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###### Federal Election Commission

          - 11 CFR Parts 8 and 111 
          - [Notice 2010-04] 

# AGENCY:

Federal Election Commission. 

# ACTION:

Notice of proposed rulemaking.

# SUMMARY:

The Federal Election Commission (“Commission”) requests comments on proposed rules implementing statutory provisions regarding the collection of debts owed to the United States Government. The Commission also proposes integrating its rules regarding the collection of debts arising solely from the Administrative Fines program into the new proposed rules. 

# DATES:

Comments must be received on or before March 26, 2010. 

# ADDRESSES:

                        All comments must be in writing, must be addressed to Ms. Amy L. Rothstein, Assistant General Counsel, and must be submitted in either e-mail, facsimile, or paper copy form. Commenters are strongly encouraged to submit comments by e-mail to ensure timely receipt and consideration. E-mail comments must be sent to                         *debtcollectionrules@fec.gov.*                         If e-mail comments include an attachment, the attachment must be in either Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) or Microsoft Word (.doc) format. Faxed comments must be sent to (202) 219-3923, with paper copy follow-up. Paper comments and paper copy follow-up of faxed comments must be sent to the Federal Election Commission, 999 E Street, NW., Washington, DC 20463. All comments must include the full name and postal service address of the commenter or they will not be considered. The Commission will post all comments on its Web site after the comment period ends.                     

# FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Amy L. Rothstein, Assistant General Counsel, or Ms. Esther D. Heiden, Attorney, 999 E Street, NW., Washington, DC 20463, (202) 694-1650 or (800) 424-9530. 

# SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

## I. Background 

The Commission is proposing new rules to implement the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (“DCIA”), Public Law 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321-358. The DCIA governs the Federal government's debt collection activities, and mandates that all nontax debts or claims owed to the United States that have been delinquent for a period of 180 days shall be referred to the U.S. Department of the Treasury or a Treasury-designated collection center for appropriate action to collect or terminate collection of the claim or debt. 31 U.S.C. 3711(g)(1). The purposes of the DCIA are: (1) To maximize collections of delinquent debts owed to the Government by ensuring quick action to enforce recovery of debts and the use of all appropriate collection tools; (2) to minimize the costs of debt collection by consolidating related functions and activities and using interagency teams; (3) to reduce losses arising from debt management activity by requiring proper screening of potential borrowers, aggressive monitoring of all accounts, and sharing of information within and among Federal agencies; (4) to ensure that the public is fully informed of the Federal government's debt collection policies and that debtors are aware of their obligations to repay amounts owed to the Federal government; (5) to ensure that debtors have all appropriate due process rights, including the ability to verify, challenge, and compromise claims, and access to administrative appeals procedures that are both reasonable and protect the interests of the United States; (6) to encourage agencies, when appropriate, to sell delinquent debt, particularly debts with underlying collateral; and (7) to rely on the experience and expertise of private sector professionals to provide debt collection services to Federal agencies. Public Law 104-134, sec. 31001(b), 110 Stat. 1321-358. 

                    The Federal Claims Collection Standards (“FCCS”), 31 CFR parts 900-904, were promulgated by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Department of Justice. The FCCS prescribes the standards that Federal agencies must use in the administrative collection, offset, compromise, and suspension or termination of collection activity for civil claims of money, funds, or property as defined by 31 U.S.C. 3701(b). The FCCS applies unless more specific Federal statutes or agency regulations apply, and in certain cases involving bankruptcy. The FCCS clarifies and simplifies Federal debt collection procedures, and prescribes the steps that an agency must take before initiating debt collection to ensure that individuals' rights are protected. These steps include notifying the debtor of the debt and the consequences of failing to resolve the debt.                     *See*31 CFR 901.2. The FCCS provides agencies with limited discretion to adopt agency-specific regulations, tailored to the legal and policy requirements applicable to various types of Federal debt. The Commission seeks comment on all sections of the proposed rules in this notice.                 

The regulations proposed here would incorporate the provisions of the DCIA and the FCCS, in some instances directly, and in other instances by cross-reference. 

## II. Proposed 11 CFR Part 8—Collection of Administrative Debts 

The Commission is proposing to add new part 8 and new subpart C to part 111 of its regulations to provide for debt collection. The two provisions taken together are designed to cover all types of debt that the Commission must collect. The proposed approach of separating the two general categories of debt in the regulations at proposed 11 CFR part 8 and 11 CFR part 111 subpart C is for the convenience of the reader. Placing provisions concerning the collection of debts arising from the Commission's enforcement of the campaign finance laws in 11 CFR part 111 is consistent with the current placement of the regulations for collecting Administrative Fines debts with the enforcement provisions of part 111; placing the other debt collection provisions in 11 CFR part 8 also enables general administrative provisions to be located together. 

