FEC approves proposed rule of agency procedure concerning foreign state respondents

WASHINGTON – At its open meeting today, the Federal Election Commission approved a proposed procedural rule concerning foreign state respondents in enforcement matters. The Commission voted on but did not approve an Audit Division recommendation memorandum.

Audit Division Recommendation Memorandum on the Democracy Engine, Inc. PAC. The Commission voted on an Audit Division Recommendation Memorandum on the Democracy Engine, Inc. PAC, covering campaign finance activity from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018. The Commission did not approve the memorandum, which recommended findings related to failure to maintain a bank depository, inaccurate disclosure of Statement of Organization, and failure to maintain records sufficient to verify reported activity, by the requisite four votes.

Proposed Rule of Agency Procedure Concerning the Treatment of Foreign State Respondents at the Initiation of the Enforcement Process. The Commission approved a Proposed Rule of Agency Procedure submitted by Chairman Allen Dickerson for situations involving foreign state respondents in enforcement matters. The proposed rule would require the Commission’s Office of General Counsel to notify the Office of the Legal Adviser at the U.S. Department of State at the initiation of the enforcement process when a foreign state has been identified as a respondent to a complaint filed with the Commission.