The pharma industry joined the growing ranks of corporations and groups who are suspending political donations to Republican lawmakers who voted against certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election.
Pharma's most powerful trade association, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), has paused political giving to those who voted to reject the election outcome.
“The actions that took place violate the values of our nation and the values held by America’s biopharmaceutical research companies,” Steve Ubl, president and CEO of PhRMA, told Bloomberg Law, referring to the mob that stormed the Capitol to try to stop Congress from certifying the election.
According to Bloomberg, the trade group, which donates to both Republicans and Democrats, directly donated to 12 Republicans in 2020 who later went on to vote against certifying Biden’s presidential win.
PhRMA joins big corporate names such as Walmart and Walt Disney in suspending political contributions. Eli Lilly, Gilead Sciences, UnitedHealth Group, Biotechnology Innovation Organization and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association have also suspended all political contributions while they review donation policies.