My friends,
After I read 'RFK Jr. faces uphill battle in Senate confirmation as lawmakers’ ties to Big Pharma come under scrutiny', I started looking at the monies paid by Big Pharma to congressmen and -women.
This PDF shows the top recipients of contributions from the pharmaceutical and health products industry. These figures encompass contributions from both PACs and individuals associated with the industry. (Essentially, legal bribery - at least in my opinion.)
The pharmaceutical and health products industry has long been a significant contributor to political campaigns and a major player in lobbying efforts within the United States. According to OpenSecrets, the industry encompasses not only drug manufacturers but also dealers of medical products and nutritional and dietary supplements. Over the years, this sector has consistently ranked near the top in terms of federal campaign contributions and lobbying expenditures.
Between 1990 and 2024, the pharmaceutical and health products industry contributed approximately $181 million to members of the U.S. House of Representatives and about $94 million to U.S. Senators. These contributions came from both Political Action Committees (PACs) and individuals associated with the industry.
In the 2024 election cycle alone, the industry contributed over $83 million (separate from lobbying expenses), with 59% going to Democrats and 40% to Republicans. $83 million in one election cycle.
Lobbying Expenditures:
In addition to campaign contributions, the pharmaceutical and health products industry invests heavily in lobbying efforts. In 2024 alone, the industry spent nearly $294 million on lobbying activities, engaging 592 clients and 1,736 lobbyists, of whom approximately 56% were former government employees.
Top Lobbying Entities in 2024:
· Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America: $23,975,000
· Pharmaceutical Care Management Association: $12,550,631
· Amgen Inc.: $9,000,000
· Roche Holdings: $8,678,498
· Merck & Co.: $7,390,000
These substantial investments in lobbying are aimed at influencing legislation and policy decisions that affect the industry.
Social and Political Implications:
The extensive financial involvement of the pharmaceutical industry in politics raises questions about the potential for undue influence over public policy and legislation. Critics argue that such contributions and lobbying efforts can lead to policies that favor industry interests over public health concerns. For instance, the industry's role in the passage of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003, which prevents the government from directly negotiating drug prices, has been a point of contention.
Moreover, the significant spending on lobbying and campaign contributions underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the political process. Organizations like Open the Books and OpenSecrets play a crucial role in providing the public with information about these financial relationships, enabling citizens to make informed decisions and advocate for policies that prioritize public well-being.
The financial influence of industries like pharmaceuticals and food on politicians does not even account for the deeper, often hidden financial ties between big corporations, lobbying groups, and the medical industry. Considerable conflicts of interest, especially when the companies' products are linked to the very health issues being addressed.
For example, Reynolds American (a major tobacco company, now owned by British American Tobacco) and other large corporations have been known to invest in pharmaceutical companies that produce treatments for diseases directly linked to tobacco use—such as COPD medications, cancer treatments, and nicotine replacement therapies. This creates a circular profit loop where the same corporations profiting from harmful products also profit from the drugs that treat their effects.
This kind of financial entanglement extends beyond Big Tobacco, covering industries like processed food manufacturers funding obesity drugs, sugar industry lobbying against anti-diabetes regulations, and even alcohol companies investing in liver disease medications.
Ultimately, the financial web connecting industries, politicians, and medical solutions is far more complex and deep than just campaign contributions—many of these connections operate through investments, corporate lobbying, and strategic influence in regulatory agencies.
Here are two more mostly-unknown financial ties between big corporations, lobbying groups, and the medical industry.
