California Congresswoman Maxine Waters is facing increased scrutiny after her 2020 campaign committee, Citizens for Waters, was hit with a $68,000 fine by the Federal Election Commission (FEC) for alleged financial misconduct.
The FEC’s investigation revealed several violations, including accepting excessive donations, inaccurately reporting receipts and disbursements, and making unlawful cash disbursements.
Specifically, the committee reportedly made four prohibited cash payments, each over $100, totaling $7,000, in violation of federal campaign finance rules.
Additionally, the FEC found that Citizens for Waters accepted contributions from seven individuals that exceeded legal donation limits. While the Commission dismissed a related allegation from 2018 in a 5-1 vote, the 2020 violations resulted in binding corrective measures.
As part of the enforcement, the campaign’s treasurer is required to undergo mandatory training on campaign finance laws. The FEC noted in its official document:
“Respondent shall submit evidence of the required registration and attendance at such event to the Commission.”
This penalty comes amid wider concerns about the FEC’s capacity to enforce campaign finance laws. The commission has been operating with limited staffing following multiple departures and is awaiting new appointments to regain full voting power.
The Waters decision may be among the final enforcement actions before the Commission’s ability to act is further constrained.
Waters, a longtime Democratic lawmaker and chair emerita of the House Financial Services Committee, has not issued a public statement regarding the fine at the time of this report.
