Interviews from Washington DC - Fracking industry money and Congress

Today's program looks at how the fracking industry uses its financial power to influence Congress. Jorge Gestoso interviews Melanie Stone, a recognized expert on the issue, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, and author of the recently released report "How the fracking industry fuels Congress". The increase in fracking activity has been accompanied by a massive 231% growth from 2004 to 2012 in the industry's campaign contributions to congressional and senatorial candidates from districts and states home to such activity, from about US$2.1 million to US$6.9 million. Such cash contributions is money well spent and has effectively bought the silence of many legislators. teleSUR