[link removed] [[link removed]] MAY 15, 2025
[link removed] [[link removed]]
Everything you need to know about the state of the FEC
[link removed] [[link removed]]
On May 1, the Federal Election Commission lost its ability [[link removed]] to enforce and regulate federal campaign finance laws.
The agency needs a minimum of four commissioners to execute its high-level responsibilities, but now, it only has three. This is a big deal for federal politics and elections — but not an unprecedented situation.
FEC expert Dave Levinthal breaks down everything you should know about the commission's latest de facto shutdown.
Read more [[link removed]]
Which air carriers are positioned to benefit from increased deportations?
[link removed] [[link removed]]
By Indy Scholtens
As the Trump administration is ramping up detentions and deportations in an effort to reach its goal of removing 1 million immigrants [[link removed]] by the end of this year, new air carriers have signed contracts [[link removed]] with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to carry out deportation flights. The transportation of immigrants to ICE detention centers and countries that have agreed to accept immigrants is a billion-dollar [[link removed]] business.
Deportation flights and the air carriers carrying out those flights have been around for decades. ICE’s current prime air charter contractor is CSI Aviation [[link removed]] , which in turn subcontracts the flights to smaller carriers. It’s a lucrative business [[link removed]] , according to industry executives: The combination of consistent work, with carriers guaranteed payment for a minimum level of monthly flying and penalties for canceled flights, is appealing to air carriers.
According to data from Witness at the Border, a migrant advocacy group, there have been more than 350 deportation flights [[link removed]] since the start of 2025. Initially the Trump administration used military aircraft to carry out the flights, but after reporting showed the military flights were expensive and inefficient, they were stopped [[link removed]] in early March.
The flights are departing from Mesa, Arizona; San Antonio, Texas; Alexandria, Louisiana; Harlingen, Texas; and Miami. Countries that have accepted migrants include Guatemala, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Honduras, India, Mexico, Libya [[link removed]] , Panama and Venezuela. Immigrants have also been sent to the Guantánamo Bay prison [[link removed]] in Cuba and the Cecot mega-prison [[link removed]] in El Salvador.
Follow the money [[link removed]]
[link removed] [[link removed]]
What else we're reading
[[link removed]] [[link removed] goes here] What’s driving small colleges to hire lobbyists for the first time [[link removed]] (Politico)
[[link removed]] [[link removed] goes here] In taking up ‘dark money’ disclosure law, AZ Supreme Court could reshape free speech standards [[link removed]] (Arizona Mirror)
[[link removed]] [[link removed] goes here] New Book Examines Seattle Democracy Voucher Program’s Success [[link removed]] (Sludge)
[[link removed]] [[link removed] goes here] Cuomo Loses $622,000 Over Concerns of Improper Super PAC Coordination [[link removed]] (The New York Times)
OpenSecrets in the News
See our media citations from outlets around the nation this week:
[[link removed]] [[link removed]] [[link removed]] [[link removed]] Pharma PAC That Donated to Trump Breaks With Him Over Executive Order [[link removed]] (Newsweek)
PhRMA donated $1 million to Trump's 2025 inaugural fund but did not give to his campaign, according to OpenSecrets. It is registered with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) as a "Trade Association PAC."
Trump administration in talks with Qatar over plane gift [[link removed]] (The Washington Post)
Bondi was previously registered to lobby on behalf of the Qatari government for several years, including during the first Trump administration, according to the Open Secrets database.
From a Kennedy Center makeover to crypto sweepstakes: How Trump is rewiring Washington access [[link removed]] (CNN)
Ballard Partners pulled in more than $13.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, ranking fourth among all lobbying firms, according to Senate disclosures analyzed by the influence tracking organization OpenSecrets, far outpacing its 2024 revenue.
Rep. Jared Golden says ‘dark money’ group is partly why he won’t hold town halls [[link removed]] (Portland Press Herald)
According to data from election spending tracker OpenSecrets, Indivisible’s 501(c)(4) donated $2.5 million to its affiliated political action committee, Indivisible Action, which spent money on advertising, campaigning for Democratic candidates and employee salaries.
See More [[link removed]]
The OpenSecrets merch store is here!
[link removed] [[link removed]]
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of the OpenSecrets Merch Store [[link removed]] ! Now, you can support our mission while looking good doing it. Every purchase helps us provide comprehensive and reliable data, analysis and tools for policymakers, storytellers and citizens.
Our collection — initially featuring a hoodie, crewneck, t-shirt and hat — is designed to spread awareness and make a difference. Whether you're treating yourself or finding the perfect gift, every item you buy helps fuel our cause. And every item in our store was manufactured by a certified ethical and “sweat-free” company.
Join us in wearing your support — transparency has never been more comfortable!
Shop Now [[link removed]]
[link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]] [link removed] [[link removed]]
[link removed] [[link removed]]
[[link removed]] [[link removed]] [[link removed]]

OpenSecrets
1100 13th Street, NW
Suite 800
Washington, DC xxxxxx
United States
If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe: [link removed] .