Facebook adds two lobbyists amid Russia probe

Facebook is adding to its federal lobbying forces amid scrutiny from Congress about how the company’s platform was used by Russians as part of a disinformation campaign intended to influence U.S. politics.

One of the two new hires, Luke Albee, is a former chief of staff to Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, which has been investigating Russia’s use of social media platforms in the United States.

The other hire is David Wade, who served as chief of staff to former Secretary of State John Kerry.

{mosads}

Facebook has spent $8.44 million on lobbying so far this year as it faces regulatory heat from lawmakers over a variety of issues regarding its size and influence.

A company spokesman declined to comment on the new hires.

According to disclosure documents filed recently, Albee was hired to lobby on “data security, online privacy, and elections integrity,” while Wade will be focusing on the congressional investigation into Russian interference.

Both hires came in late October in the days leading up to Facebook’s testimony before three separate congressional committees.