Steve understands that while we’re trying to work our way out of this economic crisis, we have to hold the financial industry accountable to prevent the next one. That’s why Steve wrote a bill that would have taken back the bonuses paid to top executives at Wall Street firms – like AIG – that received federal bailout funds. (Source: Steve Israel For Congress Website)

Did you ever wonder where a self-proclaimed corporate raider and Occupy Wall Street supporter such as Congressman Steve Israel gets his campaign donations from?

According to Open Secrets, Israel has raised $1,581,081 for this election cycle (2011-2012), of which $15,790 comes from small donors, the “average Joe” like you and me.

Another $965,850 was raised from his top 100 donors, an all-star team of big labor and big business; many of those businesses from industries, which based on his committee assignments, Israel is supposed to be overseeing (including those Wall Street firms he talks about on his campaign site). The following takes a look at the donations to his reelection campaign and political action committee (PAC).

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Senator Byrd earmarks $5 million in Defense funds for a company that no longer exists

House committee earmarks $103 million of Defense funds to contractors who employ the congressmen’s former staffers-turned-lobbyists

National Science Foundation studies the bug splatter on the front bumper of a moving vehicle

National Historic Site in Maryland created by a congressional earmark costs $638,000 a year and has fewer visitors than some Alaskan parks that can’t even be reached by road

New USDA research agency already wants more money

Like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the Federal Housing Administration might need a federal bailout

Most Interior Department law enforcement programs can not accurately account for the firearms under their control and some of their guns are vulnerable to theft

Bureau of Land Management employees too cozy with special interest groups and lobbyists, according to the Inspector General

A new computer system key to the nation’s air traffic control system has already run into problems, raising doubts about whether it can be operational when the current computers must be replaced

California has paid more than $8 million in late-payment penalties over the last two years because Sacramento did not pay the bills when they were owed