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Federal Election Commission | United States of America
  • Press Release

FEC approves advisory opinion

July 15, 2021

WASHINGTON – The Federal Election Commission today approved an advisory opinion and discussed and held over an advisory opinion request. The Commission was unable to reach consensus by the required four affirmative votes on a motion to amend a directive governing the content of regular staff reports to the Commission.

Advisory Opinion 2021-06 (Rep. Robin Kelly/Democratic Party of Illinois) The Commission approved an advisory opinion in response to a request from Rep. Kelly and the Democratic Party of Illinois. Rep. Kelly was elected chair of the Democratic State Central Committee, which governs the Democratic Party of Illinois. The Commission concluded that the state party may raise funds in amounts and from sources prohibited by the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (the Act), but permitted under Illinois law through its non-federal account if the non-federal account is administered by a special committee without the review or approval of Congresswoman Kelly and Congresswoman Kelly has no role in the appointment of any member of the special committee. The Commission further concluded that Congresswoman Kelly’s name and title as chair must not be included on the letterhead of any solicitation that solicits funds in amounts and from sources prohibited by the Act because doing so would identify the solicitation as being sent on Congresswoman Kelly’s behalf in violation of the Act’s soft money prohibition. During the discussion, the Commission heard from counsel for the requestors.

Advisory Opinion Request 2021-07 (PAC Management Services LLC) The Commission discussed and held over an advisory opinion request from PAC Management Services LLC (PACMS). The requestor asks several questions about its proposal to allow individuals to solicit and make contributions to political committees via its online platform.

Motion to Amend Directive 68 to Include Additional Information in Quarterly Status Reports to Commission The Commission discussed a motion to amend Directive 68 to adjust the quarterly status of enforcement reports concerning matters pending before the Commission but was unable to reach consensus by the required four affirmative votes.

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is an independent regulatory agency that administers and enforces federal campaign finance laws. The FEC has jurisdiction over the financing of campaigns for the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, the Presidency and the Vice Presidency. Established in 1975, the FEC is composed of six Commissioners who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

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This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public.

The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.