Measure comes in response to Russian involvement in US election
MAVOCKE -- As US President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin clash over the Kremlin's reported hacking of the US presidential election last month, concern is growing in Grassadellia about Russian interference in the forthcoming elections here.
Alarmed at Russia's attempts to influence the US election in favor of Republican candidate Donald Trump, Grassadellian leaders pre-emptively took action today by approving emergency funding to increase cyber security ahead of Grassadellia's upcoming election.
The emergency measure unlocks $500 million for cyber security in all 23 states. The funding would cover voting kiosks, elections computer systems used by each state's Secretary of State offices, and postal security for absentee and overseas votes.
The bipartisan resolution was introduced by Sens. Chuck Danbury (C-Armana) and Vic Chambers (N-S. Ceona), and passed overwhelmingly, 85-7, with all Nstionalists voting in favor and all seven dissenters being CNS.
The language of the resolution directs President Brenton Menuhaeo, Director of National Security Michelle Gates and Director of National Intelligence Michael Casell to solidify cyber security within their agencies and appropriate state agencies.
"Russia brazenly interfered in the US elections, and is planning to interfere in the upcoming German elections," said Damoign Sen. Debbie Madronas (N). "Grassadellia will not allow Vladimir Putin and his anti-Democratic regime to interfere in our elections and sow distrust in our electoral system," Madronas said on the Senate floor Friday.
Trinton Conservative George Reedsworth said Russia risks "a strong and swift response" from Grassadellia if it tries to meddle in Grasadellia's election next month.
"Our message to Vladimir Putin is very clear: Barack Obama may not stand up to you, but we will. Any Russian interference will result in a very unpleasant reciprocation to Russia," the hawkish Reedsworth said in an impassioned speech to his Senate colleagues.
While the bill enjoyed broad bipartisan support, seven Conservative members voted against it, arguing the legislation was unnecessary and costly.
"We already have security in place. We have intelligence agencies who work around the clock to keep our country secure both physically and electronically," said Samuel Tracey of Kalnier. "This is $500 million that could be better spent on more pressing matters."
Remmington Sen. Mark Eisinger, known for his libertarian and isolationist foreign policy views, said the bill amounted to interjecting Grassadellia into US-Russia tensions.
"We need to stop butting our nose into Russia's business and America's business. This feud between their two countries does not involve Grassadellia and this bill put forth before our body today does little to actually secure our country," said Eisinger.
President Brenton Menuhaeo, who intends to sign the emergency appropriations bill, said Grassadellia must take a hard line against Russia.
"Russia has continually used aggression and deception to achieve its goals, and Grassadellia will not permit [Russia] to undermine our electoral process in this country," Menuhaeo said at a press conference Friday, flanked by Secretary Gates and Vice President Donald James.
"The integrity and sovereignty of our elections system is paramount and any attempt to manipulate our elections will not happen without a commensurate response," said a serious Menuhaeo.
The Kremlin responded by saying the notion of Russian interference in recent Western elections is a "baseless" and "a lie fabricated by nervous Western governments."
"Russia has and always will stand for free and fair elections in all countries," said an official statement from the Russian embassy in Mavocke.
Russia's alleged hacking of emails and voting systems in the US has prompted Barack Obama to call for a Congressioal investigation into the US election.
Meanwhile, Friday afternoon, Putin told the Americans to offer proof of the hacking accusations, or drop the complaint.
Both the CIA, the FBI and other US intelligence services say they can confirm Russia attempted to swing the election in Trump's favor.
Barack Obama said the US will "take action and we wil [do so] at a time and place of our own choosing."
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