The recent lobbying activity highlights key industries—cannabis, transportation, copyright, and trade—gearing up to navigate significant federal policy changes. Here’s an overview of the developments:
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Marijuana
US Cannabis Council has enlisted Mercury Public Affairs, with lobbyist Bryan Lanza, a former Trump transition communications director, to advocate for cannabis industry interests.
The cannabis industry is entering a transformative phase as:
The Biden administration progresses with rescheduling marijuana from Schedule I (high abuse risk, no medical use) to Schedule III (lower abuse potential, recognized medical use).
Rescheduling could lower barriers for research, interstate commerce, and banking access for cannabis businesses.
Under the potential Trump administration, cannabis policy may see bipartisan support:
Trump has expressed support for the Schedule III rescheduling.
Appointees like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (HHS nominee) and Matt Gaetz (Attorney General pick) have voiced strong support for legalization.
Transportation
NLX Railroad hired DGA Group to lobby for Congressional and federal support for a major rail initiative in Minnesota, emphasizing federal grant funding. The lobbyist Brett Scott, a former DOT and House Energy and Commerce Committee official, brings transportation policy expertise.
Uber is advancing its lobbying with TheGroup DC, focusing on:
Future-of-work issues related to the gig economy.
Transportation safety measures.
International tax policies.
The presence of Jorge Aguilar, with ties to Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, underscores Uber’s focus on navigating legislative complexities under both Democratic and Republican-led policies.
Copyright
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has retained Iggy Ventures to push for updates to the Anticounterfeiting Protection Act of 1996. The act targets counterfeit goods and trademark violations—a growing concern with e-commerce proliferation.
Lobbyist Patrick Lane brings experience from 21st Century Fox and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, providing insight into media and intellectual property issues.
Trade
Quince, a clothing company, has hired The Smith-Free Group to address import duties amid growing tariff threats:
Former President Trump proposes 10%-20% tariffs on all imports and 60% tariffs on Chinese goods, aiming to bolster domestic manufacturing but risking supply chain disruptions.
Lobbyist Max Becker, with experience in Republican coalitions, will guide Quince in navigating potential trade policy shifts.
Key Takeaways
Cannabis policy changes could significantly impact the industry, particularly under a rescheduling or legalization push by a bipartisan coalition.
Transportation initiatives, such as NLX Railroad’s rail project and Uber’s gig economy agenda, reflect ongoing federal infrastructure and labor policy priorities.
Copyright enforcement remains crucial as digital commerce expands, with industry advocates pushing for stronger measures.
Trade tensions, especially with China, continue to drive businesses to seek protection against tariff-induced disruptions.
These lobbying efforts underscore the importance of proactive advocacy in navigating the evolving federal regulatory and legislative landscape.
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