House Democrats' Defend Elections from Trump Act Would Ban Federal Troops at Polling Places
This bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and is waiting for review by the House Judiciary, Intelligence, and Armed Services committees. No action has been taken on the bill since February 2026. Because most bills do not receive a committee vote, this proposal is considered stalled.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
This bill would prevent active-duty military personnel from being ordered to polling places, election offices, or vote-counting locations through the end of 2026. Soldiers could still go to these locations to cast their own votes, but they could not be deployed there in an official capacity unless Congress specifically authorizes it. This limits how the military could be used during elections but also clarifies their role.
Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary, and in addition to the Committees on Intelligence (Permanent Select), and Armed Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Congressman Seth Moulton introduced the Defend Elections from Trump Act to prohibit federal funds from being used to deploy law enforcement or military to polling locations without explicit Congressional authorization, responding to calls for the federalization of elections.
The Defend Elections from Trump Act aims to prevent federal interference in local elections by restricting the use of federal agents or troops at voting sites through 2026. Rep. Moulton stated the bill protects voters' rights to cast ballots without intimidation.
As President Trump calls to federalize election oversight, congressional Republicans are weighing the risks of a nationalized strategy. The report notes legislative efforts like Moulton's bill are emerging to safeguard state autonomy and prevent federal overreach at polling sites.
No votes or related bills recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Defend Elections from Trump Act
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