Federal Regulatory Agencies
Here's a look at documents from federal regulatory agencies
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FEC Issues Digest for Week of March 24-28, 2025
WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The Federal Election Commission issued the following weekly digest:
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Commission meetings and hearings
On March 25 and 27, the Commission met in executive session.
On March 27 the Commission held an audit hearing and an open meeting.
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Chair Election
On March 27, Commissioner Allen J. Dickerson nominated Commissioner Shana M. Broussard for the position of Chair. Following the motion, the Commission held over consideration of this agenda item to a future meeting.
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Advisory Opinions
Opinions Issued
Advisory Opinion Request 2025-02 (https://www.fec.gov/data/legal/advisory-opinions/2025-02/)
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WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The Federal Election Commission issued the following weekly digest:
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Commission meetings and hearings
On March 25 and 27, the Commission met in executive session.
On March 27 the Commission held an audit hearing and an open meeting.
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Chair Election
On March 27, Commissioner Allen J. Dickerson nominated Commissioner Shana M. Broussard for the position of Chair. Following the motion, the Commission held over consideration of this agenda item to a future meeting.
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Advisory Opinions
Opinions Issued
Advisory Opinion Request 2025-02 (https://www.fec.gov/data/legal/advisory-opinions/2025-02/)(Democratic Party of Puerto Rico) On March 27, the Commission approved an advisory opinion in response to a request from the Democratic Party of Puerto Rico, concluding that the requestor qualifies as a state committee of a political party.
Advisory Opinion 2025-03 (https://www.fec.gov/data/legal/advisory-opinions/2025-03/) (American Samoa Democratic Party) On March 27, the Commission approved an advisory opinion in response to a request from the American Samoa Democratic Party, concluding that the requestor qualifies as a state committee of a political party.
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Request Discussed
Advisory Opinion 2025-04 (https://www.fec.gov/data/legal/advisory-opinions/2025-04/) (Government Accountability Institute) On March 27, the Commission discussed an advisory opinion request from the Government Accountability Institute (GAI). The requestor asks whether television and radio appearances by its staff and members, and its publication of books, articles, editorials, investigative reports, documentaries, a weekly podcast, short reels, and websites, qualify for the "media exemption" under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (the Act), and Commission regulations. The Commission discussed and voted on two draft advisory opinions (Draft A and Draft B), but neither draft received the required four affirmative votes. The Commission directed the Office of General Counsel to prepare an alternative draft for Commission consideration to be voted on by tally vote in two weeks.
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Request Received
Advisory Opinion Request 2025-05 (https://www.fec.gov/data/legal/advisory-opinions/2025-05/) (PoliticalMeetings.com) On March 24, the Commission made public an advisory opinion request from Politicalmeetings.com. The requestor asks whether a proposed website that will provide information about candidate and political committee events to users and subscribers and will allow subscribers to contribute to candidates and national political party committees, complies with the Act and Commission regulations. The Commission will accept written comments on the request during the 10-day period following publication of the request (no later than April 3) and must issue a response no later than 60 days after the receipt of the complete request, that is, by May 20, 2025.
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Enforcement
The Commission made public six closed cases, as follows. For more information, see the case documents in the Enforcement Search System.
MUR 7981
COMPLAINANT: Roger G. Wieand, Campaign Legal Center
RESPONDENTS: The Freedom Forward Fund and Mike McCauley in his official capacity as treasurer (the Freedom Forward Fund); Teeter Jay, LLC (Teeter Jay); Kimberly A. Skaggs; Joseph R. Skaggs; and Terryl Jay Skaggs
SUBJECT: This matter involved two contributions received by the Freedom Forward Fund, which it reported as being made by Teeter Jay. The complaint alleged that Kimberly A. Skaggs, Joseph R. Skaggs, and Terryl Jay Skaggs were the true source of those contributions and used Teeter Jay as a conduit to avoid disclosure, in violation of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended (the Act).
