FEC Investigating NRA & Russia

What’s the story?

Though the Federal Election Commission (FEC) hasn’t made an official announcement, it would appear that they are investigating whether the National Rifle Association funneled millions of dollars from Russia into the 2016 election campaign.

When queried by Politico, the FEC refused on comment on whether there was an investigation underway, saying, "the agency is prohibited by law from confirming or denying any investigations until they’re complete."

The NRA also declined to comment.

But Brad Woodhouse, treasurer for the American Democracy Legal Fund (ADLF), reports he was notified by the FEC that a preliminary investigation had been launched. The ADLF requested an investigation by the FEC into possible links between the NRA and Russian entities, including a banker with close ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which may have allowed Russian money to flow illegally into the 2016 election.

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR), ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, is also investigating possible collusion between the NRA, the Trump campaign and Russia. He sent a letter to the organization requesting various documents by mid-February. It responded with the information that the organization was already providing the answers to his requests, "as part of an FEC inquiry".

If, upon likely review of NRA internal documents and campaign finance records, FEC investigators uncover information suggesting that the allegations are credible they could launch a full-scale investigation, impose fines, or make criminal referrals to the Justice Department or Special Counsel Mueller.

What do you think?

Are you curious about the outcome of this investigation? Do you think the allegations against the NRA are credible, or not? If the allegations are true, what should happen next?

Tell us in the comments what you think, then use the Take Action button to tell your reps!

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— Asha Sanaker

(Photo Credit: Joe Loong via Flickr / Creative Commons)