SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER
Daily news & progressive opinion—funded by the people, not the corporations—delivered straight to your inbox.
5
#000000
#FFFFFF
To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.
Daily news & progressive opinion—funded by the people, not the corporations—delivered straight to your inbox.
Thirty-five incoming members of Congress pledged not to accept corporate PAC money. (Photo: Getty)
The rise of progressive lawmakers who have refused to accept corporate political action committe (PAC) money has not gone unnoticed by big business, and corporate interests are mobilizing to save the outsized influence they've had on Washington, especially since the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision in 2010.
According to the Huffington Post, which obtained a PowerPoint presentation from a biennial conference held earlier this month by the National Association of Business Political Action Committees (NABPAC), the group presented a blueprint for "challenging the narrative" about corporations' toxic hold on American lawmakers--by combating anti-PAC rhetoric and gaining buy-in from politicians and political journalists who can help disseminate PAC-friendly views.
\u201cCorporate interests are working overtime to try to stay relevant and sway the way our system works. They clearly didn\u2019t get the resounding message that the Midterm election sent. #ReformFirst https://t.co/5JqMVGRzbF\u201d— Tiffany Muller (@Tiffany Muller) 1542991568
\u201cCorporate PACs are literally suggesting there needs to be *more* money in politics. That is outrageous.\n\nThis is a must-read from @danielmarans and @PaulBlu on how corporate PACs are fighting to stay relevant on Capitol Hill: https://t.co/iQILaBXkS9\u201d— End Citizens United (@End Citizens United) 1542990211
Along with several powerful Republicans, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) were named by the group as potential "champions" for the cause.
As Politico reported earlier this month, NABPAC is also intent on lobbying for an increase in PAC campaign contribution limits from $5,000 to $10,000.
"I'm not sure NABPAC has talked to anyone outside of D.C. if they think the problem is that we don't have enough money in politics," Anne Feldman, a spokeswoman for End Citizens United, told the Huffington Post.
In its presentation, NABPAC sought to pit political action committees against unregulated Super PACS, which can accept unlimited donations--arguing that PAC money is "the cleanest money in politics."
The statement blatantly ignored the recent success of progressive candidates who have pledged to take no corporate PAC money for their campaigns--including Reps.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.). Thirty-five new members of the House won their elections after refusing such donations, as well as 12 incumbent lawmakers.
"There is wide agreement that we need more disclosure, but to suggest that corporate PACs are the antidote is laughable," Feldman told the Huffington Post.
Donald Trump’s attacks on democracy, justice, and a free press are escalating — putting everything we stand for at risk. We believe a better world is possible, but we can’t get there without your support. Common Dreams stands apart. We answer only to you — our readers, activists, and changemakers — not to billionaires or corporations. Our independence allows us to cover the vital stories that others won’t, spotlighting movements for peace, equality, and human rights. Right now, our work faces unprecedented challenges. Misinformation is spreading, journalists are under attack, and financial pressures are mounting. As a reader-supported, nonprofit newsroom, your support is crucial to keep this journalism alive. Whatever you can give — $10, $25, or $100 — helps us stay strong and responsive when the world needs us most. Together, we’ll continue to build the independent, courageous journalism our movement relies on. Thank you for being part of this community. |
The rise of progressive lawmakers who have refused to accept corporate political action committe (PAC) money has not gone unnoticed by big business, and corporate interests are mobilizing to save the outsized influence they've had on Washington, especially since the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision in 2010.
According to the Huffington Post, which obtained a PowerPoint presentation from a biennial conference held earlier this month by the National Association of Business Political Action Committees (NABPAC), the group presented a blueprint for "challenging the narrative" about corporations' toxic hold on American lawmakers--by combating anti-PAC rhetoric and gaining buy-in from politicians and political journalists who can help disseminate PAC-friendly views.
\u201cCorporate interests are working overtime to try to stay relevant and sway the way our system works. They clearly didn\u2019t get the resounding message that the Midterm election sent. #ReformFirst https://t.co/5JqMVGRzbF\u201d— Tiffany Muller (@Tiffany Muller) 1542991568
\u201cCorporate PACs are literally suggesting there needs to be *more* money in politics. That is outrageous.\n\nThis is a must-read from @danielmarans and @PaulBlu on how corporate PACs are fighting to stay relevant on Capitol Hill: https://t.co/iQILaBXkS9\u201d— End Citizens United (@End Citizens United) 1542990211
Along with several powerful Republicans, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) were named by the group as potential "champions" for the cause.
As Politico reported earlier this month, NABPAC is also intent on lobbying for an increase in PAC campaign contribution limits from $5,000 to $10,000.
"I'm not sure NABPAC has talked to anyone outside of D.C. if they think the problem is that we don't have enough money in politics," Anne Feldman, a spokeswoman for End Citizens United, told the Huffington Post.
In its presentation, NABPAC sought to pit political action committees against unregulated Super PACS, which can accept unlimited donations--arguing that PAC money is "the cleanest money in politics."
The statement blatantly ignored the recent success of progressive candidates who have pledged to take no corporate PAC money for their campaigns--including Reps.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.). Thirty-five new members of the House won their elections after refusing such donations, as well as 12 incumbent lawmakers.
"There is wide agreement that we need more disclosure, but to suggest that corporate PACs are the antidote is laughable," Feldman told the Huffington Post.
The rise of progressive lawmakers who have refused to accept corporate political action committe (PAC) money has not gone unnoticed by big business, and corporate interests are mobilizing to save the outsized influence they've had on Washington, especially since the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision in 2010.
According to the Huffington Post, which obtained a PowerPoint presentation from a biennial conference held earlier this month by the National Association of Business Political Action Committees (NABPAC), the group presented a blueprint for "challenging the narrative" about corporations' toxic hold on American lawmakers--by combating anti-PAC rhetoric and gaining buy-in from politicians and political journalists who can help disseminate PAC-friendly views.
\u201cCorporate interests are working overtime to try to stay relevant and sway the way our system works. They clearly didn\u2019t get the resounding message that the Midterm election sent. #ReformFirst https://t.co/5JqMVGRzbF\u201d— Tiffany Muller (@Tiffany Muller) 1542991568
\u201cCorporate PACs are literally suggesting there needs to be *more* money in politics. That is outrageous.\n\nThis is a must-read from @danielmarans and @PaulBlu on how corporate PACs are fighting to stay relevant on Capitol Hill: https://t.co/iQILaBXkS9\u201d— End Citizens United (@End Citizens United) 1542990211
Along with several powerful Republicans, Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) were named by the group as potential "champions" for the cause.
As Politico reported earlier this month, NABPAC is also intent on lobbying for an increase in PAC campaign contribution limits from $5,000 to $10,000.
"I'm not sure NABPAC has talked to anyone outside of D.C. if they think the problem is that we don't have enough money in politics," Anne Feldman, a spokeswoman for End Citizens United, told the Huffington Post.
In its presentation, NABPAC sought to pit political action committees against unregulated Super PACS, which can accept unlimited donations--arguing that PAC money is "the cleanest money in politics."
The statement blatantly ignored the recent success of progressive candidates who have pledged to take no corporate PAC money for their campaigns--including Reps.-elect Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.). Thirty-five new members of the House won their elections after refusing such donations, as well as 12 incumbent lawmakers.
"There is wide agreement that we need more disclosure, but to suggest that corporate PACs are the antidote is laughable," Feldman told the Huffington Post.