[United States Government Manual] [July 01, 1995] [Pages 546-547] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20463 Phones: 202-219-3420; 800-424-9530 (toll-free) Chairman Danny L. McDonald Vice Chairman Lee Ann Elliott Commissioners Joan D. Aikens, John Warren McGarry, Trevor Potter, Scott E. Thomas Statutory Officers: Staff Director John C. Surina General Counsel Lawrence M. Noble Inspector General Lynne A. McFarland ________________________________________________________________________ The Federal Election Commission exercises 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 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). 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 [[Page 547]] public record within 48 hours after they are received and computerizes the data contained in the reports. Contribution Limits and Prohibitions The Commission administers and enforces the law with respect to limits and prohibitions on contributions and expenditures made to influence Federal elections. Voluntary Compliance The Commission seeks voluntary compliance with the above provisions of the law by providing information through a toll-free telephone line, publications, seminars, regulations (which clarify the law), and advisory opinions (which interpret the law in specific, factual situations). Enforcement The Commission has exclusive jurisdiction with respect to the civil enforcement of the campaign finance laws. Possible violations of the law are brought to the Commission's attention, either internally (through report review procedures and audits) or externally (through complaints filed by the public or referrals from other government agencies). The Commission seeks to resolve compliance matters through conciliation and may bring suit when conciliation fails. It also defends the law in court. 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 202-219-3670, 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 202-219-4136, or 800-424-9530 (toll-free). Employment Inquiries regarding employment opportunities should be directed to the Director, Personnel and Labor Management Relations. Phone, 202-219-4290, 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. Those seeking information or materials should call 202-219-3420, 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. For further information, call 202-219-4155, 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 202-219-4140, 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 202-219-3312, or 800-424-9530 (toll-free). For further information, contact Information Services, Federal Election Commission, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20463. Phone, 202-219-3420 or, toll-free, 800-424-9530. ________________________________________________________________________