Lobbying Spending Trends

How much money flows into federal lobbying each year — and whether it's going up or down.

🤖

AI Overview

Federal lobbying spending has grown 50% from $4.0 billion in 2018 to $6.0 billion in 2025 — a record high. This isn't just inflation: it reflects an escalating arms race as more industries recognize that lobbying delivers extraordinary returns on investment. The COVID-era spike (2020-2021) came as industries scrambled to shape trillions in pandemic relief spending. The 2025 surge is driven by tariff lobbying, AI regulation fights, and healthcare policy battles.

💡 Did you know?

Lobbying spending has increased every single year since 2016. In 2025, spending hit $6.0 billion — a +15.6% jump from 2024 — driven by tariffs, AI regulation, and healthcare fights.

Loading...

Related Reading

DOGE vs. The Lobbying Machine
What happens when DOGE comes for the agencies that lobbyists depend on?
The 2025 Tariff Panic
As tariffs return, lobbying on trade surges. Which industries are most desperate?
Federal Lobbying Statistics 2025
The definitive stats — $37.7B total, industry breakdowns, and historical trends.

Data Sources: U.S. Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) Filings

Last updated: February 2026

This site is an independent journalism project. Analysis and editorial content are not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency.

Related Investigations

📊 Lobbying Statistics 2025
Complete spending overview and trends
📅 Seasonal Patterns
When do lobbying spikes happen?
💰 Follow the Money
Where lobbying dollars flow
🚀 Momentum📈 Client Trajectories🏭 Industries