House launches voter monitoring program as Republicans push for election security

FOX First Report: A program aimed at increasing transparency in the high-profile battle for control of Congress has been introduced by the House of Representatives and is being overseen this week.

“We're excited to be able to strengthen and roll out this program as we head into the final eight weeks before the election,” House Administration Committee Chairman Brian Steil (R-Wis.) told Fox News Digital in an interview about the program, which has been used for several election cycles.

More than a dozen House races are expected to be closely decided in November, with Democrats battling to retake seats in the House from Republicans and likely to be close either way.

The House Committee on Administration is working to increase accountability at polling places in these elections through its election monitoring program.

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Congressional staff are eligible to volunteer to take part in a training program to become poll watchers in upcoming elections.

They will then be sent to constituencies other than their own if requested by a close-fought House of Representatives candidate.

“We believe this Congress is uniquely positioned to increase awareness, engagement and participation in this program,” Steele said. “It's a program that's been in place for a while and it's been successful. My staff is involved and we see it as an important piece of the puzzle as we work to increase election integrity and confidence for the American people.”

He said it's essential to raise awareness of the program so candidates running on various political platforms and incumbents in November know it's available to them.

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The program trains congressional staff as volunteer poll watchers. (Ilya Nouberge/Getty Images)

Asked if he had any particular security concerns about this year's election, Steele said he was “frustrated” by the Biden administration's failure to respond to his inquiries about a June executive order aimed at leveraging federal resources to enhance voter access.

“The administration continues to remain secretive about the work they're doing related to President Biden's executive order, and I think there are areas that continue to need work, particularly around foreign voting,” Steele said.

The House election monitoring program is one of several election security measures that Steele has focused on using his committee gavel.

Democrats, meanwhile, have slammed some Republican-led election efforts as voter suppression.

Democratic leaders in Congress also oppose a short-term government funding bill accompanying a bill to require proof of citizenship in the voter registration process. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., called the Republican plan “extreme.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries opposes the Republican combination of government funding and foreign voting bills. (Getty Images)

Steele acknowledged that issues about election integrity have become highly politicized, but said he hopes Democrats will continue to use the system as they have in the past.

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“A lot of things that previously weren't considered partisan in nature, particularly things that have to do with election integrity, have become attempts by the left to weaponize efforts in the other direction,” he said. “It will be interesting to see how my Democratic colleagues respond to programs that they've participated in in the past.”

“But I think we have an opportunity to take this program to the next level, both in terms of awareness and participation.”