The U.S. airline industry appears to be on track to set a new record for money spent lobbying elected officials, according to the latest government records.
The airlines paid a record $25 million last year to fight customer rights legislation and support efforts to modernize the air traffic control system through the Air Transport Association and other groups. But recent lobbying report disclosures suggest the airline industry will surpass that number if spending continues at its current pace.
You can find a complete list of airlines — and which lawmakers they gave money to — on this Senate Web site. For details on how the money was spent, check out OpenSecrets.org.
The largest single contributor is Delta Air Lines, which is pushing to have its merger with Northwest Airlines approved. It spent $3.5 million in 2008, according to documents filed with the government. Combined, the two airlines have spent more than $6 million — almost twice as much as the Air Transport Association.
What can you do about it? If you’re reading this, go to the Senate site and OpenSecrets.org and run a search on your favorite airline. See anything interesting? Then post it to your blog, email it to us or write a comment here.
If we want to fix America’s broken airlines, maybe we have to follow the money.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
So will trend-setting American Airlines be the first to add a “lobbying fee” to its tickets?
Hapgood: Sshh! Don’t give them ideas!