Friend, U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is flat-out refusing to disclose the businesses receiving $500 billion in bailout funds, claiming the information is "confidential." That’s 4.5 million businesses—including at least four owned by members of Congress—splitting up a half trillion dollars in government funds. That’s why Congress must pass the Coronavirus Oversight and Recovery Ethics (CORE) Act. It not only provides transparency on who is benefiting from bailout funds, it also: - prohibits conflicts of interest for those distributing the money;
- empowers and protects whistleblowers and inspectors general; and
- restricts corporations from lobbying for public funds.
Public Citizen has endorsed the CORE Act. Will you sign on as a citizen co-sponsor? So many of our country’s workers and small businesses need help adjusting to the realities of life in a pandemic. However, without the proper oversight, fraud and abuse of relief funds may rob workers and small businesses of much-needed support. As U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal said, “President Trump and his administration have continued to do what they do best – spread corruption, enrich giant corporations, muzzle the truth and reward their megadonor allies.” Help make sure coronavirus funds don’t end up in a half trillion-dollar slush fund for the rich and powerful. Thank you for taking action,
Bret Thompson
Public Citizen’s Online Action Team P.S. Public Citizen — like many nonprofits and other small businesses — is feeling the financial strain of the coronavirus emergency. If you can, please consider donating to support the critical work we’re doing together. Anything you chip in today will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Thank you. | 
