Over Half a Million Petitions Delivered to President Obama Calling for Executive Order Requiring Contractors to Disclose Political Spending

Media Contacts
Dan Smith

U.S. PIRG

WASHINGTON – Activists gathered today in front of the White House with the backdrop of a large inflatable flashlight, to deliver over half a million petitions calling on President Obama to shine a light on dark money. By issuing an Executive Order, the President could require government contractors – some America’s largest companies – to disclose their political spending. Today marks the anniversary of the Supreme Court decision in McCutcheon v. FEC, which for the first time struck down a federal contribution limit, allowing more wealthy donors to flood our elections.

 “The Supreme Court got it dead wrong when it allowed corporations to spend unlimited money on elections. But while that is allowed, companies–especially those that get taxpayer dollars–shouldn’t be able to hide their political spending,” said Dan Smith, Democracy Campaign Director for U.S. PIRG. “With the stroke of a pen, President Obama can lift the blinders by saying that companies awarded government contracts must disclose their political spending.”  

 Over 50 rallies are being held in 25 states on or around the anniversary of the McCutcheon decision, and in March, U.S. PIRG joined 50 organizations to urge President Obama to shine a light on dark money.

 “Unlimited big money from special interests and wealthy donors–especially when hidden from the public–drowns out the voices of average citizens and leads to a loss of faith in democracy. There are many reforms needed to reclaim our democracy, including amplifying the voices of ordinary Americans by matching small contributions with public funds, but this would be a great start. In his State of the Union address, President Obama called for ‘a better politics’ without dark money. Now it’s time for him to back up those words and take action,” said Smith.