How Much Does the NRA Spend on Lobbying?
The National Rifle Association (NRA) is one of the most influential and controversial lobbying groups in the United States. With a long history of advocating for gun rights and opposing gun control measures, the NRA has been a major player in shaping U.S. gun policy.
Direct Answer:
According to the Center for Responsive Politics (CRP), a non-partisan organization that tracks lobbying expenditures, the NRA spent a total of $14.6 million on federal lobbying efforts in 2020. This is a significant increase from 2019, when the NRA spent $8.3 million on lobbying.
Breakdown of NRA Lobbying Spending
Here is a breakdown of the NRA’s federal lobbying spending from 2016 to 2020:
| Year | Federal Lobbying Spending |
|---|---|
| 2016 | $3.3 million |
| 2017 | $4.5 million |
| 2018 | $5.1 million |
| 2019 | $8.3 million |
| 2020 | $14.6 million |
As you can see, the NRA’s lobbying spending has increased significantly over the past few years, with a notable spike in 2020.
Key Areas of Focus
The NRA’s lobbying efforts focus on a range of key issues, including:
- Gun rights: The NRA is dedicated to preserving and expanding gun rights in the United States. This includes opposing efforts to enact stricter gun control measures and promoting legislation that would loosen gun laws.
- Gun safety: While the NRA is often criticized for its opposition to gun safety measures, the organization does support some forms of gun safety legislation. For example, the NRA has expressed support for laws that would require background checks for private gun sales and improve school safety.
- Defunding Planned Parenthood: The NRA has been a vocal opponent of Planned Parenthood, a healthcare organization that provides reproductive healthcare services, including abortion. The NRA has lobbied to defund Planned Parenthood and restrict access to abortion.
Top Lobbyists
The NRA has a team of experienced lobbyists who work to advance the organization’s policy goals on Capitol Hill. Some of the top NRA lobbyists include:
- Chris Cox: As the Executive Director of the NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action, Cox is one of the organization’s top lobbyists. He has been instrumental in shaping the NRA’s legislative agenda and has worked closely with lawmakers to advance the organization’s policy goals.
- Pete Brownell: As the former President of the NRA, Brownell was a key figure in the organization’s lobbying efforts. He has a strong background in politics and has worked closely with lawmakers to advance the NRA’s policy goals.
Major Recipients of NRA Lobbying Dollars
The NRA spends its lobbying dollars on a range of lawmakers, including:
- Members of Congress: The NRA spends millions of dollars each year on lawmakers who support its policy goals. According to the CRP, the top recipients of NRA lobbying dollars in 2020 were:
- Senator John Cornyn (R-TX): $143,000
- Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX): $113,000
- Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA): $102,000
- Representative Markwayne Mullin (R-OK): $95,000
- State Governors: The NRA also spends money on state governors who support its policy goals. According to the CRP, the top recipients of NRA lobbying dollars from governors in 2020 were:
- Governor Kristi Noem (R-SD): $55,000
- Governor Mike DeWine (R-OH): $45,000
- Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL): $40,000
- Governor Doug Burgum (R-ND): $35,000
Conclusion
The NRA spends millions of dollars each year on federal lobbying efforts, with a focus on preserving and expanding gun rights, promoting gun safety, and defunding Planned Parenthood. The organization’s top lobbyists work closely with lawmakers to advance the organization’s policy goals, and the NRA spends significant amounts of money on lawmakers who support its policy goals. As the debate around gun control and gun safety continues to rage on in the United States, the NRA’s lobbying efforts will likely play a significant role in shaping the country’s gun policy.
