General Dynamics spent $1.94M lobbying in first quarter

WASHINGTON—General Dynamics Corp. spent $1.94 million in the first quarter to lobby the federal government on funding for a range of weapons systems, shipbuilding programs, communications networks and security initiatives, according to a disclosure report filed April 21.

The Falls Church, Va., company lobbied on funding for combat vehicles, amphibious vehicles, auxiliary ships, submarines, ammunition and gun systems, among other programs. Other issues that General Dynamics lobbied on in the first three months of the year included a research and development tax credit and legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration.

The company lobbied a number of government agencies, including Congress, the Defense Department and the Department of Homeland Security.

General Dynamics manufactures Abrams main battle tanks and Stryker armored combat vehicles for the Army and is a large supplier of ammunition to the military. It has also partnered with Force Protection Inc. to produce Mine Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, or MRAPs, which are designed to minimize damage and injuries from improvised explosive devices and roadside bombs.

In addition, the company is a major Navy shipbuilder and is developing an amphibious armored carrier called the Expeditionary Fighting Vehicle for the Marines. General Dynamics also owns the Gulfstream corporate jet business.