Marco Rubio bill says ‘nyet’ to foreign interference in American elections

Marco Rubio is calling for the Trump Administration to embark on a policy “that challenges China to abide by its international commitments, adhere to universal standards and embrace the rule of law.”

Sen. Marco Rubio often trumpets his bipartisan legislation, and his latest bill — co-introduced with Maryland Democrat Chris Van Hollen — is no exception.

The so-called DETER Act (Defending Elections from Threats by Establishing Redlines) Act would impose what are called “severe consequences” for foreign actors who interfere with American candidates, campaigns, or voting infrastructure.

With many people concluding that Russia interfered in the 2016 election, this bill is intended to ensure that such interference doesn’t happen again — either from Russia or other potential state malefactors, such as China, North Korea, and Iran.

The bill requires the Director of National Intelligence to report on whether or not there has been foreign interference in federal elections within a month after the vote. Such interference could range from online ads and gaming social media to hacking election websites.

The bill targets Russia specifically, advancing what Rubio’s office calls “severe sanctions” that include financial sanctions and blocking Russian political figures and oligarchs from entering the U.S.

As well, the Executive Branch would be required to coordinate further sanctions with the European Union.

“We cannot be a country where foreign intelligence agencies attempt to influence our political process without consequences,” said Senator Rubio. “This bill will help to ensure the integrity of our electoral process by using key national security tools to dissuade foreign powers from meddling in our elections.”

The Senate co-sponsors outlined the case in a Washington Post editorial Tuesday.

“We cannot underscore enough the urgency of this issue. In less than a year, Americans will head to the ballot box for the midterm elections. Our next presidential election will be here before we know it. It is unrealistic to think we can simply sit back and hope that we do not face another attack by a hostile foreign power.”