Latest news with #KatherineLong
Politico
22-07-2025
- Business
- Politico
Ballard dethrones Brownstein
With Katherine Long, Daniel Lippman Here are your Lobbying Disclosure Act revenue rankings for the second quarter of 2025: TOP FIRMS OTHER NOTABLE FIRMS — K&L Gates: $5.5 million (versus $4.7 million in Q1 2025 and $4.4 million in Q2 2024) — Van Scoyoc Associates: $5.3 million (versus $4.5 million in Q1 2025 and $5.2 million in Q2 2024) — Alpine Group: $5.1 million (versus $4.9 million in Q1 2025 and $4.8 million in Q2 2024) — Checkmate Government Relations: $4.5 million (versus $910,000* in Q1 2025 and $0 in Q2 2024) — Mindset Advocacy: $4.5 million (versus $3.8 million in Q1 2025 and $3.5 million in Q2 2024) — Vogel Group: $4.2 million (versus $3.3 million in Q1 2025 and $2.9 million in Q2 2024) — Hogan Lovells: $4 million (versus $3.3 million in Q1 2025 and $3.1 million in Q2 2024) — Monument Advocacy: $3.7 million (versus $3.7 million in Q1 2025 and $3.6 million in Q2 2024) *Estimated based on Senate disclosure filings. All other figures have been verified with the firms. TOP SPENDERS BIGGEST CONTRACTS: Happy Tuesday and welcome to PI. What are you watching for in tonight's LDA filing deadline? Add me on Signal at caitlinoprysko.17, email me at coprysko@ and be sure to follow me on X: @caitlinoprysko. WHAT THE NUMBERS MEAN: Six months into President Donald Trump's second term was all it took for a handful of newer firms with ties to the president or his administration to overtake many of the more established firms on K Street. Ballard Partners vaulted all the way to the top of the revenue rankings in the second quarter with an astonishing haul of $20.6 million — up from $14 million in Q1 and more than four times what the firm brought in during the same period a year ago. — Miller Strategies and Mercury Public Affairs, meanwhile, jumped into the top 10 earners on K Street last quarter, while Continental Strategy debuted at No. 15 in the rankings in Q2. — More broadly, the second Trump administration has ushered in a gold rush across K Street, as haggling over the GOP megabill, tariff and trade whiplash and more drove record-breaking business to firms around town. — 'There's certainly a hunger for information, and then analysis to help predict and plan for the future,' Will Moschella, who co-leads the Brownstein's lobbying practice, told PI. Though the firm lost the top spot in the rankings to Ballard, Brownstein's $18.5 million in lobbying revenues last quarter broke the firm's previous quarterly record set in Q2 of 2024. — BGR Group, meanwhile, leapfrogged Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld en route to the firm's own quarterly record of $17.7 million in Q2. 'We're sort of looking through all the numbers and trying to make some observations about it and the wild thing is … there's no one single issue that drove our growth,' Loren Monroe, the co-head of BGR's lobbying practice, told PI. 'It's across the board with multiple issues at the same time.' FARA FRIDAY, ON TUESDAY: Testimony from David Weiss, the former U.S. attorney tasked with investigating and prosecuting Hunter Biden, revealed prosecutors lacked the evidence needed to bring charges against the former first son under FARA, the New York Post's Josh Christenson writes. — Weiss admitted to House Judiciary Committee members June 6 that he 'personally' considered bringing charges that Biden acted as a foreign agent, but was unable to back up the charges, according to a transcript released by House Republicans Monday. — Biden's foreign business deals were uncovered amid House Republicans' efforts to impeach Joe Biden. They found that Hunter Biden would often invoke his father's name to secure deals with clients in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Russia and China. Weiss had previously hinted at FARA violations last August, citing an instance in which Biden attempted to lobby State Department officials amidst a probe of Romanian businessperson Gabriel Popoviciu during his father's vice presidency. ON THE AIRWAVES: MAHA Action, a 501(c)(4) organization, is launching an ad campaign in support of the Trump administration's MAHA agenda. The campaign, which begins Tuesday and runs through Aug. 12, features an ad titled 'A New Day in America' focused on the 'health revolution' enacted by President Donald Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The ad will run on cable outlets and online in the D.C. area and nationwide. — A spokesperson for MAHA Action told PI that while there are no specific markets for nationwide buys, the ad buy is in the high six figures. — The campaign seeks to highlight the growing public support behind Trump and Kennedy's MAHA agenda, specifically citing Kennedy's push to reform the food industry and dietary guidelines. — 'MAHA Action will amplify the voices demanding an end to the corruption that has led to the chronic disease epidemic, to an existential health crisis,' MAHA Action President Tony Lyons said in a news release. ALL IN ON ALL IN: 'The four tech investors and entrepreneurs who debate economics and tech on 'All-In' have amassed outsize influence, first in Silicon Valley and more recently in Washington,' The Wall Street Journal's Katherine Sayre and Isabella Simonetti write of the podcast hosted by David Friedberg, David Sacks, Chamath Palihapitiya and Jason Calacanis. —'Their mix of wonky policy talk and mentions of their affluent lifestyles has gained so much cachet that cabinet secretaries and senators now frequently join. On Wednesday, President Trump is expected to deliver a major address at a summit on 'winning the AI race' that 'All-In' is co-hosting with bipartisan group Hill & Valley Forum.' — 'The foursome are in some ways a media manifestation of the MAGA movement's ties to tech—a place where DOGE cuts, AI and crypto are celebrated. The hosts' proximity to power can draw big-name guests such as Jared Isaacman, whose nomination as NASA administrator Trump had withdrawn, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.' Jobs report — Ian Banks is joining the Foundation for American Innovation to run its new Science Policy Program, focused on reforms to restore the U.S.' scientific enterprise and competitive edge. He previously was at the Conservative Coalition for Climate Solutions. — Christian Morgan will be head of government relations at BJC HealthCare. He currently is managing principal at HB Strategies and is an Ann Wagner alum. — Ben Friedmann is now vice president of external affairs at the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. He previously was deputy assistant secretary of state for global public affairs in the first Trump administration and is a RGA, NRSC and Google alum. — Freya Charlesworth is joining Frontline Strategies as a digital account director. She most recently was an email marketing specialist at Push Digital Group. New Joint Fundraisers Duckworth Kim Victory Fund (Sens. Tammy Duckworth, Andy Kim) New PACs Clear Voice Minnesota (Super PAC) OHIO FLYER PAC (Super PAC) Ready to Fight PAC (Leadership PAC: James Walkinshaw) New Lobbying REGISTRATIONS Acg Advocacy: Abbvie Acg Advocacy: Danone North America Acg Advocacy: Daric Technologies Alpine Group Partners, LLC.: Vertanical Gmbh American Defense International, Inc.: Almonty Industries American Defense International, Inc.: Autocar LLC American Defense International, Inc.: Bitdeer Technologies Group American Defense International, Inc.: Code Metal, Inc. American Defense International, Inc.: Kfi Engineering, Pc American Defense International, Inc.: Onmed LLC American Defense International, Inc.: Tectraum Inc. American Defense International, Inc.: The Lincoln Electric Company Arentfox Schiff LLP: Amrize North America Inc. Avenue Solutions: Maryland Hospital Association Axadvocacy Government Relations: Br Building Resources Company Axadvocacy Government Relations: Thalrix, LLC Az Dc Consulting, LLC: Sustainable Home Improvement Loans Of Arizona Baker & Hostetler LLP: Blackbird Laboratories Barnes & Thornburg, LLP: Riverview Health Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.: Griffin Capital Company, LLC Bell & Lindsay, Inc. (Formerly White House Consulting Inc.): Gov Biz Advantage, Inc. (For Fortress Wildfire Insurance Group) Best Best & Krieger LLP: City Of Lake Forest Bgr Government Affairs: 160 Driving Academy Bgr Government Affairs: Association For Responsible Healthcare Investment Bgr Government Affairs: Kraft Heinz Company B Hall Strategies, LLC: Tiber Creek Group Obo Siemens Healthineers Black Diamond Strategies LLC: On Demand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Bose Public Affairs Group: American Camp Association Bose Public Affairs Group: Security Industry Association Bracewell LLP: Dt Midstream, Inc. Bracewell LLP: Johnson Health Tech Retail Inc. Bracewell LLP: Targa Resources Corporation Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: Engelstad Foundation Capitol Connections, LLC: National Fireworks Association Capitol Counsel LLC: L'Oreal USa S/D, Inc. Cassidy & Associates, Inc.: Johnstown-Cambria County Airport Authority & Cambrian Hills Development Group Cassidy & Associates, Inc.: Tonopah Solar Energy Cgcn Group, LLC: Manus Bio Inc. Cleancapital Holdings LLC: Cleancapital Holdings LLC Co2Efficient LLC: Ai Supply Chain Alliance (Informal Coalition) Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): 5E Advanced Materials, Inc Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): Allegiant Air, LLC Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): Arq, Inc. Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): Assured Information Security Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): Bush Brothers & Company Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): Celiac Disease Foundation Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): Consortium Management Group Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): General Dynamics Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): Icd Group Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): Martin Baker Aircraft Co., Ltd. Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): Micro-X, Inc. Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): Nextflex Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): Pmb Defense Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): Prichard Water Works & Sewer Board Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): Rails-To-Trails Conservancy Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): Seven States Power Corporation Db3, LLC (Fka The Daschle Group): World Forestry Center Delta Development Group, Inc.: Alleghany College Public Funding - Alic Delta Development Group, Inc.: Rio Hondo College/ Lincoln Concepts Dgsr LLC: Patriot Voices Dla Piper LLP (US): Aerovironment, Inc. Dorsey & Whitney LLP: Campbell Scientific Eis Solutions: Arizona Rock Products Association Eis Solutions: Axon Enterprise, Inc. Eis Solutions: Highland Digital Eis Solutions: University Of Arizona Elevate Government Affairs, LLC: No Surprise Bill, LLC Enact Consulting, LLC: Drug Policy Alliance Foley & Lardner LLP: Cgi Federal Foley & Lardner LLP: Coherus Biosciences Foley & Lardner LLP: Kern County Medical Foley & Lardner LLP: Knowles Corporation Foresight Law + Policy Pllc: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company Fs Vector: Smartcontract Inc. Groundswell Strategy LLC: Corn Refiners Association Groundswell Strategy LLC: Link Snacks, Inc. Groundswell Strategy LLC: National Milk Producers Federation Groundswell Strategy LLC: Regenified Guidepoststrategies, LLC: Lithium Americas Corp. Guidepoststrategies, LLC: Whirlpool Corporation Hbw Resources: Jicarilla Apache Nation Health Equality Campaign Inc.: Health Equality Campaign Inc. Icebreaker Strategies, LLC: Health Supply US Invoke LLC: Adyton Pbc Inc J.A. Green And Company: Gartner, Inc. J.A. Green And Company: Westwin Elements James P. Keese: National Organization Of Rare Disorders, Inc Javelin Advisors LLC: Logical Strategies LLC Jeffrey J. Kimbell & Associates, Inc.: Microtransponder Jim Massie & Partners, LLC: Bergeson & Campbell, P.C. Jim Massie & Partners, LLC: Lower Colorado River Authority J M Burkman & Associates: Aclipse Therapeutics Kelley Drye & Warren LLP: Pet Resin Coalition (Informal Coalition) Kiley & Associates: Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District Kiley & Associates: Resource Conservation District Of Tehama County Lilette Advisors: Apple Inc. Lne Group: Hatfield-Mccoy Regional Recreational Authority Mcallister & Quinn, LLC: Frontier Pharmaceuticals Mcguirewoods Consulting (A Subsidiary Of Mcguirewoods LLP): Prime Healthcare Michael R. Pawlowski: Capitol Counsel, LLC On Behalf Of Share Our Strength Monument Advocacy: Coupang Mo Strategies, Inc.: Burkhan World Investments LLC On Behalf Of Fairchild Gold Corp. Mr. Brian Kelly: Salt River Project Mr. Gregory Cohen: American Automotive Leasing Association Mr. Gregory Cohen: Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association, Inc. Ms. Elizabeth Lavach: Forward Photonics Navigators Global LLC (Formerly Dc Navigators, LLC): Agua Caliente Band Of Cahuilla Indians Navigators Global LLC (Formerly Dc Navigators, LLC): Akwesasne Convenience Store Association Navigators Global LLC (Formerly Dc Navigators, LLC): Celonis, Inc. Navigators Global LLC (Formerly Dc Navigators, LLC): Covington & Burling LLP On Behalf Of The Shortwave Modernization Coalition Navigators Global LLC (Formerly Dc Navigators, LLC): Csi Aviation Inc. Navigators Global LLC (Formerly Dc Navigators, LLC): Niocorp Developments Ltd Navigators Global LLC (Formerly Dc Navigators, LLC): Shi International Corp. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough: Viasat, Inc. New Front Strategies Group, LLC: Absorbits, Inc. Dba Dryout Onmessage Public Strategies: International Legal Finance Association Onmessage Public Strategies: Press Ganey Associates LLC Pirelli Tire LLC: Pirelli Tire LLC Porter Group, LLC: Mark Iv Capital Prime Policy Group: Seneca Nation Of Indians S2R, LLC: Cencore Group Second Curve Strategies LLC: Montana Renewables, LLC Second Curve Strategies LLC: Woodside Energy Sobba Public, LLC: Crossover Markets Group, Inc Squire Patton Boggs: Consumer Healthcare Products Association Standard Chartered Bank: Standard Chartered Bank Tarplin, Downs & Young, LLC: American College Of Physicians Tarplin, Downs & Young, LLC: Local Health Plans Of California Tarplin, Downs & Young, LLC: Mathematica, Inc Tarplin, Downs & Young, LLC: National Association Of Accountable Care Organizations Tarplin, Downs & Young, LLC: Priority On Demand Tarplin, Downs & Young, LLC: Whoop Tenagrity Solutions, LLC: Emit Corporation The Artemis Group, LLC (Oklahoma): Ansys, Inc. The Bishop Consulting Group: Croplife America The Vogel Group: Aircraft Transport Service (Ats) The Vogel Group: Myland Company, Inc. The Vogel Group: Plz Corp The Vogel Group: Tabletrust Brands, LLC Todd Strategy Group: Insulet Corporation Todd Strategy Group: Ncta - The Internet & Television Association Todd Strategy Group: Valisure Todd Strategy Group: Wine & Spirits Wholesalers Of America Venable LLP: Cvp Corporation Victory Coalition Strategies LLC: Fahmy Hudome Intl., Inc. On Behalf Of Human Rights And Democracy Foundation Victory Coalition Strategies LLC: Fahmy Hudome Intl., Inc. On Behalf Of Richard Scrushy Victory Coalition Strategies LLC: Fahmy Hudome Intl., Inc. On Behalf Of The Population Council Victory Coalition Strategies LLC: Fahmy Hudome Intl., Inc. On Behalf Of The W Investor Group (Fka Veratis Limited) Victory Coalition Strategies LLC: Fahmy Hudome Intl., Inc. On Behalf Of Wellspring Capital Group Washington Navigators: Aero-Flite, Inc. New Lobbying Terminations Acg Advocacy: Ambac Assurance Corporation Acg Advocacy: Common Sense Media Acg Advocacy: Team Placement Incorporated Actum I, LLC: Board Of Regents Of The University Of Oklahoma Ajw, Inc.: Air Products And Chemicals, Inc. Ajw, Inc.: International Liquid Terminal Association Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld: Attentive Mobile, Inc. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld: Black Moon Energy Corporation Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld: Center For Sportfishing Policy Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld: Central Romana Corporation, Ltd. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld: Dronedeploy Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld: Fortenova Grupa D.D. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld: Jcb Inc. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld: Lion Elastomers, LLC Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld: Sustana Group Inc. