NRF spends $740,000 on lobbying in Q1

New York City The National Retail Federation retail trade group spent $740,000 in the first quarter lobbying federal officials on a variety of issues, from apparel tariffs to consumer product safety.

That was much more than the $440,000 it spent in 2009's first quarter and the $460,000 it spent in fourth quarter 2009.

Among the highest profile issues the group watched was the Credit CARD act, meant to give credit-card users more information and limit policies that consumer rights groups consider abusive.

The trade group, whose members include J.C. Penney, Best Buy Co. and Macy's, also lobbied the federal government on legislation involving the safety of imported seafood, health care and immigration, according to a report filed April 20 with the House clerk's office.

The bulk of the law -- which focuses on "credit card accountability, responsibility and disclosure" -- took effect in February.

During January through March, the trade group lobbied Congress; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; the office of the U.S. Trade Representative; the Departments of Commerce; Transportation; Homeland Security; Treasury and State; the U.S. International Trade Commission; and other agencies, according to the report.