According to the Congressional Quarterly (CQ), a Senate report shows the health care industry spent $227 million in just the first half of 2007 on lobbying activities—a 17 percent increase over the previous period. In fact, of the top 10 spenders on lobbying in this period, five organizations are in the health care industry, topped by PhRMA, the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. 
 

With a presidential campaign in full swing and a new Democratic majority in Congress pushing health care legislation, it’s clear that insurance and drug companies will fight hard to maintain their control over the nation’s health infrastructure. In particular, these corporations are hoping to influence the battle over children’s health insurance.

According to CQ: 
What’s behind health care lobbyists’ spending frenzy? Most signs point to legislation in the House and Senate to reauthorize the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, popularly known as “SCHIP.” It’s the first time Congress has had to reauthorize the program and it’s one of the biggest pieces of health care legislation in the last decade. 
 

The insurance industry’s clout is obvious: President Bush has promised to veto SCHIP reauthorization, in part, claiming it will undermine private insurance plans. (This claim, unsurprisingly, is misleading.)
 
To make your voice heard in the fight for children’s health, sign our petition in support of full funding for SCHIP.
 
Drug industry lobbyists already have scored major success for their bottom line this year. In April, a bill to allow Medicare to negotiate better prices for prescription drugs was blocked in the Senate, despite winning the support of most senators and passing with a strong majority in the House.
 
The AFL-CIO has embarked on a national campaign in support of secure, affordable health care for all. Resources and information about the national health care crisis are available here.