Silicon money
CNET News.com special report chronicles dramatic increase in tech industry lobbying while highlighting big spenders.
Silicon money: How do tech firms buy influence in Washington?
By Declan McCullagh and Anne Broache
Staff Writers, CNET News.com
March 27, 2006 4:00 AM PST
Reversing long-held philosophies, the industry has doubled its spending on lobbying in six years, according to CNET News.com research. This special report chronicles the causes of the strategic change while highlighting the big spenders.
Companies shift strategy, take the offensive
Technology industry lobbying has become increasingly aggressive, raising questions about its tactics.
Chart: Federal lobbying expenditures
Chart: Political contributions
Nonprofits are true powerbrokers
Trade organizations have amassed more than $1 billion in fighting battles for the industry.
Chart: Tax-exempt tech influence
Industry follows familiar road with junkets
When tech companies pick up the tab, Congress members and staff travel first-class.
Chart: Travel paid by companies
Pork barrel technology projects on the rise
Millions of dollars in favored budget "earmarks" range from paint simulators to waterfree urinals.
Chart: Tech-related pork
Authors: Declan McCullagh, Anne Broache
Editors: Mike Yamamoto, Zoë Barton
Design: Ellen Ng, Michelle White
Production: Mike Markovich, Andrew Lottmann
Silicon money: How do tech firms buy influence in Washington?
By Declan McCullagh and Anne Broache
Staff Writers, CNET News.com
March 27, 2006 4:00 AM PST
Reversing long-held philosophies, the industry has doubled its spending on lobbying in six years, according to CNET News.com research. This special report chronicles the causes of the strategic change while highlighting the big spenders.
Companies shift strategy, take the offensive
Technology industry lobbying has become increasingly aggressive, raising questions about its tactics.
Chart: Federal lobbying expenditures
Chart: Political contributions
Nonprofits are true powerbrokers
Trade organizations have amassed more than $1 billion in fighting battles for the industry.
Chart: Tax-exempt tech influence
Industry follows familiar road with junkets
When tech companies pick up the tab, Congress members and staff travel first-class.
Chart: Travel paid by companies
Pork barrel technology projects on the rise
Millions of dollars in favored budget "earmarks" range from paint simulators to waterfree urinals.
Chart: Tech-related pork
Authors: Declan McCullagh, Anne Broache
Editors: Mike Yamamoto, Zoë Barton
Design: Ellen Ng, Michelle White
Production: Mike Markovich, Andrew Lottmann