[DOCID:186873tx_xxx-60]
From the Government Manual Online via GPO Access
[wais.access.gpo.gov]
[Page 411-413]
FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION
999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20463
Phone, 202-694-1100 or 800-424-9530 (toll-free). Internet, www.fec.gov.
Chairman Darryl R. Wold
Vice Chairman Danny L. McDonald
Commissioners Lee Ann Elliott, David
M. Mason, Karl
J. Sandstrom,
Scott E.
Thomas
Staff Director James A. Pehrkon
General Counsel Lawrence M. Noble
Inspector General Lynne A. McFarland
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The Federal Election Commission has exclusive jurisdiction in the
administration and civil enforcement of laws regulating the acquisition
and expenditure of campaign funds to ensure compliance by participants
in the Federal election campaign process. Its chief mission is to
provide public disclosure of campaign finance activities and effect
voluntary compliance by providing the public with information on the
laws and regulations concerning campaign finance.
The Federal Election Commission is an independent agency established by
section 309 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (2
U.S.C. 437c). It is composed of six Commissioners appointed by the
President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The act also
provides for three statutory officers--the Staff Director, the General
Counsel, and the
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Inspector General--who are appointed by the Commission.
Activities
The Commission administers and enforces the Federal Election Campaign
Act of 1971, as amended (2 U.S.C. 431 et seq.), and the Revenue Act, as
amended (26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.). These laws provide for the public funding
of Presidential elections, public disclosure of the financial activities
of political committees involved in Federal elections, and limitations
and prohibitions on contributions and expenditures made to influence
Federal elections (Presidency, Senate, and House of Representatives).
Public Funding of Presidential Elections The Commission oversees the
public financing of Presidential elections by certifying Federal
payments to primary candidates, general election nominees, and national
nominating conventions. It also audits recipients of Federal funds and
may require repayments to the U.S. Treasury if a committee makes
nonqualified campaign expenditures.
Disclosure The Commission ensures the public disclosure of the campaign
finance activities reported by political committees supporting Federal
candidates. Committee reports, filed regularly, disclose where campaign
money comes from and how it is spent. The Commission places reports on
the public record within 48 hours after they are received and
computerizes the data contained in the reports.
Sources of Information
Clearinghouse on Election Administration The Clearinghouse compiles and
disseminates election administration information related to Federal
elections. It also conducts independent contract studies on the
administration of elections. For further information, call 202-694-1095,
or 800-424-9530 (toll-free).
Congressional Affairs Office This Office serves as primary liaison with
Congress and executive branch agencies. The Office is responsible for
keeping Members of Congress informed about Commission decisions and, in
turn, for informing the Commission on legislative developments. For
further information, call 202-694-1006, or 800-424-9530 (toll-free).
Employment Inquiries regarding employment opportunities should be
directed to the Director, Personnel and Labor Management Relations.
Phone, 202-694-1080, or 800-424-9530 (toll-free).
General Inquiries The Information Services Division provides
information and assistance to Federal candidates, political committees,
and the general public. This division answers questions on campaign
finance laws, conducts workshops and seminars on the law, and provides
publications and forms. For information or materials, call 202-694-1100,
or 800-424-9530 (toll-free).
Media Inquiries The Press Office answers inquiries from print and
broadcast media sources around the country, issues press releases on
Commission actions and statistical data, responds to informational
requests, and distributes other materials. All persons representing
media should direct inquiries to the Press Office. Phone, 202-694-1220,
or 800-424-9530 (toll-free).
Public Records The Office of Public Records, located at 999 E Street
NW., Washington, DC, provides space for public inspection of all reports
and statements relating to campaign finance since 1972. It is open
weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has extended hours during peak
election periods. The public is invited to visit the Office or obtain
information by calling 202-694-1120, or 800-424-9530 (toll-free).
Reading Room The library contains a collection of basic legal research
resources, with emphasis on political campaign financing, corporate and
labor political activity, and campaign finance reform. It is open to the
public on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. For further information,
call 202-694-1600, or 800-424-9530 (toll-free).
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For further information, contact Information Services, Federal Election
Commission, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20463. Phone, 202-694-1100
or 800-424-9530 (toll-free). Internet, www.fec.gov.
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