Data: U.S. Senate; Chart: Axios VisualsMeta was the top lobbying spender in the third quarter of 2025, and AI and semiconductor companies increased their quarterly spend, per federal filings.Why it matters: Big Tech companies are still outspending companies focusing purely on AI and hardware, but the gaps are getting narrower.By the numbers: Meta, Amazon and Google were the biggest tech lobbying spenders again this quarter, at $5.8 million, $4.4 million and $3.6 million, respectively.Apple and M...