FEC approves two advisory opinions, holds audit hearing

WASHINGTON—At its open meeting today, the Federal Election Commission approved two advisory opinions and discussed a third advisory opinion request. The Commission also held an audit hearing concerning a Draft Final Audit Report on John Curtis for Utah.

Advisory Opinion 2025-02 (Democratic Party of Puerto Rico) The Commission approved Advisory Opinion 2025-02 in response to a request from the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico, concluding that the requestor qualifies as a state committee of a political party.

Advisory Opinion 2025-03 (American Samoa Democratic Party) The Commission approved Advisory Opinion 2025-03 in response to a request from the American Samoa Democratic Party, concluding that the requestor qualifies as a state committee of a political party.

Advisory Opinion Request 2025-04 (Government Accountability Institute)s The Commission discussed an advisory opinion request from the Government Accountability Institute (GAI). The requestor asks whether television and radio appearances by its staff and members, and its publication of books, articles, editorials, investigative reports, documentaries, a weekly podcast, short reels, and websites, qualify for the “media exemption” under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (the Act), and Commission regulations. The Commission discussed and voted on two draft advisory opinions (Draft A and Draft B), but neither draft received the required four affirmative votes. The Commission directed the Office of General Counsel to prepare an alternative draft for Commission consideration to be voted on by tally in two weeks.

Draft Final Audit Report of the Audit Division on John Curtis for Utah. Prior to the open meeting, the Commission held a separate audit hearing regarding the proposed findings in a Draft Final Audit Report of the Audit Division on John Curtis for Utah, covering campaign finance activity from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. The Draft Final Audit Report contains findings related to Receipt of Apparent Prohibited Contributions and Receipt of Contributions in Excess of the Limit.

Election of Officer (Chair). Commissioner Allen J. Dickerson nominated Commissioner Shana M. Broussard for the position of Chair. Following the motion, the Commission held over consideration of this agenda item to a future meeting.