'He isn't called crooked Joe for nothing': Biden slammed as House Committee issues subpoena to SBA over voter registration push in Michigan

The subpoena stems from worries regarding the transparency of the electioneering efforts of the Biden administration's SBA in the swing state of Michigan
PUBLISHED MAY 8, 2024
 Joe Biden's administration's broader initiative to expand voter registration has earned criticism (Getty Images)
Joe Biden's administration's broader initiative to expand voter registration has earned criticism (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: The House Committee on Small Business took a bold step on Tuesday, May 7, as it issued a subpoena to the Small Business Administration (SBA) amid allegations of lack of transparency regarding voter registration efforts.

This comes as a response to concerns raised by committee members regarding the Biden administration's purported redirection of resources to a key swing state, Michigan, for voter registration activities, a move they argue could potentially be unconstitutional.

The subpoena targeted Arthur Plews, Chief of Staff at the SBA, and his special adviser, Tyler Robinson, who had reportedly failed to attend scheduled transcribed interviews with the committee and withheld documents pertinent to the program under scrutiny.

Controversial MOU: SBA's collaboration with Michigan

The controversy stems from a memorandum of understanding (MOU) announced by President Joe Biden's SBA in March, establishing a collaboration with the Michigan Department of State aimed at promoting civic engagement and voter registration in the state until January 1, 2036.

SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, in a press release, said the partnership "will help connect Michiganders to vital voter registration information from the State of Michigan so that more small business owners can exercise their right to vote."

The genesis of this collaboration can be traced back to a 2021 executive order from President Biden, directing federal agencies to facilitate access to voting, a directive that has raised eyebrows among critics who allege the administration's use of government resources for partisan gain.

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 10: U.S. President Joe Biden answers reporters' questions after delivering
The House Committee on Small Business subpoenaed Joe Biden's Small Business Administration (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

House Small Business Committee Chair Roger Williams (R-Texas) expressed disappointment at the need for subpoenas. "The fact that we are having to issue subpoenas to speak with SBA officials is extremely disappointing," told Williams to Fox News in a statement.

He added, "The committee has given these two individuals the opportunity to speak with us voluntarily without taking these actions, but this appears to be the only way to get them to comply with our oversight responsibilities."

"The American people deserve answers and transparency on the electioneering activities of the SBA and how they plan on inserting themselves in the upcoming federal elections," asserted Williams. 

He further noted, "The SBA's sole mission is to help Main Street thrive and grow, and they have repeatedly strayed from that mission to pursue outside political objectives. It's unfortunate that we have arrived at this point, but this Committee is determined to get answers on behalf of the American people."

The committee's investigation into the SBA's collaboration with Michigan involves scrutinizing the details of the voter registration program. Concerns have been raised regarding the program's propriety and constitutionality, with Williams branding the MOU as "improper, inappropriate, and perhaps, unconstitutional."

The Biden administration's recent efforts are strategically focused on Michigan, a state deemed crucial for his potential reelection bid in 2024, especially considering his narrow victory margin of less than 3% over former President Donald Trump in 2020.

An investigation conducted by the House Small Business Committee revealed that out of 25 outreach events organized, a staggering 22 were held in counties with the highest concentrations of Democratic National Committee (DNC) target demographics.

Additionally, the committee noted that 11 out of 15 Michigan counties exhibiting the most significant voter registration surge over the past year boasted substantial populations of young and Black voters, demographics often courted by the left.



 

The Biden administration's broader initiative to expand voter registration, spurred by the 2021 executive order, has faced criticism and legal challenges from several states, including Mississippi. Concerns over the registration of ineligible individuals, such as illegal immigrants and felons, have prompted scrutiny of federal voter registration efforts.

Internet reacts as the House Committee on Small Business subpoenas Joe Biden's SBA over Michigan voter registration push

One said, "Nothing to see here …just another case of @JoeBiden corruption," and another noted, "He isn't called crooked Joe for nothing."

"Yep, more evidence of the Biden Administration already cheating by funneling improper funds to voter registration efforts. They can’t play by the rules to save their lives," claimed a person. 

Someone else questioned, "Is there nothing the Democrats would not do? No wonder Biden was in his basement and not campaigning."



 



 



 



 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online. 

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