Representative Jim Himes of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, has warned defense contractors that the panel may investigate corporate donations to President Donald Trump's White House ballroom project. In a letter to the National Defense Industrial Association, Himes asked the trade group to tell member companies to cooperate with congressional oversight. He said the administration had at times appeared to mix government contracting with efforts to obtain political or private favors.
According to the letter, the committee could seek documents, communications, testimony, and other information about how donations were solicited and whether they were tied to obtaining or keeping government contracts, access to the president or administration officials, or other benefits. Himes also said the panel might weigh whether the dealings posed conflicts of interest or national security risks and whether new disclosure requirements or safeguards are needed.
The National Defense Industrial Association did not immediately respond to a request for comment.