Total lobbying spending U.S. 1998-2021

In 2021, the total lobbying spending in the United States amounted to 3.73 billion U.S. dollars. This is an increase from the 3.53 billion U.S. dollars spent on lobbying in 2020.

Additional information on lobbying in the United States

Since the turn of the millennium, the amount spent on lobbying in the United States has more than doubled. The intention of firms employing lobbyists, who in turn lobby government officials, is to gain a degree of influence on the legislative process in the hope of legislation more favorable to their business or cause being passed. Lobbying occurs at all levels from local government to presidential elections. The industries utilizing lobbying as a means to gain influence come from a range of industries with the biggest spenders including pharmaceuticals, insurance, business associations as well as oil and gas.

Lobbying and the NRA

Lobbying by the National Rifle Association has gained both domestic and global attention. Many observers have pointed to the lobby power of the National Rifle Association when attempting to explain the perceived lack of change in regards to gun control laws. Examples such as the National Rifle Association, alongside increasing lobbying spending, have lead to increased attention on the lobbying industry and the potential consequences of the industry’s increasing influence. Movements such as the Occupy Movement and protests against free-trade deals with other countries have called for restrictions on lobbying and the asymmetrical power it allows large corporations.