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld: The United States Fund For Unicef Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld: US Chamber Of Commerce Alcalde & Fay: Midwest Refrigerants LLC Alston & Bird LLP: Tivity Health, Inc. American Defense International, Inc.: Homeplate Solutions Group, Inc. American Defense International, Inc.: Limestone University American Defense International, Inc.: Skyfi Arentfox Schiff LLP: American Pharmacy Cooperative, Inc. Arentfox Schiff LLP: Monday Properties Arentfox Schiff LLP: Woodward Pharma Services LLC Assurant, Inc.: Assurant Inc Avenue Solutions: Omeros Corporation Avoq, LLC: Enstructure LLC Avoq, LLC: Epic Games, Inc. Avoq, LLC: Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. Avoq, LLC: Samsung Electronics America, Inc. Axadvocacy Government Relations: Professional Hospital Guaynabo Backstop Strategies, LLC: The Fideo Group, LLC Ballard Partners: Brain Aneurysm Foundation Ballard Partners: Fmg Procurement Services Pty Ltd Ballard Partners: Jacksonville Port Authority (Previously Through Alcalde & Fay) Ballard Partners: Servicenow, Inc. Banner Public Affairs, LLC: Carbon Advocacy Project Banner Public Affairs, LLC: First Bank Of The Lake Banner Public Affairs, LLC: Nerdy Inc. (Formerly Known As Varsity Tutors LLC) Batie & Associates, LLC: Coinbase Global, Inc. Batie & Associates, LLC: Dignitymoves Batie & Associates, LLC: Project On Predatory Student Lending Bgr Government Affairs: Biomerieux, Inc. Bgr Government Affairs: Embassy Of The Republic Of Azerbaijan Black Diamond Strategies LLC: Cintra US Blue Ridge Law & Policy, P.C.: Securitize, Inc. Bose Public Affairs Group: Pennsylvania School Boards Association Boundary Stone Partners: 280 Earth Boundary Stone Partners: Epc Power Boundary Stone Partners: Equatic Tech Boundary Stone Partners: Harbinger Motors Inc. Boundary Stone Partners: Natron Energy Boundary Stone Partners: Terawatt Infrastructure Boundary Stone Partners: The Coalition For Reimagined Mobility, A Project Of Safe Bracewell LLP: Cessation Therapeutics Bracewell LLP: Energy Vault Bracewell LLP: Range Resources Corporation Bracewell LLP: Steel Reef Infrastructure Corp Bracewell LLP: Yuga Labs, Inc. Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP: Dialysis Clinic, Inc. Capitol Alliance Group, Inc: Redwire Space Capitol Alliance Group, Inc: Space Exploration Technologies Corp Capitol Counsel LLC: California Dental Association Capitol Counsel LLC: Food Fix Campaign Action, Inc. Capitol Counsel LLC: Physicians Advocacy Institute C.A.R. Consulting Services: Alliance For America'S Promise, Inc. C.A.R. Consulting Services: Food Fix Campaign Action Inc (F/K/A Food Fix Campaign) C.A.R. Consulting Services: Liberty Partners Group O/B/O Aptqi-Hschein-Pds-Santafe-Sound-Rccs-Afhc-Wellvana Carpi & Clay, Inc: City Of Vista Carpi & Clay, Inc: Women'S Transportation Seminar Cassidy & Associates, Inc.: Fortescue Future Industries Center Road Solutions: Debbie Haine Center Road Solutions: Georgetown University Cgcn Group, LLC: Hazmat Tsdf Inc Cgcn Group, LLC: Investment Company Institute Cj Lake, LLC: Hb Strategies (Formerly Husch Blackwell Strategies) Obo County Of Merced Clark Hill Public Strategies LLC: Employ, Inc. Co2Efficient LLC: Digital Climate Alliance Colton Street Group: Harbinger Strategies, LLC On Behalf Of Cencora, Inc. Colton Street Group: Harbinger Strategies, LLC On Behalf Of Hilton Worldwide Colton Street Group: Harbinger Strategies, LLC On Behalf Of Principal Financial Group Commonwealth Research Associates, LLC: Atlanta Regional Commission Confluence Government Relations: Linde, Inc. Continental Strategy, LLC: Honduras Prospera Inc Continental Strategy, LLC: Ses Corporation Continental Strategy, LLC: The Gb Group S.A. Continental Strategy, LLC: Vorex LLC Corcoran & Associates, Inc. Dba Corcoran Partners: Vaya Space, Inc. Covington & Burling LLP: Bp America, Inc. Crowell & Moring LLP: 21 Air, LLC Crowell & Moring LLP: Cresco Labs Crowell & Moring LLP: Lonza Group Ag Crowell & Moring LLP: Sonova USa, Inc. Debrunner & Associates, Inc.: Jefferson Health - Northeast (Formerly Known As Aria Health) Dga Group Government Relations LLC: Cencora Inc. (Formerly Known As Amerisourcebergen) Dga Group Government Relations LLC: Nlx Railroad Dga Group Government Relations LLC: Prologium Dga Group Government Relations LLC: Supernal Dinino Associates, LLC: Cornerstone Government Affairs Obo Heliogen Holdings, Inc. Dinino Associates, LLC: Cornerstone Government Affairs Obo Yayasan Berbakti Semangat Indonesia Dla Piper LLP (US): Adp LLC Dla Piper LLP (US): Astroscale U.S., Inc. Dla Piper LLP (US): Aura Sub, LLC Dla Piper LLP (US): Bluehalo Corporation Dla Piper LLP (US): Independent Fuel Terminal Operators Association Dla Piper LLP (US): Rtx Corporation And Affiliates Dla Piper LLP (US): University Of St. Augustine For Health Sciences Echelon Government Affairs: Reciprocity Health Elevate Government Affairs, LLC: City Of Moses Lake Elevate Government Affairs, LLC: Cooley, LLP On Behalf Of East Hampton Elevate Government Affairs, LLC: Ssab Enterprises, LLC Elevate Government Affairs, LLC: The Donohoe Companies, Inc. Farragut Partners LLP: Live Nation Entertainment Federal Hall Policy Advisors, LLC: Bipartisan Policy Center Action Federal Hall Policy Advisors, LLC: Mr. Cooper Federal Hall Policy Advisors, LLC: San Diego Housing Commission Federal Hall Policy Advisors, LLC: U.S. Mortgage Insurers Fierce Government Relations: Information Technology Industry Council Fierce Government Relations: Moorehouse School Of Medicine Fierce Government Relations: Oracle Corporation Fierce Government Relations: Traeger Pellet Grills, LLC Fierce Government Relations: Tsmc Arizona Forward Global: Economic Innovation Group Forward Global: Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association Frost Brown Todd LLC: Armr Sciences Frost Brown Todd LLC: Law Enforcement Against Drugs (L.E.A.D.) Frost Brown Todd LLC: Northwest Registered Agent Fs Vector: Audenzia Advisors LLC Fs Vector: Sf Operations, Inc Galileo Consulting Group, Inc.: Sonosite, A Subsidiary Of Fujifilm (Formerly Sonosite, Inc.) Geoffrey P. Gray: Consumer Data Industry Association Gephardt Group Government Affairs: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld (On Behalf Of Nippon Steel Corporation) Golden Group, LLC: Burnbot, Inc. Green Mountain Strategies LLC Dc: Compassus Hb Strategies: Advanced Thermovoltaic Systems Inc. (Formerly Berken Energy LLC) Health And Medicine Counsel: Pf Carrus Careers, LLC Hill East Group, LLC: Northeast Uas Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc. J.A. Green And Company: Adaptive Surface Technologies, Inc. J.A. Green And Company: Biolargo, Inc J.A. Green And Company: Consortium Management Group J.A. Green And Company: Deepsig Inc. J.A. Green And Company: Meta Logic Corporation J.A. Green And Company: Westwin Elements Jenner & Block LLP: County Of San Bernardino Jim Massie & Partners, LLC: Biotechnology Innovation Organization (Bio) John Napier: Burroughs And Chapin Company Inc Jose Fuentes: Empresas Fonalledas, Inc. Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton: Danimer Scientific Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton: Freeman Capital King & Spalding LLP: Amarin Pharma, Inc. King & Spalding LLP: Atara Biotherapeutics, Inc. King & Spalding LLP: Becton, Dickinson And Company King & Spalding LLP: Bone Growth Stimulator Coalition (Informal Coalition) King & Spalding LLP: Solace Health King & Spalding LLP: United Cdpap, Inc. Klein/Johnson Group: Metropolitan New York Coordinating Council On Jewish Poverty K&L Gates, LLP: Equinix, Inc. Liberty Partners Group, LLC: Bayada Hearts For Home Care, Inc. (Fka Bayada Home Health Care) Lne Group: Discovery Therapeutics Caribe Lykos Therapeutics: Lykos Therapeutics Mcallister & Quinn, LLC: Chautauqua Institution Mcallister & Quinn, LLC: Japanese American National Museum Mccaulley&Company: Lorain County Agricultural Society Mcguirewoods Consulting (A Subsidiary Of Mcguirewoods LLP): Henrico County Economic Development Authority, Virginia Mcguirewoods Consulting (A Subsidiary Of Mcguirewoods LLP): Perdue Foods LLC Mcguirewoods Consulting (A Subsidiary Of Mcguirewoods LLP): Village Of Evergreen Park Mclarty Inbound LLC: Maha Energy Md Eastport Strategies LLC: Puerto Rico Statehood Council Mehlman Consulting, Inc.: Intuit, Inc. And Affiliates Meyers And Associates: Aker Arctic Oy Michael Best Strategies LLC: Adobe Michael Best Strategies LLC: Cais Af (Center For Ai Safety Action Fund) Michael Best Strategies LLC: Colosseum Rare Metals, Inc. Miller Strategies, LLC: Andretti Formula Racing LLC Miller Strategies, LLC: Drw Holdings, LLC Monument Advocacy: Bipartisan Policy Center Action Monument Advocacy: Monolith Materials Moran Global Strategies, Inc.: Global Heritage Alliance Moran Global Strategies, Inc.: Ideal Innovations Incorporated Ms. Erin Moffet: The Liaison Group On Behalf Of The National Cannabis Roundtable Navigators Global LLC (Formerly Dc Navigators, LLC): Boston Engineering Corporation Navigators Global LLC (Formerly Dc Navigators, LLC): Klas Government, Inc. Navigators Global LLC (Formerly Dc Navigators, LLC): Seminole Nation Of Oklahoma Navigators Global LLC (Formerly Dc Navigators, LLC): Unleash Prosperity, Inc. Nawar Strategy: Americas Voice Nawar Strategy: Casa, Inc. Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough: Inmarsat D/B/A Inmarsat Aviation Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough: Tidelands Health O'Neill And Associates: Caribbean Connections Equitable Research O'Neill And Associates: Educational Partners International O'Neill And Associates: Sublime Systems Open Society Action Fund: Open Society Action Fund Passage Consulting Group LLC: Computer Access Technologies, LLC Passage Consulting Group LLC: Mcwane, Inc Passage Consulting Group LLC: Olin Corporation Passage Consulting Group LLC: Reliable Robotics Corporation Passage Consulting Group LLC: Spartan Corp. Passage Consulting Group LLC: Tamarack Aerospace Group Perry, White, Ross & Jacobson, LLC: B&O Railroad Museum Perry, White, Ross & Jacobson, LLC: Firstenergy Perry, White, Ross & Jacobson, LLC: Firstenergy Peyser Associates LLC: Hudson Yards Gen-Par, LLC Peyser Associates LLC: Trifiletti Consulting On Behalf Of City Of Inglewood, Ca Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP: Rivulis North America Porterfield, Fettig & Sears, LLC: Workiva, Inc. Portfolio Strategies LLC: Burd Health LLC Primacy Strategy Group: Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. (Fka Allianz Insurance Services, Inc.) Randall Davis Associates LLC: Bp America, Inc. Reyes Kurson Ltd.: Insight Institute Of Neurosurgery & Neuroscience Reyes Kurson Ltd.: Vantage Specialty Chemicals Ricchetti Incorporated: Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals, Inc. Roberti Global (F/K/A Roberti White, LLC): General Motors, LLC Roberti Global (F/K/A Roberti White, LLC): Green Lowe Gsa Roberti Global (F/K/A Roberti White, LLC): Performance Based Building Coalition Roberti Global (F/K/A Roberti White, LLC): Tracfone Wireless, Inc. Roberti Global (F/K/A Roberti White, LLC): United Safety Technology Inc. Rowland Strategy Group LLC: American Property & Casualty Insurance Association Rubin, Turnbull & Associates: Astrawatt Solar Rubin, Turnbull & Associates: Mastec, Inc. Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.: Expoflores Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.: Provefrut Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A.: Syscend, Inc Dba Guardian Bikes Saxa Innovation LLC: Microsurgeonbot Inc. Dba Seward Square Group: Rite Aid Corporation Sexuality Information And Education Council Of The United States (Siecus): Sexuality Information And Education Council Of The United States (Siecus) Sideprize LLC D/B/A Prizepicks: Sideprize LLC D/B/A Prizepicks Smithbucklin Corporation: National Certification Commission For Acupuncture And Oriental Medicine Smith Garson Fka Smith Dawson & Andrews: 6K, Inc. Smith Garson Fka Smith Dawson & Andrews: E-Com 9-1-1 Dispatch Center Spark Therapeutics, Inc.: Spark Therapeutics, Inc. Stanton Park Group: Vertical Health Services Stellar Development Foundation: Stellar Development Foundation Steptoe LLP: Aquestive Therapeutics, Inc. Steptoe LLP: Exxonmobil Steptoe LLP: Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. Steptoe LLP: Xb Fulfillment Sullivan Strategies LLC (Fka Sb Capitol Solutions): Skysafe, Inc Tai Ginsberg & Associates, LLC: City Of Lockport, Il The Artemis Group, LLC (Oklahoma): Choctaw Nation Of Oklahoma The Artemis Group, LLC (Oklahoma): Special Aerospace Services (Sas) The Bishop Consulting Group: Croplife America The Duberstein Group Inc.: Bp America Inc The Vogel Group: Cormint Data Systems The Vogel Group: Magma Power LLC The Vogel Group: Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. Thompson Coburn LLP: Invest America Ventures, Inc. Thompson Consulting Group: Northwest Marine Technologies Tiber Creek Group: Biotechnology Innovation Organization (Bio) Tonio Burgos & Associates, Inc.: Twin Rivers Paper Company Townsend Public Affairs: Beaumont-Cherry Valley Water District Van Ness Feldman, LLP: Little Pine Island Limited Partnership Victory Coalition Strategies LLC: Fahmy Hudome Intl., Inc. On Behalf Of Human Rights And Democracy Foundation Victory Coalition Strategies LLC: Fahmy Hudome Intl., Inc. On Behalf Of The W Investor Group (Fka Veratis Limited) Victory Coalition Strategies LLC: Fahmy Hudome Intl., Inc. On Behalf Of Wellspring Capital Group Washington Navigators: Valparaiso University Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale And Dorr LLP: Kia Corporation (Formerly Known As Kia Motors Corporation)
Politico
18-06-2025
- Business
- Politico
DraftKings bets on politics
With help from Katherine Long and Daniel Lippman PROGRAMMING NOTE: PI will be off Thursday but will be back in your inboxes on Friday, June 20. FIRST IN PI: Sports betting powerhouse DraftKings is jumping into electoral politics with a new corporate PAC. The DraftKings PAC will be led by the platform's senior director of federal affairs, Lauren Pfingstag Vahey, and senior vice president and deputy general counsel, Griffin Finan. — DraftKings is one of the first major sports betting platforms to start a corporate PAC. Fantasy sports company PrizePicks started a PAC in 2023, and prominent casinos like MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment as well as the American Gaming Association — which DraftKings belongs to — also have their own federal PACs. — Sports betting has taken off in the U.S. since it was legalized by a 2018 Supreme Court decision, with nearly $150 billion wagered across 38 states and Washington, D.C., last year, according to the AGA. But that popularity has begun to earn the industry a closer look from regulators concerned about personal finance and addiction. — Earlier this month, Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law legislation that will hit sportsbooks with a new per-transaction tax. The move triggered an outcry from the gaming industry, which contended that the fees would prompt some bettors to take their action from regulated platforms that provide state revenue to unregulated ones. — At the federal level, lawmakers introduced a bill last year aimed at creating new consumer protections. The Senate Judiciary Committee also held a hearing in December diving into legalized sports betting, and two of the committee's members separately called for an antitrust investigation into DraftKings and rival sportsbook FanDuel. — DraftKings' PAC isn't the company's first foray into political spending: It dropped $420,000 on federal lobbying last year, according to disclosure filings. The sportsbook also gave $502,000 in in-kind donations to President Donald Trump's inaugural committee, FEC filings show. Happy Wednesday and welcome to PI. We'll be off tomorrow, and POLITICO's Daniel Barnes will be pinch-hitting for your host when we return to your inboxes Friday. Say hello and send him your lobbying and legal tips: dbarnes@ And be sure to follow him on X: @dnlbrns. You can always reach me on Signal, email me at coprysko@ and follow me on X: @caitlinoprysko. FIRST IN PI II — THE SINCEREST FORM OF FLATTERY: The National Taxpayers Union is launching a new website that will spotlight the stories of small businesses that have been hit by Trump's tariff policies by posing as a copycat of the Drudge Report. — The Tariffs Report will emulate Drudge's bulletin board-style of aggregation to feature stories of 'real pain born by small businesses in a constantly changing environment with tariffs imposed, paused, or postponed regularly,' the conservative anti-tax group announced. —'We hope that the small business stories featured on The Tariffs Report encourage the administration to reject broad-based tariff increases and focus on other policies to achieve its worthy goal of trade that supports American prosperity,' said Bryan Riley, who leads the group's Free Trade Initiative. — NTU isn't alone in imitating the Drudge Report. In April, the White House launched its own take on Drudge's anachronistic format to promote positive news coverage of the president and his administration. ENERGY LEADERS LOBBY ON MEGABILL: Lobbyists and industry leaders are increasing their efforts to salvage some of the energy tax credits included in the Inflation Reduction Act, as the Senate megabill text proposes cuts to certain credits, our Timothy Cama writes for E&E News. — Battery maker Energizer Holdings, chemical manufacturer Johnson Matthey, the Hydrogen Jobs Now Coalition, battery recycler Ecobat and the Clean Energy Buyers Association have all hired new lobbyists in recent months to advocate for credits they support. But the true impacts remain unclear as Republican leaders continue to revise the spending package. TECHNET'S MILESTONE: Silicon Valley trade group TechNet has added three more industry players to its ranks, crossing the 100-member threshold. Persona