April 15, 2016

Lujan: Republicans Block Effort to Enhance Transparency in Campaign Finance

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Ben Ray Luján of New Mexico’s Third District introduced an amendment that was debated on the House floor today to enhance transparency in campaign finance.  The Luján amendment makes it clear that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is able to require that public information filed by TV stations be done so in a format that is searchable, sortable, and downloadable.

In 2012, the FCC required TV stations to post public file materials online, including important political ad buying information.  However, the FCC did not require that the online data be machine-readable.  Luján has also introduced the FCC Transparency Act to instruct the FCC to undertake a rulemaking to make this information available in a format that is searchable, sortable, and downloadable.  Luján’s legislation is supported by a number of organizations, including Common Cause and Public Citizen.  His amendment represents another effort to reform campaign finance to provide more transparency.

“When it comes to the reporting of political ad spending, which according to one estimate will total more than $8 billion during the 2016 election cycle, there is a lack of transparency,” Congressman Luján said.  “With a new wave of unlimited dark money flowing into our electoral system it is critical, now more than ever, that we ensure our elections are fair and transparent.  Sending a message to the FCC about Congressional support for machine readability is a commonsense action to ensure Americans know who is trying to influence our elections.  It is disappointing that House Republicans rejected this measure, but I will continue my efforts to bring openness and transparency to the campaign finance system.”

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