1. PepsiCo and Coca-Cola's Sponsorship of Health Organizations:
Between 2011 and 2015, PepsiCo and Coca-Cola sponsored at least 96 national health organizations, including the American Diabetes Association and the American Heart Association. During this period, both companies also lobbied against 29 public health bills aimed at improving nutrition. This dual approach of funding health organizations while opposing health legislation has been criticized for creating a conflict of interest. (ajmc.com)
2. Anheuser-Busch's Support for Medical Research:
The Anheuser-Busch Foundation established the Anheuser-Busch Endowed Chair in Medical Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine. This endowment supports research in medical oncology, including areas related to liver diseases. While supporting medical research is beneficial, it's noteworthy that Anheuser-Busch is a major producer of alcoholic beverages, and excessive alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for liver disease. This connection has raised questions about the motivations behind such funding and the potential for conflicts of interest. (siteman.wustl.edu)
In conclusion, the pharmaceutical and health products industry's substantial financial contributions to political campaigns and lobbying efforts have far-reaching implications for public policy and governance. This is why citizens must stay informed, demand transparency, and hold leaders accountable. Awareness is the first step toward real change.
These two articles are also informative:
RFK Jr. faces uphill battle in Senate confirmation as lawmakers’ ties to Big Pharma come under scrutiny
As always, do your own research and make up your own mind.
(Disclaimer: I am no expert of any kind. I do my research on the Internet, and you know what that means.)
I know you don't want your brain to explode, and there is a lot more to it, but here is a sample of some OTHER money information:
1. Kamala Harris:
Investments: Vice President Harris and her husband, Douglas Emhoff, have an estimated net worth between $2.9 million and $6.6 million, primarily invested in diversified index funds.
Real Estate: They own a home in Los Angeles valued at approximately $5 million, financed with a low-interest mortgage.
2. Joe Biden:
Book Deals and Speaking Engagements: After his vice presidency, President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden earned over $15 million from book deals and speaking engagements between 2017 and 2019.
Investments: The Bidens have disclosed assets worth between $2.2 million and $8 million, including real estate and investments.
3. Barack Obama:
Book Deals: Former President Obama secured a joint book deal with Michelle Obama reportedly worth $65 million.
Speaking Engagements: He has earned substantial sums from speaking engagements, with fees reported to be around $400,000 per speech.
4. Hillary Clinton:
Speaking Fees: Between 2001 and 2015, Hillary Clinton earned over $21 million from paid speeches.
Book Deals: Her memoir "Hard Choices" garnered a $14 million advance.
5. Mitt Romney:
Private Equity: As a co-founder of Bain Capital, Romney's wealth is primarily derived from his tenure at the firm, with an estimated net worth of over $250 million.
Board Memberships and Investments: Post his tenure at Bain, Romney has held various board positions and maintains a diverse investment portfolio.
Sources:
a) OpenSecrets.org * 1990-2024 is the timeframe provided by OpenSecrets. Not all names received monies in every year 1990-2024.
b) Food Dive
d) truthout.org
e) Reuters
f) Pharma Contributions to Congress 2021-2022
g) Pharma Cash to Congress-KFFhealthnews
h) Lobbying Expenditures and Campaign Contributions
by the Pharmaceutical and Health Product Industry in the United States, 1999-2018
j) Top industries_federal election_Harris_2024
k) Big Pharma Backs Harris 6-to-1 Over Trump in Presidential Campaign Contributions
l) Annual lobbying on food & beverage
n) AstraZeneca 2024 political contributions
Stand for America.
Being informed is just the first step. What happens next depends on us - everyday citizens who care about our country’s future. I encourage you to:
Take time to be informed, stay up to date. We’ve only accomplished Step 1.
Share information with friends and family. We need to bring back civil discourse.
Reach out to your representatives, local, state, and federal, to voice your support or concerns. If you haven’t heard, “All politics is local”, do realize that bad local politicians just move up the ladder. Don’t let them get a foot in the door.
The work of restoring our country and protecting our freedoms has only just begun. Let’s move forward together to continue the momentum to make America, health, and education great again.
If you have questions, let me know. I’m happy to help.
This message reflects my personal perspective on current events. While I strive for accuracy, please verify details through official sources linked above. If sharing, I encourage readers to include this disclaimer to ensure clarity.
United we stand. Divided we fall. We must not let America fall.
VoteTexas.gov, https://www.votetexas.gov/get-involved/index.html
Until next time…
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