The order encompasses corporate political spending as well as personal contributions by company officers and directors.

The Associated Builders and Contractors criticized the Obama administration for a new executive order requiring federal contract bidders disclose political spending.

“Political advocacy is protected by the First Amendment, and under current law the federal government has neither access to this information nor do they have the right to use this information in determining which companies are awarded taxpayer-funded projects,” said ABC President and CEO Mike Bellaman. “However, this executive order would politicize the bidding process and open the door to cronyism and malfeasance. The executive order would not improve the procurement process in any way, but would only serve to inject politics into an area where it has no place or value.”

The order encompasses corporate political spending as well as personal contributions by officers and directors.

“We believe that federal contracts should be awarded based on merit and provide the best value to taxpayers, not to whom you support politically,” Bellaman said.