Skip to main content
Hearing Hearing Date: October 24, 2017 2:00 pm 2154 Rayburn HOB

Oversight of Federal Political Advertisement Laws and Regulations

Subject
Oversight of Federal Political Advertisement Laws and Regulations
Date
October 24, 2017
Time
2:00 pm
Place
2154 Rayburn HOB

PURPOSE:

  • To examine the different regulations and laws that govern political advertisement disclaimers and disclosures. 
  • To highlight the importance of free speech and First Amendment implications of attempting to regulate political speech. 

BACKGROUND:

  • The IT Subcommittee has held a series of hearings analyzing existing laws and regulations for potential updates to reflect technological advances.
  • The Federal Election Commission (FEC) oversees civil campaign finance laws and enforces disclaimer requirements for all public communication related to campaigns for federal offices.
  • Disclaimers must include whether the candidate authorized or did not authorize the advertisement as well as who paid for the advertisement. 
  • In 2006, the FEC issued a final rule to expand the definition of public advertisements to include paid internet ads. A number of Advisory Opinions were submitted in an effort to seek relief from these new requirements. 
  • On October 10, 2017, the FEC voted to reopen an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking period (ANPRM) seeking additional comments on the new internet advertising rules.  
Witnesses and testimonies: Mr. Allen Dickerson

Legal Director
Center for Competitive Politics

Document

Mr. David Chavern

President and Chief Executive Officer
News Media Alliance

Document

Mr. Jack N. Goodman

Owner
Law Offices of Jack N. Goodman

Document

Mr. Randall Rothenberg

President and Chief Executive Officer
Interactive Advertising Bureau

Document

Mr. Ian Vandewalker

Senior Counsel
Brennan Center for Justice, Democracy Program

Document