House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil has subpoenaed 15 officials from President Biden’s administration for documents related to the executive order known as “Bidenbucks.” This order directs federal agencies to serve as voter registration centers across all states. Steil had previously requested these documents on May 15 but received no response, prompting the subpoenas.
Steil stressed the importance of nonpartisan election administration, saying, “Elections are partisan, but our election administration should never be partisan.” He expressed concerns that federal employees’ involvement in election sites could compromise election integrity and diminish public trust.
“Bidenbucks” is a term used by critics to describe Executive Order 14019, reminiscent of the “Zuckerbucks” controversy. In 2020, around $400 million from Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was funneled through left-leaning nonprofits to increase Democratic voter turnout. Steil argues that Biden’s order is another attempt to influence the upcoming 2024 elections.
The executive order instructs agency heads to find ways to promote voter registration and participation, including working with nonpartisan third-party organizations and state officials. Steil condemned the order, stating, “This Executive Order is another attempt by the Biden Administration to tilt the scales ahead of 2024.”
Steil emphasized his dedication to ensuring transparency and accountability within the administration, noting that Congress did not authorize taxpayer funds for partisan purposes. By issuing these subpoenas, Steil aims to uncover details about the administration’s initiatives and maintain a fair election process.
This development underscores the ongoing tensions surrounding the administration’s involvement in election administration. Steil’s subpoenas seek to clarify the extent of the executive order’s impact and uphold the principles of a nonpartisan electoral system. As the investigation progresses, the responses from the Biden administration will be critical in determining the future of election administration policies.
