Perspective               

Drug Industry Lobbyists Outnumber Lawmakers

With 623 lobbyists, the drug industry easily outnumbered members of Congress and managed to gain ground in 2001 despite pressure to make prescription drugs more affordable, says a report by Public Citizen, a consumer advocacy group.

While overall drug industry spending on lobbying decreased between 2000 and 2001, its lobbying efforts paid off, allowing drug companies to preserve patents and profits. The decrease in spending was mainly because of mergers within the industry and a drop in spending by three companies. However, the 10 most active drug companies spent $49.8 million on lobbying, a 16 percent increase from 2000 and the number of lobbyists they employed jumped 30 percent. In addition, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of American (PhRMA), the drug industry's trade association, spent more on lobbying than any single drug company.

Public Citizen said the drug industry's lobbying strength is a key reason why Congress has yet to enact a comprehensive and affordable prescription drug benefit for older and disabled Americans.

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