FCC, FEC Announcements are Good for Disclosure, but We Must Do More
Washington,
Apr 27, 2012 -
Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen issued the following statement on announcements from the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia on disclosure in campaign spending:
“Today is a good day for disclosure, and we will continue our fight to restore the integrity of our electoral process. The American people have a right to know who is behind the front groups spending millions of dollars to sway their vote. That is why I have introduced the DISCLOSE Act 2012, which will promote transparency and disclosure of the funds being used to influence our political process. Our nation must have a political system that is fair, transparent, and accountable – the fundamental nature of our democracy is at stake.
BACKGROUND:
The Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United v. FEC opened floodgates to unrestricted special interest spending in American elections – and we have already started to see the disastrous consequences. Recognizing this new reality, the FCC decided today that broadcasters must post the details of political advertising purchases in a national online database, giving voters increased access to this information. Additionally, the FEC announced that it will not appeal the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia’s decision in Van Hollen v. FEC, which found that the FEC had severely watered down existing legal requirements to disclose donors in campaign-related ads. That Court also denied a motion by outside intervenors today to stay the impact of its decision pending their appeal of the Court’s ruling. This will allow the FEC to move forward on updating those regulations and increasing disclosure.
Congressman Chris Van Hollen
