Liberty University, an evangelical Christian university based in Lynchburg, Virginia, has engaged Two Branch Strategies to lobby on matters concerning veteran affairs and its recently halted flight program.
The university’s flight program was suspended during the summer, prompting Liberty to seek the lobbying firm’s assistance in November.
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Liberty University’s focused lobbying for program restoration
They aim to facilitate discussions with members of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity to consider reinstating the program.
The lobbying effort for Liberty University is led by Ray Kelley, notable for his past roles as a senior adviser and liaison for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and as the majority staff director for the House Veterans Affairs Committee.
Additionally, Liberty University has enlisted Williams and Jensen for lobbying support, focusing on compliance and support for higher education.
Coinbase’s lobbying for digital asset regulation
Susan Hirschmann, who served as chief of staff to the House majority whip from 1997 to 2002, spearheads this initiative.
Coinbase, a prominent cryptocurrency platform, has hired the GROUP DC to advocate for digital asset regulation.
This move is part of Coinbase’s extensive lobbying efforts, which saw the company spend nearly $2.2 million on federal lobbying in the first nine months of 2023, as reported by OpenSecrets.
Joseph Kwabena Nsiah, known for his experience as chief of staff to former Rep. Cedric Richmond and other significant political roles, is a crucial lobbyist on this account.
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SIFMA’s focus on financial regulations and inclusion
The Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) has engaged Franklin Advisors to lobby various financial issues.
These include the Department of Labor fiduciary rule, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, and initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Joseph Vaughan, a former managing director at SIFMA and senior advisor on diversity and inclusion, leads these efforts.
Racing and Cigar associations engage lobbyists for tax, regulatory matters
In the sports industry, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association has appointed Venture Government Strategies to lobby on tax extenders pertinent to the “depreciation of thoroughbred horses.”
Former Rep. Kevin Yoder is involved in this endeavor. Meanwhile, the Cigar Association of America has chosen West Front Strategies to monitor FDA regulations and lobby on issues affecting the cigar industry.
Malloy McDaniel, with his experience as a policy adviser to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, is tasked with this responsibility.
Diverse lobbying efforts showcase politics and industry interplay
The diverse range of lobbying activities by these organizations highlights the intricate intersection of politics, industry regulations, and strategic advocacy efforts.
From education and veterans’ affairs to the evolving landscapes of cryptocurrency and the cigar industry, these lobbying initiatives reflect the dynamic nature of policy influence and regulatory navigation.
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