U.S. Chamber: Latest Backroom Deal on DISCLOSE Act Is Corrupt Politics at Its Worst

WASHINGTON, D.C.—R. Bruce Josten, executive vice president for government affairs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement today on the newest Manager’s Amendment to the so-called DISCLOSE Act, which would exempt from reporting requirements any transfers between affiliated entities – including individuals rather than organizations – up to $50,000:

“Just when you think the special interest backroom deals can’t get any worse, House leadership inserts a carve-out designed to even further butter the breads of labor unions and squelch free speech.

“Unions would be able to shift unlimited amounts of money around through various affiliated entities, completely absolved of any disclosure requirements. This is a brazen case of rewarding political allies at the expense of everyone else, and is corrupt politics at its worst.

“To the extent that any façade of honest policymaking was left in the DISCLOSE Act it has most certainly been eliminated by this reckless disregard for anyone the authors of this bill don’t consider a campaign supporter. 

“Special deals, backroom bargains, and political rewards have been the hallmark of this misguided mission to protect unpopular incumbents in Congress from losing their jobs. Before voting on this unconstitutional anti-business legislation, Members should think twice.”

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

# # #