GMOM – Pres. Biden has not come through — so far
January 31, 2023
Paulette,
President Biden can use his executive powers to reign in dark money – Contact him today.
Our work for fair elections continues. Congress passed a very modest bill 2022 to reform counting of electoral votes, and now President Biden has the power to do a lot more. He has made speeches about strengthening democracy, and he did eventually advocate for a modification of the Senate filibuster rule. But he has not actively used his authority to mobilize the IRS, the DOJ, and other centers of federal power. He can sign executive orders that combat gerrymandering, strengthen voting rights, and promote election integrity.
First, and foremost, he has not yet issued an executive order that all big federal contractors must disclose all political spending. Many contractors are taking federal money with one hand and working to block federal action to help working people with the other. Weapons-makers and other military contractors have lobbied to capture more than half of the military budget — $439 billion! A contractor disclosure order will rein in corporate spending, impede wealthy special interests from subverting the will of the American electorate, and close many secret money loopholes. A large chunk of dark money could be unmasked by requiring corporations with federal contracts in excess of $1 million to disclose political spending. (Details here and here.)
Weapons spending is growing like wildfire under the current Pentagon chief, Gen. Lloyd Austin. He left Raytheon's Board of Directors to become Secretary.
In cooperation with 250 organizations nationwide, we will increase pressure on the President until State of the Union speech on March 1. Our national coalition has overwhelmed the White House comment line before, and we can do it again.
| The comment line is open only on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 pm EST. Call 202-456-1111 and voice your support for a contractor disclosure executive order. |
AND ALSO…
Tens of thousands have signed this petition to the White House. Please do your part to drive up that number towards a million in the next four weeks.
Thanks for taking action last week!
Last week, we asked you to contact your Maryland members of Congress about the need to overturn the Citizens United decision. As a result of your actions, I was able to get a meeting with an aide to Rep. Mfume about supporting the strongest possible resolution for an amendment.
News Item
From The American Prospect: Influence by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has succeeded in enacting new dark money laws in a raft of states. (Skip down to item 9 in this compendium of overlooked stories of 2022.)
GMOM and For the People — Maryland teleconference
Monday, February 6, 7:30 pm
| 2 ways to join 1) Dial 1 301 715 8592, meeting ID: 931 3066 2622. Password: 173976. 2) Click on your device if you have downloaded the app from Zoom.Meeting Agenda TBA How we will work on Maryland legislation, Pres. Biden’s executive authority to strengthen democracy, and planning a forum on corruption at the Supreme Court. |
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Get Money Out – Maryland · Baltimore, MD 21209, United States
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