US News

NY congressman brings in big money from corporations

WASHINGTON — Serving in the Democratic minority hasn’t kept Queens Rep. Joe Crowley from hauling in campaign cash from some of the biggest corporations in America.

He beat all his colleagues – including the Republican chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee – when it came to collecting campaign cash from the top contributors to the panel.

In total, the 10 companies that gave the most to Ways and Means members lavished nearly $6 million on the committee as it considered comprehensive tax reform legislation.

Crowley took in $374,000, according to an analysis by Citizens for Responsible Ethics in Washington – more than any other member.

Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.), the chief architect of a major tax reform bill, raised $348,000.

Congressman Charles B. RangelWarzer Jaff

Former chairman and Harlem Rep. Charles Rangel – once the panel’s fundraising leader — was near the very bottom. He took in a comparatively paltry $20,000 from the firms.

The list of companies includes such powerhouses as New York Life and Honeywell.

Crowley took in more ($64,000) from accounting giant PricewaterhouseCoopers than any other panel member. The firm lobbied on the tax reform plan, which lowers overall rates but tries to cut back on use of offshore tax havens.

He also got the most from the Investment Companies Institute, taking in $35,500. The group wants to maintain tax incentives for retirement savings.

Crowley was No. 1 again in checks written by UPS, the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, and the National Multifamily Housing Council.

CREW notes in its report that one reason Crowley scored so high is that corporate contributions to his leadership PAC that are earmarked for other Democrats sometimes go through Crowley and are designated as such.

Even without counting those contributions, Crowley would still be among the top five recipients of campaign cash from the companies.

He’s a member of the Democratic leadership as a vice chair of the caucus.

There was no immediate comment from Crowley’s office.