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Barton Never Cashed BP Check From December, Records Show

BP’s political action committee reported Friday that it has recouped $6,000 in donations it gave to six Members of Congress late last year — including Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), who became embroiled in controversy this week over remarks he made regarding the oil company. These lawmakers never cashed in the large donations, according to new campaign finance reports from the company behind the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Barton apologized to CEO Tony Hayward at a Congressional hearing Thursday for the White House’s treatment of the oil company, which he called a “shakedown.” For some reason, Barton may not have deposited the $1,000 check BP reported giving him on Dec. 17, 2009.

Others not cashing $1,000 checks were: Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.), Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.), Rep. John Shadegg (R-Ariz.) and Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa).

In its new report, BP also disclosed making a $1,000 donation to Rep. Charlie Gonzalez (D-Texas) on the day before the April 20 Deepwater Horizon explosion.

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