President Donald Trump mentioned gaps in the "election integrity grid" and expressed "some serious accusations against China" in his prime-time speech to the nation, Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., told Newsmax on Friday.
Appearing in-studio on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," Meuser defended Trump's Thursday night address and argued that restoring confidence in U.S. elections requires stronger safeguards, including passage of the SAVE America Act.
"Election integrity is enormously important," Meuser said. "We've got to build trust."
The Pennsylvania Republican said Trump highlighted weaknesses in the nation's election system that deserve closer scrutiny.
"The president just brought up where there would be some gaps in that election integrity grid, and that should be addressed and need to be addressed," Meuser said. "Certainly that's where the SAVE Act comes in."
Congressional Republicans have made election security a central issue this year, arguing that requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote would strengthen public confidence.
Democrats have opposed the legislation, contending existing federal law already prohibits noncitizens from voting in federal elections and warning the proposal could create new barriers for eligible voters.
Meuser argued Americans have legitimate concerns following the influx of illegal immigrants during the Biden administration.
"Why wouldn't we have concerns?" he said, pointing to the estimated millions of illegal immigrants who entered the country and criticizing Democrat opposition to voter ID requirements.
The congressman also echoed Trump's warnings about Beijing.
"The president is pointing out some gaps and some serious accusations against China," Meuser said. "China is involved in a lot of things that our country needs to be more concerned about.
"They're doing money laundering regularly. They're still sending fentanyl in here. And yes, they're messing with our elections," he said.
U.S. intelligence officials have repeatedly warned that China, along with Russia and Iran, seeks to influence American politics through cyber operations and online propaganda.
Meuser also expressed confidence that Republicans will ultimately approve the House's proposed $95 billion reconciliation package, which includes election integrity provisions, additional defense spending, and measures aimed at lowering consumer costs.
"It has to," he said. "We're not going to have one single Democrat to vote with us."
Later in the interview, Meuser promoted the House Financial Services Committee hearing on the CLARITY Act, legislation establishing a regulatory framework for digital assets.
He compared the proposal to building roads for a newly developed automobile industry.
"We've got the vehicles," Meuser said. "Now we need the roadways."
Meuser argued clear rules governing cryptocurrency and other digital assets would boost investor confidence, strengthen privacy protections, and help ensure the United States remains a global leader in financial innovation.
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