FEC holds hearing on improving audit procedures

WASHINGTON – The Federal Election Commission today heard testimony from five campaign finance law experts on ways to improve its policies and processes regarding the auditing of political committees that do not receive public funds.

The hearing, along with public comments, will help inform the Commission as it considers potential changes to the audit program, including steps to streamline and simplify the process. The Commission last made substantial changes to its audit processes and procedures over a decade ago.

“Today’s hearing and the comments submitted in advance were incredibly thoughtful and provided us with much needed insight on how the FEC can increase fairness, due process, efficiency, and the effectiveness of its auditing of political committees, and on how the audit function could best serve the Commission’s mission and enhance disclosure and compliance with the Federal Election Campaign Act,” said Chair Dara Lindenbaum.

“Now, the Commissioners and our dedicated and professional agency staff will continue the work of incorporating public comments into our deliberations of whether and how to adjust internal directives and practices relating to the FEC’s audit functions.”

The Commission heard testimony from and engaged in discussion with:

• Brian Svoboda, Perkins Coie
• Antoinette Fuoto, Perkins Coie
• Erin Tibe, Sandler Reiff
• Lorenzo Holloway, Holloway Law Firm
• Adav Noti, Legal Director, Campaign Legal Center

“I’d like to thank the Chair for her leadership on this important issue, and the commenters and witnesses for their participation,” said Commissioner James E. “Trey” Trainor, III. “And I look forward to working with my colleagues on next steps to making improvements to the Commission’s audit procedures and processes.”