WASHINGTON ― Republicans on Wednesday rejected a bid to direct another $250 million to election security ahead of the November midterms, maintaining that funds Congress previously allocated for the effort have not yet been spent. Democrats proposed an amendment that would have appropriated an additional $250 million to bolster election systems, replace outdated equipment and undertake other protective efforts. “There’s $380 million that’s already allocated that hasn’t been spent ― not a dime,” Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) “No one explained to me why we needed $250 million more.”Citing similar reasons, House Republicans also voted down a Democratic request last month to increase election security spending. Democrats said that because of the ongoing threats, more funding is needed to harden election security.

Source: Huffington Post August 01, 2018 18:33 UTC