DISPOSITION: On February 27, 2024, the Commission found reason to believe that Teeter Jay violated the Act by failing to provide required attribution information, and that the Freedom Forward Fund failed to report attribution information. The Commission dismissed the allegation that the respondents violated the Act by making, allowing one's name to be used, or knowingly accepting a contribution in the name of another. The Commission entered into conciliation agreements providing for the Freedom Forward Fund to amend its reports to correctly report attribution information with respect to Teeter Jay's contributions and providing for both the Freedom Forward Fund and Teeter Jay to cease and desist from further violations. The Commission did not seek civil penalties in this matter but noted that it reserves its right do so in future matters concerning this violation. Commissioners Shana M. Broussard, Allen J. Dickerson, Dara Lindenbaum, and James E. "Trey" Trainor, III issued a Statement of Reasons and a Supplemental Statement of Reasons.
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MUR 8019
COMPLAINANT: Campaign Legal Center
RESPONDENT: Snow Goose, LLC (Snow Goose); Curtis R. Richardson; and Wyoming Values and Paul Kilgore, in his official capacity as treasurer (Wyoming Values)
SUBJECT: The complaint alleged that in February 2022, Snow Goose allowed its name to be used to effect a $50,000 contribution to Wyoming Values on behalf of a true contributor or contributors, in violation of the Act. The complaint based the allegation on the temporal proximity between Snow Goose's formation and its contribution to Wyoming Values (approximately two months), its lack of apparent assets or business operations, and its lack of a public or online presence. In its response to the complaint, Snow Goose maintained that it provided attribution information to Wyoming Values at the time the contribution was made as to Richardson, the single member of Snow Goose.
DISPOSITION: On February 27, 2024, the Commission found reason to believe that Wyoming Values violated the Act by failing to report attribution information and dismissed the allegations concerning Snow Goose and Richardson. The Commission entered into a conciliation agreement providing for Wyoming Values to correctly report attribution information with respect to Snow Goose's contribution and to cease and desist from further violations. The Commission did not seek a civil penalty in this matter but noted that it reserves its right do so in future matters concerning this violation. Commissioners Broussard, Dickerson, Lindenbaum, and Trainor issued a Statement of Reasons and a Supplemental Statement of Reasons.
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MUR 8226
COMPLAINANT: Amy Reichert
RESPONDENT: New San Diego
SUBJECT: The complaint alleged that New San Diego, a political committee registered with the City of San Diego, California, violated the Act by distributing a mailer supporting 2024 Presidential candidate Donald J. Trump and U.S. Senate candidate Steve Garvey with nonfederal funds and including a disclaimer on the mailer that did not meet the requirements set forth in the Act.
DISPOSITION: The Commission exercised its prosecutorial discretion and dismissed the matter.
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MUR 8303
COMPLAINANT: Benjamin Drill
RESPONDENT: Friends of Sherrod Brown and Judith Zamore, in her official capacity as treasurer (the Committee)
SUBJECT: The complaint alleged that an unknown person made, and the Committee knowingly accepted, prohibited contributions in the name of another. The complaint made this allegation as to two contributions the Committee reported as made from Carol Ann Baker aggregating $350 in May 2024 that could not have been made by that individual because Baker died in December 2023.
DISPOSITION: The Commission exercised its prosecutorial discretion and dismissed the complaint.
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MURs 8342 and 8343
COMPLAINANTS: Patrick J. Hughes, Center for American Rights; and Donald J. Trump for President 2024, Inc. and Bradley Crate, in his official capacity as treasurer
RESPONDENTS: The Washington Post; and Harris for President and Keana Spencer, in her official capacity as treasurer (the Committee)
SUBJECT: The complaint in MUR 8342 alleged that The Washington Post, a daily print and online newspaper, made a prohibited in-kind corporate contribution or excessive individual contribution, depending on its tax status, apparently to 2024 presidential candidate Kamala Harris, when it purchased advertising on social media that boosted news reporting that was critical of her general election opponent, Donald J. Trump, and was neutral in tone regarding Harris, in violation of the Act. The complaint in MUR 8343 made the same allegations as to The Washington Post, but also alleged that the Committee, Harris's principal campaign committee, knowingly accepted the prohibited contribution, or alternatively the advertisements were an unreported independent expenditure made by The Washington Post with the purpose of promoting Harris's candidacy. The complaints both argued that the advertisements did not fall with the Act's so-called "press exemption."
DISPOSITION: The Commission exercised its prosecutorial discretion and dismissed the matters.
