WeVote

Bill

Bill

S 4659

A bill to provide additional election security funding to States providing voter registration information to the Department of Homeland Security.

119th Congress Introduced by Marsha Blackburn and 1 co-sponsor

The bill would provide extra election security funding to states that share voter registration data with DHS to boost protections and upgrades for election systems.

Introduced in Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 4659

Summary of Bill: S. 4659 (119th Congress)

Purpose and intent

S. 4659 proposes to provide additional election security funding to U.S. states that supply voter registration information to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The bill appears to tie enhanced financial support to states’ cooperation with DHS regarding voter registration data, aiming to bolster election security and integrity by ensuring more robust data-sharing and related protections.

Key provisions and changes

  • Funding mechanism: Establishes or expands funding streams designated for election security efforts that are contingent on states providing voter registration information to DHS. The exact funding amount, administration, and allocation rules would be specified in the bill (not provided in the summary text here).
  • Eligibility criteria: States must meet specified conditions to qualify for the additional funding, centered on the availability and submission of voter registration data to DHS. Details on what constitutes acceptable data-sharing, formats, and timelines would be defined in the statutory text.
  • Use of funds: Funds would be directed toward enhancing election security measures. This could include technology upgrades, information sharing with federal partners, cyber defense, personnel training, and related infrastructure to protect the integrity of voter registration systems and election administration.
  • Reporting and accountability: Likely requires reporting on how funds are used, outcomes achieved, and compliance with data-sharing requirements to ensure transparency and proper oversight.

Who and what is affected

  • States as recipients: The primary beneficiaries are U.S. states (and possibly territories) that submit voter registration information to DHS, making them eligible for the enhanced funding.
  • Election infrastructure: Agencies responsible for administering elections at the state level (secretaries of state, election boards, or equivalent) would be the direct implementers of funded improvements.
  • Federal-state data-sharing relationship: The bill formalizes or expands conditions under which states engage with DHS regarding voter registration data, potentially shaping ongoing federal-state cooperation on election security.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and action: Introduced to the Senate and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration on June 2, 2026.
  • Next steps in legislative process: The committee would typically review, potentially amend, and report the bill back to the Senate. Floor consideration would follow, with possible formal voting and, if passed, transmission to the House of Representatives for its consideration. The exact timeline would depend on committee action, priorities, and any amendments adopted during proceedings.

Additional notes

  • Co-sponsors include Senator Lindsey Graham and Senator Marsha Blackburn, indicating bipartisan leadership for this security-focused funding approach.
  • The legislative text would provide precise dollar figures, eligibility thresholds, compliance standards, and reporting requirements, which are not specified in the brief action history provided.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a particular audience (e.g., policymakers, election administrators, or general public) or extract any available fiscal numbers and specific eligibility criteria from the bill’s full text once provided.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.