March 27,2018

Press Contact:

Rachel McCleery (202) 224-4515 

Wyden Seeks Financial Information of NRA’s Foreign-Funded Accounts

NRA acknowledged it maintains accounts with foreign donations - money that could be used to fund political activities

Washington, D.C. – Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today requested further information from the National Rifle Association (NRA) after the organization admitted to accepting foreign contributions. In a letter sent to Wyden on March 19, the NRA failed to address questions related to financial expenditures that do not require Federal Election Committee (FEC) disclosure under current campaign finance rules. However, those same funds could be used to engage in activities intended to sway the American political debate and influence campaigns.

Wyden’s letter asked for organization records, including records of accounts that received foreign funds and expenditures from those accounts “…for the production or distribution of information to NRA members or the public, including but not limited to, the production or distribution of information on digital platforms; broadcast platforms; print media platforms; and other printed communications (including mailed materials, door hangers, leaflets, and pamphlets).”

The Senate Finance Committee has jurisdiction over the political activity of non-profit organizations.

Wyden’s full letter to the NRA can be found here and his original request can be found here.

###