House asks five states to investigate possible illegal donations to Democrats via ActBlue

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House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil has requested that five states investigate possible illegal political donations made through the fundraising platform ActBlue. The investigation focuses on the potential use of "straw donors" to funnel funds into campaigns. Steil sent letters to the attorneys general of Arkansas, Texas, Missouri, Virginia, and Florida, asking them to review suspicious donation patterns identified by a computer analysis.

The committee's analysis found donations from individuals with net worths too low to match the amounts reported under their names in ActBlue filings. The letters, which included data on irregular contributions, did not accuse specific individuals but called for further investigation by state law enforcement.

ActBlue, previously investigated for similar concerns, denies wrongdoing and has stated it will cooperate with ongoing inquiries. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares have already initiated investigations into ActBlue. Paxton reached an agreement with ActBlue to add security measures like CVV codes for donations.

Steil is also proposing legislation to enhance online donation security, including requiring card verification codes to help prevent fraud.