An article today in the Washington Post reveals that GM spent millions lobbying Congress last quarter while asking for $13 billion in bailout loans.

General Motors and Chrysler continue to spend millions of dollars on lobbying the same government that is loaning them billions of dollars, as they appeal for more money and seek to influence federal rule-making.

In the last three months of 2008, just as slumping auto sales pushed the two Detroit carmakers closer to bankruptcy, GM spent about $3.9 million on lobbying, according to a review of its most recent disclosure forms.

The companies said they lobbied for industry bailout bills in the House and Senate, as well as a sweeping list of legislative and regulatory issues, including vehicle emissions standards, air bag systems, hydrogen fuel safety and climate change. 

Read the full article in the Washington Post.