WASHINGTON — K Street’s 10 biggest spenders have shelled out a combined $238.3 million on federal lobbying so far this year, as the influence industry now gears up for brewing uncertainty when lawmakers return after the midterm elections.
Year-to-date spending through Sept. 30 is up from last year’s level of $200 million for the top 10, but is comparable to 2020’s total of $230 million, according to disclosure reports filed to the House and Senate. Business groups, led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as well as health care, pharmaceutical and technology interests, topped spending in the first three quarters of this year, as Congress moved climate, health and tax legislation and a new law to boost domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
Those biggest K Street clients, and the companies that represent them on Capitol Hill and before the executive branch, are now shifting to preparations for a consequential lame-duck period when lawmakers are expected to wrap up an annual defense measure and government spending.
