Special counsel Mueller’s remarks on election interference by foreign actors underline need for bipartisan measures like the Honest Ads Act

In response to special counsel Robert Mueller’s public remarks today that Russia’s multiple, systematic efforts to interfere in our elections “deserve the attention of every American,” Issue One CEO Nick Penniman released the following statement:

“Special counsel Mueller repeatedly stressed that there was widespread, organized interference in our elections by a foreign power, and that all Americans need to be concerned by that fact.

We know this problem is only going to get worse, with other countries starting to follow Russia’s lead. The time is now to act on bipartisan measures like the Honest Ads Act to protect our elections in 2020.

Why is it taking Congress so long to act? In part because Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has pledged to block this kind of bipartisan legislation. Is he more afraid of fixing our broken political system than stopping authoritarians around the world from meddling in our elections?

This is not a partisan issue — it’s an American issue. Congress must wake up, put country over party, and take action now.”

The Honest Ads Act is the best first step to stopping hidden, foreign disinformation campaigns in our elections. It has had support from Republicans and Democrats in both the Senate and House for two consecutive Congresses. More than 115 former elected officials from both parties are for it. Even some of the largest tech companies including Facebook, Twitter, and Google are publicly backing the push to pass it.

The Honest Ads Act is one of a collection of bipartisan bills that could help shore up the integrity of our elections in 2020: The DETER Act and the Secure Elections Act are others that aim to address vulnerabilities in our system.

Learn more about the Honest Ads Act.