Bottom Line: Tech lobbyists gear up for antitrust battle

Antitrust

The ​Association for Competitive Technology hired CGCN Group to lobby on congressional antitrust issues, including the American Innovation and Choice Online Act. Big Tech successfully lobbied to block the bipartisan bill, which would prohibit tech companies from self-preferencing their products on their platforms, at the end of the last Congress. Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) reintroduced the legislation in June. One of the lobbyists on the account is Sam Geduldig, former director of coalitions for the House Financial Services Committee.

Food

The ​National Grocers Association hired Patel Partners to lobby on issues related to food safety, supply chains and program appropriations. The trade association represents independent community grocers, including those who partner with food aid programs, like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), which are facing funding cuts as Republicans seek to rein in federal spending. One of the lobbyists on the account is Neal Patel, who spent seven years as a senior staffer on Capitol Hill and worked for the Office of Management and Budget under former President Trump.

Child trafficking

Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld registered to lobby on behalf of the Tim Tebow Foundation, an anti-child-trafficking and anti-abuse nonprofit founded by the former NFL quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner. One of the lobbyists on the account is Casey Higgins, a U.S. House veteran who was assistant to former House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) for policy and trade counsel.

Beer

​Molson Coors USA hired Resolution Public Affairs to lobby on legislation and regulation related to barley, hops and other agricultural products, including the farm bill reauthorization and aluminum industry oversight. Heather McHugh, former legislative director to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), will work on the Coors Light manufacturer’s account.

​Defense

Lockheed Martin hired BGR Government Affairs to lobby on defense policy and acquisition issues. Pete Landrum, former senior defense policy adviser to Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), will work on the account.