These are the 5 organizations which spent the most money on lobbying in 2022, according to data from OpenSecrets.
1. The National Association of Realtors
The National Association of Realtors is the largest trade organization in America, representing over 1.5 million Realtors, the majority of whom are women. Last year, the organization spent $81.7 million lobbying to expand federal mortgage assistance programs, expand federal rental assistance programs, increase tax benefits for homeowners, and increase infrastructure spending.
2. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is a general business advocacy group that spent $81.0 million last year lobbying for business-friendly laws and regulations across all industries.
3. Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America
Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America is a trade association representing pharmaceutical companies. Last year, they spent $29.2 million lobbying for things like:
- Lower copays on prescription drugs,
- Lower pharmacy fees,
- Extended patent protection for new drugs, and
- Increased medicaid coverage of name-brand drugs.
They also vigorously lobbied against drug price regulations.
4. American Hospital Association
The American Hospital Association (AHA) is an industry association of nearly 5,000 U.S. hospitals. In 2022, the AHA spent $27.1 million lobbying for more medicare and medicaid funding, more insurance reimbursement of healthcare costs, fewer disclosure requirements for special deals that hospitals cut with different insurance companies, and less medical liability for hospitals and doctors.
5. Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield is a nonprofit association of 34 independently operated health insurance member companies that provide coverage to more than 115 million people. The group’s members and subsidiaries spent $27.0 million in 2022 to lobby for things things like lower prescription drug prices and more federal spending on medical R&D.