The Senate Rules Committee on Thursday advanced President TrumpDonald John TrumpGuidelines drafted by CDC were rejected by Trump administration citing religious freedom, economic concerns: report Tara Reade represented by well-known lawyer, Trump campaign donor Barr says it was ‘duty’ to drop Flynn case: ‘It upheld the rule of law’ MORE’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.
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Rules Committee Chairman Roy BluntRoy Dean BluntHillicon Valley: Digital contact tracing faces roadblocks | NY AG, Zoom reach deal | Uber, Lyft hit hard by pandemic GOP senator blocks more flexibility for state and local governments amid coronavirus Senate panel advances Trump FEC nominee in party-line vote MORE (R-Mo.) called Trainor “undoubtedly qualified” and said his confirmation is needed so that the FEC can carry out its duties.
“Without a quorum, the FEC cannot fulfill its most important functions, including providing formal guidance to federal candidates as they work to address the unique challenges they face during the coronavirus pandemic,” Blunt said. “Trey Trainor’s confirmation would fill a vacancy, balance party representation, and, most importantly, allow the FEC to do its job.”
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.
Sen. Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharOVENIGHT DEFENSE: Navy secretary nominee: Service in ‘rough waters’ after ‘failure of leadership’| Senate fails to override Trump’s Iran war powers veto| Top Armed Services Republican expects to address Pentagon border wall funds in defense policy bill Top Republican knocks ‘vice presidential wannabes’ for criticism of Pentagon’s coronavirus response Senate panel advances Trump FEC nominee in party-line vote MORE (Minn.), the top Democrat on the committee, argued Thursday that Trainor’s past work went against what the FEC stands for when it comes to campaign finance disclosures.
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“Today we are asked to move forward with a nominee who, based on his record, doesn’t believe in campaign finance law. Yet the entire point of the FEC is to enforce campaign finance law,” Klobuchar said during the hearing. “It is critical that the FEC has commissioners that believe in its mission.”
During his confirmation hearing in March, Trainor was pressed by Democrats on whether he would recuse himself from FEC cases involving President Trump. Trainor said he would not accept a “blanket recusal” if confirmed.
It is unclear when the Senate will vote on Trainor’s nomination. A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnellAddison (Mitch) Mitchell McConnellDon’t hold Puerto Rico hostage: Pass the Earthquake Supplemental OVENIGHT DEFENSE: Navy secretary nominee: Service in ‘rough waters’ after ‘failure of leadership’| Senate fails to override Trump’s Iran war powers veto| Top Armed Services Republican expects to address Pentagon border wall funds in defense policy bill On The Money: 3.2 million more Americans file new jobless claims | Schumer, Pelosi set to unveil ‘Rooseveltian’ relief package | Pelosi pushes back on Trump’s call for capital gains tax cuts MORE (R-Ky.) had no details on timing as of Thursday.
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