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Audits
Draft Final Audit Report on John Curtis for Utah On March 25, the Commission made public a Draft Final Audit Report on John Curtis for Utah covering campaign finance activity from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. The Draft Final Audit Report contains findings related to Receipt of Apparent Prohibited Contributions and Receipt of Contributions in Excess of the Limit. On March 27, the Commission held an audit hearing regarding the proposed findings in the Draft Audit Report.
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Litigation
Campaign Legal Center v. FEC (Case No. 24-2585) On March 25, Plaintiff filed a Combined Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Opposition to Defendant's Cross-Motion for Summary Judgment and Reply in Support of Plaintiff's Motion for Summary Judgment in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Democratic National Committee, et al. v. Donald J. Trump, et al. (Case No. 25-587) On March 21, the Federal Election Commission Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss and a Memorandum of Points and Authorities in Support of Their Motion to Dismiss, and on March 25, the Commission filed an Opposition to Plaintiffs' Motion for Preliminary Injunction in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. On March 26, Ellen L. Weintraub filed an Amended Motion for Leave to File Brief as Amicus Curiae in Support of Neither Party and an Amended Brief of Amicus Curiae, and on March 27, America First Legal Foundation and Texans for Ronny Jackson filed a Motion to Intervene as Defendants in the District Court.
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Outreach
On March 25-26, the Commission held a webinar for membership and labor organizations and their PACs.
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Press releases
FEC approves two advisory opinions, holds audit hearing (issued March 27)
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Upcoming Commission meetings and hearings
April 29, 2025: The Commission is scheduled to meet in executive session.
May 1, 2025: The Commission is scheduled to hold an open meeting.
May 20, 2025: The Commission is scheduled to meet in executive session.
May 22, 2025: The Commission is scheduled to hold an open meeting.
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Upcoming educational opportunities
April 2, 2025: The Commission is scheduled to host a FECFile webinar for candidate committees.
April 8-9, 2025: The Commission is scheduled to host a webinar for trade associations and their PACs.
April 29-30, 2025: The Commission is scheduled to host a webinar for political party committees.
For more information on upcoming training opportunities, see the Commission's Trainings page.
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Upcoming reporting due dates
April 15: April Quarterly Reports are due. For more information, see the 2025 Quarterly Reporting schedule.
April 20: April Monthly Reports are due. For more information, see the 2025 Monthly Reporting schedule.
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Additional research materials
Contribution Limits. In addition to the current limits, the Commission has posted an archive of contribution limits that were in effect going back to the 1975-1976 election cycles.
Federal election results are available. The data was compiled from the official vote totals published by state election offices.
FEC Notify: Want to be notified by email when campaign finance reports are received by the agency? Sign up here.
The Combined Federal State Disclosure and Election Directory is available. This publication identifies the federal and state agencies responsible for the disclosure of campaign finances, lobbying, personal finances, public financing, candidates on the ballot, election results, spending on state initiatives and other financial filings.
The Presidential Election Campaign Fund Tax Checkoff Chart provides information on balance of the Fund, monthly deposits into the Fund reported by the Department of the Treasury, payments from the Fund as certified by the FEC, and participation rates of taxpayers as reported by the Internal Revenue Service. For more information on the Presidential Public Funding Program, see the Public Funding of Presidential Elections page.
The FEC Record is available as a continuously updated online news source.
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Original text here: https://www.fec.gov/updates/week-of-march-24-28-2025/
FDIC: Agencies Announce Intent to Rescind 2023 Community Reinvestment Act Final Rule
WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation posted the following joint news release on March 28, 2025, with Treasury Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Reserve System:
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Agencies Announce Intent to Rescind 2023 Community Reinvestment Act Final Rule
The federal bank regulatory agencies today announced, in light of pending litigation, their intent to issue a proposal to both rescind the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) final rule issued in October 2023 and reinstate the CRA framework that existed prior to the October 2023 final rule. The agencies
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WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation posted the following joint news release on March 28, 2025, with Treasury Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Reserve System:
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Agencies Announce Intent to Rescind 2023 Community Reinvestment Act Final Rule
The federal bank regulatory agencies today announced, in light of pending litigation, their intent to issue a proposal to both rescind the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) final rule issued in October 2023 and reinstate the CRA framework that existed prior to the October 2023 final rule. The agencieswill continue to work together to promote a consistent regulatory approach on their implementation of the CRA.
