Republicans have leveled accusations against Biden administration officials, alleging their involvement in a “vote grabbing” operation within a pivotal swing state.
House Small Business Committee Chair Roger Williams (R-Tex) has taken decisive action, issuing subpoenas to multiple officials from the Small Business Administration (SBA), according to the Daily Mail.
Williams asserts these officials are implicated in an alleged scheme aimed at improperly registering voters in Michigan, purportedly to bolster support for President Biden.
The committee’s scrutiny stems from a March 2021 executive order by Biden, which sought to enhance voting accessibility.
The timing coincided with Biden’s campaigning in the pivotal swing state, where he narrowly defeated Donald Trump in 2020 by less than three percent.
The Biden administration’s goal, as outlined in a release, was to “promote civic engagement and voter registration in Michigan,” marking a “first-of-its-kind collaboration.”
SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman stated in a March release that the program, slated to operate until 2036, aims to “connect Michiganders to vital voter registration information from the State of Michigan so that more small business owners can exercise their right to vote.”
Republicans are vehemently decrying what they perceive as overt election meddling, accusing the Biden administration of directing its efforts towards crucial swing states in the lead-up to the November elections.
Daily Mail notes that this marks a significant milestone, as it is the first instance in history where the committee has compelled members of the SBA to testify.
A press release announcing the subpoenas emphasized the necessity of these actions, citing the SBA’s reluctance to cooperate with the committee’s ongoing investigation.
The probe centers on potential electioneering activities by the SBA, particularly concerning the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) they have forged with Michigan’s Secretary of State for voter registration purposes.
Williams said in a statement announcing the enforcement action, “The fact that we are having to issue subpoenas to speak with SBA officials is extremely disappointing.”
“The committee has given these two individuals the opportunity to speak with us voluntarily, but this appears to be the only way to get them to comply with our constitutionally mandated oversight responsibilities,” he added.
“The American people deserve answers and transparency on the electioneering activities of the SBA and how they have or plan to insert themselves in the upcoming federal elections,’ he continued. “The SBA’s sole mission is to help Main Street thrive and grow, and they have repeatedly strayed from that mission to pursue outside political objectives.”
Representative Dan Meuser (R-PA) minced no words, denouncing the Small Business Administration’s actions as a misuse of taxpayer funds and a diversion from its intended purpose.
He remarked, “It is unconscionable that during such a precarious time for our nation’s small businesses, the sole federal agency created to serve as their advocate is instead utilizing their limited taxpayer resources and time to advance partisan political campaigns.”
“The SBA’s MOU with the Michigan Department of State is a blatant attempt by the Biden Administration to illegally use the SBA as an extension of the President’s campaign,” he added.
“’They are working to elect Democrats, which is abundantly clear considering registration efforts are targeted at cities like Detroit and other urban areas,” he continued. “And if this is being done in Michigan, we can make an educated assumption that it is also happening in other swing states.”
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