House GOP introduces bill preventing disclosure of contractor's political contributions

House Republicans last week introduced legislation that would prohibit executive Branch agencies from requiring that companies bidding for federal contracts disclose their political contributions.

The Fairness in Federal Contracting Act, H.R. 1906, is meant to override an executive order the Obama administration is drafting that would require political contributions be disclosed by companies seeking to win federal contracts. The idea is opposed by both Republicans and Democrats, including 27 Senate Republicans who urged Obama to reject the idea last month.

On the House side, Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) joined several Republicans in opposing the idea.

The House bill, H.R. 1906, was introduced by Rep. Tom Cole (R-Okla.), and is co-sponsored by 10 other Republicans.