House Democratic Whip Hoyer against White House plan for contractor political disclosures
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The second-ranking House Democrat said Tuesday he opposes a White House proposal to require anyone seeking government contracts to disclose political contributions.
Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the party whip, placed himself on the same side as Republicans and the business community -- and against liberal groups demanding more disclosure.
Hoyer told reporters that contractors should be chosen on the merits of their applications, their bids and their capabilities, not on their political donations.
President Barack Obama's disclosure order, drafted in April, has not yet been issued.
One of Obama's sharpest critics, Chairman Darrell Issa of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, has scheduled a hearing Thursday to hear from witnesses who believe the order would curb free speech and harm small businesses.
Hoyer told reporters, "It's not a requirement now. I don't think it ought to be a requirement. So I'm not in agreement with the administration on that issue."
Drafted April 13, Obama's proposal would require anyone submitting bids for government work to disclose two years' worth of political contributions and expenditures. The order would apply if the total exceeded $5,000 to a given recipient during a given year.
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