Republican Challenge to Biden's Voter Registration Order Gains Momentum as GOP Intensifies Opposition

Republican efforts to challenge President Joe Biden's 2021 executive order on voter registration have escalated, with GOP lawmakers and conservative activists criticising the order as unconstitutional and politically motivated. Despite claims of federal overreach, the Biden administration maintains the order aims to protect voting rights for all eligible citizens.

Republican Efforts to Challenge Biden Administration's Voter Registration Executive Order Intensify

Atlanta (AP) - In recent months, Republican lawmakers and conservative activists have escalated their efforts against a 2021 executive order issued by President Joe Biden aimed at simplifying voter registration processes. Critics claim the order is unconstitutional and allege it’s designed to influence upcoming elections.

A GOP fundraising email accused the order of turning federal agencies into Biden’s "Get-Out-The-Vote" mechanism. Subsequently, a House committee led by Republicans issued subpoenas to multiple agency directors, and a group of Republican secretaries of state petitioned the Supreme Court to review the order.

Despite opposition, the Biden administration insists the order does not favor any political party. White House spokesperson Robyn Patterson emphasized that the executive order aims to protect voting rights for all eligible citizens, irrespective of their political affiliations.

Issued on March 7, 2021, the order directs federal agencies to streamline voter registration. It includes updating the federal voting website and ensuring voting information is accessible in multiple languages. Specific instructions were also given to the Department of Defense and the Department of Justice regarding voter registration for active-duty military personnel and federal inmates, respectively.

Republican lawmakers suggest the administration overstepped its authority, notably criticizing directives relating to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). They argue that reimbursing voter registration expenses under SNAP raises concerns.

Former White House policy advisor Justin Levitt noted that states have previously been instructed to provide voter registration information under federal law, highlighting that the administration’s actions are consistent with existing regulations.

Some states have cooperated with the order, designating federal agency offices for voter registration. However, nine Republican secretaries of state have opposed it, labeling it federal overreach. They filed a brief urging the Supreme Court to consider the case, which will be reviewed in the fall.

Treasury Department Proposes Rule to Regulate U.S. Investments in China

Washington (AP) - The U.S. Treasury Department has introduced a proposed rule stemming from President Biden’s August 2023 executive order to limit and oversee American investments in specific Chinese technologies, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI), computer chips, and quantum computing.

The executive order, targeting China, Hong Kong, and Macau, aims to prevent these regions from acquiring advanced technologies that could enhance their military and surveillance capabilities. The proposed rule details information U.S. investors must provide for such transactions and outlines prohibited investments, particularly in military-applicable AI systems.

Legal experts noted that the rule provides clear expectations, though it places significant compliance burdens on the private sector. The U.S.-China Business Council expressed support for balancing national security interests with commercial exchanges.

The proposed rule is open for public commentary until August 4, 2024, after which a final version will be issued. This regulation reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China, despite official statements against economic "decoupling."