FEC Should Adopt Rules for Online Political Ads, Senators Say

The Federal Election Commission should require disclosures of online political ad sponsors to align internet rules with those media and broadcast outlets must follow, said Sens. Mark Warner, D-Va.; Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.; and Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., Monday. That was the deadline for input on the FEC's proceeding to revise rules dealing with online ad disclaimers. Warner, Klobuchar and McCaskill sent a letter to the FEC, joined by Senate Democrats Michael Bennet, Colo.; Richard Blumenthal, Conn.; Sherrod Brown, Ohio; Bob Casey, Pa.; Dianne Feinstein, Calif.; Al Franken, Minn.; Tim Kaine, Va.; Joe Manchin, W.Va.; Ed Markey, Mass.; Bill Nelson, Fla.; Jack Reed, R.I.; and Chris Van Hollen, Md. “Close loopholes that have allowed foreign adversaries to sow discord and misinform the American electorate,” the letter said, according to a statement. An FEC spokeswoman said the commission reviews comments before posting and the public won't be able to view them for several days. Warner, Klobuchar and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., introduced the Honest Ads Act (S-1989) that would require online political ads to abide by the same rules as those on TV, radio and satellite.