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
Gephardt leads healthcare industry fight for White House role in innovation
The Hill | June 11, 2010
Healthcare industry leaders are pressing the White House to get more involved with promoting healthcare innovation, saying the U.S. leads the world but faces growing challenges.
Read More
Medical innovation is economic key
Politico | June 9, 2010
As Washington searches for solutions to continue our nation’s economic recovery, it’s time to cultivate new growth strategies.
Read More
Gephardt comments on key primaries
MSNBC | May 18, 2010
Dick Gephardt offers some perspective on Tuesday's primaries on MSNBC's "The Daily Rundown."
Read More
European Air Travel Halted by Volcano Eruption
Fox News | April 16, 2010
Scientists warn that ash may not clear for weeks.
Watch Video
Going Gephardt
CongressDaily AM Edition | April 14, 2010
Kyle Mulhall and Scott Brenner have joined Gephardt Government Affairs.
Read More