President Biden Extends National Emergency Regarding Foreign Election Interference

Original title: Continuation of the National Emergency With Respect to Foreign Interference in or Undermining Public Confidence in United States Elections

September 9, 2024

national security elections foreign interference cybersecurity emergency powers

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The Frame

What this does

This extension maintains the legal authority for the President to impose sanctions and take other actions against foreign entities deemed to be interfering in American election processes.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Foreign entities

These entities remain subject to potential sanctions and restrictions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

Election infrastructure operators

These entities are subject to federal monitoring and security protocols related to the protection of election systems.

What changed

Last recorded activity September 9, 2024.

What's next

Next step not available in the current record.

Summary

President Biden has extended the originally declared in 2018 regarding the threat of foreign interference in U.S. elections for an additional year. The notice states that while there is no evidence of altered vote tallies, the threat from foreign actors using digital and internet-based communications remains a concern for national security.

Key Facts

The national emergency regarding foreign election interference was originally declared on September 12, 2018.
The emergency is extended for one year beyond September 12, 2024.
The document explicitly notes there is no evidence of foreign powers altering election outcomes or vote tabulations.
The threat is attributed to the proliferation of digital devices and internet-based communications used for propaganda and unauthorized access to infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mean there is evidence of foreign interference in current elections?

The document states that while foreign powers have historically sought to exploit the political system, there is no evidence of a foreign power altering vote outcomes or tabulations.

Why is this notice being issued now?

Under the National Emergencies Act, the President must formally continue a annually to keep it in effect.

Why It Matters

This extension maintains the legal authority for the President to impose sanctions and take other actions against foreign entities deemed to be interfering in American election processes.