### A. Proposed 11 CFR 8.1—Purpose and Scope 

                    Proposed 11 CFR 8.1 provides that the purpose of the proposed regulations is                           ( print page 8275)                        to apply the collection standards set out in the DCIA and the FCCS.                 

### B. Proposed 11 CFR 8.2—Debts That Are Covered 

Proposed 11 CFR 8.2 states that the new Commission regulations in part 8 cover only those debts that are either owed by current and former Commission employees, or arise from the provision of goods or services by contractors or vendors doing business with the Commission. The proposed regulations in part 8 would not cover debts arising from compliance matters, administrative fines, alternative dispute resolution, repayments of public funds, and court judgments arising from the Commission's enforcement of the campaign finance laws, which would be covered in proposed 11 CFR part 111 subpart C. Proposed section 8.2 mirrors proposed 11 CFR 111.51. The Commission's proposed regulations also would not cover other types of debt that are specifically excluded from the FCCS, such as debts involving criminal actions of fraud, the presentation of a false claim, or misrepresentation on the part of the debtor or any other person having an interest in the claim, and debts under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. 

### C. Proposed 11 CFR 8.3—Administrative Collection of Claims 

                    Proposed 11 CFR 8.3 states that the Commission will collect the claims or debts covered by proposed 11 CFR part 8 in accordance with the FCCS, and adopts by cross-reference the relevant provisions of the DCIA, and U.S. Department of the Treasury and Department of Justice debt collection regulations.                     *See*31 U.S.C. 3701*et seq.;*31 CFR 285.2, 285.4, 285.7, 285.11, and parts 900-904. Proposed section 8.3 also states that the Commission will refer debts to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for collection no later than 180 days after the debts become delinquent. The proposed rule includes examples of collection actions that the U.S. Department of the Treasury might take: Referral to another debt collection center, referral to a private collection contractor, or referral to the Department of Justice for litigation. These examples are taken from the U.S. Department of the Treasury regulation governing the transfer of debts to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and are not a comprehensive list of the actions that the U.S. Department of the Treasury may take in collecting such debt.                     *See*31 CFR 285.12(c)(2). During the 180 days before the mandatory transfer of a debt to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Commission may take any action under these proposed rules to attempt to collect the debt.                 

### D. Proposed 11 CFR 8.4—Bankruptcy Claims 

Proposed 11 CFR 8.4 recognizes that in cases where a debtor has sought protection under the Bankruptcy Code, the Code, particularly 11 U.S.C. 106, 362, and 553, may require the Commission to take different action from that prescribed under the debt collection regulations set forth in proposed part 8 and the FCCS. In these situations, bankruptcy law will govern the debt collection process. 

### E. Proposed 11 CFR 8.5—Interest, Penalties, and Administrative Costs 

Proposed 11 CFR 8.5 states that the Commission shall assess interest, penalties, and administrative costs on debts owed to the United States, in accordance with Federal law. The Commission shall waive collection of interest and administrative costs on debts or portions of debts that are paid within thirty days after the date on which interest begins to accrue. 

The proposed regulation also provides that the Commission may, at its discretion, waive collection of interest, penalties, or administrative costs on any debt that is not paid within thirty days after the date on which interest begins to accrue. The proposed regulation states that the Commission may waive collection of interest, penalties, or administrative costs if it determines that: (1) Collection is against equity and good conscience or is not in the best interest of the United States, including when an administrative offset or installment agreement is in effect; or, (2) waiver is appropriate under the criteria for compromise of debts set forth at 31 CFR 902.2(a). 

## III. Proposed Removal of 11 CFR 111.45

The Commission proposes to remove current 11 CFR 111.45. This provision governs debt collection with respect to the Administrative Fines program. Under the proposed new regulations, these debts would be covered by proposed 11 CFR Part 111 Subpart C—Collection of Debts Arising from Enforcement and Administration of Campaign Finance Laws. The Commission requests comments on this proposal. 

