Principal Financial's Federal Lobbying Record
Principal Financial's $2.8M in disclosed federal lobbying puts it in the mid-tier of registered filers. Spending in the seven-figure range is common for established trade groups, mid-size corporations, and advocacy organizations that maintain a steady but not aggressive presence on Capitol Hill.
Across the 5-year window from 2020 to 2024, Principal Financial's annual disclosed lobbying spend has climbed meaningfully — from $478K in 2020 to $594K in 2024, a change of +24%. Step-changes of this size often coincide with major bills moving through Congress, regulatory rulemakings affecting the organization's industry, or a leadership change in the relevant committee.
Principal Financial's disclosed lobbying focuses on a narrow 4-issue footprint. A focused issue list usually means the organization concentrates its federal engagement on a small set of bills or rulemakings directly relevant to its core business.
1 of 2 lobbyists reported by Principal Financial (50%) disclose prior federal government service — a high revolving-door share. The LDA cover sheet flags any "covered position" the lobbyist held in the executive branch, Congress, or a senior staff role within the past two years.
Among the named bench, lobbyists with disclosed prior federal service include Joel N. Kaplan (Former Deputy U.S. Trade Representative). The covered-position field on LDA cover sheets captures executive-branch and senior congressional roles held within the prior two years.
Within the Insurance sector, Principal Financial ranks #17 of 18 tracked organizations by disclosed lobbying spend. The sector leader is Blue Cross Blue Shield Association at $120.0M; the sector average is $15.2M. Principal Financial's $2.8M sits 81% below the sector average.
Principal Financial's LobbySpend Influence Score of 58/100 (grade C) is the most common grade in the index — it covers organizations with established but moderate federal advocacy programs. The score combines disclosed total spend (40%), issue breadth (30%), and revolving-door connections (30%). A C-grade is typical of mid-size corporations and trade associations with steady quarterly filings on a focused issue set.
Every figure above is sourced from Senate lobbying disclosure filings submitted under the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. Per-issue dollar splits and covered-position flags are filer-reported and may be amended after initial submission.
Track Principal Financial's lobbying filings
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Annual Lobbying Spend
Policy Issues
Government Entities Contacted
Recent Filings
| Period | Registrant | Issues | Lobbyists | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Oct-Dec | Capitol Counsel | INSRET | 1 | $165K |
| 2024 Jul-Sep | Arnold & Porter | TAXGOVRET+1 | 2 | $147K |
| 2024 Apr-Jun | Cassidy & Associates | INSGOV | 1 | $123K |
| 2024 Jan-Mar | S-3 Group | RETINSTAX+1 | 1 | $134K |
| 2023 Oct-Dec | Tarplin, Downs & Young | RETGOVINS+1 | 2 | $136K |
| 2023 Jul-Sep | K&L Gates | GOVRET | 1 | $148K |
| 2023 Apr-Jun | Peck Madigan Jones | GOVRETINS+1 | 2 | $134K |
| 2023 Jan-Mar | Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck | RETINSTAX | 1 | $122K |
Principal Financial Lobbying FAQ
Principal Financial has spent $2.8M on federal lobbying across 4 policy areas. This includes spending on registered lobbyists and direct government contacts.
Principal Financial lobbies on 4 policy issues, including Insurance, Retirement, Taxation, Government Issues. These disclosures are filed quarterly with the Senate Office of Public Records.
Principal Financial has an Influence Score of 58/100 (Grade C). This proprietary score is based on total lobby spend (40%), policy issue breadth (30%), and revolving door connections (30%).
Principal Financial employs 2 registered lobbyists, of whom 1 have revolving door connections, meaning they previously held government positions before becoming lobbyists.
Principal Financial has contacted 7 government entities as part of their lobbying activities, including Dept of Justice, U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives.
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Lobbying data is sourced from quarterly Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings with the Senate Office of Public Records. Influence Scores combine total spend (40%), issue breadth (30%), and revolving door connections (30%). Filings may be amended after initial submission.