Amazon’s in-house lobbying operation spent $4.33 million in the first quarter of 2025, slightly less than Q4 2024 but still representing a massive investment in policy influence across dozens of issues critical to its sprawling business interests.

The tech giant’s lobbying disclosure reveals an aggressive push on issues from artificial intelligence to healthcare to tax policy, with a particular focus on several pieces of legislation moving through Congress.

Where the Money’s Going

Amazon is heavily invested in shaping AI policy, specifically through the CREATE AI Act of 2025 (H.R. 2385), which would establish a National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource providing computing power and tools for researchers and small businesses. As a cloud computing leader through AWS, Amazon stands to potentially contribute resources to this initiative or shape how it interacts with commercial cloud services.

The company is also deeply engaged in healthcare policy battles, supporting multiple telehealth expansion bills including the Telehealth Expansion Act (H.R. 1650 / S. 763) and the CONNECT for Health Act (S. 1261). These bills align with Amazon’s growing healthcare footprint through Amazon Clinic and One Medical by expanding access to virtual care services, particularly for Medicare beneficiaries.

Tax policy remains a major focus, with Amazon pushing for the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act (H.R. 1990), which would restore immediate deductions for research and development expenditures rather than requiring amortization – a change that would benefit Amazon’s substantial R&D investments.

Veteran Lobbyists Lead the Charge

Amazon’s in-house team features seasoned professionals with deep government experience. Among its most experienced lobbyists:

  • Jonathan Sutherland Ferro, who joined in late 2023, brings nearly two decades of experience from the House Judiciary Committee, where he served as Chief Counsel and Deputy Staff Director. His expertise spans technology policy, privacy, and intellectual property issues.

  • Nicole Kaeding, added in Q3 2024, previously lobbied for the National Association of Manufacturers, bringing valuable experience on supply chain, trade policy, and tax issues.

  • Christopher Howell leverages experience from the Senate Intelligence Committee and House Oversight Committee for Amazon’s work on cybersecurity and government procurement.

  • Ashleigh de la Torre, with previous roles at Airports Council International and AUVSI, leads Amazon’s transportation and logistics policy efforts, crucial for its delivery operations.

Who Else Is at the Table

The tech giant doesn’t lobby alone. On AI legislation, Amazon’s competing alongside other tech firms like Hewlett Packard Enterprise, industry groups like the Information Technology Industry Council, and academic institutions including Stanford University and the California Institute of Technology.

For telehealth expansion bills, Amazon joins forces with a broad coalition of healthcare industry groups, professional associations, and advocacy organizations like the American Benefits Council and the Alliance for Connected Care.

On contentious patent reforms proposed in the RESTORE Patent Rights Act (H.R. 1574 / S. 708), which would make it easier to obtain injunctions in patent infringement cases, Amazon navigates a complex landscape alongside companies like Cisco Systems and GSK, balancing its interests as both a patent holder and potential defendant.