Blues Respond to Attack on U.S. Capitol by Changing PAC Rules

Members of the National Guard walk through the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told lawmakers to be "prepared to return to Washington" this week, suggesting she is considering impeachment or another formal response to President Donald Trump's encouragement of supporters who attacked the Capitol. Photographer: Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg

The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association says it will withhold financial support from the members of Congress who challenged the Electoral College vote results last week.

The Chicago-based group represents Anthem Inc., Health Care Service Corp., and 34 other U.S. insurers that have the rights to use the Blue Cross trademark, the Blue Shield trademark, or both trademarks.

For the 2019-2020 contribution period, the association operated the 14th biggest federal political action committee, according to Federal Election Commission data analyzed by OpenSecrets.org.

The Blues spent $2.3 million over that period, with 48.2% of the contributions going to Democrats and 51.8% going to Republicans.

Kim Keck, the Blues' new president, described the the association's new contribution approach in a statement the Blues issued in response to the attack on the U.S. Capitol, and to votes by some members of Congress against accepting Electoral College results.

"At the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, we continuously evaluate our political contributions to ensure that those we support share our values and goals. In light of this week's violent, shocking assault on the United States Capitol, and the votes of some members of Congress to subvert the results of November's election by challenging Electoral College results, BCSBA will suspend contributions to those lawmakers who voted to undermine our democracy. These contributions are made through our PAC, which is supported solely by employee contributions.

"While a contrast of ideas, ideological differences and partisanship are all part of our politics, weakening our political system and eroding public confidence in it must never be. We will continue to support lawmakers and candidates in both political parties who will work with us to build a stronger, healthier nation."

JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs have announced that they're suspending contributions to all candidates for six months.

Citigroup is suspending all political action committee contributions for three months, according to the Associated Press.

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