What is lobbying?

Lobbying is the practice of attempting to influence lawmakers, executive branch officials, or other government decision-makers on specific issues, legislation, or regulations. Lobbying is a longstanding feature of American politics and is protected as a form of free speech and the right to petition the government for redress of grievances under the First Amendment. The term lobbying may have come from the practice of those seeking to influence policy meeting officials in the lobbies of legislative buildings, though the term predates the U.S. Capitol building's lobbies. President Ulysses S. Grant supposedly used the term in the 1860s to describe people seeking favors at the Willard Hotel in Washington, where he often relaxed in the lobby.

Lobbyists work on behalf of corporations, trade associations, labor unions, advocacy groups, professional associations, foreign governments, state and local governments, universities, nonprofits, and other organized interests. They communicate with lawmakers and staff, provide information about issues, draft proposed legislation or amendments, organize grassroots advocacy by group members, testify at hearings, and build relationships with decision-makers.

Lobbying activity in Washington is enormous. The Center for Responsive Politics tracks roughly 12,000 registered lobbyists in Washington, and lobbying spending exceeds 4 billion dollars per year. Major industries with large lobbying expenditures include pharmaceuticals, technology, finance, energy, defense, healthcare, and others.

The Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 and the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 require lobbyists to register, disclose their clients and issues, and report their activities. Disclosure rules apply to people who are paid to lobby and spend more than 20 percent of their time on lobbying activities for a particular client. State and local lobbying is also significant, with each state having its own lobbying rules and disclosure requirements. State capitols see substantial lobbying activity, particularly on issues such as state taxes, education, healthcare, and energy policy.

Lobbying is controversial. Critics argue that lobbying gives wealthy interests disproportionate influence over policy and that lobbyists often draft legislation that primarily benefits their clients. Defenders argue that lobbying provides lawmakers with important information from affected interests and is a legitimate exercise of First Amendment rights. Various reforms have been proposed and adopted over the years, including bans on gifts from lobbyists, restrictions on former lawmakers becoming lobbyists, and disclosure requirements. The relationship between lobbying and campaign contributions has been a particular concern, leading to various campaign finance reforms.