    [United States Government Manual]
    [June 01, 2002]
    [Pages 403-404]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION

    999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20463
    Phone, 202-694-1100 or 800-424-9530 (toll free). Internet, www.fec.gov.

    Chairman                                          David M. Mason
    Vice Chairman                                     Karl J. Sandstrom
    Commissioners                                     Bradley Smith, Danny
                                                              L. McDonald,
                                                              Scott Thomas,
                                                              Darryl L. Wold
    Staff Director                                    James A. Pehrkon
    General Counsel                                   Lawrence Norton
    Inspector General                                 Lynne A. McFarland

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    The Federal Election Commission has 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

    [[Page 404]]

    elections (Presidency, Senate, and House of Representatives).

    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 public record within 48 hours after they are received and
    computerizes the data contained in the reports.

    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 202-694-1095,
    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 202-694-1006, or 800-424-9530 (toll free).

    Employment  Inquiries regarding employment opportunities should be
    directed to the Director, Personnel and Labor Management Relations.
    Phone, 202-694-1080, 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. For information or materials, call 202-694-1100,
    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. Phone, 202-694-1220,
    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 202-694-1120, 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 202-694-1600, or 800-424-9530 (toll free).

    For further information, contact Information Services, Federal Election
    Commission, 999 E Street NW., Washington, DC 20463. Phone, 202-694-1100
    or 800-424-9530 (toll free). Internet, www.fec.gov.

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