Lockheed spent $3.2 million lobbying in 4Q

WASHINGTON

Defense contractor Lockheed Martin Corp. spent $3.2 million lobbying the federal government on issues from Pentagon spending on weapons to government information technology work during the 2009 fourth quarter, according to a disclosure report.

Lockheed, the nation's largest defense contractor, spent roughly the same amount it devoted to lobbying in the same quarter of 2008. That was according to Lockheed's lobbying disclosure form filed with the House clerk's office on Jan. 19.

The company lobbied Congress, the Defense Department, the Department of Homeland Security and other agencies on matters related to some the weapons that Lockheed makes. That includes fighter jets, warships, satellites, and Navy helicopters.

Lockheed's lobbying issues included information technology for the 2010 Census, technology work for the Social Security Administration and electronic medical record for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The company focused on legislation related to assistance for nations such as Pakistan and Taiwan, which have bought Lockheed jets and missiles in the past. It also lobbied on a bill that calls for commemorative coins to mark the establishment of the Medal of Honor.