CLC Files Comment on Federal Election Commission Rulemaking to Modify or Redact Contributor Information

On February 18, 2025, Campaign Legal Center (CLC) filed a comment on the Federal Election Commission’s (FEC) proposed rule that would create a mechanism for contributors to obtain an exemption from publicly reporting certain statutorily required information on FEC reports — specifically, their mailing address, occupation, and employer. The rule would create a closed-door administrative procedure for contributors to allege that they will face threats, harassment, or reprisals if their identifying information becomes public. CLC’s comment expressed deep concerns with the FEC’s authority to promulgate the rule, when no reporting exemption appears in the Federal Election Campaign Act and the proposed procedures (a process that happens out of the public view and with no method of oversight) would undermine the agency’s transparency mandate. CLC’s comment also offered suggestions for improving the rule so that it better reflects the public’s interest in disclosure, should the FEC nevertheless move forward with the rulemaking.