Why It Matters

Anthropic faces a fundamental challenge: the U.S. is racing to dominate AI against China, but that requires massive energy and computational infrastructure facing environmental and permitting bottlenecks. The company must navigate export controls designed to prevent technology leakage while advocating for research funding and safety standards within an administration ideologically opposed to heavy regulation.

The stakes are high: data center electricity demand could spike 133% by 2030, states are considering restrictive regulations, and China’s DeepSeek advance has intensified national security concerns. Anthropic’s lobbying strategy reflects a balancing act—positioning itself as a responsible AI developer that can help craft smart regulation rather than heavy-handed mandates, while securing infrastructure access and export flexibility. The company’s emphasis on NIST funding and streamlined data center permitting suggests it’s betting that aligning with national competitiveness and safety priorities will be more effective than merely seeking deregulation.

By the Numbers

Anthropic PBC spent $1,010,000 on in-house lobbying in Q3 2025, marking significant investment in direct government relations. The company has filed 36 total disclosures since entering federal lobbying in 2023, with cumulative spending of $4.94 million—demonstrating rapid escalation as AI policy takes center stage.

This complements ongoing work by external firms Aquia Group LLC ($620,000 total since March 2023), Tower 19 LLC ($220,000), and recently retained Continental Strategy LLC ($180,000 since May 2025).

The Q3 2025 filing features four in-house lobbyists with complementary expertise. Mary Elizabeth Croghan brings 3.5 years of House experience, including senior roles on the House Judiciary Committee and House Homeland Security Committee. Rachel Elizabeth Appleton worked 3.5 years as Legislative Counsel to Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA-6) and Senate Judiciary Committee Counsel. Jared K. Powell brings 11 years as Chief of Staff to Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA-5) and House Energy and Commerce Committee experience.

The Agenda

Anthropic PBC lobbied on broad artificial intelligence policy issues during Q3 2025, spending $1.01 million on in-house efforts.

Key areas include:

Broader Context

Congress is moving aggressively on AI policy as U.S.-China competition intensifies. China’s DeepSeek advance in early 2025 heightened focus on export controls and American technological superiority. Data centers are projected to consume 426 terawatt-hours annually by 2030—roughly quadruple current levels—creating pressure for streamlined permitting.

The Trump administration pursues dual tracks: restricting advanced AI exports to China while promoting American AI exports to allies through Executive Order 14320. E.O. 14318 accelerates federal data center permitting to address infrastructure bottlenecks.

Between The Lines

Congressional hearings are directly informing Anthropic’s priorities. The House Select Committee hearing "Algorithms and Authoritarians" and House Science Committee’s "DeepSeek" hearing focused on China’s AI advances, informing export control debates central to Anthropic’s advocacy.

Bipartisan bills advancing align with Anthropic’s interests: The CREATE AI Act of 2025 establishes the National AI Research Resource—a consistent Anthropic priority. The Advanced AI Security Readiness Act directs NSA to develop AI technology safeguards, relevant to Anthropic’s export control focus. The Artificial Intelligence Risk Evaluation Act of 2025 creates AI safety standards aligning with Anthropic’s core mission.

The Bottom Line

Anthropic PBC spent $1.01 million on in-house lobbying during Q3 2025, reflecting significant investment in shaping federal AI policy. The company’s advocacy focused on export controls, data center permitting, research funding, and AI safety governance—issues central to current congressional debates over AI competitiveness and infrastructure. Anthropic’s four-person in-house team brings substantial Hill experience from key committees, positioning the company to engage effectively on AI regulation and infrastructure demands while maintaining its reputation as a moderate voice among competing tech interests.