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The Gilded Chamber

The Gilded Chamber

Despite Claims Of Representing Millions Of Businesses, The U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Gets Most Of Its Money From Just 64 Donors

February 6, 2014 — On its website, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce says it represents “the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions. Our members range from mom-and-pop shops and local chambers to leading industry associations and large corporations.” However, our analysis of the U.S. Chamber’s 2012 funders shows that about 1,500 entities provided 94 percent of its contributions, and more than half of its contributions came from just 64 donors.

Between the 1,523 donors that made reported donations to the U.S. Chamber and the 96 that gave to the ILR, about 1,600 entities finance the nation’s largest corporate lobbying group and its affiliate advocating against consumer access to courts. In 2012, more than half of the U.S. Chamber’s and ILR’s money came from 64 and 21 supporters respectively, who were able and willing to collectively donate about $121 million in one year-which speaks volumes about the two groups’ makeups.