Airplane maker and defense contractor Boeing Co. spent more than $4.1 million in the first quarter to lobby the federal government on aerospace and defense issues, according to a recent disclosure report.

The lobbying tab was 69 percent higher than the $2.4 million Boeing spent on lobbying during the first quarter of 2009.

Chicago-based Boeing lobbied Congress on an upcoming Pentagon decision about a new aerial tanker for the Air Force. The Pentagon is expected to get bids by July 9 from Boeing and European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company, parent of Airbus. Different members of Congress have supported the two companies, with work on the winning tanker set to be spread among several Congressional districts.

Boeing gets about half its revenue from defense work.

The company also lobbied on funding for the Federal Aviation Administration and NASA, and homeland security, according to the report filed April 20 with the House clerk’s office.

Boeing also is a major exporter, and it lobbied on foreign relations with countries including Pakistan and Turkey, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and India. It also lobbied on sanctions against Iran, which restrict exports including aircraft and spare parts.

Boeing also lobbied on the health care overhaul, which included the end of a deduction for some prescription drug expenses for retirees beginning in 2013. Boeing took a $150 million charge after the change became law.