Lawmakers Heavily Invested In Defense

[Purveyor]

Source: Associated Press

Members of Congress have as much as $196 million collectively invested in companies doing business with the Defense Department, earning millions since the onset of the Iraq war, according to a study by a nonpartisan research group.

--
The center's review of lawmakers' 2006 financial disclosure statements suggests that members' holdings could pose a conflict of interest as they decide the fate of Iraq war spending. Several members earning money from these contractors have plum committee or leadership assignments, including Democratic Sen. John Kerry, independent Sen. Joseph Lieberman and House Republican Whip Roy Blunt.

The study found that more Republicans than Democrats hold stock in defense companies, but that the Democrats who are invested had significantly more money at stake. In 2006, for example, Democrats held at least $3.7 million in military-related investments, compared to Republican investments of $577,500.

Overall, 151 members hold investments worth $78.7 million to $195.5 million in companies that receive defense contracts that are worth at least $5 million. These investments earned them anywhere between $15.8 million and $62 million between 2004 and 2006, the center concludes.

It is unclear how many members still hold these investments and exactly how much money has been made. Disclosure reports for 2007 aren't due until this May. Also, members are required to report only a general range of their holdings.



Read more: http://wiredispatch.com/news/?id=113878

[Peace Patriot]

1. The Associated Pukes told a truth!

:wow:

[Doctor_J]

14. That part is fishy. There must be dirt on Obama and Clinton in this report

if it were just Repukes it would have been spiked.

[ben_meyers]

2. Damn close to insider trading I'd say. n/t

[ajamo]

4. Legislators investing in the war.

they should all be impeached I don't give a damn if they are Democrat or Republican. i think all of their names should be exposed, one American life isn't worth them making money. War for profit from the deaths of many and the bleeding of the tax payers. They look out for their own interest. God Almighty help us all.

[alarimer]

3. This is so worng.

I think the rules should be that all those elected to higher office should have to get rid of all their investments. Take the money out and put it in the bank. Too many potential conflicts of interest with any investments.

[ramapo]

5. I am shocked, just shocked

And to think our blessed Democrats are as much a part of the military-industrial complex as the Republicans. Everybody loves a war, it is a financial windfall for the these fine folks. Too bad about the little people who get killed and all f'd up.

And poor little Dick Cheney. He hasn't even been able to collect the millions he has earned on the war. But he'll be cashing in soon.

[Bush_MUST_Go]

6. There's only one word to describe this: OBSCENE

Why would a politician strive for peace when war is so much better for their pockets?

Not to mention that they are in a position to protect their friends & family from having to fight in any wars they champion.

[fed-up]

7. all of their profits should go to take care of the Iraqis and vets nt

[madrchsod]

8. levin and clinton earmarked more money

to the defense contractors than any other senator.obama had a couple of million that went to Illinois contractors for "green" technologies. big john had->0 earmarks

[Historic NY]

9. No wonder we have weapons systems that are disasters.......

waiting to happen. So far the Osprey, Blackhawk, Striker and a host of other ideas only fuel the pockets of our politicians w/o enhancing our military capability. Lots of cost overruns and accidents due to faulty designs among other problems have plagued these systems which continue in use.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V-22_Osprey

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stryker

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/news/2002/05/mil-020503-usa01.htm

[L0oniX]

10. Yes ....follow the money.

[Karenina]

11. ALWAYS!!!

[Winterblues]

12. Studies like this should be "Off the Table"

Why should anyone ever be held accountable, especially for "War Profiteering". Just think if accountability were to come about the killing and destruction may end or at the very least slow down a bit..Who in their right mind would want that? :crazy:

[Doctor_J]

13. When can we expect racketeering charges to be brought?

Our government would make Tony Soprano blush. Wait. The charges would have to be initiated by Mukasey. How much you wanna bet he's got money on KBR?

[BeHereNow]

15. Kick~! Because it MATTERS!!!!!!!!!

Impeach and imprison each and every corporate piggy elected person who
has profited from this "war."

BHN