Democrats press corporations on lobbying spending ahead of tax fight

Democrats want to know how much big companies are paying major lobbies to lean on lawmakers ahead of the tax code expirations that are set for next year.

Top executives at big companies, including Netflix, Ford and Tesla, received letters from Democratic lawmakers, demanding specifics on lobbying budgets and whether company boards approved them.

“How much is AmerisourceBergen spending on lobbying efforts relating to renewing, amending, or maintaining the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act?” the lawmakers wrote to that pharmaceutical company, referring to the Trump tax cuts.

In letters to more than 35 companies, Democrats also asked how much lobbying spending was happening through different professional coalitions and trade associations, many of which have vague and hard-to-identify branding.

“How much money is Darden Restaurants contributing to the upcoming tax fight through other coalitions?” the lawmakers asked the Florida-based multibrand restaurant operator, owner of brands that include Olive Garden, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Eddie V’s.

The letters were signed by more than a dozen senators and representatives, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas) and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.).

The deadline for companies to respond to the letters is Oct. 8, about a month before the general election.

The inquiry from lawmakers makes explicit reference to “tax dodging” and “behind-the-scenes” activities undertaken by different corporations.

“In order to better understand the depth of DISH Network’s tax dodging practices and its behind-the-scenes efforts to whittle down the tax code, we request that you respond to the following questions by no later than October 8, 2024,” a letter addressed to the president and CEO of the satellite company reads.

Significant portions of the tax code, put in place by the 2017 Trump tax cuts, are set to expire next year, and a lot of legislative work is expected to be done on the issue over the course of next year.

However, Republican Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) suggested Wednesday that, depending on the outcome of the Congressional election, there could be an opportunity to do some work on the issue during the lame duck session this autumn.