The agency charged with enforcing federal campaign finance laws came before a congressional committee Wednesday amid calls to ramp up oversight, improve transparency and modernize technology as more money flows into politics than ever before.
Democrats on the House Administration Committee, which hosted the hearing, are calling for changes to the makeup of the Federal Election Commission. The six-member panel is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans, a breakdown that critics say has led to partisan gridlock and hampered the commission’s ability to enforce the rules.
“The committee needs to assess whether the sole mission of the FEC is being fulfilled, and that is protecting the integrity of [the] federal campaign finance process and ensuring transparency for the American people,” said Rep. Joseph D. Morelle, D-N.Y., the committee’s ranking member. “The numbers tell a story of disagreement and deadlock, especially on the most important issues facing the FEC.”
