U.S. Chamber of Commerce Attacks President Obama’s Corporate Disclosure Order

As Jessica Pieklo reported two weeks ago, President Obama is working on an executive order that would require federal contractors to publicly disclose donations to political campaigns.

While this type of disclosure is ideal for the American public and would help to significantly cut down on the pay-to-play situation that often happens when companies donate to the right political campaign in order to secure a government contract, many in Washington are biting back at the order.

The United States Chamber of Commerce — a big business lobbying organization that, despite its misleading name, is not actually a government agency — has been speaking out and promising to do whatever it takes to make sure that the order doesn’t go through. “Whatever it takes” could be quite a lot as the Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest lobbying organizations in the U.S., spending more money than any other group on lobbying every year.

Its easy to see why the Chamber of Commerce would want to stop the order; it would effect a large number of their big business clients. Corporations often want to keep their political spending quiet, hoping to avoid the negative press and boycotts like the one Target was hit with after their donation to an openly anti-gay candidate was leaked to the public.

That kind of back-door spending can be harmful to the American public, however, as the secret donations and lobbying can sway lawmakers to do what’s best for big business and not the people. Our government is supposed to be for the people, but when corporations have the biggest wallets and no restrictions on spending, most will try to buy their way into Washington and make sure that their needs are met before ours.

President Obama’s disclosure order will make it easier to track campaign donations and make sure that government contracts, paid with American tax dollars, are given to those who deserve them, not just those who can buy them. In order to know that our government is doing what is best for us, we need to be able to track who is funding campaigns and make sure that the corruption and greed that is too often found in Washington is stopped.

I hope that President Obama can stand up to the Chamber of Commerce and their lobbyists and do what’s right for the American public.

TAKE ACTION: To tell President Obama to stand strong against the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, sign the petition here: Support President Obama’s Fight for Corporate Disclosure.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

John S.

12:49PM PDT on Jun 7, 2011

Thanks

send a green star

Jonathan Y.

8:47PM PDT on May 22, 2011

"U.S." Chamber of Commerce my patootie.

It's about as American as Walmart or Adidas.

Masha S.

5:11AM PDT on May 22, 2011

why not include unions?

Sue M.

8:55PM PDT on May 21, 2011

thanks.

Grace A.

5:24AM PDT on May 19, 2011

All Obama is requiring is disclosure of how much money each contractor is donating to each political campaign to which it is donating. This does not put any limit on how much money can be spent on politics.

Glenn M.

4:43PM PDT on May 16, 2011

For those that follow the Republican mantra of "stop big government" this is what you wil choose by default.

You cannot vote a corrupt CEO out of office.

If a company can make a profit by breaking the law and paying the fine, it will usually do it. We do not reward our companies for making ethical decisions only making money.

To default to privatization is to invite this kind of system based on greed and usually ending up with corruption.

If you do not use government, it will be used against you.

Mary L.

10:35AM PDT on May 16, 2011

What a Surprise. Corporations don't want anyone to know who they are supporting in Politics. Just look at those in Congress who are making sure these Corporations are given 'freebies', 'sweetheart deals' and 'IRS tax loopholes and exemptions' and you'll have your answers there. No surprise that the members of Congress have an (R) after their names..

Angela R.

9:45AM PDT on May 16, 2011

Fascisim with a local community feel - don't be fooled - we must stand strong against anyone or group who wants to hide what they pay for in elections!

Past Member .

9:43AM PDT on May 16, 2011

Say what you mean, and mean what you say! Don't waiver on this!

Charlene K.

8:21AM PDT on May 16, 2011

For a second time here lately Obama has't gotten It Right and again big money is criticizing him. I hope he can hold out on this one and win.