Contact(s)
FDIC: Julianne Breitbeil, (202) 898-6895
FRB: Laura Benedict, (202) 452-2955
OCC: Stephanie Collins, (202) 649-6870
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Original text here: https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2025/agencies-announce-intent-rescind-2023-community-reinvestment-act-final
FDIC Makes Public February Enforcement Actions
WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued the following news release on March 28, 2025:
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FDIC Makes Public February Enforcement Actions
No Administrative Hearings Scheduled For April 2025
WASHINGTON - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today released a list of orders of administrative enforcement actions taken against banks and individuals in February 2025. There are no administrative hearings scheduled for April 2025.
The FDIC issued seven safety and soundness orders in February 2025. The administrative enforcement actions in those orders
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WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued the following news release on March 28, 2025:
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FDIC Makes Public February Enforcement Actions
No Administrative Hearings Scheduled For April 2025
WASHINGTON - The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) today released a list of orders of administrative enforcement actions taken against banks and individuals in February 2025. There are no administrative hearings scheduled for April 2025.
The FDIC issued seven safety and soundness orders in February 2025. The administrative enforcement actions in those ordersconsisted of one order terminating a consent order and six orders terminating a total of 100 waiver orders under Section 19 of the FDI Act, 12 U.S.C. Sec. 1829 (Section 19 waiver orders).
To view orders, adjudicated decisions and notices and the administrative hearing details online, please visit the FDIC's Web page by clicking the link below.
February 2025 Enforcement Decisions and Orders
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Original text here: https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2025/fdic-makes-public-february-enforcement-actions
FDIC Clarifies Process for Banks to Engage in Crypto-Related Activities
WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued the following news release on March 28, 2025:
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FDIC Clarifies Process for Banks to Engage in Crypto-Related Activities
WASHINGTON - Today, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) issued a Financial Institution Letter (FIL-7-2025) that provides new guidance for FDIC-supervised institutions engaging or seeking to engage in crypto-related activities. The new guidance, which rescinds FIL-16-2022, clarifies that FDIC-supervised institutions may engage in permissible crypto-related activities without receiving prior
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WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation issued the following news release on March 28, 2025:
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FDIC Clarifies Process for Banks to Engage in Crypto-Related Activities
WASHINGTON - Today, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) issued a Financial Institution Letter (FIL-7-2025) that provides new guidance for FDIC-supervised institutions engaging or seeking to engage in crypto-related activities. The new guidance, which rescinds FIL-16-2022, clarifies that FDIC-supervised institutions may engage in permissible crypto-related activities without receiving priorFDIC approval.
The guidance affirms that FDIC-supervised institutions may engage in permissible activities, including activities involving new and emerging technologies such as crypto-assets and digital assets, provided that they adequately manage the associated risks.
"With today's action, the FDIC is turning the page on the flawed approach of the past three years," said FDIC Acting Chairman Travis Hill. "I expect this to be one of several steps the FDIC will take to lay out a new approach for how banks can engage in crypto- and blockchain-related activities in accordance with safety and soundness standards."
The FDIC will continue to engage with the President's Working Group on Digital Asset Markets and expects to issue further guidance in the future to provide additional clarity regarding banks' engagement in particular crypto-related activities. The FDIC will also work with the other banking agencies to replace interagency documents related to crypto-assets with further guidance or regulations.
Contact(s)
MediaRequests@fdic.gov
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Original text here: https://www.fdic.gov/news/press-releases/2025/fdic-clarifies-process-banks-engage-crypto-related-activities
FCC Revokes License of Texas Radio Station KIJN(AM) for Unpaid Fees
WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has revoked the license of KIJN(AM), a radio station in Farwell, Texas, owned by Unidos Para Cristo, Inc., due to the licensee's failure to pay over $27,000 in regulatory fees. The FCC's Media Bureau and Office of Managing Director issued the revocation order on March 28, 2025.
