The FEC administers and enforces the federal campaign finance law that governs money in U.S. presidential and congressional elections. It requires candidates, parties, and political committees to disclose their donors and spending, sets and polices contribution limits, and oversees the public funding program for presidential campaigns. Six commissioners (no more than three from one party) must agree by at least four votes to take enforcement action.
Created by Congress under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended by the Federal Election Campaign Act Amendments of 1974 (which created the Commission) (Pub. L. 93-443; 52 U.S.C. Sec. 30106), it acts within the authority that statute grants. Its actions are subject to judicial review and to congressional oversight and funding.
