A review of tax records and disclosure forms by The New York Times revealed at least two dozen charities that lawmakers or their families established that routinely accept donations from businesses seeking to influence Congress. Companies that have contributed to congressional foundations include AT&T, Chevron, General Dynamics, Morgan Stanley and Eli Lilly, with checks ranging in size from small amounts up to $5 million.

 

Some of the lawmakers who have created foundations or charitable organizations include Representatives Steve Buyer (R-Indiana), Allen Boyd (D-Florida), James Clyburn (D-South Carolina, Joe Baca (D-California) and John Boehner (R-Ohio); and Senators John Ensign (R-Nevada) and Richard Lugar (R-Indiana).

 

The Times noted one instance in which cigarette manufacturer Altria made at least $45,000 in donations over a six-week period to four charitable programs founded by House members who were considering legislation designed to reduce illegal Internet sales of the company’s cigarettes.

 

Last month, Utah Families Foundation, a non-profit that Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) helped establish, held a fund-raising golf tournament at which companies that donated at least $20,000 were allowed to meet privately with Hatch. Among those that met the minimum were Morgan Stanley, Chevron and Qwest.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

Congressional Charities Are Pulling In Corporate Cash (by Eric Lipton, New York Times)