U.S. Chamber Supports New Legislation to Stop White House from Politicizing Federal Contracts

WASHINGTON, D.C.—As the White House actively considers an Executive Order that would force businesses to disclose their political spending—as well as that of their officers and directors—as a condition of participating in the federal procurement process, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Executive Vice President for Government Affairs Bruce Josten, issued the following statement today commending Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA) for introducing the “Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act of 2011,” which would preclude the White House from politicizing the federal contracting process.

“We strongly support this bill because it would help ensure that political spending—or the lack thereof—continues to play no role in federal contracting decisions. The legislation strongly reaffirms the common sense notion that the Executive Branch has an obligation to procure goods and services based on the best value for the American taxpayer, and not on political considerations. It also underscores the principle that the Administration cannot enact through executive fiat legislation that Congress has considered and explicitly rejected.

“We look forward to working with Senator Collins, Representative Issa, and other members of Congress as this bill works its way through the legislative process, and we urge its speedy consideration.”

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. 

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