Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Remember in August 2018? : Senate Republicans vote down extra funds for election security

For those going to the polls in November, and who may have short-term memories... on August 2, 2018, the Baltimore Sun reported this: 
Senate Republicans vote down extra funds for election security
WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans voted down a bid Wednesday to direct an extra $250 million toward election security in advance of the 2018 midterms, despite heightened warnings from intelligence officials that foreign governments will try to interfere in the contests.
The 50-47 vote fell far short of the needed 60 votes to include the $250 million amendment, proposed by Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., in an appropriations package. Only one Republican senator — Sen. Bob Corker, Tenn., who frequently prioritizes deficit concerns — voted for the additional funds.

Three Republicans did not vote: Sens. Richard Burr, N.C., who chairs the intelligence committee, Jeff Flake, Ariz., who is in Africa, and John McCain, Ariz., who is in Arizona receiving treatment for brain cancer.