"[Elizabeth] Warren (D., Mass.), Rep. Dave Min (D., Calif.), and a group of other Democratic lawmakers noted in letters to corporate executives Thursday that many of the donors supporting the $250 million ballroom under construction at the White House have active business before the federal government, raising questions about whether the donations could lead to more favorable treatment. In addition to the tech companies, many of which maintain extensive federal contracts, the lawmakers are requesting information from Comcast and Union Pacific Railroad."
"Senator Professor Warren seems to agree. I'm deeply concerned that we may be looking at a quid pro quo right out in public, said Warren, a longtime financial watchdog in the Senate. These companies all have important business in front of the federal governmentthe kind of company-altering business like whether a giant merger gets approved or whether an antitrust prosecution goes forward."
The White House is building a $250 million ballroom funded by corporate donors, including tech firms and companies with active federal business and pending matters before the administration. Lawmakers sent letters to corporate executives seeking details on donations and any related conversations that might influence government decisions. The requests name Comcast and Union Pacific Railroad, both facing merger reviews or other federal business. Senator Elizabeth Warren expressed concern about a possible quid pro quo, noting the donations could affect company-altering decisions such as merger approvals or antitrust prosecutions. The situation prompted calls for congressional scrutiny and oversight.
Read at www.esquire.com
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