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This week at OpenSecrets we discussed the alleged illegal funding by a shell company to Republican committees, looked at lobbying by the automotive industry, and analyzed the Biden administration’s investment in Arizona based manufacturing. We hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter. Our work is only possible through the generosity of our donors, and we are grateful for your support.
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Hilary Braseth Executive Director |
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Shell company steering $2.6 million to Republican PACs raises concerns of illicit funding scheme |
A complaint with the Federal Election Commission alleges that a corporation with ties to the former chief financial officer of the Republican State Leadership Committee illegally steered nearly $2.6 million to half a dozen political committees. |
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Lobbying by automotive companies increases as electric vehicle sales soar |
As electric vehicle sales reached an all-time high last year, the automotive industry’s spending on federal lobbying hit a record of nearly $85.8 million after a steady increase since 2020. In the first quarter of 2024, the industry’s federal lobbying spending topped $23.1 million. |
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Biden administration invests in Arizona’s semiconductor industry ahead of the 2024 election |
As the standoff between Chinese and U.S. trade continues, President Joe Biden’s administration is seizing the opportunity to invest in a key battleground state ahead of the 2024 election by granting direct funding and loans to advance the production of semiconductor chips in Arizona. |
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Chart of the Week
Dive deeper into the data behind the headlines |
What to Know: The automotive industry's first-quarter federal lobbying spending in 2024 mirrors its spending in the same period of 2023, indicating continued record levels of investment in influencing policy. The lobbying activity coincides with significant legislative changes, including the passage of President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, which allocates $369 billion towards energy security and climate change programs, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% before 2030. By the Numbers: In the first quarter of 2024, the industry’s federal lobbying spending topped $23.1 million. General Motors, a prominent player in the automotive industry, led lobbying expenditures in 2023 with $14.17 million directed towards influencing federal policy. Approximately 70% of General Motors' lobbying disclosures relate to electric vehicles, reflecting the industry's pivot towards electric vehicle production. Dig Deeper: Click below to explore the motivations behind the automotive industry's sustained lobbying efforts and their impact on policy decisions related to electric vehicle production and emissions regulations. |
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See our media citations from outlets around the nation this week: Charges Against Cuellar Lay Bare Azerbaijan’s Influence Attempts (The New York Times) Beyond the payments Mr. Menendez and Mr. Cuellar are accused of receiving, Azerbaijan, Egypt and Qatar have been heavy spenders on traditional Washington lobbying to maintain the flow of United States aid and to win support in disputes with neighbors. From 2015 to the end of last year, Egypt spent $14.3 million on lobbying and Qatar spent nearly $85.9 million, according to analyses by the nonpartisan website OpenSecrets. Rich people are spending more than ever to run for Congress. A big test is coming in Maryland (NBC News) Leaning on personal wealth early in the process can be an important accelerant for a campaign, giving it the ability to ramp up things like staff, messaging and advertising quickly without having to wait to build out a fundraising infrastructure. That’s one reason why self-funding is particularly attractive for nonincumbent candidates: A recent OpenSecrets analysis found that 88% of self-funding in 2023 went to candidates running in open seats or challengers, instead of incumbents. Who is Timothy Mellon, the ultra-wealthy donor bankrolling both RFK Jr. and Donald Trump? (USA Today) Brendan Glavin, deputy research director for the money in politics organization OpenSecrets, said it’s one thing for a donor to back one candidate during a primary election and switch to supporting another during the general, but that a donor simultaneously backing two is unusual. |
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