FEC NOM. ADVANCES

The Senate Rules Committee on Thursday advanced President Trump’s nominee to serve as a member of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), an agency that has been sidelined since August due to a lack of commissioners.

The Senate panel voted along party lines to advance Texas attorney Trey Trainor’s nomination to the full Senate for a confirmation vote. Democrats cited his past views on campaign finance in voicing their opposition.

If the Senate confirms Trainor, who was an adviser to Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, the FEC will have a quorum, allowing it to resume business. The agency has lacked the required four commissioners needed to vote on proposals ever since former Commissioner Matthew Petersen resigned last year, leaving the agency largely powerless during the run-up to a presidential election.

Rules Committee Chairman Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) called Trainor “undoubtedly qualified” and said his confirmation is needed so that the FEC can carry out its duties.

Democrats have adamantly opposed Trainor, arguing that his nomination should have been moved forward alongside a Democratic FEC nominee, as has traditionally occurred.

The FEC currently has one Republican, one Democrat and one independent, with three commissioner vacancies.