Story perspectives

FEMA Withholds 20% Grants Over Election-Security Demands

7/8/2026

Summary

Story summary

The administration ties terrorism-prevention aid to election-policy changes, threatening state public-safety funding.
FEMA will withhold 20% of Homeland Security Grant Program funds until states meet FY 2026 election-security rules: hand-marked ballots, a 5% audit, 3% of grant money for security, and a 20% holdback.
Federal judges have blocked similar voter-citizenship checks, saying election authority belongs to states and Congress, while Democratic officials warn the rule could cripple election administration.

1 of 1

Story summary

The administration ties terrorism-prevention aid to election-policy changes, threatening state public-safety funding.
FEMA will withhold 20% of Homeland Security Grant Program funds until states meet FY 2026 election-security rules: hand-marked ballots, a 5% audit, 3% of grant money for security, and a 20% holdback.
Federal judges have blocked similar voter-citizenship checks, saying election authority belongs to states and Congress, while Democratic officials warn the rule could cripple election administration.