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      FEC will not appeal District Court decision in Level the Playing Field v. FEC

Press ReleaseFEC Will Not Appeal District Court Decision in *Level the Playing Field v. FEC*March 8, 2017 WASHINGTON – The Federal Election Commission will not appeal the recent decision of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia in *Level the Playing Field, et al. v. FEC* (Case 1:15-cv-01397-TSC). In 2015, Plaintiffs filed suit against the Commission, challenging the Commission’s dismissal of two administrative complaints regarding alleged violations of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended, and FEC regulations by the Commission on Presidential Debates and other respondents and the FEC denial of a petition for a rulemaking to address the criteria used to determine who may take part in certain general-election debates. On February 1, the District Court ordered the Commission to reconsider Plaintiffs’ allegations and evidence, issue a new decision on the two administrative complaints and issue a new decision on the rulemaking petition. The Commission voted on February 22 not to appeal the District Court’s decision.
 The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is an independent regulatory agency that administers and enforces federal campaign finance laws. The FEC has jurisdiction over the financing of campaigns for the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, the Presidency and the Vice Presidency. Established in 1975, the FEC is composed of six Commissioners who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
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This information is not intended to replace the law or to change its meaning, nor does this information create or confer any rights for or on any person or bind the Federal Election Commission or the public. The reader is encouraged also to consult the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (52 U.S.C. 30101 et seq.), Commission regulations (Title 11 of the Code of Federal Regulations), Commission advisory opinions and applicable court decisions.


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