Date: January 23, 2019
Contact: mediacenter@freeandfairmarketsinitiative.org

Amazon Lobbying Records Show The Company Is Increasing Influence-Peddling As It Pursues JEDI Contract

Shot: Amazon ramped up its federal lobbying efforts to a new record of more than $14 million in 2018…

“Amazon.com Inc. reported spending $3.7 million in the fourth quarter, bringing its total to $14.2 million for the year, more than the record $12.8 million the company spent in 2017.” (Bloomberg, “Google, Facebook Set 2018 Lobbying Records as Tech Scrutiny Intensifies,” Ben Brody, 1.23.19)

Chaser: …while the company is also in hot pursuit of a $10 billion Pentagon contract that is set to be awarded later this year.

“The company is seen as the front-runner for a $10 billion contract to provide cloud computing services to the Defense Department in a bidding process that has turned unusually nasty, with allegations of corrupt procurement practices directed at Pentagon officials and company managers.” (Bloomberg, “Google, Facebook Set 2018 Lobbying Records as Tech Scrutiny Intensifies,” Ben Brody, 1.23.19)

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The Free & Fair Markets Initiative (FFMI) is a non-profit coalition of businesses, consumer advocacy groups, workers and community activists committed to scrutinizing and highlighting emerging market trends that are stifling competition and innovation, influencing federal and local government spending, putting consumer data in harm’s way and limiting consumer choice. For a list of members, please visit https://freeandfairmarketsinitiative.org/about-us/members/. For more information on the Free & Fair Markets Initiative, please visit https://freeandfairmarketsinitiative.org