Lobbyists Must be Recession Proof
Thursday February 18, 2010
Americans who lost their jobs or their homes or both in 2009, will certainly love hearing that federal lobbyists spent an all-time record $3.47 billion last year attempting to win the votes of members of Congress.
According to a report published by the Center for Responsive Politics, federal lobbyists spent most of their clients ample funds trying to influence Congress on the issues of health care reform, financial reform and energy policy.
Leading the spending frenzy, pharmaceutical and health products companies devoted almost $266.8 million to lobbying efforts, a single-year record.
Other big spenders included business associations at $183 million, oil and gas at $168.4 million and insurance companies at $164.2 million. All sectors spent more on lobbying in 2009 than in 2008.
"Lobbying appears recession proof," said Sheila Krumholz, the Center's executive director in the report. "Even when companies are scaling back other operations, many view lobbying as a critical tool in protecting their future interests, particularly when Congress is preparing to take action on issues that could seriously affect their bottom lines."
Also See:
The 7 Deadly Sins of US Congressmen
The Legislative Process
Lobbyists Must be Recession Proof
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Warms your heart doesn't it. :mad
Thursday February 18, 2010
Americans who lost their jobs or their homes or both in 2009, will certainly love hearing that federal lobbyists spent an all-time record $3.47 billion last year attempting to win the votes of members of Congress.
According to a report published by the Center for Responsive Politics, federal lobbyists spent most of their clients ample funds trying to influence Congress on the issues of health care reform, financial reform and energy policy.
Leading the spending frenzy, pharmaceutical and health products companies devoted almost $266.8 million to lobbying efforts, a single-year record.
Other big spenders included business associations at $183 million, oil and gas at $168.4 million and insurance companies at $164.2 million. All sectors spent more on lobbying in 2009 than in 2008.
"Lobbying appears recession proof," said Sheila Krumholz, the Center's executive director in the report. "Even when companies are scaling back other operations, many view lobbying as a critical tool in protecting their future interests, particularly when Congress is preparing to take action on issues that could seriously affect their bottom lines."
Also See:
The 7 Deadly Sins of US Congressmen
The Legislative Process
Lobbyists Must be Recession Proof
----------------------
Warms your heart doesn't it. :mad
