Just weeks after taking office, President Joe Biden signed an executive order instructing federal agencies to meddle in elections using taxpayer dollars. But the order violates the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), according to a new lawsuit filed Friday by America First Policy Institute (AFPI).
Biden signed Executive Order 14019 in March of 2021, directing federal agencies to develop plans to “promote voter registration and voter participation.” As AFPI pointed out, “the only statutory authority it cites is the National Voter Registration Act which has never been interpreted as authorizing such action.” The suit, America First Policy Institute v. Biden, was filed in the Northern District of Texas on behalf of AFPI, Republican Reps. Ronny Jackson and Beth Van Duyne of Texas, and Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose.
The plaintiffs seek a preliminary and permanent injunction to stop the Biden administration from executing the order.
“This [Executive Order] is a blatant and unlawful effort to use taxpayer money to help elect Democratic candidates, including President Joe Biden,” the suit alleges. “For instance, approach the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program about a grant — get pushed to register to vote. Approach the Small Business Administration about a loan — get pushed to register to vote. Contact U.S. Department of Health and Human Services about Head Start — get pushed to register to vote. … And as shown below, all such efforts are impermissibly tailored toward persons who are likely to vote Democratic if they were to register.”
In Michigan,
