is an issue essential to our democracy, and I am glad to see the House taking up legislation today to address it in a bipartisan manner. My colleague, Representative Sherrill, and I have been working together on this issue since being sworn in, and I am glad to join her, as well as Chairwoman Johnson and Ranking Member Lucas, in supporting H.R. 4990, the Election Technology Research Act. This legislation would modernize and secure U.S. voting systems by authorizing NIST and the National Science Foundation to conduct research on ways to improve and secure voting systems. Importantly, any standards recommended by NIST under this act are voluntary, and adoption of the standards remain in the purview of the Election Assistance Commission. H.R. 4990 also provides grant funding to establish a center of excellence in election systems to promote the research and modernization of election practices. A stated purpose of this center will be to foster collaboration between universities, nonprofits, private organizations, and State and local election officials. Encouraging communication and collaboration between these groups is vital to make sure the voices of States and local election officials are heard. The Election Research Technology Act also amends the Help America Vote Act to update the definition of voting systems to match modern technology encompassing electronic poll books and voter registration databases.…
