FEC discusses possible use of campaign funds for residential and personal security, approves Audit Division recommendations

WASHINGTON – At its open meeting today, the Federal Election Commission discussed the possible use of campaign funds for residential and personal security and approved an Audit Division Recommendation Memorandum and a Proposed Final Audit Report.

Draft Interpretive Rule on Use of Campaign Funds by Members of Congress for Personal and Residential Security. The Commission discussed a draft interpretive rule to provide guidance to members of Congress on the use of campaign funds to pay for personal and residential security. The Commission requests comments on the draft by March 18, 2021, addressed to the Commission Secretary at personalsecurityrule@fec.gov, and plans to hold a vote on the draft at the March 25 open meeting.

Draft Advisory Opinion 2021-03 (NRSC and NRCC). The Commission held over an advisory opinion request from the National Republican Senatorial Committee and National Republican Congressional Committee.

Draft Advisory Opinion 2021-01 (Aluminate, Inc.) The Commission held over discussion of a draft response to an advisory opinion request from Aluminate, Inc.

Audit Division Recommendation Memorandum on Dr. Raul Ruiz For Congress The Commission held over an Audit Division Recommendation Memorandum on Dr. Raul Ruiz for Congress.

Audit Division Recommendation Memorandum on The Grassroots Victory PAC The Commission approved an Audit Division Recommendation Memorandum on The Grassroots Victory PAC, covering campaign finance activity between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. The Commission approved a finding on increased activity (corrected).

Proposed Final Audit Report on The National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) Committee For A Strong Economy The Commission approved a Proposed Final Audit Report on The National Tooling & Machining Association (NTMA) Committee for a Strong Economy, covering campaign finance activity between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. The Commission approved findings on increased activity (corrected) and disclosure of contributions made to federal candidate committees.

Proposed Final Audit Report on Van Drew For Congress The Commission approved a Proposed Final Audit Report on Van Drew for Congress, covering campaign finance activity between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018, by tally vote on March 8. The Commission approved findings on receipt of contributions in excess of the limit and receipt of apparent prohibited contributions.

Proposed modifications to program for requesting consideration of legal questions by the Commission. The Commission held over discussion of this agenda item.