Summary of the Democrats’ Staff Report on the Federal Election Commission at 50 “The Deregulators Are Winning”

In May of 2025, The Hon. Joseph D. Morelle (NY-25), ranking member of the Committee on House Administration, issued a staff report (“the Report”) of the Federal Election Commission in its 50th year.  At a presentation hosted by Common Cause on May 15, 2025, Rep. Morelle and others began with a blunt assessment of the Federal Election Commission (FEC). The FEC, which was once envisioned as the “watchdog” of campaign finance, has become paralyzed by partisan deadlock and has failed to take action against alleged illegal coordination, dark money, and foreign interference in U.S. elections. These issues have escalated dramatically post the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Citizens United. [Report at pp. 1-4, Citizens United v. FEC (2010)]. The Report can be found here, and our summary here.