Success Stories
Intellectual Property
When vague language in an international agreement inadvertently triggered a crisis in intellectual property (IP) enforcement, U.S. exporters of nearly five billion dollars of IP content goods and thousands of jobs were put at risk. Our firm was retained by a prominent media & entertainment company to quarter-back advocacy and educate key stakeholders regarding the need to consolidate federal efforts to combat copyright infringement. The Prioritizing Resources and Organization for Intellectual Property Act or "Pro-IP Act" passed by unanimous consent in the Senate, strong support in the House and was signed into law on October 13, 2008.
Clean Energy
Following the 2006 midterm elections, the Bush Administration terminated plans for a public-private partnership to build a first-of-its-kind coal-fueled, near-zero carbon capture sequestration plant. Our firm was retained by FutureGen, a non-profit consortium of leading international energy companies invested in the partnership to educate members of Congress about the urgency of consumers' demand for viable, clean sources of energy in light of skyrocketing energy prices. The firm helped the project achieve federal support for the partnership in early 2009, including, in January 2009 legislation committing federal funding for similar projects, and, in June 2009, a "provisional agreement" between the Department of Energy and the FutureGen Alliance. According to the agreement, the Department of Energy will issue a record of decision (ROD) in mid-July which will be followed by several actions through early 2010 to implement the project.
Tax
Following a legal battle, U.S. courts determined that the Export Clause of the Constitution prevented the imposition of an excise tax on an exported commodity and, therefore, taxes collected on the commodity should be able to claim a refund. Our firm was retained by one of the commodity's producers to develop legislative language to create the procedure under which certain qualifying exporters could claim a refund. In September 2008, the language was included in the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008 as part of the Extenders' package.
Coalition Launch
Our firm was retained by a prominent health care trade association to elevate the visibility of the importance of medical innovation at a national level. Our firm identified and recruited members to form a council for this purpose, in addition to developing public forums and providing Mr. Gephardt's participation as a spokesperson and expert.
Health Care
We were retained by a national coalition dedicated to establishing guaranteed access to affordable, high quality health care for all Americans. Our specific contribution to their work included helping the organization expand its membership base to a wide spectrum of stakeholders, ranging from national and international labor unions, businesses, providers, and patient advocates. We also assisted in the development of a consensus proposal for their advocacy work at the federal level.
Transportation
Building contractors and waste haulers are currently subject to a federal excise tax to fund road maintenance. Our firm was retained by two parties who had long petitioned the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for a tax refund in instances where the fuel was used for purposes that did not impose wear-and-tear on roads. In March 2009, our firm helped the client secure a provision in the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act which asked the IRS to review their study and issue a rule to address the issue.
News
As reported by National Journal, Dick Gephardt named to 2011 list of Top Lobbyists
National Journal | December 12, 2011
Breaux and Gephardt. Gerard and Maloney. Berman and Podesta. According to First Street, these were among the most powerful lobbyists in Washington this year.
Gephardt Government Affairs Scott Brenner comments on U.S. Airport Safety Issues
Fox News | October 14, 2011
Firm Managing Partner Tom O'Donnell Named "Top Lobbyist" by The Hill
TheHill.com | October 5, 2011
...Tom O'Donnell, Gephardt Government Affairs Group. O'Donnell and his former Capitol Hill boss, ex-House Democratic Leader Richard Gephardt (Mo.), have done well since joining forces...
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What's the Economic Tipping Point for Bipartisanship?
National Journal | August 5, 2011
Gephardt's former chief of staff Tom O'Donnell talks to National Journal about post-debt ceiling debate prospects for bipartisanship.
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Gephardt Government Affairs Scott Brenner comments on the FAA Crisis
Fox News | July 25, 2011
Video: How Will FAA Crisis Affect You?
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Debt-limit votes can be costly to political careers
USA TODAY | July 17, 2011
Debt-limit votes have been called the "burden of the majority" — an unpleasant chore that needed to be done by whichever party happens to be in power.
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Christina Hamilton, Former Chief of Staff to Appropriations Committee Chairman Dave Obey Joins Gephardt Government Affairs
Gephardt Government Affairs | July 5, 2011
Christina Hamilton, Former Chief of Staff to House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dave Obey, will join the firm. As a Senior Vice President with the firm, Christina will support the firm’s health, energy, transportation, trade and appropriations clients.
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Former Rep. Obey Still Fully Engaged
National Journal | June 7, 2011
Life on the outside after more than 41 years in Congress hasn’t been much different for former House Appropriations Chairman David Obey, D-Wis. — or so it seems.
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Dick Gephardt Joins U.S. Officials in Welcoming German Chancellor Angela Merkel
Gephardt Government Affairs | June 7, 2011
Dick Gephardt participated in Vice President Joe Biden, Dr. Jill Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s welcoming lunch honoring Her Excellency Dr. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.
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Former Appropriations Committee Chairman Dave Obey Joins Gephardt Government Affairs
Gephardt Government Affairs | June 3, 2011
Gephardt Government Affairs President & CEO Dick Gephardt announced that Former House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dave Obey will join the firm.
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Dick Comments on Obama’s Promotion of Panetta, Petraeus
USA TODAY | April 28, 2011
"If there was a tough leadership assignment in the country right now, it would be this job — at the top of everybody's list," says former House majority leader Richard Gephardt, who first recommended Panetta to President Clinton as his budget director. Panetta later became White House chief of staff.
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How We'll Deal With the Debt Ceiling
The Atlantic | April 28, 2011
Dick comments on the "Gephardt rule" as the debt ceiling debate heats up.
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