Japanese businesses are increasing their lobbying efforts within the United States. This surge in spending aligns with a broader trend of escalating lobbying expenditures. Early in President Donald Trump's second term, lobbying spending saw an 8% year-on-year increase. Compared to the initial months of his first term, the rise is even more pronounced, with spending nearly 50% higher.
The total amount spent on lobbying during the January-March period reached $1.2 billion. This figure surpasses the spending levels observed in the first quarter of 2024, a year that saw record-breaking annual lobbying expenditures.
Specifically, Japanese companies operating in sectors such as automobiles, electronics, chemicals, steel, and internet and communications collectively spent $7.29 million during the January-March period. This represents a 30% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
5 Comments
Mariposa
Free speech includes the right to lobby. It allows companies to interact with lawmakers.
Donatello
Lobbying is part of doing business. It's how companies promote their views to improve their respective businesses.
Michelangelo
It is not illegal, it is normal. This is how the system works.
Leonardo
They are within their right to. We must defend the freedom of expression of businesses.
Raphael
Record-breaking spending? This just shows how broken the system is. We need stricter regulations.