Money & Influence
FOLLOW THE MONEY
The gun lobby doesn't just spend on lobbying — it spends on elections. Here's where the money goes.
These organizations spent millions lobbying Congress in 2023 to block gun safety legislation.
The gun industry's trade association — the NRA of manufacturers. Now outspends the NRA on lobbying. Represents Smith & Wesson, Ruger, Glock, and virtually all major firearms manufacturers.
Hard-right gun rights group that positions itself as more extreme than the NRA ("no compromise"). Founded by former California state senator H.L. Richardson. Rivals the NRA in lobbying expenditure. Opposed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act as "unconstitutional."
The NRA's lobbying arm (NRA-ILA) spent $2.04M on federal lobbying in 2024. Their political spending goes far beyond direct contributions — independent expenditures against gun safety candidates can exceed $10M in election years.
Fringe gun rights group known for aggressive fundraising and maximalist positions. Critics — including NRA members — have accused it of operating primarily as a fundraising vehicle. Relocated from Colorado to Greenville, SC in 2025.
Corporate-funded "bill mill" that drafts model gun legislation adopted by state legislatures. Responsible for drafting and spreading Stand Your Ground laws (now in 30+ states), concealed carry laws, and castle doctrine bills.
All data from FEC (fec.gov), OpenSecrets (opensecrets.org), and NRA-PVF public filings.