The Influence Industry
Lobbying in America
In 2024, 12,600 registered lobbyists spent a record $4.3 billion to influence federal policy — more than $8 million per member of Congress.
$4.3B
Total Lobbying (2024)
12,600
Registered Lobbyists
$8M+
Per Member of Congress
What Do Lobbyists Actually Do?
Lobbyists are paid professionals who advocate for specific policies on behalf of corporations, trade associations, unions, and interest groups. They meet with legislators and their staff, draft legislative language, organize testimony, and mobilize public campaigns.
Lobbying is legal and protected by the First Amendment's right to petition the government. The problem isn't that lobbying exists — it's that the scale of corporate lobbying ($4.3B) dwarfs public interest advocacy, creating a structural imbalance in whose voices are heard.
🚪 The Revolving Door
More than half of former members of Congress become lobbyists. In 2024, over 60% of registered lobbyists had prior government experience. The revolving door ensures that the lobbying industry has deep insider knowledge of how government works — and personal relationships with the people making decisions.
Learn more in our glossary →