THE BIG NEWS: Defense industry spending on lobbying is at its highest in over a decade, along with increased political contributions in recent campaign cycles. And according to a new report out this morning, all that spending has successfully influenced major policy and spending decisions.

Why it matters: The 9-page report from fiscal watchdog group Taxpayers for Common Sense, which tracks lobbying and campaign spending over the past 25 years, probably won’t convince the defense or lobbying industries to change their behavior, but its message offers ammo for reform-minded defense spending skeptics in both political parties.

Just say no: “The military industry has a financial stake in boosting Pentagon spending, but more spending doesn’t necessarily mean more security,” Taxpayers for Common Sense President Steve Ellis said in a statement. “Looking at the enormous debt facing the nation, taxpayers need lawmakers to say ‘no’ when companies that work in their districts or fund their campaigns want money for projects that just aren’t necessary.”