News You Can Use: Lots of Lobbying

Who spends the most money on lobbying activities in Washington, DC? Health care is well represented—or is it? Many physicians wonder if their interests are really being addressed in the nation's Capitol. According to the National Journal, the following were the top 10 influence peddlers in 2003:

Entity / 2003 Spending ($ million)

AARP / 20.8

US Chamber Institute for Legal Reform / 18.0

American Medical Association / 17.3

General Electric / 17.2

US Chamber of Commerce / 16.5

Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Research Association / 16.0

Freddie Mac / 15.8

Altria (formerly Philip Morris) / 12.4

American Hospital Association / 12.4

Edison Electric Institute / 12.0