The FCC stated that Unidos Para Cristo, Inc. had failed to pay regulatory fees for fiscal years 2013 through 2024, accumulating a total debt of $27,523.66 as of March 19, 2025. These fees are mandated under the Communications Act of 1934 to cover the costs
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WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has revoked the license of KIJN(AM), a radio station in Farwell, Texas, owned by Unidos Para Cristo, Inc., due to the licensee's failure to pay over $27,000 in regulatory fees. The FCC's Media Bureau and Office of Managing Director issued the revocation order on March 28, 2025.
The FCC stated that Unidos Para Cristo, Inc. had failed to pay regulatory fees for fiscal years 2013 through 2024, accumulating a total debt of $27,523.66 as of March 19, 2025. These fees are mandated under the Communications Act of 1934 to cover the costsof the FCC's regulatory activities.
According to the FCC, the licensee had repeatedly failed to meet payment deadlines, resulting in the accrual of late payment penalties and interest. The Commission had also issued multiple demand letters to Unidos Para Cristo, Inc., seeking payment.
On December 19, 2024, the FCC issued an Order to Pay or to Show Cause, giving the licensee 60 days to either provide evidence of payment or explain why the fees should be waived or deferred. The order explicitly warned that failure to comply could result in the revocation of the station's license.
"To date, Licensee has not paid any of the debts, and Licensee has not filed a written response to the Order," the FCC stated in its revocation order.
As a result, the FCC has revoked the license of KIJN(AM), terminated its operating authority, and deleted the station's call sign from its database. Additionally, a pending application for renewal of the station's license was dismissed.
The FCC emphasized that the revocation does not relieve Unidos Para Cristo, Inc. of its obligation to pay the outstanding debt. The commission also noted that the licensee may face further administrative proceedings.
"It is imperative to the safety of air navigation that any prescribed painting and illumination of the Station's tower be maintained," the FCC added in its order, highlighting the continued responsibility for tower maintenance.
The FCC sent a copy of the revocation order to Unidos Para Cristo, Inc. via first-class and registered mail.
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Docket: FRN No. 0019429083
Original text here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-25-281A1.pdf
CFTC Staff Withdraws Advisory on Virtual Currency Derivative Product Listings
WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued the following news release:
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CFTC Staff Withdraws Advisory on Virtual Currency Derivative Product Listings
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission's Division of Market Oversight and Division of Clearing and Risk announced they are withdrawing CFTC Staff Advisory No. 18-14, Advisory with Respect to Virtual Currency Derivative Product Listings, effective immediately.
As stated in the withdrawal letter, DMO and DCR determined that the advisory is no longer needed given additional staff experience
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WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued the following news release:
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CFTC Staff Withdraws Advisory on Virtual Currency Derivative Product Listings
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission's Division of Market Oversight and Division of Clearing and Risk announced they are withdrawing CFTC Staff Advisory No. 18-14, Advisory with Respect to Virtual Currency Derivative Product Listings, effective immediately.
As stated in the withdrawal letter, DMO and DCR determined that the advisory is no longer needed given additional staff experiencewith virtual currency derivative product listings and increasing market growth and maturity.
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Original text here: https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9059-25
CFTC Staff Withdraws Advisory on Review of Risks Related to Clearing Digital Assets
WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued the following news release on March 28, 2025:
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CFTC Staff Withdraws Advisory on Review of Risks Related to Clearing Digital Assets
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission's Division of Clearing and Risk today announced it is withdrawing CFTC Staff Advisory No. 23-07, Review of Risks Associated with Expansion of DCO Clearing of Digital Assets, effective immediately.
As stated in today's withdrawal letter, DCR determined to withdraw the advisory to ensure that it does not suggest that its regulatory
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WASHINGTON, March 29 -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission issued the following news release on March 28, 2025:
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CFTC Staff Withdraws Advisory on Review of Risks Related to Clearing Digital Assets
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Commodity Futures Trading Commission's Division of Clearing and Risk today announced it is withdrawing CFTC Staff Advisory No. 23-07, Review of Risks Associated with Expansion of DCO Clearing of Digital Assets, effective immediately.
As stated in today's withdrawal letter, DCR determined to withdraw the advisory to ensure that it does not suggest that its regulatorytreatment of digital asset derivatives will vary from its treatment of other products.
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Original text here: https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/9060-25