## IV. Proposed 11 CFR Part 111 Subpart C—Collection of Debts Arising From Enforcement and Administration of Campaign Finance Laws 

                    The proposed regulations in 11 CFR part 111 subpart C would govern the Commission's collection of debts arising from compliance matters, administrative fines, alternative dispute resolution, repayments of public funds, and court judgments arising from the Commission's enforcement of the campaign finance laws. The proposed regulations cover the collection of debts only, and will be invoked only after the completion of existing Commission processes during which respondents or other parties have had a full and fair opportunity to demonstrate that no civil penalty or repayment should be imposed.                     *See*11 CFR parts 111 and 9038, and 9008.11-9008.15.                 

### A. Proposed 11 CFR 111.50—Purpose and Scope 

Proposed 11 CFR 111.50 provides that the purpose of the proposed regulations is to apply the collection standards set out in the DCIA and the FCCS. This proposed provision would treat debts under proposed 11 CFR part 111 in a similar manner to those owed by employees and vendors under proposed new 11 CFR 8.1. 

### B. Proposed 11 CFR 111.51—Debts That Are Covered 

                    Proposed 11 CFR 111.51 states that the new Commission regulations in 11 CFR part 111 subpart C would cover only those debts arising from compliance matters, administrative fines, alternative dispute resolution, repayments of public funds, and court judgments arising from the Commission's enforcement and administration of the campaign finance laws. The proposed regulations in 11 CFR part 111 subpart C would not cover debts either owed by current and former Commission employees, or arising from the provision of goods or services by contractors or vendors doing business with the Commission, which would be covered by proposed new 11 CFR part 8. This proposed new provision would treat debts under proposed 11 CFR part 111 in a similar manner to those owed by employees and vendors under proposed new 11 CFR 8.2, and the two provisions are designed to cover all types of debt that the Commission must collect. The Commission's proposed regulations also would not cover other types of debt that are specifically excluded from the FCCS, such as debts involving criminal actions of fraud, the presentation of a false claim, or misrepresentation on the part of the debtor or any other person having an interest in the claim, and debts under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.                           ( print page 8276)    

### C. Proposed 11 CFR 111.52—Administrative Collection of Claims 

                    Proposed 11 CFR 111.52 states that the Commission will collect all claims or debts in accordance with the FCC, and adopts by cross-reference the relevant DCIA, U.S. Department of the Treasury, and U.S. Department of Justice debt collection provisions.                     *See*31 U.S.C. 3701*et seq.;*31 CFR 285.2, 285.4, 285.7, 285.11, and parts 900-904. This proposed provision would treat the debts covered by proposed new 11 CFR part 111 subpart C in a similar manner to those owed by employees and vendors under proposed new 11 CFR 8.3. The proposed provision also states that the Commission will refer debts to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for collection no later than 180 days after the debt becomes delinquent. The proposed rule includes examples of collection actions that the U.S. Department of the Treasury might take: Referral to another debt collection center, or referral to a private collection contractor. These examples are taken from the U.S. Department of the Treasury regulation governing the transfer of debts to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, and are not a comprehensive list of the actions that the U.S. Department of the Treasury may take in collecting such debt.                     *See*31 CFR 285.12(c)(2). During the 180 days before the mandatory transfer of a debt to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Commission may take any action under these proposed rules, or may go to court under the Commission's litigating authority in 31 U.S.C. 437g to attempt to collect the debt.                 

### D. Proposed 11 CFR 111.53—Litigation by the Commission 

Proposed 11 CFR 111.53 states that nothing in the debt collection procedures precludes the Commission from filing suit under 2 U.S.C. 437g to enforce compliance with a conciliation agreement, seek a civil money penalty, petition the court for a contempt order, or otherwise exercise its authority to enforce or administer the campaign finance laws and regulations. 

### E. Proposed 11 CFR 111.54—Bankruptcy Claims 

                    Proposed 11 CFR 111.54 recognizes that in cases where a debtor has sought protection under the Bankruptcy Code, the Code, particularly 11 U.S.C. 106, 362, and 553, may require the Commission to take different action from that prescribed under the debt collection regulations set forth in proposed part 111 and the FCCS. In this event, bankruptcy law will govern the debt collection process.                     *See*31 CFR 901.3(a)(5). The Commission requests comments on this proposed section.                 

### F. Proposed 11 CFR 111.55—Interest, Penalties, and Administrative Costs 

                    Proposed 11 CFR 111.55 states that the Commission shall assess interest, penalties, and administrative costs on debts owed to the United States, as required by Federal law.                     *See*31 U.S.C. 3717. The Commission shall waive collection of interest and administrative costs on debts or portions of debts that are paid within thirty days after the date on which interest begins to accrue.                 

