Timber Firms that got Federal Subsidies Donated $8 Million to Parties
12/17/97
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Headline: Timber Firms that got Federal Subsidies Donated $8 Million to
Parties
Source: The Associated Press
Date: 12/17/97
Author: Karen Gullo
Copyright 1997: Associated Press
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or
redistributed.
Copyright: FOX News Network 1997
WASHINGTON (AP) - Timber companies that will benefit from
the expansion of a federal subsidy program for building
logging roads made more than $8 million in political
contributions to candidates and the two major political
parties, according to a private study.
An analysis of federal election records shows that the
companies and a timber lobbying group have given $5.6
million to individual candidates through political action
committees since 1991 and contributed an additional $2.7
million in so-called soft money to the Republican and
Democratic parties over the same period, the watchdog group
Common Cause said Tuesday
When Congress took up a proposal to do away with the logging
road subsidy, the industry stepped up its contributions, the
study shows.
The timber industry gave $1.5 million in soft money during
the 1996 presidential election cycle, triple what it gave in
the 1992 election, and sank nearly $3 million into lobbying
expenses this year as the Senate moved toward a decision on
whether to eliminate the logging road credit program.
The proposal was defeated in September. A cap on how much
credit the government can give companies was also
eliminated.
Under the program, the Forest Service spent $40 million last
year reimbursing timber companies for building the roads.
The companies can use the credits to bid on timber sales.
Boise Cascade Corp., which has received nearly $19 million
in subsidies since 1991, gave over $200,000 in political
donations, said Common Cause. Its study shows that other
timber companies receiving subsidies gave also six-figure
donations.
The big contributions helped the logging industry gain
leverage with lawmakers, said Ann McBride, the group's
president.
"What happened to the road credit program in 1997 was an
outrageous demonstration of the power of big money on public
policy,'' said McBride.
Common Cause wants tighter rules for political contributions
and a ban on soft money.
Soft money donations are unlimited contributions from
corporations and wealthy donors that can be used for
party-building activities but not for individual candidate
support.