Bill Summary
The "Defending America's Future Elections Act" is a bill aimed at repealing Executive Order 14248, issued by President Trump, which is described as overstepping the authority of the Executive Branch and potentially disenfranchising voters. The bill underscores Congress's constitutional authority over the administration of federal elections and references bipartisan laws like the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 and the Help America Vote Act of 2002, which established important voter registration and election administration standards.
The legislation prohibits the use of federal funds to implement the repealed executive order and restricts the Department of Government Efficiency from accessing state voter registration lists and other related records. The intent of this bill is to safeguard election integrity and ensure that voter access is upheld without undue federal interference.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the "Defending America's Future Elections Act" could affect people:
1. **Increased Voter Access**: By repealing Executive Order 14248, which is described as potentially disenfranchising millions of American voters, the legislation could lead to a more accessible voting process. Individuals who may have faced barriers due to stringent registration requirements or increased scrutiny of voter eligibility may find it easier to register and participate in elections, thereby enhancing democratic participation.
2. **Changes in Election Administration**: The prohibition on the use of federal funds to access state voter registration lists or related records could limit the ability of federal agencies to oversee or assist in the maintenance of accurate voter rolls. This may affect how states manage their voter registration processes and could lead to inconsistencies or challenges in ensuring that voter lists are up-to-date and accurate, potentially impacting the integrity of future elections.
3. **Impact on State and Federal Relations**: By reinforcing that the power to regulate the time, place, and manner of elections lies with Congress and the states, this legislation might lead to shifts in the relationship between federal and state governments regarding election laws. Individuals in different states may experience varying election processes and regulations, which could lead to confusion and disparities in voting experiences across the country.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1240 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1240
To repeal an executive order relating to Federal elections, and for
other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 1 (legislative day, March 31), 2025
Mr. Padilla (for himself, Mr. Wyden, Mr. King, Mr. Schiff, Mr. Reed,
Mr. Booker, Ms. Klobuchar, Mr. Welch, Ms. Slotkin, Mr. Merkley, Mr.
Whitehouse, and Ms. Hirono) introduced the following bill; which was
read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To repeal an executive order relating to Federal elections, and for
other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Defending America's Future Elections
Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) Article 1, section 4 of the Constitution of the United
States clearly demonstrates the time, place, and manner of
elections lie with Congress and the States, not with the
President.
(2) On May 20, 1993, President William J. Clinton signed
the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (Public Law 103-
31), which was passed with bipartisan support.
(3) The National Voter Registration Act of 1993 established
certain voter registration requirements and does not require
documentary proof of citizenship on the National Mail Voter
Registration Form.
(4) On October 29, 2002, President George W. Bush signed
the Help America Vote Act of 2002 (Public Law 107-252), which
was passed on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis.
(5) The Help America Vote Act of 2002 established the
Election Assistance Commission, an independent and evenly
divided bipartisan agency to assist States with new standards
and improve election administration.
(6) Executive Order 14248 (90 Fed. Reg. 14005), issued by
President Trump on March 25, 2025, entitled ``Preserving and
Protecting the Integrity of American Elections'', exceeds the
authority of the Executive Branch, is illegal and
unconstitutional, and would disenfranchise millions of American
voters.
SEC. 3. REPEAL OF EXECUTIVE ORDER.
Executive Order 14248 (90 Fed. Reg. 14005) shall have no force or
effect and no Federal funds may be used to implement, administer,
enforce, or carry out such Executive order.
SEC. 4. PROHIBITION ON USE OF FUNDS.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no Federal funds may be
appropriated or transferred to, or used by, the Department of
Government Efficiency to access each State's voter registration lists,
records concerning voter list maintenance activities, Federal
immigration databases, or other public or private State records related
to Federal elections.
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