Statement of Senators John McCain Russ Feingold On the U.S. District Court Decision in Shays and Meehan v. FEC March 30, 2006 Once again, the FEC has failed to convince a court that it can ignore the laws that Congress passes. A U.S. District Court ruled that the FEC failed to give adequate reasons for its decision to allow 527s to bypass campaign finance laws in 2004. We have argued all along that, under current federal election laws, 527s should be required to register as federal political committees when they act to influence federal elections. These groups, which gained such prominence in the 2004 elections with their attack ads against the two presidential candidates, must abide by the contribution limits and reporting requirements that apply to all groups that seek to influence federal campaigns. We urge the FEC to forgo an appeal and issue regulations promptly, so they can be in effect for the elections in November.

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