The proposed regulation also provides that the Commission may, at its discretion, waive collection of interest, penalties, or administrative costs on any debt that is not paid within thirty days after the date on which interest begins to accrue. The proposed regulation states that the Commission may waive collection of interest, penalties, or administrative costs if it determines that: (1) Collection is against equity and good conscience or is not in the best interest of the United States, including when an administrative offset or installment agreement is in effect; or, (2) waiver is appropriate under the criteria for compromise of debts set forth at 31 CFR 902.2(a). This proposed provision would treat the debts covered by proposed new 11 CFR part 111 subpart C in a similar manner to those owed by employees and vendors under proposed new 11 CFR 8.5. 

## Certification of No Effect Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 605(b) (Regulatory Flexibility Act) 

The attached proposed rules would not, if promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. There are two bases for this certification. First, that the attached proposed rules would implement statutorily required processes for collecting unpaid debts, and any economic impact of these rules would be caused by the statutory mandate, rather than agency decisions contained in these proposed rules. Second, the provisions in the proposed rules relate to agency management and procedure and do not impose new substantive or compliance requirements directly on members of the public. If the proposed provision regarding the imposition of interest, penalties, and administrative costs could be viewed as imposing a new requirement on the public, the proposed regulation would merely implement the statutory requirement that the Commission assess these additional costs and provides that the Commission could exercise its discretion to waive the assessment of such costs in appropriate circumstances. Thus, any incremental economic impact of this rule on small entities would not be significant. Therefore, the Commission certifies that the attached proposed rules, if promulgated, will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

# List of Subjects 

### 11 CFR Part 8

      - Administrative practice and procedure
      - Debt collection procedures
      - Government contracts
      - Law enforcement
      - Penalties

### 11 CFR Part 111

      - Administrative practice and procedure
      - Debt collection procedures
      - Elections
      - Law enforcement
      - Penalties

For the reasons set out in the preamble, the Federal Election Commission proposes to amend Chapter 1 of Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations as follows: 

1. Part 8 is to read as follows: 

# PART 8—COLLECTION OF ADMINISTRATIVE DEBTS 

        - 8.1
        - Purpose and scope. 
        - 8.2
        - Debts that are covered. 
        - 8.3
        - Administrative collection of claims. 
        - 8.4
        - Bankruptcy claims. 
        - 8.5
        - Interest, penalties, and administrative costs.

Authority: 31 U.S.C. 3701, 3711, and 3716-3720A, as amended; 2 U.S.C. 431*et**seq.,*                             as amended; 31 CFR parts 285, and 900-904.                         

§ 8.1 

This part prescribes standards and procedures under which the Commission will collect and dispose of certain debts owed to the United States, as described in 11 CFR 8.2. The regulations in this part implement the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, 31 U.S.C. 3701, 3711, and 3716-3720A, as amended; and the Federal Claims Collection Standards, 31 CFR parts 900-904. The activities covered include: The collection of claims of any amount; compromising claims; suspending or terminating the collection of claims; referring debts to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for collection action; and referring debts under this part 8 of more than $100,000 (exclusive of any interest and charges) to the Department of Justice for litigation. 

§ 8.2 

                            (a) The procedures covered by this part apply to debts that are either owed by current and former Commission employees, or arise from the provision                                   ( print page 8277)                                of goods or services by contractors or vendors doing business with the Commission.                         

(b) The procedures covered by this part do not apply to any of the following debts: 

(1) Debts that are covered by 11 CFR 111.51, regarding debts arising from compliance matters, administrative fines, alternative dispute resolution, repayments, and court judgments arising under the statutes specified in 11 CFR 111.51(a). 

(2) Debts involving criminal actions of fraud, the presentation of a false claim, or misrepresentation on the part of the debtor or any other person having an interest in the claim. 

(3) Debts based in whole or in part on conduct in violation of the antitrust laws. 

(4) Debts under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. 

(5) Debts between the Commission and another Federal agency. The Commission will attempt to resolve interagency claims by negotiation in accordance with Executive Order 12146, 3 CFR pp. 409-12 (1980 Comp.). 

(6) Debts that have become subject to salary offset under 5 U.S.C. 5514. 

§ 8.3 

(a) The Commission shall act to collect all claims or debts. These collection activities will be undertaken promptly and followup action will be taken as appropriate in accordance with 31 CFR 901.1. 