and Runway join the ranks of major tech players like Apple, Google, Intuit, Meta and Amazon at the nearly three-decade-old association. K STREET'S NEW AI PLAYER: A new startup hoping to corner the market for artificial intelligence in the advocacy world announced a series of investments today from top government affairs and communications firms. — Delve, which was founded by former GOP opposition researcher Jeff Berkowitz, has secured backing from BGR Group and Rokk Solutions along with Silicon Valley investor Moxxie Ventures for the AI tool Berkowitz designed for K Street. — 'When you're trying to pull an industry into the future, it requires resources,' Berkowitz told Bloomberg's Kate Ackley, who writes that Berkowitz 'also acknowledges the limits of technology in [an] industry built on personal connections.' — The AI startup, a spinoff of Berkowitz's research outfit of the same name, 'will use the new funds to hire more engineers as it works to build out its platform that includes numerous news and data sources aimed at helping lobbyists research policy positions and write memos for clients, he said. In a demonstration, Delve's deep research tool drafted a memo on the state of play around the Trump administration's steel and aluminum tariffs.' — Delve's new investments come as the lobbying and public affairs world grapple with how best to integrate AI into the industry in order to maximize its potential and steer clear of the various risks of the rapidly evolving technology. Professional associations for the industry, like the National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics and the Public Affairs Council, have set out to craft guidelines for AI's use in influence efforts. ANNALS OF FUNDRAISING: 'Just months into the tenure of a new party leader, Ken Martin, the Democratic National Committee's financial situation has grown so bleak that top officials have discussed whether they might need to borrow money this year to keep paying the bills,' The New York Times' Shane Goldmacher and Reid J. Epstein report in an eyebrow-raising look at the party's finances. — 'Fund-raising from major donors — some of whom Mr. Martin has still not spoken with — has slowed sharply. At the same time, he has expanded the party's financial commitments to every state, and even to far-flung territories like Guam.' — The malaise burst out in the open earlier this week with the news that a pair of prominent labor leaders — Randi Weingarten and Lee Saunders — were leaving their roles at the committee. 'Fellow Democrats are grumbling that Mr. Martin, who quietly accepted a raise after taking the post, has been badly distracted by internal battles. So far, they say, he has been unable to help unite his party against Republicans, who control the federal government,' according to the Times. ON THE AIRWAVES: Hospital and patient advocacy group Coalition to Strengthen America's Healthcare released a new ad as part of its ongoing seven-figure ad blitz on Medicaid cuts. The spot, titled 'These Halls,' begins in the halls of Congress before cutting to a hospital and arguing that Medicaid cuts would devastate hospital care. — The ad follows the release of the Senate's proposed Medicaid cuts, which went further than the House bill. The Senate version would curtail states' abilities to impose taxes on providers, a move that was strongly opposed by hospital executives as the taxes help increase hospital payments. — Industry leaders and lobbyists are urging GOP lawmakers to reconsider. The ad cites decreased services, hospital closures and longer wait times as some of the impacts of the proposed cuts. SPOTTED last night at happy hour hosted by the Fiber Broadband Association, the Rural Broadband Association, the Telecommunications Industry Association and the Wireless Infrastructure Association at Santa Rosa Taqueria, per a tipster: Marissa Mitrovich of FBA; Colin Andrews, Patrick Lozada and Melissa Newman of TIA; Mike Saperstein and Stephen Keegan of WIA; Makenzie Shellnutt and Mike Romano of NTCA; Harsha Mudaliar of the FCC; Tom Hastings of Sen. Ted Cruz's (R-Texas) office; Al David Saab of Sen. Roger Wicker's (R-Miss.) office; Johanna Shelton of Rep. Frank Pallone's (D-N.J.) office; John Lin of the House Energy and Commerce Committee; Asad Ramzanali of the Vanderbilt Policy Accelerator; Tim Donovan of the Competitive Carriers Association; Bill Wilhelm of Frontier Communications; and Crystal Tully of Wiley Rein. — And at a Mozilla mixer held yesterday on the Glen Echo Group office's rooftop, per a tipster: Linda Griffin, Jenn Taylor Hodges and Brandon Samuel of Mozilla; Halie Craig of Origin Advocacy; Katie Barr and Halley Roth of Glen Echo Group; Chris Lewis of Public Knowledge; Ali Sternburg and Tricia McCleary of CCIA; Colin Crowell of Blue Owl Group; Joseph Coniglio of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation; Khloe Greenwood and Ali Guckes of Franklin Square Group; Keir Lamont, Beth Do and Justine Gluck of the Future of Privacy Forum; Nathalie Maréchal of the Center for Democracy & Technology; Simone Shenny of the Cato Institute; Brian Smith of Roblox; Peter Chandler of Internet Works; Marshall Erwin of Fastly; Christine Bannan of Proton; Tim Lynch of Yahoo; Jessica Jones of Zoom; and David Peluso of KDCR Partners. Jobs report — Varun Jain is joining K&L Gates as an of counsel in its public policy and law practice. He previously was deputy general counsel at the Biden Transportation Department. — Saul Hernandez is now vice president for government affairs at Charter Communications. He previously was a principal at theGROUP and is an NCTA alum. — The International Bottled Water Association is adding Jeremy Pollack as vice president of government relations. He was most recently with the Water Quality Association, where he served as director of government affairs. — Samantha Kemp is now director of government affairs at Target. She previously was deputy director of government affairs at Albertsons Companies. — Kendra Wharton is returning to Wharton Law, where she previously worked as a defense attorney for Trump. She's currently associate deputy attorney general and DOJ's senior ethics official. — Carolyn Davis is now communications director at Better Markets. She previously was director of external communications at Leadership for Educational Equity. — Karen Davis is now vice president of business development and marketing at the American Society for Radiation Oncology. She most recently was chief development and external affairs officer for the National Council on Aging. — Sharmistha Das has rejoined Crowell & Moring as a partner. She most recently was deputy chief of staff and deputy general counsel at DHS. — William Benson is now a staff assistant for the Domestic Policy Council at the White House. He most recently was a communications intern at America First Policy Institute. New Joint Fundraisers Balderson Victory Fund (Rep. Troy Balderson, Your Ohio Republican Team, NRCC) ROYCE WHITE VICTORY FUND (Royce White for Senate, Stop the Left PAC) New PACs Arsenal PAC (Hybrid PAC) North Star PAC (Hybrid PAC) New Lobbying REGISTRATIONS Ballard Partners: Altamed Health Services Corporation Ballard Partners: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: Wgc USa, Inc. Capitol Resources, LLC: Health Resources Cgcn Group, LLC: Solar Landscape Chartwell Strategy Group LLC: Uniformed Firefighters Association Dga Group Government Relations LLC: Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. Ervin Graves Strategy Group, LLC: 3D Glass Solutions, Inc. Ervin Graves Strategy Group, LLC: Dc Police Union First Principles Strategies, LLC: Old North Strategies, LLC On Behalf Of Qualexa Healthcare, LLC Hogan Lovells US LLP: Click Therapeutics, Inc. K&L Gates, LLP: Talus Renewables, Inc. Michael Best Strategies LLC: America's Health Insurance Plans, Inc. Michael Best Strategies LLC: Ford Motor Company Miller Strategies, LLC: Aclara Technologies Inc. Rising Tide Associates: American Combat Boot Alliance Rjl Solutions: Indiana State University Rjl Solutions: Trans-Care Ambulance S2R, LLC: National Association Of Convenience Stores The Artemis Group, LLC (Oklahoma): Viasat, Inc. Tiber Creek Group: Patient Square Capital Vision Americas LLC: Atlas Lithium Corporation New Lobbying Terminations Husch Blackwell Strategies: A. T. Still University
Politico
16-06-2025
- Business
- Politico
Vogel Group plants a flag in Canada
