Facebook and Amazon Unleash Spending, Vault Atop U.S. Lobbying

Facebook Inc. and Amazon.com Inc. became the largest corporate lobbying spenders in Washington the last two years, outstripping defense contractors and telecommunications providers, according to a new report from a progressive consumer advocacy group.

Facebook increased spending 56% to $19.7 million between 2018 and 2020, while Amazon spent 30% more to reach $18.7 million. Those increases put them far ahead of companies like Comcast Corp., which spent $14.4 million last year, and Lockheed Martin Corp., which invested nearly $13 million, according to the report by Public Citizen. The figures were based on data provided by the Center for Responsive Politics, which tracks lobbying disclosures.