Tech companies spent almost $70 million lobbying Washington in 2021 as Congress sought to rein in their power

Seven large tech companies spent nearly $70 million lobbying the U.S. government in 2021 as policymakers from both parties weighed legislation to curtail their power and influence.

The notable sum exceeds the roughly $65 million they spent in 2020, highlighting the companies’ mounting work to fight the efforts in the Biden administration and Congress to regulate the industry. And it’s roughly three times the amount they spent lobbying Congress a decade ago, underscoring how Silicon Valley has evolved into one of the most influential political forces in Washington.