Trey Trainor gives FEC quorum

The Senate on Tuesday voted to confirm Texas attorney Trey Trainor to serve on the Federal Election Commission (FEC), giving the agency the quorum it needs to conduct business for the first time since August.

Trainor, who is a former adviser on President Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign, was confirmed 49-43 along party lines, with eight senators not voting. He received strong Democratic pushback due to his record on campaign finance and concern over a lack of bipartisanship during the nomination process.

The FEC has lacked the required four commissioners to conduct business and issue opinions since former Commissioner Matthew Petersen stepped down in August, leaving the agency largely powerless in the run up to a presidential election. It was the longest period without quorum in the agency’s history.

Senate Rules Committee Chairman Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), whose panel approved Trainor’s nomination along party lines earlier this month, said Tuesday that he was pleased the Senate had “worked through all the obstacles” involved and would be able to get the FEC “back in business.”

Trainor’s confirmation still leaves two vacancies at the FEC, which should have six commissioners. The other three current commissioners include one Democrat, one Republican, and one Independent.

“We have a lot of work ahead of us — 350 matters on our enforcement docket and 227 items waiting for Commission action,” Weintrab added. “I am ready to roll up my sleeves and work with all my colleagues to get the important work of this agency done.”