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Spotlight on Congress

MapLight research on the influence of money and politics in U.S. Congress.

Defense Contractors Look for Return on Investment With NDAA


Oil & Gas-Backed Conferees May Push For Keystone Pipeline In Transportation Bill

April 30, 2012–The legislative battle over the Keystone XL pipeline rages on now that Senate and House members have been appointed to the  transportation conference committee tasked with coming up with language acceptable to both chambers.

Technology, Telecom and Defense Companies Support CISPA Over Other Cyber Security Bills Despite Privacy Concerns

April 23, 2012 – Congress is considering a number of cybersecurity bills in late April, with the House's H.R. 3523 - Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA), a bill that would make it easier for companies and the government to share information about cyber threats, receiving the most attention. CISPA is expected to be considered on the floor of the House of Representatives the week of April 23.

Sponsors of House FCC Reform Bill Pull in Big Money From Telecom and Broadcasters

April 6, 2012–Last week a bill to restructure the Federal Communications Commission's rulemaking process passed the House of Representatives, 247-174. The measure was supported by AT&T, the National Association of Broadcasters, the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, and Verizon Communications, all of which are major contributors to the bill's 10 sponsors.

 

Opposition Groups Gave 14 Times As Much to Senators Who Voted Against Cutting Oil Subsidies

March 30, 2012–The U.S. Senate on Thursday voted down a motion to consider a bill that would repeal tax benefits for the largest oil & gas companies. Supporters fell nine votes short of the 60 needed to proceed. The bill would redirect the funds saved to extend tax credits for renewable energy.