WASHINGTON (AP) — The American Benefits Council spent $243,809 in the second quarter to lobby the federal government on retirement, pension, financial reform, and budget issues related to health and retirement entitlement programs, according to a recent disclosure report.

The group, which represents corporations offering employee retirement and health care benefits, spent 3.6 percent more in the second quarter than in the first quarter and 9 percent more than in the second quarter a year ago.

Bills affecting pension benefits, 401(k) plans, IRAs, and health care issues were of primary concern. The federal budget and fiscal responsibility and reform bills as they pertain to benefits were also the subject of lobbying efforts. In addition to Congress, the group lobbied the Department of Labor, the Internal Revenue Service, the Pension Benefits Guaranty Corp., the Government Accountability Office, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.