Why it Matters
The Federal Election Commission (FEC) has been unable to make major enforcement and policy decisions for more than a year because it lacks the four commissioners needed for a quorum. The Senate will take a step toward restoring the agency's authority on Nov. 17, when the Committee on Rules and Administration holds a hearing on President Donald Trump's nominees, Ashley Stow of Texas and Andrew Woodson of Virginia.
The hearing, titled "Nominations of Ashley Stow and Andrew Woodson to Be Members of the Federal Election Commission," comes nine months after Trump submitted both nominations to the Senate on Feb. 11. Confirming both nominees would restore the commission's quorum, allowing it to resume decisions on campaign finance enforcement, regulations and other matters that require at least four commissioners.
The committee is chaired by Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY), with Sen. Alex Padilla (D-CA) serving as ranking member. McConnell welcomed the nominations in February, arguing that restoring a functioning FEC was essential to maintaining transparency and integrity in federal elections.
Broader Context
The consequences of the FEC's staffing crisis have already reached federal court. In an Aug. 25 notice, the commission said it could not authorize its defense in a lawsuit because it lacked the four votes required to take legal action.
The filing was made in Bernegger v. FEC, a case involving allegations that the agency failed to act on an administrative complaint about campaign finance violations. The FEC's inability to defend itself illustrates how the lack of a quorum has affected its ability to carry out its enforcement responsibilities.
Former commissioners have also pressed the Senate to act. On Nov. 5, The Washington Sun reported that 12 former FEC commissioners urged Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to move the nominations forward before January, warning that continued delays could leave the nation's campaign finance watchdog without a functioning quorum.
The Sun reported on Nov. 10 that the Rules Committee had scheduled the hearing, marking the first formal step toward advancing the nominations since they were submitted in February. The timing follows the former commissioners' appeal, although no evidence shows their letter prompted the hearing. The nominations have remained pending before the Rules Committee since Feb. 11, according to the official Senate records for Stow and Woodson.
Stow has been nominated for a term expiring April 30, 2029, replacing former Commissioner James E. Trainor III. Woodson has been nominated for a term expiring April 30, 2031, replacing former Commissioner Allen Dickerson.
The Bottom Line
The Nov. 17 hearing is the first step toward moving the nominations through the Senate, but it will not restore the FEC's quorum on its own. Both nominees must still clear the committee process and win Senate confirmation before they can take office.
The push for action has become more urgent as Republicans prepare to relinquish control of the Senate in January. Former Republican commissioners have warned that waiting until then could jeopardize the nominations and prolong the FEC's inability to enforce campaign finance laws.
For campaigns, political committees, and organizations with pending matters before the FEC, the next development to watch is whether the Rules Committee advances Stow and Woodson for a full Senate vote.
Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article
