Washington DC February 1, 2017 – The US House of Representatives repealed a bipartisan transparency initiative that affects the oil, gas and mining sector by a vote of 235-187. The “Cardin-Lugar amendment” of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act requires oil and mining companies to disclose financial activity and payments to governments in the countries where they operate. Transparency advocates hope the Senate will stop any repeal.

Eric LeCompte, Executive Director of the religious development organization Jubilee USA, releases the following statement:

“I’m saddened by the House vote. I think the House acted too hastily and many Representatives don’t understand how this action hurts poor people.‎

“In a post-financial crisis world we should be increasing transparency, not diminishing it.

“We believe the Senate can make the right decision to take us forward, but the vote will be close.”

Read more about the Cardin-Lugar amendment

Read the oped published on 1504 from Eric LeCompte, Jubilee USA executive director

Read the letter Jubilee USA’s executive director sent to Congress on the legislation

Jubilee USA Network is an alliance of more than 75 US organizations and 650 faith communities working with 50 Jubilee global partners. Jubilee USA builds an economy that serves, protects and promotes the participation of the most vulnerable. Jubilee USA wins critical global financial reforms and won more than $130 billion in debt relief to benefit the world’s poorest people. www.jubileeusa.org