Two Lawmakers Want the Government to Release $39.6 Million to Protect Elections

Sen. Alex Padilla and Rep. Joseph Morelle asked Homeland Security leaders on Sept. 2, 2026, to release $39.6 million Congress approved in April to protect elections. Their letter said cuts forced a cyber-alert service for local election offices to start charging fees in 2025. DHS and CISA did not respond to NPR's request for comment.