Policy Update

Supreme Court, FEC Take on Regulation of Issue Advocacy

10/04/2005
Source: OMB Watch

On Sept. 27, the Supreme Court accepted an appeal from the Wisconsin Right to Life Committee (WRTL) that challenges the constitutionality of federal campaign finance restrictions as applied to genuine grassroots lobbying communications.

Oral argument in the case is expected in early 2006. Meanwhile, more than 100 nonprofits submitted comments to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on its reconsideration of an exemption from its "electioneering communications" rule for groups that are exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code. Comments stressed the need to protect the grassroots lobbying and advocacy rights of nonpartisan groups.

A public hearing will be held on Oct. 19 and 20. More:
http://www.ombwatch.org/article/articleview/3118/1/396