Google now highest-spending company for federal lobbying

The only three entities that doled out more money were large business organizations: the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ($11.68 million), the National Association of Realtors ($10.92 million) and Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America ($6 million).



Since the 2016 election, the tech industry has had to navigate not only a Republican-controlled Congress, but also an administration whose decisions have often cut against Silicon Valley’s business interests and largely progressive outlook.

The combined lobbying efforts of some of the most influential tech companies — Google, Facebook, Amazon, Apple and Microsoft — totaled $15.79 million.

Google’s lobbying efforts come as it faces the largest fine the European Union has ever levied against a company for abusing its dominant market position.

Stateside, Google and others in the industry have had to adapt to a new political order, one without the close ties it built with the Obama administration.

Among the issues lobbied for were “legislative responses” to the president’s travel ban, high-skilled immigration, education, U.S. and international antitrust law, Federal Communications Commission’s privacy regulations, and freedom of expression.