                            (b) The Commission may take any and all appropriate collection actions authorized and required by the Debt Collection Act of 1982, as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, 31 U.S.C. 3701*et seq.*                             The U.S. Department of the Treasury regulations at 31 CFR 285.2, 285.4, 285.7 and 285.11, and the Federal Claims Collection Standards issued jointly by the Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of the Treasury at 31 CFR parts 900-904 also apply. The Commission has adopted these regulations by cross-reference.                         

                            (c) The Commission will refer debts to the U.S. Department of the Treasury no later than 180 days after the debt has become delinquent. On behalf of the Commission, the U.S. Department of the Treasury will attempt to collect the debt, in accordance with the statutory and regulatory requirements and authorities applicable to the debt and action. This may include referral to another debt collection center, a private collection contractor, or the Department of Justice for litigation.                             *See*31 CFR 285.12 (Transfer of debts to Treasury for collection). This requirement does not apply to any debt that:                         

(1) Is in litigation or foreclosure; 

(2) Will be disposed of under an approved asset sale program; 

(3) Has been referred to a private collection contractor for a period of time acceptable to the U.S. Department of the Treasury; or 

(4) Will be collected under internal offset procedures within three years after the debt first became delinquent. 

(d) The U.S. Department of the Treasury is authorized to charge a fee for services rendered regarding referred or transferred debts. The Commission will add the fee to the debt as an administrative cost, in accordance with 11 CFR 8.5. 

§ 8.4 

When the Commission learns that a bankruptcy petition has been filed by a debtor, before proceeding with further collection action, the Commission will take any necessary action in accordance with the provision of 31 CFR 901.2(h). 

§ 8.5 

(a) The Commission shall assess interest, penalties, and administrative costs on debts owed to the United States Government in accordance with 31 U.S.C. 3717 and 31 CFR 901.9. 

(b) The Commission shall waive collection of interest and administrative costs on a debt or any portion of the debt that is paid in full within thirty days after the date on which the interest begins to accrue. 

(c) The Commission may waive collection of interest, penalties, and administrative costs if it: 

(1) Determines that collection is against equity and good conscience or not in the best interest of the United States, including when an administrative offset or installment agreement is in effect; or, 

(2) Determines that waiver is appropriate under the criteria for compromise of debts set forth at 31 CFR 902.2(a).

(d) The Commission is authorized to impose interest and related charges on debts not subject to 31 U.S.C. 3717, in accordance with common law.

# PART 111—COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

2. The authority citation for part 111 is revised to read as follows:

Authority: 2 U.S.C. 432(i), 437g, 437d(a), 438(a)(8); 28 U.S.C. 2461 nt; 31 U.S.C. 3701, 3711, 3716-3719, and 3720A, as amended; 31 CFR parts 285 and 900-904.

# Subpart B—Administrative Fines

§ 111.45 

3. Subpart B is amended by removing and reserving section 111.45.

4. Subpart C is added to read as follows:

# Subpart C—Collection of Debts Arising From Enforcement and Administration of Campaign Finance Laws

        - 111.50 
        - Purpose and scope.
        - 111.51 
        - Debts that are covered.
        - 111.52 
        - Administrative collection of claims.
        - 111.53 
        - Litigation by the Commission.
        - 111.54 
        - Bankruptcy claims.
        - 111.55 
        - Interest, penalties, and administrative costs.

# Subpart C—Collection of Debts Arising From Enforcement and Administration of Campaign Finance Laws

§ 111.50 

This subpart C prescribes standards and procedures under which the Commission will collect and dispose of certain debts owed to the United States, as described in 11 CFR 111.51. The regulations in this subpart implement the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, 31 U.S.C. 3701, 3711, and 3716-3720A, as amended; and the Federal Claims Collection Standards, 31 CFR parts 900 through 904. The activities covered include: The collection of claims of any amount; compromising claims; suspending or terminating the collection of claims; and referring debts to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for collection action.

