Democrat Clyburn target of complaint over ARRA funds

by Kay B. Day

(Savannah River Site, SC)--Rep. James Clyburn is the subject of an anonymous complaint filed with the Inspector General at the US Dept. of Energy. The State Newspaper published a story from McClatchy Newspapers saying the complaint, “made many allegations of wrongdoing at the Savannah River Site. The whistleblower specifically outlined high-level DOE executives who the person said were using their positions to gain power and bolster their position within the department.” [Article continues below photo.]

The Savannah River Site maintains a website devoted to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. This screen capture is from a promotional video. The website also features individuals expressing gratitude for the eonomic benefits and jobs made possible through ARRA.

Clyburn, a powerful Democrat serving as the Majority Whip for the 111th Congress, represents the 6th congressional district in South Carolina. He was first elected in 1992. The paper said he took “full credit for obtaining the $1.6 billion for the Savannah River site of the $6 billion that went to the DOE Weapons Complex.” He was perhaps the most vocal influencer in a battle with Gov. Mark Sanford over accepting stimulus funds via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The paper said two anonymous sources “directly involved with the hiring of ARRA workers” allege there was “political motivation behind changes in plans.” The sources claim firms hiring workers were “recently…told they must track all workers, retroactively, making particular note of zip codes, addresses, race and gender.” One source alleged some staffing firms don’t plan to participate in future ARRA events, saying they “view them as political.”

The paper said 10 of the next 13 ARRA tour events will be held in Clyburn’s district, but earlier events have been held outside his district.

In an effort to learn more about Clyburn, The US Report researched corporations doing work for the SRS. In January, 2008, DOE announced the selection of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC, to manage and operate the Savannah River site. SRNS is a limited liability corporation consisting of Fluor Federal Services, Inc., Honeywell International, Inc., and Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company (a Northrop Grumman Company.) Subcontractors include Lockheed Martin Services, Inc. and Nuclear Fuel Services, Inc.

DOE said SRNS received the contract as a cost-plus award-fee contract valued at approximately $800 million per year for a five-year base period with the option to extend it for an additional five years.

Clyburn has received campaign donations from a number of entities affiliated with those companies. Open Secrets qualifies contributions with this note: “The organizations themselves did not donate, rather the money came from the organization's PAC, its individual members or employees or owners, and those individuals' immediate families. Organization totals include subsidiaries and affiliates.” Donors and amounts affiliated with the contractors and making contributions to Clyburn for the 2009-2010 cycle include: Honeywell ($5,500), Northrop Grumman ($9,000), Fluor Corp. ($5,000) and Lockheed Martin ($10,000).

It is standard practice of course for corporate interests, individuals and PACs, to contribute to campaign funds for members of both parties.

An SRS job fair held in Augusta (Ga.) in July drew thousands of applicants.

Clyburn is popular with his base, but Open Secrets said 84 percent of his contributions are from PACs, with 16 percent in individual contributions. He had a very successful fundraising year in 2008, outraising the average House member by substantial margins.

The paper said the anonymous complaint filed with DOE “specifically outlined high-level DOE executives who the person said were using their positions to gain power and bolster their position within the department.”

Clyburn denied he influenced any actions.