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Federal Election Commission | United States of America
  • Press Release

FEC Issues an Advisory Opinion

February 25, 2016

WASHINGTON — At its open meeting today, the Federal Election Commission approved an advisory opinion.

Advisory Opinion 2015-16 (Niger Innis for Congress)

The Commission issued an advisory opinion in response to a request from Niger Innis for Congress (the Committee). Mr. Innis was not a candidate in the general election but his Committee asked whether it may pay certain costs associated with general election contributions from general, rather than primary, election funds. The Commission concluded that the Committee may not. The Commission was unable to agree by the required four affirmative votes on the second question in the request, regarding whether the Committee may donate uncashed refunds of general election contributions to a charity, rather than disgorge the funds to the U.S. Treasury.

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.