Early reports of major defense contractors show higher spending on lobbying Congress and the executive branch during the second quarter.

Defense firms have been working hard to maintain their current level of contracts in the midst of government sequestors, future budget discussions, and long-term development and production projects, such as Lockheed Martin’s F35 multi-role fighter planes.

Lockheed Martin Corporation reported it spent $3,880,000 on lobbying during the second quarter of 2013. This is up from the $3,710,000 reported for the first quarter of 2013.

General Dynamics Corporation reported it spent $3,189,639 on lobbying, up from spending $2,358,168 during the first quarter.

American Chemistry Council
Independent Community Bankers
American Council of Life Insurers

Other groups have reported drops in lobbying. CTIA, the Wireless Association, reported spending $1,890,000 on lobbying, down from the $2,950,000 spent during the first quarter. Eli Lilly & Company reported spending $1,965,000 on lobbying, down from the $2,610,000 spent in the first quarter.