WASHINGTON – Last week, Senator Rand Paul sent a letter seeking additional information and calling out the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) for participating at a cybersecurity conference on Election Day.

RNC Chairman Michael Whatley stated: “It is deeply alarming that federal agencies are spending November 5th at a conference instead of focusing exclusively on safeguarding our election. We demand answers and a full explanation as to why this conference is being held on Election Day, what is being discussed, and how these agencies plan to also fulfill their election duties. It is critical to give the public confidence in the fairness, safety, and security of our election system.”

Background:  

• Last week, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security after learning of a meeting happening in Atlanta, Georgia on Election Day.
• Rather than monitoring cyberthreats that may occur relative to the election, senior federal officials of DHS, CISA, and various other agencies plan to participate in a homeland and cybersecurity training and networking conference.
• Senior administration leadership should be focused exclusively on securing this year’s presidential election rather than attending this conference.
• Furthermore, Georgia has endured years of election-day-related rumors, intrigue, and litigation. It is highly concerning that the conference is located in such a critical battleground swing state, right after the election.
• The letter asks for the conference’s agenda, presentations, and other important information. The public also deserves to know how these agencies will fulfill their Election Day duties while participating at this conference.
• Americans deserve to have confidence in our elections. We are committed to protecting election integrity for all.

Read the letter HERE.