CREW, et al. v. FEC (18-1861)

On August 8, 2018, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (“CREW”) and Noah Bookbinder (“plaintiffs”) filed suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to challenge the Commission’s failure to act on administrative complaints. Plaintiffs sought injunctive and declaratory relief under the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA). CREW v. FEC, No. 18-cv-1861 (CRC) (D.D.C. filed Aug. 8, 2018). On October 31, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a Minute Order dismissing the case at the parties’ request.

Background

According to the complaint, plaintiffs filed an administrative complaint with the FEC in 2012 against Americans for Job Security (AJS) and Stephen DeMaura, individually and in his capacity as treasurer (“respondents”). The complaint alleged that AJS violated the FECA by failing to register as a political committee and file required disclosure statements. Plaintiffs subsequently filed suit regarding the Commission’s handling of that administrative complaint and, following litigation, the action was remanded to the FEC. Plaintiffs filed an amended administrative complaint on March 20, 2018. Plaintiffs asked the court to declare the Commission’s alleged failure to act on both administrative complaints is contrary to law and order the agency to act within 30 days.

On October 31, 2019, the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a Minute Order dismissing the case at the parties’ request.

Source: FEC Record— September 2018

District Court (DC) (18-1861)

Court decisions:

• Minute Order of Dismissal (10/31/2019)

Related documents:

• FEC's Answer (10/19/2018)
• Complaint for Injunctive and Declaratory Relief (08/08/2018)