Drugmakers, Insurers Spent Big on Lobbying in '09

Big drug companies and insurers spent hefty sums lobbying Congress last year as lawmakers debated President Obama's health reform plan.

The trade group Pharmaceutical Research and Manufactures of America spent more than $6 million in the fourth quarter for a total of $26 million in 2009, a 30 percent increase over 2008, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

Pfizer Inc., the largest drug company, spent about 80 percent more on lobbying last year compared with 2008 for a total of $21.9 million, the watchdog group says.

Biotech company Amgen Inc. spent $12.4 million, or 20 percent more than 2008.

America's Health Insurance Plans, the lobbying group for health insurers, spent $8.9 million on lobbying, a 17 percent increase from a year earlier.

Corporate influence in the legislative process is going to be even more pronounced going forward after the Supreme Court lifted limits on how much money companies can give candidates yesterday.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which opposes the Democrats health reform plan, spent a whopping $144.5 million last year on lobbying, an almost 60 percent increase from the year earlier.