June 2, 2010 - The US Chamber of Commerce was joined by a coalition of industry trade organizations in opposition to a bill that would establish new campaign finance disclosure rules.
In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United ruling, legislators - expecting unprecedented levels of spending by special interest groups - are seeking to require that organizations running political ads disclose their donors. The "Democracy is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections" (DISCLOSE) Act, was introduced in the House by Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). A Senate companion measure was introduced by Charles Schumer (D-NY).
The coalition of industry groups opposing the bill has given over $45 million to current House members over the past two years (April 1, 2008 – March 31, 2010).
On average, House Republicans have enjoyed a 50% contribution advantage over House Democrats. An average of $129,860 has been doled out to current House Republicans by these industry groups, whereas Democrats have received on average $86,270.
