For the first time since 2017, all of the seats on the Federal Election Commission are filled. Allen Dickerson, Sean Cooksey, and Shana Broussard were confirmed by the Senate earlier today. Dickerson and Cooksey are Republicans, while Broussard is a Democrat. Some may find it odd for a Republican President to appoint a Democrat, but no more than 3 of the 6 commissioners can be from the same political party. The votes for the Republican nominees were largely along party lines.
Confirmed, 49-47: Executive Calendar #912 Allen Dickerson to be a Member of the Federal Election Commission for a term expiring April 30, 2025.
— Senate Cloakroom (@SenateCloakroom) December 9, 2020
Confirmed, 92-4: Executive Calendar #913 Shana M. Broussard to be a Member of the Federal Election Commission for a term expiring April 30, 2023.
— Senate Cloakroom (@SenateCloakroom) December 9, 2020
Confirmed, 50-46: Executive Calendar #914, Sean J. Cooksey to be a Member of the Federal Election Commission for a term expiring April 30, 2025.
— Senate Cloakroom (@SenateCloakroom) December 9, 2020
Notably, Broussard is the first black FEC commissioner. She most recently served as counsel to FEC Commissioner Steven Walther.
In August, FEC Chair Trey Trainor urged for the nomination and confirmation of additional commissioners. The body has lacked a quorum since former Commissioner Caroline Hunter resigned in June. Some have taken advantage of the lack of quorum to circumvent the FEC's oversight, leading to what Chair Trainor has referred to as "procedural disfunction."
Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed 3 new @FEC Commissioners - Allen Dickerson (formerly of @InstFreeSpeech), Sean Cooksey (formerly of @HawleyMO), & Shana Broussard. #ElectionLaw
— Trey Trainor (@txelectionlaw) December 9, 2020
Allen Dickerson and Sean Cooksey will join Chairman Trainor in respecting the rule of law, due process, and free speech rights — fulfilling a vital role of the Commission that Democrats in the past have hampered by failing to fill enough seats to conduct meaningful business.
Both Dickerson and Cooksey were praised on Twitter upon their confirmation. The importance of the two new commissioners being added to the FEC was noted by many.
49-47: Senate confirms First Amendment and political law attorney Republican Allen Dickerson to serve on Federal Election Commission until April 30, 2025, on a party line vote, giving the FEC a quorum of 4 members to conduct official business and take enforcement actions. pic.twitter.com/2rgVQq82vg
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) December 9, 2020
I'm so proud that the U.S. Senate has confirmed the appointment of Allen Dickerson to serve as a Commissioner on the Federal Election Commission. Allen got his start in election law 10 years ago, serving as my law intern when I was general counsel for @The_RGA. Congrats, Allen!
— KY SOS Michael Adams (@KYSecState) December 9, 2020
I'm so proud that the U.S. Senate has confirmed the appointment of Allen Dickerson to serve as a Commissioner on the Federal Election Commission. Allen got his start in election law 10 years ago, serving as my law intern when I was general counsel for @The_RGA. Congrats, Allen!
— KY SOS Michael Adams (@KYSecState) December 9, 2020
Senate Confirms Allen Dickerson, Shana Broussard, and Sean Cooksey to the FEC https://t.co/C19WbfJXyq
— Institute for Free Speech (@InstFreeSpeech) December 9, 2020
Great news.
— 🇺🇸 Mike Davis 🇺🇸 (@mrddmia) December 9, 2020
Sean Cooksey serves as @HawleyMO’s top Senate lawyer—and was @tedcruz’s #2.
He is a Chicago Law grad, who clerked on the 5th Circuit.
He’s a friend and former colleague, who will ensure the Federal Election Commission follows the law—especially the First Amendment. https://t.co/xnSlZ7PXWC
I commend my colleagues for swiftly confirming Sean Cooksey to the FEC. Sean is a friend, an exceptional lawyer & a principled professional who'll serve at the FEC with honor. I look forward to seeing Sean excel in this role & continue his career as a dedicated public servant.
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) December 9, 2020
Senate Rules Chair Blunt: “The Federal Election Commission plays a critical role in ensuring the integrity of our campaign finance system.I’m glad the Senate has taken action to restore a full slate of commissioners to the FEC, which has been w/o a complete panel since Feb 2017.”
— Craig Caplan (@CraigCaplan) December 9, 2020
Thank you Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Rules Chairman Roy Blunt for ensuring the confirmation of the new commissioners before the adjournment of the 116th congress.