The Federal Election Commission again postponed its scheduled discussion of a controversial proposal to make it more difficult for the commission to cooperate with the Department of Justice. But not before engaging in a heated discussion about whether and when the matter will be addressed. Explaining her “prerogative to hold the matter over,” Weintraub said that McGahn did not submit his proposed changes to the manual until 10 p.m. on June 9, which did not leave her or then-general counsel Anthony Herman enough time to review the changes. She said she didn’t hold the discussion on June 27 after receiving a request to postpone it the night before from Republican Commissioner Caroline C. Hunter and her GOP colleagues.The commission originally intended to take up the proposal during its public meeting on June 13. But commission Chairwoman Ellen Weintraub held over discussion and did so again when the commission members gathered on June 27, July 9 and July 22.
“I got a request from you all at 7 p.m. that it be held over and there was no explanation provided. I asked and did not get an answer to my email,” Weintraub said.
She did not provide further justification for her decision to hold off discussing the proposed changes at the July meetings or this afternoon. But in the past, Weintraub has made clear her preference that the issue be tabled until the Senate acts on two new commission nominees named in June by President Barack Obama. Last month, she wrote to the House Administration Committee to say she was reluctant to schedule a vote until new commissioners Ann Ravel and Lee Goodman joined the commission.
“In my view, it would be highly inappropriate for the commission to take precipitous action on a matter of this importance without giving our new colleagues the opportunity to participate,” wrote Weintraub.
Full Article: FEC Democrats Try to Run Clock Out on GOP Attempt To End Cooperation With Justice | Main Justice