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Lofgren Statement On Senate Confirmation Of FEC Commissioner Tray Trainor

Statement

Date: May 19, 2020
Issues: Executive Branch Legislative Branch Elections

"Today's Senate confirmation of James E. "Trey" Trainor III to a Republican seat on the Federal Election Commission restores a bare quorum, but does not necessarily make the Commission any more functional. I am disappointed that the Senate abandoned its longstanding tradition of considering FEC nominees on a bipartisan basis, especially given Mr. Trainor's record opposing transparency in campaign spending.

"With only four-out-of-six seats filled, a unanimous vote will be required to approve Commission decisions on enforcement matters, Advisory Opinions, rulemakings, and other matters. A single recusal could prohibit a matter from full Commission action. This is unacceptable in the middle of the 2020 election cycle, 10 years after Citizens United and the dark money it unleashed.

"I urge the president to put forward nominations for the remaining seats--which he has left vacant for years--with individuals committed to the Commission's purpose and who will administer the law fairly."


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