The Organization for International Investment (OFII), whose members are U.S. subsidiaries of foreign corporations, has fired back. They have sent a letter to the fifteen senators asking them to clarify the position against foreign donations. I interviewed Nancy McLernon, CEO of OFII, about the controversy.

NM: It baffles me how a Senator could sign on to a letter like this without checking their own donations. Wouldn't they check what companies have donated to them? I hope when they realize they have received donations from American employees directly working at U.S. subsidiaries, they will clairfy their position. If not, maybe they should refund the money.

LL: This is not the first time U.S. subsidiaries of foreign companies have been a Congressional target. What kind of message does this send to them?

NM: It's the constitutional right of Americans who work for U.S. subsidiaries to pool their money in support of someone. So, if you work for Nestle does that mean your rights are less important than if you work for, say, Hershey? U.S. subsidiaries have been a punching bag for too long when it comes to political rhetoric.

In our recent CFO survey, 72 percent said the U.S. business environment for them is deteriorating. They are questioning if the U.S. is a place for investment and the jobs that come with it. The dots need to be connected.

U.S. subsidiaries should not be tagged with the scarlet letter "F" — it is counterproductive in encouraging them to invest and create jobs here.

LL: Where have most of the monies gone to?

NM: In the last election cycle, U.S. subsidiaries have given more to Democrats than Republicans. So who are they really bashing? This is not a GOP issue. Senators on both sides of the aisle have accepted PAC money.

