WASHINGTON (Reuters] – Monday’s leaders of a Senate panel urged the Federal Election Assistance Commission, on Monday, to assist election officials in tapping federal money. This was to improve security amid a wave involving threats and harassment that followed the U.S. Election 2020.

In a letter addressed to the U.S. government agency responsible for election administration, Senator Amy Klobuchar (Democratic chair), and Senator Roy Blunt (top Republican), stated that “this onslaught against election workers was unacceptable”

Sen. John McCain and Senator Richard Shelby asked the agency for information about how state election officials can use federal funds to increase security. The senators also wanted guidance from the agency on how to use other resources “for identifying, responding to and responding to potentially dangerous threats”.

The letter follows a series of Reuters stories documenting a campaign of fear https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-election-threats waged against frontline election administrators inspired by former President Donald Trump’s relentless false claims that the 2020 vote was “rigged” against him. Reuters documented almost 800 intimidatory messages sent to 12 election officials, with more than 100 of these potentially triggering prosecution according to experts.

A staff member of the Rules Committee stated that “Reuters’ continuous reporting on this matter has helped expose how serious threats are against election workers”

In 2002, Congress passed a bill to create an independent bipartisan agency that would assist states in modernizing elections following the problems experienced during 2000’s presidential election. This agency provides federal funding to states for elections and guidance about federal election laws. It also certifies voting machines.

The letter stated that the leaders of the committee must “ensure election workers can do their jobs without threats, intimidation, or any other improper influence.”

According to senators, the commission has received information from officials of state and local elections seeking advice on federal funding to assist with expenses such as security staffing after being threatened or companies to examine threats via social media and then share this information with law enforcement.

The spokesperson of the agency didn’t immediately reply to my request for comment.