Top Industries and Interest Groups Funding Travel, 2005-2008
http://www.opensecr
Representatives of many industries are all interested in establishing good relationships with the politicians who can help them accomplish their goals. Private sponsors will transport lawmakers to highlight new products at a trade show, promote a new piece of research that may need federal funding or simply to make a good impression in case they need a favor later.
The industries listed here are among the 100-plus that CRP identifies in classifying campaign contributions and lobbying efforts. Some are not "industries" per se but rather ideological interests.
| Rank | Industry/Interest Group | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Education | $2,303,358 |
| 2 | Pro-Israel | $1,629,988 |
| 3 | Non-Profit Institutions | $1,412,352 |
| 4 | Foreign & Defense Policy | $740,972 |
| 5 | Human Rights | $601,387 |
| 6 | Business Associations | $448,131 |
| 7 | Other | $355,272 |
| 8 | Air Transport | $218,340 |
| 9 | Republican/Conserva | $202,327 |
| 10 | Misc Issues | $180,223 |
| 11 | Crop Production & Basic Processing | $176,793 |
| 12 | Misc Communications/ | $152,927 |
| 13 | Agricultural Services/Products | $148,929 |
| 14 | Computers/Internet | $126,395 |
| 15 | Clergy & Religious Organizations | $120,042 |
| 16 | TV/Movies/Music | $110,674 |
| 17 | Electric Utilities | $110,227 |
| 18 | Pharmaceuticals/ | $101,5 72 |
| 19 | Misc Finance | $97,070 |
| 20 | Telecom Services & Equipment | $90,921 |
| 21 | Securities & Investment | $83,133 |
| 22 | Employer Listed/Category Unknown | $78,255 |
| 23 | Railroads | $74,346 |
| 24 | Environment | $73,848 |
| 25 | Oil & Gas | $73,223 |