PhRMA Appoints New Top Lobbyist

Steve Tilton, the lead lobbyist for Takeda, has been named the new top lobbyist for the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA). This is a significant hire for PhRMA, which is currently working to regain its standing after the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, a major legislative setback for the industry.

Tilton is no stranger to PhRMA, as he has worked in their lobby shop twice before. He is replacing Anne Esposito, who stepped down as the head of PhRMA’s federal advocacy in August. Tilton has a long history of advocating for the pharmaceutical industry, having worked for various lobbying and consulting firms, including Crossroads Strategies and Ogilvy Government Relations. He also has experience on Capitol Hill, having worked on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Banks Push Back Against Credit Card Bill

Wall Street is taking action to counter a bill in the Senate that aims to reduce the revenue generated by credit card fees. Senator Roger Marshall is threatening to hold up a spending package unless a vote is held on his bill, which seeks to rein in interchange fees paid by merchants to credit card providers.

In addition to Marshall’s bill, several banking trade groups have issued a warning to Senator Josh Hawley, who is pushing for a vote on a different credit card bill. Hawley’s bill proposes capping the annual percentage rate for credit cards at 18 percent and prohibiting card providers from imposing fees to bypass the cap. The trade groups argue that capping interest rates would result in government price controls and limit consumers’ access to credit cards.

CLEAR Rehires Lobbying Firm

Forbes Tate is once again lobbying for CLEAR, the travel security company that recently faced scrutiny due to breaches at TSA checkpoints. The firm had previously lobbied for CLEAR in 2019 and earned $640,000 in fees. However, they parted ways at the end of last year. Following the security breaches, Forbes Tate resumed its lobbying efforts for CLEAR in August.

CLEAR is currently competing with IDEMIA for a larger share of the security fast-tracking market. The recent breaches may complicate CLEAR’s bid for dominance in this industry.

Prism Group Strengthens Tax Lobbying Team

Prism Group is bolstering its tax lobbying team as K Street prepares to advocate for the preservation of key tax breaks. Alex Ford, previously the founder of Halcyon Strategy, is joining Prism as a vice president. He will focus on preserving provisions from the 2017 GOP tax bill that are gradually winding down.

Senator Manchin’s Ties to Fossil Gas Company

Senator Joe Manchin has come under scrutiny for his connection to a fossil gas company. His former chief of staff and longtime associate were hired by CNX Resources to lobby on energy issues related to the Inflation Reduction Act. Manchin later inserted language into a bill that opposes the Biden administration’s consideration of greenhouse gas emissions in its forthcoming guidance for hydrogen fuel tax credits.

DEA’s Second-in-Command Returns to Consulting Firm

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s former second-in-command has returned to the consulting firm where he previously advised Purdue Pharma. This move has raised concerns about the revolving door between government agencies and the private sector.

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A message from the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network: Black men in the U.S. have among the highest documented rates of prostate cancer in the world, and their cancer deaths due to the disease are one of the greatest disparities in oncology. Support H.R. 1826 and S. 2821 to increase access to prostate cancer screening for all men at high-risk for the disease, fighting health care inequities and making time for men to enjoy moments that matter. Fight Cancer. Make Time.

Read More of this Story at www.politico.com – 2023-09-21 22:19:00

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