House Could Subpoena White House in Contracting Dispute Tonight

The House Small Business Committee and the House Oversight Committee are both considering subpoenaing administration officials to testify at hearings later this week that would address the potential politicization of the federal contracting process.

This comes after House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) declared he disagreed with an Obama Administration plan that asks federal contractors to declare who they donate contributions to.

"I'm not in agreement with the administration on that issue," said Hoyer. "The issue of contracting ought to be on the merits of the contractor's application and bid and capabilities."

There's concern that a disclosure requirement could introduce politics into the contracting process. Some theorize that some contractors could be "blacklisted" if they haven't made the appropriate contributions to the appropriate side.

Hoyer's district is just outside Washington, DC where he represents a substantial number of contractors and those who work for contractors.

"The issue of contracting ought to be on the merits of the contractor's application and bid and capabilities," said Hoyer.