The Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) supported the introduction of the DISCLOSE Act, but withheld its support when special interest exemptions were provided.
Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), a major opponent of the current bill, stated that the majority has drafted a bill behind closed doors without Congressional hearings or markups. He argues that politics is driving the bills introduction and future passage.
In a press statement, U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Thomas Donohue criticized the House Democratic majority for passing legislation that violates the principles of fairness and equality, as prescribed by the Constitution. Further, he argued that the bill’s passage resulted from backroom deals with special interest groups and unions who “mask the movement of political money.”
The DISCLOSE Act was opposed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) which claimed that it "would inflict unnecessary damage to free speech rights and does not include the proper safeguards to protect Americans' privacy. The bill would severely impact donor anonymity, especially those donors who give to smaller and more controversial organizations."