With help from Katherine Long and Daniel Lippman ANOTHER CROSS-BORDER ALLIANCE: As the G7 summit kicked off in Alberta today following a tense few months between the U.S. and Canada, the Vogel Group became the latest firm on K Street to team up with one of its Canadian counterparts. Vogel Group has struck up a strategic partnership with Bolero Strategies, a government relations and PR firm based in Montreal. — The alliance 'provides us greater access and visibility to clients in the Canadian marketplace and vice versa,' Vogel Group CEO Alex Vogel told PI in an email. He said the partnership is a response to increased demand for cross-border insight as a result of the 'the pace of current policy changes/developments' on trade issues and beyond. In addition to Vogel Group's home base of D.C., the firm also has offices in state capitals across the country. — In March, amid President Donald Trump's repeated threats to make Canada the 51st state and his tariff warnings, Ballard Partners partnered with Quebec-based communications and public affairs firm TACT. And just before Trump took office, Capitol Counsel announced its own partnership with the Canadian firm Rubicon Strategy Inc. to provide 'a seamless solution' to cross-border advocacy issues. McKINSEY FORMS A PAC: Consulting giant McKinsey has formed a corporate PAC, allowing the company to engage in direct spending to support candidates for the first time. Marianne Casserly, McKinsey's director of government and securities compliance, and Emily Mellencamp Smith, a former top Democratic fundraiser, who now works in McKinsey's public affairs operation, will steer the PAC, according to an FEC filing. — 'Since McKinsey's founding in Chicago nearly 100 years ago, our work has been rooted in the American values of free enterprise, innovation, and economic growth and mobility,' Neil Grace, a McKinsey spokesperson, told PI. 'Establishing a PAC will help us continue to advance these values as we engage with elected officials on both sides of the aisle.' — McKinsey isn't the only top consulting firm with a federal PAC. Deloitte has run a corporate PAC since the 1980s, and raised $3.6 million from employees during the 2024 cycle. Happy Monday and welcome to PI. How'd your priorities (or your clients') fare in the Senate reconciliation bill? Drop me a line: You can add me on Signal, email me at coprysko@ and be sure to follow me on X: @caitlinoprysko. QUAADMAN TO ICI: U.S. Chamber of Commerce veteran Tom Quaadman is joining the Investment Company Institute to lead government affairs. — Quaadman joins ICI after 17 years at the Chamber, where he served as senior vice president of economic policy and oversaw the Chamber's Center for Capital Markets Competitiveness, which was founded in 2007 to promote financial regulatory policies. — 'I'm thrilled to welcome Tom to ICI to lead our government affairs efforts, bringing to bear his extensive experience in financial services policy,' ICI President and CEO Eric J. Pan said in a statement. 'He will markedly strengthen ICI's advocacy in matters of financial regulation, retirement policy, and tax to promote the use of asset management by individual investors saving for the long-term.' BEING PRO-TRUMP PAYS: New financial disclosures released by the White House Friday reveal that it pays to be in Trump's orbit, Kenneth P. Vogel writes for The New York Times. The mandatory filings — which were not announced upon their release — include financial statements for dozens of officials who received financial backing from Trump-affiliated companies and groups before joining the administration. — 'Top Trump advisers like Dan Scavino, a deputy chief of staff, and Sergio Gor, the director of the presidential personnel office, reported making more than $1 million each from media-related ventures linked to Mr. Trump.' — Pro-Trump think tanks and advocacy groups paid top Trump administration officials including White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and policy adviser Stephen Miller, and a number of officials received payments from Trump's campaign as consultants before being appointed to positions in the administration. VIRGIN ISLANDS LOBBIES ON TAX BILL: 'The tax bill before Congress would partially exempt the U.S. Virgin Islands from a law meant to crack down on tax havens, after a lobbying campaign by the territory's government and a large private credit firm that stands to benefit from the measure,' per Jeff Stein and Clara Ence Morse at The Washington Post. — 'Over the past three years, an affiliate of the credit giant Golub Capital paid a Washington firm more than $500,000 to urge Congress to relax a global minimum tax approved as part of the 2017 GOP tax law, lobbying disclosures show.' — The exemption, which has received scant attention, has received criticism from certain tax policy experts who argue it 'appears designed to benefit a small number of U.S. firms, rather than to promote economic growth or some other public policy goal.' A NEW ETHICAL DEBATE: 'Saturday's military parade in Washington celebrating the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army was sponsored by at least four brands that have strong financial and political ties to President Trump, raising questions about whether the event benefited his allies and supporters,' Minho Kim writes for The New York Times. — 'Palantir, the data analysis and technology firm whose contracts with the federal government are expanding, and Coinbase, a cryptocurrency firm that donated to the president's inauguration, also sponsored the event. Oracle, a database company whose co-founder is a close friend of Mr. Trump's, received a shout-out on Saturday as a sponsor.' — UFC was also mentioned during the event and on the event's website, but a spokesperson for the company told The New York Times that it was not an official corporate sponsor. — 'Federal regulations prohibit the use of public office for the private gain of officeholders or their friends, relatives or nongovernmental affiliates, said Richard W. Painter, who served as the chief ethics lawyer in the White House Counsel's Office under President George W. Bush.' — 'The parade is being used for advertising by these entities with close business ties to the president,' Painter told The New York Times. 'You're in a situation where the U.S. government has been used to endorse a product.' BETTER THAN REVENGE: 'Business lobbyists are working to kill a tax measure embraced by Republican lawmakers that would punish companies based in countries that try to collect new taxes from American firms,' The Times' Alan Rappeport and Colby Smith report. — 'On Monday, Senate Republicans unveiled their domestic policy bill, which included a so-called revenge tax on foreign companies. That tax would punish companies based in countries that either adhere to the terms of a 2021 global minimum tax agreement or that impose digital services taxes on American technology companies,' but the Senate's version of the bill would punt enforcement of the tax until 2027. — The latest version 'also has a lower maximum tax rate, making it somewhat less onerous. However, the fact that the tax remained intact indicates that its inclusion in the final bill that heads to the president's desk for his signature remains likely.' LOCKHEED ADDS TRUMP ALUM: Former Trump spokesperson Jalen Drummond has joined Lockheed Martin as vice president of corporate affairs and international communications. Drummond most recently oversaw public affairs and corporate communications at the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe. Before that, he worked in media relations for Leidos and was an assistant White House press secretary during Trump's first term. — Drummond joined GoFundMe at a tricky time for the crowdfunding site, which had been facing Republican accusations it was censoring conservative viewpoints. By last summer, that anger appeared to have dissipated, with Trump's campaign launching a fundraiser on GoFundMe for the victims of the assassination attempt at his Butler, Pennsylvania, rally. — Lockheed faced the ire of the MAGA crowd earlier this year, when Breitbart highlighted social media posts from Lockheed's then-head of government affairs expressing left-leaning political views like support for allowing transgender people to serve in the military and diverse hiring practices, and references to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol as an insurrection. Shelly Stoneman, an Obama administration alum, resigned shortly after. — The hire comes at a high stakes moment for the defense contractor, with violence breaking out across the Middle East and the top Pentagon officials simultaneously declaring war on the military industrial complex amid a push to cut wasteful spending. Jobs report — Maddie Heyman is joining Monument Advocacy as a vice president of public affairs in Monument's Seattle office. She spent the past decade with Microsoft, most