Kayla Zhu
2024-08-26 14:42:25
www.visualcapitalist.com
Top Industries by Lobbying Spend in 2023
This was originally posted on our Voronoi app. Download the app for free on iOS or Android and discover incredible data-driven charts from a variety of trusted sources.
In the United States, companies, unions, trade associations, and other organizations invest billions of dollars each year to lobby Congress and federal agencies.
In 2023, over 12,000 different lobbyists in the U.S. spent a a record $4.3 billion on lobbying activities, according to Open Secrets, a non-profit research group tracking money in U.S. politics. This was up from $4.1 billion in 2022—and the highest annual total so far.
Organizations either hire lobbying firms or employ in-house lobbyists to meet with government officials, seeking to influence government decision-making.
This chart shows the total expenditures on lobbying activities by the top 10 industries that invested the most in lobbying the U.S. Congress and federal agencies in 2023, using data from Open Secrets.
Which Industries Spent the Most On Lobbying?
The Pharmaceuticals and Health Products industry was the biggest industry spender in the U.S. in 2023, investing a total of $382.6 million towards lobbying.
Rank | Industry | Total spent on lobbying in 2023 |
---|---|---|
1 | Pharmaceuticals/Health Products | $382,593,389 |
2 | Electronics Manufacturing & Equipment | $243,731,086 |
3 | Insurance | $157,759,164 |
4 | Securities & Investment | $147,132,294 |
5 | Air Transport | $137,973,012 |
6 | Oil & Gas | $133,002,094 |
7 | Hospitals/Nursing Homes | $132,720,088 |
8 | Health Services/HMOs | $128,665,468 |
9 | Electric Utilities | $128,513,151 |
10 | Misc. Manufacturing & Distributing | $122,802,679 |
The two biggest spenders in the pharmaceuticals industry were the industry’s leading lobby group, Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, and pharmacy benefit managers association Pharmaceutical Care Management Association.
In 2023, multiple bills were introduced that would mandate pharmacy benefit managers (PBM), the intermediaries who negotiate prescription drug prices with manufacturers on behalf of clients, to disclose their business practices, including the fees they earn from transactions.
These bills were introduced in response to investigations that PBMs play a significant role in driving up prescription drug costs.
Other big spenders in the industry include major pharmaceutical companies Pfizer, Amgen, and Roche Holdings, who all spent over $11 million on lobbying last year.
Big Tech Companies Were Major Lobbyists
In the second-ranked Electronics and Manufacturing and Equipment industry, big tech companies like Oracle, Microsoft, Apple, Samsung, IBM, and Intel were among the top spenders in the industry, ranging from $5.5 to $13 million in lobbying expenditures.
In 2023, Apple spent nearly $9.9 million to lobby against several key legislative proposals, including the proposed antitrust bill, American Innovation and Choice Online Act, which would prohibit big tech platforms like Amazon, Apple, and Google from giving preferential treatment to their own services in marketplaces they operate.
Apple argued that this bill could undermine user security and privacy by limiting its ability to control the app ecosystem.
Learn More on the Voronoi App
To learn more about Apple and other leading tech giants, check out this graphic that visualizes the top 20 biggest tech companies by total market capitalization.
The post Ranked: Which U.S. Industries Spend the Most on Lobbying? appeared first on Visual Capitalist.
Support Techcratic
If you find value in our blend of original insights (Techcratic articles and Techs Got To Eat), up-to-date daily curated articles, and the extensive technical work required to keep everything running smoothly, consider supporting Techcratic with Bitcoin. Your support helps me, as a solo operator, continue delivering high-quality content while managing all the technical aspects, from server maintenance to future updates and improvements. I am committed to continually enhancing the site and staying at the forefront of trends to provide the best possible experience. Your generosity and commitment are deeply appreciated. Thank you!
Bitcoin Address:
bc1qlszw7elx2qahjwvaryh0tkgg8y68enw30gpvge
Please verify this address before sending any funds to ensure your donation is directed correctly.
Bitcoin QR Code
Your contribution is vital in supporting my efforts to deliver valuable content and manage the technical aspects of the site. To donate, simply scan the QR code below. Your generosity allows me to keep providing insightful articles and maintaining the server infrastructure that supports them.
Privacy and Security Disclaimer
- No Personal Information Collected: We do not collect any personal information or transaction details when you make a donation via Bitcoin. The Bitcoin address provided is used solely for receiving donations.
- Data Privacy: We do not store or process any personal data related to your Bitcoin transactions. All transactions are processed directly through the Bitcoin network, ensuring your privacy.
- Security Measures: We utilize industry-standard security practices to protect our Bitcoin address and ensure that your donations are received securely. However, we encourage you to exercise caution and verify the address before sending funds.
- Contact Us: If you have any concerns or questions about our donation process, please contact us via the Techcratic Contact form. We are here to assist you.
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, Techcratic may earn from qualifying purchases.