In a recent development, the House Administration Committee is launching an investigation into ActBlue, a prominent fundraising organization for Democrats, over concerns of lenient donor verification standards and the potential for illicit cash to be funneled into left-wing political campaigns. The committee’s chairman, Bryan Steil, has written a letter to ActBlue CEO Regina Wallace-Jones requesting information on the organization’s donor verification policies and procedures.
The investigation comes amid reports that “untraceable prepaid cards” were used to make donations to ActBlue, raising suspicions of potential foreign sources of funding. Additionally, there are allegations that malicious actors have employed identity theft practices to funnel unlawful funds to ActBlue platform users without their knowledge or consent.
ActBlue operates by amassing small-dollar donations from across the country and then distributing them to various Democrat candidates and causes. In the third quarter of 2023 alone, ActBlue has raised over $283 million for Democrat campaigns and groups, with an average contribution size of $36.26.
The House Administration Committee is seeking clarification from ActBlue on whether it employs additional donor verification measures, such as credit card security codes or other identification methods. Furthermore, they are exploring the possibility of codifying these measures in federal law to regulate ActBlue’s operations more effectively.
Lawmakers are also requesting ActBlue’s input on cracking down on the flow of foreign cash into U.S. elections. This inquiry into ActBlue’s practices is seen as part of broader efforts to ensure transparency and integrity in campaign financing.
It is worth noting that ActBlue’s Republican counterpart, WinRed, utilizes a similar platform to collect small-dollar donations for Republican candidates and causes. However, the investigation currently focuses on ActBlue and its potential vulnerabilities to illicit funding.
The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for campaign financing and the prevention of foreign interference in U.S. elections. The House Administration Committee has set a deadline of November 14 for ActBlue to respond to their inquiries.
Elizabeth Elkind, a reporter for Digital, specializing in Congress and the convergence of Artificial Intelligence and politics, has covered this story. She has previously written for outlets such as Daily Mail and CBS News.
As this investigation unfolds, it remains a critical topic to monitor, as it highlights the importance of donor verification standards and the potential impact of foreign cash on U.S. elections. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this developing story.
