Bottom Line: Tax bill architect to lobby for private equity giant

Tax

Baker & Hostetler LLP registered to lobby on tax policies — including provisions in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, some of which expire in 2025 — on behalf of the Carlyle Group, one of the world’s largest private equity firms. 

One of the lobbyists on the account is former Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Ill.), who chaired three subcommittees of the House Ways and Means Committee and was a “chief architect” of the 2017 tax cut bill.

Pharmaceutical

The Danish Ozempic maker Novo Nordisk hired E3 Strategic Consulting Group to lobby for research and funding for its products. Novo Nordisk has ramped up its lobbying operation in recent years as its weight loss drug has gained popularity, spending a record $5.2 million on federal lobbying last year, according to OpenSecrets. The company, which has hired six new lobbying firms since the start of 2023, spent nearly $3.5 million on federal lobbying in the first six months of 2024, putting it on track for another year of record spending. 

Technology

​Verizon hired Neale Creek LLC to provide a “general company overview for members and staff,” according to a new disclosure. The lobbyist on the account is Andrew King, former deputy chief of staff to Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

Finance

BlackRock, one of the world’s largest investment firms, hired Empire Consulting Group to lobby broadly on “financial services” issues. Brian ​Greer, a former military legislative assistant to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), will work on the account. 

Environment

The ​Outdoor Industry Association hired ACG Advocacy to lobby on “policy issues impacting the outdoor industry, including but not limited to recreation policy, public lands, conservation, business, and trade.” The lobbyist on the account is Sean ​Byrne, another Schumer alum.