Roll Call Quotes Francine Friedman on Boost in Lobbying Activity from Biden Executive Order on Competition

Roll Call has quoted Akin Gump senior policy counsel Francine Friedman in the article “Biden order on competition sparks lobbying spree,” which reports on how a new executive order signed by President Biden that is aimed at thwarting corporate consolidation and promoting competition is having a big impact on Washington lobbying activity.

The executive order, as Roll Call notes, affects a variety of industries, including agriculture, technology, health care and financial services.

According to Friedman, “If you think this executive order won’t impact you, you’re probably not paying attention. Everyone should be looking at how things could be good for them or bad for them.” She added that companies and industries will be on alert for ripple effects. For example, new rules in the agriculture sector could then affect the restaurant industry.

Friedman said lobbyists are looking at potential “touchpoints” including which officials are designated from each agency to work with the newly created White House Competition Council. She also said she plans to work with lawmakers and staff on Capitol Hill, as another way for influencing the process at the agencies. In addition, lobbying groups and companies are expected to band together around common policy goals.    

“I do think you will see either loose coalitions or formal coalitions coalescing around some of the various recommendations,” Friedman added. The executive order, she pointed out, was like pushing the “go” button “and now those agencies are going. But there’s a lot of work to be done.”

Friedman co-authored an Akin Gump client alert analyzing the executive order. Click here to learn more.