NEWS

Intelligence Companies Contribute Heavily to Lawmakers Extending War Funding

Owen Poindexter | July 29, 2010

July 29, 2010 - On Tuesday, the House voted 308-114 to authorize more funding for the war in Afghanistan. Many Democrats and a handful of Republicans expressed their displeasure with the war by voting against the measure. MAPLight.org examined contributions from the top ten companies based on the number of government contracts for intelligence work since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, according to "Top Secret America" an extensive study by the Washington Post. Over the last two years, Representatives voting for additional funding for the war received nearly twice as much from these companies as those voting against the measure.

Yes VotersTotal ContributionsNumber of Reps        Average
Democrats$2,824,443                148$19,084
Republicans$2,890,975                160$18,069
Grand Total$5,715,418                 308$18,557
    
No Voters   
Democrats$1,051,050102$10,304.00
Republicans$82,00012$6,833.00
Grand Total$1,133,050114$9,939
    
Abstained   
Democrats$77,5005$15,500
Republicans$109,0006$18,167
Grand Total$186,50011$16,954
    
All Representatives  
Democrats$3,952,993255$15,502
Republicans$3,081,975178$17,314
Grand Total$7,034,968433

$16,247

Includes reported contributions to congressional campaigns of House members in office on day of vote, from interest groups invested in the vote according to MAPLight.org, June 4, 2008 – June 3, 2010. Contributions data source: OpenSecrets.org.