Why it matters: Defense giant Northrop Grumman significantly ramped up its lobbying efforts in early 2025, spending $3.62 million in Q1 — a dramatic 140% increase over the previous quarter’s $1.51 million expenditure.

This substantial investment signals the company’s intensified focus on influencing critical defense legislation and budget battles, offering a window into their strategic priorities.

By the numbers:

  • $3.62 million spent in Q1 2025
  • 140% increase over Q4 2024
  • 8 registered in-house lobbyists
  • Over 17 years of consistent lobbying activity

Behind the scenes: Rather than hiring external firms, Northrop relies on a stable, experienced in-house lobbying team with deep government connections:

  • Veterans of key congressional committees, including Armed Services, Intelligence, and Appropriations
  • Virginia Koenig Scattergood brings 29 years of experience, including government service and lobbying for companies like General Electric
  • Allison Marie Deters spent a decade on the House Appropriations Committee before joining Northrop’s team in 2019
  • Gabrielle Batkin and Timothy Scott Harris Jr. both served on committees directly overseeing defense authorization

Legislative targets: Northrop’s lobbying efforts centered on several critical areas:

  1. Defense policy and funding: The company prioritized the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 8070; S. 4638) and Defense Appropriations Act (H.R. 8774; S. 4921) — the foundation of Pentagon spending.

  2. Budget negotiations: Northrop lobbied on H.Con.Res.14, the budget resolution establishing the framework for federal spending, and the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act that prevented a government shutdown.

  3. Space policy: The company targeted the NASA Transition Authorization Act, which sets direction for NASA programs. Several other defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin, also lobbied on this legislation.

  4. Tax concerns: Northrop focused on tax issues critical to their bottom line, including R&E expense amortization, bonus depreciation, and corporate tax rates.

The competitive landscape: Northrop’s lobbying reflects the high-stakes battle for influence in Washington’s defense ecosystem:

  • Lockheed Martin and other defense contractors competed for influence on space policy
  • The budget resolution attracted lobbying from sectors across the economy
  • Defense contractors fought for priority in a fiscal environment constrained by the continuing resolution

The bottom line: Northrop Grumman’s substantial increase in lobbying expenditure demonstrates the company’s aggressive approach to securing favorable outcomes in defense policy and funding during a critical legislative period. The strategic deployment of a veteran lobbying team underscores the importance of established connections in navigating Washington’s complex defense appropriations landscape.