Padilla, Morelle Demand DHS Release $39.6 Million in Election Security Funds

Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. Joseph Morelle wrote Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and acting CISA Director Nick Anderson on September 2, 2026, demanding release of more than $39.6 million in election security funds Congress approved in April. The letter cited cuts to EI-ISAC, which shifted to paid memberships after March 2025 reductions. DHS and CISA did not respond to NPR's request for comment.