Congress and the Military-Industrial Complex

"In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist. We must never let the weight of this combination endanger our liberties or democratic processes. We should take nothing for granted. Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together."

-- President Dwight D. Eisenhower,
from his 1961 farewell speech to the American people

A new report by a citizens watchdog group, "Strategic Assets: Congress's Personal Investments in America's Defense," identifies members of Congress who have invested the most money with companies doing business with the Department of Defense.

The Washington-based Center for Responsive Politics says that members of Congress have as much as $196 million invested in these firms.

If you're wondering how much these investments influence Congressional spending on projects that benefit the companies our public servants have invested millions in, so do I.

John F. Kerry, D-Mass., a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is identified as earning the most — at least $2.6 million between 2004 and 2006 from investments worth up to $38.2 million, according to The Associated Press.

Find a full listing of members of Congress who have invested in military firms at Open Secrets.org