Summary
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is currently unable to conduct its full duties because it has too few members. The FEC has only two of the minimum four members needed to approve important actions like starting investigations or issuing penalties. This situation has persisted for months, affecting the agency's ability to regulate campaign finance effectively.
Key Facts
- The FEC currently has only two members, but at least four are needed to make key decisions.
- Trey Trainor, one of the remaining commissioners, announced his resignation.
- No replacements have been appointed for recent departures, including Trainor and Allen Dickerson.
- Ellen Weintraub was dismissed by President Trump, which she and others claim was improper.
- Without a quorum, the FEC cannot start or conclude investigations, issue rules, or impose penalties.
- Routine tasks, like maintaining financial databases, continue through the FEC staff.
- The lack of quorum has been a recurring issue for the FEC over the last decade.