§ 111.51 

                                (a) The procedures of this subpart C of part 111 apply to claims for payment or debt arising from, or ancillary to, any action undertaken by or on behalf of the Commission in furtherance of efforts to ensure compliance with the Federal Election Campaign Act,  2 U.S.C. 431*et seq.,*                                 as amended, and to administer the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act, 26 U.S.C. 9001*et seq.,*                                 or the Presidential Primary Matching Payment Account Act, 26 U.S.C. 9031*et seq.,*                                 and Commission regulations, including:                            

(1) Negotiated civil penalties in enforcement matters and alternative dispute resolution matters;

(2) Civil money penalties assessed under the administrative fines program;

(3) Claims reduced to judgment in the courts and that are no longer in litigation;

                                (4) Repayments of public funds under the Presidential Election Campaign Fund Act, 26 U.S.C. 9001*et seq.;*                                 or                            

                                (5) Repayment of public funds under the Presidential Primary Matching                                       ( print page 8278)                                    Payment Account Act, 26 U.S.C. 9031*et seq.*

(b) The procedures covered by this subpart do not apply to any of the following debts:

(1) Debts that result from administrative activities of the Commission that are governed by 11 CFR part 8.

(2) Debts involving criminal actions of fraud, the presentation of a false claim, or misrepresentation on the part of the debtor or any other person having an interest in the claim.

(3) Debts based in whole or in part on conduct in violation of the antitrust laws.

(4) Debts under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

(5) Debts between the Commission and another Federal agency. The Commission will attempt to resolve interagency claims by negotiation in accordance with Executive Order 12146, 3 CFR pp. 409-12 (1980 Comp.).

(6) Debts that have become subject to salary offset under 5 U.S.C. 5514.

§ 111.52 

(a) The Commission shall act to collect all claims or debts. These collection activities will be undertaken promptly and follow up action will be taken as appropriate in accordance with 31 CFR 901.1.

                                (b) The Commission may take any and all appropriate collection actions authorized and required by the Debt Collection Act of 1982, as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996, 31 U.S.C. 3701*et seq.*                                 The U.S. Department of the Treasury regulations at 31 CFR 285.2, 285.4, 285.7, and 285.11, and the Federal Claims Collection Standards issued jointly by the Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of the Treasury at 31 CFR parts 900 through 904, also apply. The Commission has adopted these regulations by cross-reference.                            

                                (c) The Commission will refer debts to the U.S. Department of the Treasury no later than 180 days after the debt has become delinquent. On behalf of the Commission, the U.S. Department of the Treasury will attempt to collect the debt, in accordance with the statutory and regulatory requirements and authorities applicable to the debt and action. This may include referral to another debt collection center, or a private collection contractor.                                 *See*31 CFR 285.12 (Transfer of debts to Treasury for collection). This requirement does not apply to any debt that:                            

(1) Is in litigation or foreclosure;

(2) Will be disposed of under an approved asset sale program;

(3) Has been referred to a private collection contractor for a period of time acceptable to the U.S. Department of the Treasury; or

(4) Will be collected under internal offset procedures within three years after the debt first became delinquent.

(d) The U.S. Department of the Treasury is authorized to charge a fee for services rendered regarding referred or transferred debts. The Commission will add the fee to the debt as an administrative cost, in accordance with 11 CFR 111.55.

§ 111.53 

Nothing in this subpart C precludes the Commission from filing suit in the appropriate court to enforce compliance with a conciliation agreement under 2 U.S.C. 437g(a)(5)(D), seek a civil money penalty under 2 U.S.C. 437g(a)(6), petition the court for a contempt order under 2 U.S.C. 437g(a)(11), or otherwise exercise its authority to enforce or administer the statutes specified in 11 CFR 111.51(a).

§ 111.54 

When the Commission learns that a bankruptcy petition has been filed by a debtor, before proceeding with further collection action, the Commission will take any necessary action in accordance with the provision of 31 CFR 901.2(h).

§ 111.55 

(a) The Commission shall assess interest, penalties, and administrative costs on debts owed to the United States Government, pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3717. Interest, penalties, and administrative costs will be assessed in accordance with 31 CFR 901.9.

(b) The Commission shall waive collection of interest and administrative costs on a debt or any portion of the debt that is paid within thirty days after the date on which the interest begins to accrue.

(c) The Commission may waive collection of interest, penalties, and administrative costs if it:

(1) Determines that collection is against equity and good conscience or not in the best interest of the United States, including when an administrative offset or installment agreement is in effect; or,

(2) Determines that waiver is appropriate under the criteria for compromise of debts set forth at 31 CFR 902.2(a).

(d) The Commission is authorized to impose interest and related charges on debts not subject to 31 U.S.C. 3717, in accordance with common law.

Dated: February 19, 2010.

On behalf of the Commission.

Matthew S. Peterson,

Chairman, Federal Election Commission.

[FR Doc. 2010-3687 Filed 2-23-10; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6715-01-P