Federal Election Commission Regains Powers with New Member
After months in the political wilderness, the federal agency that polices campaign money is back in business.
Sort of.
The U.S. Senate’s confirmation today of Republican Trey Trainor means the Federal Election Commission, which since Sept. 1 has lacked enough commissioners to conduct its highest-level affairs, may again legally enforce campaign finance laws, make new rules, offer formal advice, complete investigations and approve audits.
It may even soon host its first public meeting since last summer.
But the FEC will likely emerge from its unprecedented work stoppage diminished and...