recently as group manager of external relations for Vice Chair and President Brad Smith. — Jennifer Abril will be the next president and CEO of the American Cleaning Institute beginning in August. She currently leads the Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates. — Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck has added Matt Grinney as a policy director, and Michele Blackwell as a shareholder in the state government relations and state attorneys general practices. Grinney most recently served as managing director at the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association and Blackwell most recently served as senior public policy manager for Uber. — Cole Randle has been promoted to chief of staff and head of corporate affairs at Heart Aerospace. He was previously head of strategic engagement. — John Barsa is joining Continental Strategy as a partner. He previously was acting USAID administrator in Trump's first term. — Alex Floyd is joining the new anti-Trump war room Defend America Action as rapid response director. He previously was rapid response director at the DNC, and is an Andy Beshear alum. — Lauren Oppenheimer is joining Brunswick Group as a director. She most recently was chief of staff and senior deputy comptroller for public affairs at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. — Graeme Crews will be senior director of media and public relations at Brady United. He previously was communications director for Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. — Valeria Ojeda-Avitia will be chief communications officer for BOLD PAC. She previously was deputy chief of staff, senior adviser and comms director for Rep. Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.). New Joint Fundraisers None. New PACs Civic Roots Fund (Super PAC) (Super PAC) Helpful Housing, Safe Streets PAC (Super PAC) McKinsey & Company, Inc. United States Political Action Committee (McKinsey PAC) (PAC) Tucson Families Fed Up PAC (Super PAC) WSB LLC PAC (WSB PAC) (PAC) New Lobbying REGISTRATIONS Ballard Partners: Publix Super Markets, Inc. Ballard Partners: Taurus Holdings Inc. Boundary Stone Partners: The Pew Charitable Trusts Branstad Churchill Group, LLC: Bitmain Delaware Holding Company Inc Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: Axa Xl Global Services, Inc. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: Christian Brothers Academy Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: Coinstar Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: Corex Holding B.V. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: Daniels Fund Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: Figure Markets, Inc. Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: Glytec, LLC Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: Independent Sector Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: Junior Achievement USa Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: National Organization To Save Flathead Lake Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, LLP: Timios, Inc. Carmen Group Incorporated: Pediatrix Medical Group Inc Kelley Drye & Warren LLP: Mrcool LLC Maven Advocacy Partners LLC: Sagint Mindset Advocacy, LLC: Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners Inc. Rubin, Turnbull & Associates: USantibiotics New Lobbying Terminations None.
Politico
06-06-2025
- Business
- Politico
The New York Times lobbies up
With Katherine Long, Daniel Lippman FIRST IN PI — NYT HIRES BROWNSTEIN: The New York Times has registered to lobby for the first time in more than a decade. The news giant has retained K Street heavyweight Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck to represent it on a range of issues affecting the industry, from encroachments on press freedoms to the threats posed by artificial intelligence. — The Times' parent company first hired Brownstein last year, but the firm's work didn't trigger lobbying registration requirements until April, according to a spokesperson for the company and a draft disclosure filing shared with PI. More than half a dozen lobbyists are listed as working on the account for Brownstein: Republicans Marc Lampkin, Will Moschella and Greta Joynes and Democrats Al Mottur, Alice Lugo, Rob Robillard and John Menges. — One issue drawing the paper off the lobbying sidelines is the increasing ubiquity of artificial intelligence and the thorny issues it poses for news organizations. The Times, for example, introduced a suite of AI tools for internal use earlier this year. And many news outlets (including the Times, POLITICO and parent company Axel Springer) have partnered with AI companies on licensing deals and consumer-facing products. — But NYT is also one of several publishers facing off in court against ChatGPT creator OpenAI or other AI companies accused of copyright infringement for using outlets' content to train its models without permission or compensation. — In a congressional hearing on the issue last year, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) warned that AI was 'literally eating away at the lifeblood of our democracy' and contributing to an 'existential crisis' among local publishers in particular. The last Congress also mulled legislation that would require online platforms like Google and Meta to negotiate with and pay news publishers in exchange for hosting their content. — At the same time, Times publisher A.G. Sulzberger has been repeatedly sounding the alarm about threats to press freedom both around the world and from leaders in the U.S. — In a speech last month that was republished as an essay in the Times, Sulzberger took note of President Donald Trump's escalating pressure campaign against news outlets already in his second term — from curtailing access to certain mainstream outlets in favor of friendlier partisan ones to suing, seeking to defund or opening federal probes of others and calling for the jailing of reporters. — 'It takes significant time, effort, and resources to produce The New York Times's fact-based original journalism and other content. Because of that, we have for years taken steps to protect and defend our intellectual property rights and uphold its value,' a Times spokesperson told PI in a statement. — 'In line with these efforts, we have engaged a Washington, DC-based government affairs firm to ensure our rights and legal protections are clearly and accurately represented among policymakers and regulators focused on publishing, media, copyright law and press freedoms,' it added. — The Times hasn't lobbied at the federal level since 2014, when the company paid Keightley & Ashner $30,000 for three quarters of work related to a pension issue. TGIF and welcome to PI. This newsletter runs on tips, so let's hear 'em. You can add me on Signal, email me at coprysko@ and be sure to follow me on X: @caitlinoprysko. ALL ABOUT AVA: A coalition of budget airlines this week launched the Association of Value Airlines, a new industry group aimed at boosting low-budget carriers in policy debates often dominated by the trade association representing major carriers, Airlines for America. AVA's founding members include Allegiant, Avelo, Frontier, Spirit and Sun Country. — Chris Brown currently serves as the group's interim executive director. He previously was vice president of legislative and regulatory affairs at larger industry trade association Airlines for America, and lobbied for low-fare airlines at the National Air Carrier Association. — In an interview with PI, Brown said the goal of AVA is to amplify the priorities of budget airlines, as larger organizations encompassing a range of air carriers often lead to competing priorities. Those priorities, Brown said, include a focus on rising costs due to the pilot shortage and the implementation of simulator training programs within the current 1,500-hour training requirement for pilots. — While the budget airlines business model thrived during the pandemic, they're now at an inflection point, Brown said. Brown attributes these airlines' success to ancillary fees, a model that other high-budget airlines have started to mirror. Southwest Airlines, for example, announced in March plans to do away with its free checked bag policy. — 'It's a critical time for our carriers, because of where they are financially and wanting to take advantage of what should be a more favorable regulatory environment with the Trump administration,' Brown said. PAUL WEISS LOSES ANOTHER BIG NAME: Another prominent lawyer has left Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison after the law firm struck a deal with the Trump administration to avoid being punished by an executive