Federal Election Commission operates without quorum
The Federal Election Commission is unable to function fully due to a lack of quorum, stalling enforcement of campaign finance laws. This situation stems from expired terms of three commissioners and delays in appointments. The impasse affects investigations into the 2024 election cycle.
The Federal Election Commission (FEC), the independent agency responsible for administering and enforcing federal campaign finance laws, currently lacks a quorum, rendering it unable to take action on most matters. A quorum requires at least four of its six commissioners to be present, but as of October 4, 2025, the agency is operating with only three members.
The issue arose after the terms of three Democratic commissioners—Shana Broussard, Samuel Levine, and Ellen Weintraub—expired in August 2024. President Joe Biden nominated replacements in January 2025, but the Republican-controlled Senate has not confirmed them, citing concerns over the nominees' qualifications and potential bias. Meanwhile, the three remaining commissioners consist of two Republicans and one Democrat, preventing the bipartisan balance needed for decisions.
This paralysis has significant implications for ongoing election-related matters. The FEC cannot certify reports, issue advisory opinions, or investigate complaints from the 2024 presidential election. For instance, over 1,000 complaints filed since November 2024, including those alleging violations by former President Donald Trump's campaign and super PACs, remain unresolved. "The commission is effectively frozen," said Brendan Fischer, deputy executive director of Documented, a nonprofit tracking dark money in politics. "This allows potential violations to go unchecked, undermining public trust in the electoral process."
Historically, the FEC has faced quorum issues, such as in 2019 when partisan gridlock halted operations for months. Experts warn that the current deadlock could persist into the 2026 midterm elections, exacerbating delays in transparency for political spending. The agency's website notes that without a quorum, it can only handle administrative tasks, like accepting filings, but not substantive enforcement.
Campaign finance watchdogs have called for urgent action. "It's a crisis for democracy," Fischer added, emphasizing the need for Senate confirmation to restore functionality. As of now, no timeline exists for resolving the impasse, leaving the FEC sidelined at a critical juncture.