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Artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed from a niche topic within federal lobbying into a significant area of corporate influence in Washington, particularly within the defense industry. This evolution reflects a growing recognition of AI’s potential, with both established defense contractors and emerging AI-focused startups making it a central part of their lobbying strategies.
For much of the 2000s and early 2010s, the term “artificial intelligence” was scarcely mentioned in federal lobbying disclosures, with only a handful of lobbyists reporting its apply in their mandatory filings. That trend began to shift in the late 2010s, as more organizations started to report AI-related lobbying efforts. By 2023, a notable surge was documented, marking a pivotal turning point in the lobbying landscape.
According to an analysis by OpenSecrets, the number of clients tagged with AI-related lobbying tripled from the previous year, and the number of reports mentioning AI more than doubled. In 2025 alone, lobbyists represented 774 organizations on AI issues and filed over 3,500 reports referencing AI—an increase of 423 percent and 505 percent, respectively, since 2020.
Growing Influence Across Sectors
This explosion of AI lobbying is not confined to the defense sector. Significant increases were also seen in healthcare, where AI-active clients rose by 64 percent, and the finance, insurance, and real estate (FIRE) sectors, which experienced a 96 percent increase. This growth far outpaced the overall 44 percent increase in AI lobbying across all sectors. In 2025, AI-active firms in healthcare and FIRE reported combined lobbying expenditures of approximately $503 million.
While the defense sector has not seen the same rapid growth in AI lobbying, the integration of AI into existing defense appropriations and projects has become a standard practice among major defense contractors. Companies like Lockheed Martin and Honeywell have incorporated AI into their lobbying efforts, aligning it with broader legislative goals and existing projects.
Defense Contractors and AI Integration
Major defense firms have begun incorporating AI into their lobbying strategies, often bundling it with traditional projects such as missile defense and aircraft development. For instance, Lockheed Martin’s lobbying for the Department of Defense Appropriations Act included AI alongside hypersonic missiles and the F-35 program. Similarly, Huntington Ingalls has linked AI to maritime projects, including unmanned surface vehicles, while Boeing has integrated AI policy into its work on unmanned aerial vehicles.
a new wave of AI-native startups has emerged, focusing on areas like autonomous systems and battlefield mapping. These smaller firms, initially spending modest amounts on lobbying, have rapidly escalated their efforts, with some reaching six-figure lobbying budgets. Their focused strategies often emphasize AI directly, positioning themselves as serious contenders in the defense sector.
The Role of Governance and Civil Rights Groups
Notably, civil society organizations and advocacy groups have also increased their lobbying efforts to influence AI-related policies, particularly concerning issues like biometric surveillance and algorithmic discrimination. However, the financial disparity between these groups and large defense contractors is stark. For example, while Lockheed Martin and Microsoft reported lobbying expenditures of $15.7 million and $10.1 million, respectively, organizations such as the Leadership Conference on Civil &. Human Rights and the Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund operate on significantly smaller budgets.
In 2025, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law pushed for the Artificial Intelligence Civil Rights Act, aiming to regulate AI usage. Other organizations, like the NAACP, have lobbied for fair housing and civil rights in the context of AI applications.
Future Implications of AI Lobbying
The transition of AI from a marginal topic in federal lobbying to a central focus underscores its growing importance in shaping legislative and regulatory frameworks. As AI becomes a fixture in government contracting, lobbying records reveal which interests are effectively influencing the future of defense technology and AI governance.
As the landscape of AI lobbying continues to evolve, it will be crucial to monitor how these efforts shape policies and regulations surrounding the technology. The ongoing dialogue between industry players and civil rights groups will likely have significant implications for the ethical and societal impacts of AI.
What are your thoughts on the increasing influence of AI in federal lobbying? Share your views and join the conversation about the future of AI in our society.