order. — Damian Williams, the former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, left the firm after just five months to join Jenner & Block as the co-chair of its litigation department and investigations, compliance and defense practice. — Williams served as one of the nation's top federal prosecutors during the Biden administration, securing several high-profile convictions including those of former crypto kingmaker Sam Bankman-Fried and former Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.). — Williams is the latest in a string of notable departures from Paul Weiss in the aftermath of its deal with the White House. Top Democratic attorney Karen Dunn and former top DOJ official Jeannie Rhee left the firm along with two other partners last month. — But Williams' landing spot is almost more notable: Jenner & Block became one of the first white shoe law firms targeted by Trump to take the president to court over his executive orders — and so far, they've been winning. OFF TARGET: 'A top Democratic organization strongly encouraged state campaigns to do much of their digital ad-buying business with a company that one of its members is set to soon join as CEO — a development that has puzzled and concerned some party insiders,' POLITICO's Holly Otterbein and Daniel report. — 'At a meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas last week, the Association of State Democratic Committees — an umbrella group for state parties — voted to recommend state races use one liberal firm, TargetSmart, for a major portion of digital ad buys, which could be worth millions.' — 'TargetSmart announced on May 7 that Liz Walters, outgoing chair of the Ohio Democratic Party, is taking over as CEO this summer. Walters, who made her departure public in a post on X, said she would leave the state party role by June 30. And until the week before the group's meeting, she was part of the ASDC's leadership team as treasurer.' — Though Walters recused herself from the TargetSmart vote, the incident is prompting fears among the party of even the appearance of a conflict of interest as Democrats struggle to find their footing. BLAST RADIUS: 'The spectacular breakup between Elon Musk and President Donald Trump threatens to leave Tesla with few political friends,' POLITICO's David Ferris reports. 'Musk has spent the past few months alienating the electric automaker's base of climate-minded car buyers by moonlighting as Trump's government-slasher-in-chief. Now, the billionaire's fixation on the GOP megabill has opened a dangerous rift with the president, who threatened Thursday to end all subsidies to Musk's companies.' — Musk's competitors in the space industry, meanwhile, are already moving to take advantage of the split, according to our Sam Skove. The SpaceX founder has long been an avid proponent of next bringing humans to Mars, rather than the moon. — But in some of the first significant pushback against Musk and SpaceX, 'a number of major space companies … are launching an ad campaign going big on the moon, according to two industry officials granted anonymity to discuss the effort.' — 'A separate letter addressed to the Senate Commerce Committee, and obtained by POLITICO, backs investments in the moon, and is signed by a lengthy slate of prominent space companies — but not SpaceX.' RELATED READ: 'What do Musk and Tesla want from the Republican megabill?' by E&E News' Kelsey Brugger. SHE MEANS BUSINESS: Casey Means, Trump's new nominee to be U.S. surgeon general, 'has repeatedly said the nation's medical, health and food systems are corrupted by special interests and people out to make a profit at the expense of Americans' health,' The Associated Press' Michelle R. Smith and Ali Swenson write. — But as Means 'has criticized scientists, medical schools and regulators for taking money from the food and pharmaceutical industries, she has promoted dozens of health and wellness products — including specialty basil seed supplements, a blood testing service and a prepared meal delivery service — in ways that put money in her own pocket.' — 'In her newsletter, on her social media accounts, on her website, in her book and during podcast appearances, the entrepreneur and influencer has at times failed to disclose that she could profit or benefit in other ways from sales of products she recommends. In some cases, she promoted companies in which she was an investor or adviser without consistently disclosing the connection, the AP found.' AI GROUP STAFFS UP: AI advocacy group Americans for Responsible Innovation is adding four new staffers to its policy team, Morning Tech reports. Brandie Nonnecke, previously an associate research professor at the UC Berkeley Goldman School of Public Policy, is now a senior policy director, while Rachel Hovde is joining as director of policy. She previously served as a senior advisor at the Bureau of Industry and Security. — Sarah Kessel, who worked under former Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chair Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.V.), is now ARI's manager of government affairs, and Evan Sarnor has joined as a legislative analyst from Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld. CORRECTION: Thursday's edition of this newsletter gave the incorrect state for former Gov. Jim Gilmore and misidentified the division at Seven Letter that has promoted three staffers. PI regrets the error. Jobs report — Chip Kahn will step down as president and CEO of the Federation of American Hospitals at the end of 2025, after 24 years with the group. — Shelly O'Neill Stoneman has launched StonePoint Strategies, a strategic consulting firm. She previously was senior vice president of government affairs at Lockheed Martin. — Chelsea Blink is now legislative director for Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.). She previously was director of farm animal legislation at the ASPCA. — Gustavo Torres is retiring as executive director of CASA, after more than three decades in the role. — Jerzy Piatkowski is now counsel at Fenwick. He most recently was vice president of contracts and associate general counsel at General Dynamics Mission Systems. — Kevin Orellana will be a legislative assistant for Rep. Vince Fong (R-Calif.), handling his financial services portfolio. He previously was a legislative aide for Rep. Young Kim (R-Calif.). New Joint Fundraisers None. New PACs Earnin PAC Activehours Inc. Fund (Earnin PAC) (PAC) Our Virginia PAC (Super PAC) RIGHT TECH PAC (Hybrid PAC) Taproot Collective Fund (PAC) Vets Against Trump PAC (Super PAC) New Lobbying REGISTRATIONS Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld: Bkv Corporation Arrow Group Consulting, LLC: Pelican Reef Of St. Augustine LLC Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.: Chicanos Por La Causa Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.: City Of St. Pete Beach, Fl Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.: National Iamerican Indian Housing Coalition Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.: Significance, Inc. Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.: Tampa Port Authority Becker & Poliakoff, P.A.: Treatment Alternatives For Safe Communities, Inc. Bgr Government Affairs: Ameresco, Inc. Bgr Government Affairs: Exelon Business Services Company LLC Bgr Government Affairs: Galaxy Digital Holdings Lp Bgr Government Affairs: Millennium Management LLC Bgr Government Affairs: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association Bgr Government Affairs: Phantom Bgr Government Affairs: St Energy Bgr Government Affairs: Welbehealth Boundary Stone Partners: Carbonbuilt Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney Pc: Bright Path Labs Capital City Consulting, LLC.: Miller Strategies, LLC On Behalf Of Merchants For America, Inc. Continental Strategy, LLC: Stubhub Inc. Greenberg Traurig, LLP: Archkey Solutions Hb Strategies: Viamericas Mercury Public Affairs, LLC: Estar Partners Mindset Advocacy, LLC: Mark Foods LLC Red Carr LLC: Team Hallahan (On Behalf Of City Of Cleveland) Riley Executive Government Solutions: Okeefe Industries Squire Patton Boggs: Bitcoin Policy Institute The Jackson Group, LLC: 47G The Jackson Group, LLC: Pelion Venture Partners The Nuclear Company: The Nuclear Company Todd Strategy Group: Glaxosmithkline LLC Williams And Jensen, Pllc: Dupont Law Firm New Lobbying Terminations Bgr Government Affairs: Grail, LLC Bgr Government Affairs: Sandvine Kiley Capitol Solutions, LLC: Deckard Technologies Kiley Capitol Solutions, LLC: Leading Builders Of America Kiley Capitol Solutions, LLC: Lowe Syndrome Association Walker Strategies: Alliance Of Health Care Sharing Ministries
