Rhode Island will receive $3 million in support from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) to update elections equipment, reinforce cybersecurity measures and enhance overall election security, U.S. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) announced on Friday
The funds are part of the $380 million in federal support for state elections systems included in the fiscal year 2018 omnibus appropriations bill. In addition to modernizing elections equipment, states also use the funds to implement post-election audit systems, to fund cybersecurity training for state and local officials, and to implement cybersecurity best practices.
“Election security must be a national priority,” Reed, a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, said. “State and local governments administer elections, but they shouldn’t have to fend for themselves against foreign threats. The federal government needs to be a reliable partner when it comes to election security. These funds will provide federal support to strengthen our U.S. election systems from hostile attacks.”
In February, Reed joined a congressional call for National Intelligence Director Ben Coates and Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen to inform states and legislative committees about threats to election systems ahead of 2018 midterm elections.
“Congress must work together on a bipartisan basis to defend our democracy against future threats,” Reed said.