March 26, 2016 •
FEC May Consider Motion for Rule-Making Concerning Certification of Certain Political Contributions
On March 31, the Federal Election Commission may consider a motion to open a rule-making concerning whether to require entities accepting political contributions from corporations to verify those corporations are associations of United States citizens who are eligible to contribute.
On March 24, Commissioner Ellen L. Weintraub submitted the motion contending there is “no framework in place to assist entities accepting political contributions or making independent expenditures and electioneering communications in complying with existing law.” Federal law prohibits foreign nationals from making political contributions and expenditures. Federal contractors are also prohibited from making certain political contributions and expenditures.
Weintraub is further requesting the commission direct the Office of General Counsel to draft a rule-making document requiring those making independent expenditures and electioneering communications certify resources used are not owned or controlled by foreign nationals.
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