Web Search:Business Research:Lobbying: A Quick Look at Google’s Lobbying Efforts in the U.S. Congress 2003-2005
Web Search:Business Research: A Quick Look at Google’s Lobbying Efforts in the U.S. Congress 2003-2005
When a person or company hires a lobbying firm (or registers to lobby on their own behalf), that firm and its lobbyists have to file documentation and disclose their clientele and just who they spoke with.
This information is available from the U.S. Senate’s Office of Public Records. Reports must be filed twice a year.
The records (for any company lobbying Congress (full image)) are available via this database (free). This page has more about what is and is not disclosed, the registation process, and more.
These records can provide glimpses into issues involving the U.S Congress that the company is or was interested in at a given time. Let’s begin with Google. More reviews for other companies are forthcoming.
Google is listed twice in the database, once as Google and the other as Google Inc. The links below go to year-end reports from several lobbying firms.
This page also includes links to registrations, mid-year reports, and amendments.
In 2005, lobbying for “Google Inc.” was done by:
PodestaMattoon (Year-End Report)
We learn that:
+ Google spent approx. $40,000 with this firm.
+ Specific lobbying issues: Internet Access, Privacy, Compensation Issues, and issues relating to China
Other Lobbying Firms
2005, Capital Tax Partners
+ Approx. $20,000 spent with this firm
+ Specific lobbying issues: Tax
2005, Public Policy Partners
+ Approx. $100,000 spent with this firm
+ Specific lobbying issues: Spyware, Privacy, On-Line Pharmacies, Net Neutrality, Data Breech/Security, Copyright, Patent Reform, Trademark Dilution
2004, Public Policy Partners
+ Approx. $100,000 spent with this firm
+ Specific lobbying issues: Spyware, Internet Taxation, Privacy, On-Line Pharmacies, Off-Shoring Data, Net Neutrality, Anti-Counterfeiting, Database Piracy, Copyright, Patent Reform, Global Internet Freedom Act,
2003, Public Policy Partners
+ Approx. $60,000 spent with this firm
+ Specific lobbying issues: Spam, Privacy, Internet Gambling, Intenet Taxation, FTC Reauthorization, Digital Rights Management, Database Protection, Stock Option Expensing, FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) Reauthorization, State Dept. Reauthorization.
In addition to hiring these lobbying firms, Google officially opened a DC office in 2005. It’s discussed in this Google Blog post.
Btw, these reports also include the government departments or agencies that were lobbied on behalf of Google.
Coming Soon: Quick looks at Congressional lobbying by Yahoo, Microsoft, and many others.