Bottom line

WATER. The Environmental Defense Action Fund recently hired Capitol Strategies to work on drought-related matters in the Colorado River Basin, including drought contingency planning and fiscal 2020 appropriations, according to disclosures. Steven Bloch, former aide to ex-Rep. Jim Kolbe (R-Ariz.), will work on the account.

TOBACCO. Tobacco producer company Altria Client Services hired Mercury Public Affairs to work on tobacco regulatory issues. Al Simpson, former chief of staff to then-Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.), will work on the account.

VETERANS. Arizona-based TriWest Healthcare Alliance hired McDermott Will & Emery to work on efforts to implement the VA Mission Act, which establishes a permanent community care program for veterans, among other reforms. Former Rep. Jeff Miller (R-Fla.) will work on the account.

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McDermott Will & Emery was also signed by Texas-based Veterans Evaluation Services to work on efforts to ensure that veterans have access to medical disability evaluation services. Miller will also work on that account along with former Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.).

MINES. Innovative Wireless Technologies Inc. hired Holland & Knight to work on mine safety and mine rescue research and procurement. Jodi Richards, former staff director to then-Rep. Todd Young (R-Ind.), will work on the account, along with others.