Early last year, Eli Lilly (LLY) temporarily halted contributions made to members of Congress who voted against certifying the 2020 presidential election results and promoted the “violence or sedition” that occurred during the Jan. 6, 2021 riot. By last summer, Lilly resumed donations and later argued that its decision was “heard and had an impact.”
But a government watchdog group argues the pause had no effect and pointed to House minority leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Ca.) as a prime example. Last July, the drugmaker donated $2,500 to his political action committee and, in November, gave another $5,000 to his so-called Victory Fund, according to filings with the U.S. Federal Election Committee.