Why it matters
The automaker’s unprecedented spending surge signals aggressive positioning on EV tax credits, autonomous vehicle regulation, and defense contracts at a critical time for the auto industry.
The big picture
GM typically averages about $2.67 million per quarter on lobbying, making this Q1 blitz particularly notable. The company relies exclusively on its in-house lobbying team rather than outside firms, a practice dating back to at least 2008.
By the numbers
- $8,150,000: GM’s Q1 2025 lobbying spend
- $3,580,000: GM’s Q4 2024 lobbying spend
- 127.65%: Quarter-over-quarter increase
Key issues
The company is pursuing a broad legislative agenda spanning:
- Auto technology: Vehicle fuel economy standards, EV infrastructure, autonomous vehicles, and connected vehicle regulation
- Defense contracts: FY2025 defense authorization focusing on hybrid propulsion, infantry vehicles, and tactical electrification
- Tax and trade: IRA clean vehicle credits, including 30D, 45X, and 45W provisions
Targeted legislation
GM is actively lobbying on several specific bills:
- H.R. 906: Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act
- H.R. 1707: Grown in America Act
- S. 711: Transportation Freedom Act
- H.R. 621/S. 154: Protecting First Responders from Secondary Exposure Act
- SHOP SAFE Act, PREVAIL Act, and Protecting American Advanced Manufacturing Act
The players
GM’s lobbying team includes seasoned Capitol Hill veterans:
- Hollyn Kidd Schuemann, lobbying since 2003, with experience on the House Energy and Commerce Committee
- Elizabeth Drummond Griffin, former House Armed Services Committee staffer
- Joseph L. Guzzo, with experience on Senate Environment & Public Works, Armed Services, and House Ways & Means
The competition
GM isn’t alone in its legislative push. Other automakers working the same issues include Honda, Volkswagen, Nissan, and Mazda. Industry associations like the Alliance for Automotive Innovation are also active on these bills.
Between the lines
GM’s intensive focus on IRA tax provisions suggests the company is prioritizing defense of EV tax credits critical to its electric vehicle strategy. Meanwhile, its investment in defense-related lobbying points to growing interest in military contracts as a business diversification strategy.
What’s next
Watch for movement on the Transportation Freedom Act (S. 711), which would establish enhanced deductions for autoworker wages — currently in the Senate Finance Committee with limited lobbying activity from other automotive players.