At least two dozen charities established or run by members of Congress or their families routinely accept donations from companies seeking to influence legislation, according to a New York Times review of tax records and congressional disclosure reports.

AT&T, Chevron, General Dynamics, Morgan Stanley, Eli Lilly, and dozens of other corporations donate millions of dollars annually to congressional foundations, scholarship funds, and other charities, often by attending fund-raising events and trips at which access to House and Senate members is a key draw.

Lawmakers say the donations do not influence their legislative or policy positions, and they typically do not serve on the organizations’ boards or personally solicit contributions. But congressional ethics officials and some current and former member of Congress say they are troubled by the donations, which usually far exceed what businesses are allowed to contribute to politicians’ campaigns.

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