If you wonder why health care reform is so complicated and contentious -- one reason may be that, as the Center for Public Integrity put it, 4,525 lobbyists are swarming the Capitol to have their say. Eight lobbyists for each member of Congress. Of course, there are lobbyists on both sides -- advocates of reform as well as enemies. Even organizations like Americans for the Arts and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions got in the act. As did companies from soup (Campbells) to nuts. (Well, Donuts. Dunkin' Donuts). Health lobbying in 2009 cost about $1.2 billion, as best as CPI could break it down. Joe Eaton and M.B.Pell write:
From an industry perspective, it was money well spent. A close look at the health reform bills that passed the House and Senate show lobbyists were apparently effective at blocking provisions like a robust government-run insurance program, and blunting the effect of cost-cutting measures on health care companies.
Even groups that are committed in principal to supporting reform, including hospitals and much of the pharmaceutical industry, are withholding final support. "Most pledged support to health care rreform in principle while working privately through lobbyists to protect their industries," the report says.
CPI has a lot of detail and a searchable database on the web site.
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