Samuel J. Olswanger
Senior Policy Advisor
Areas of Focus
- Lobbying & Public Policy
- Federal Funding Policy
- Financial Services Policy
- Health Policy & Legislation
- National Security
- Digital Assets, Cryptocurrency & Blockchain
- Fintech
- Telecom, Media & Technology Policy
- Technology
- Immigration Law & Policy
- International Trade Policy
- Political Law & Government Ethics
- Regulatory
- Extensive experience advocating on behalf of clients on a wide range of policy areas, including appropriations, financial services, defense and health care.
- Strong record of achieving significant bipartisan victories securing federal funding for clients across a variety of sectors.
- Active in Republican politics and works with clients on political engagement and how to best utilize their Political Action Committees (PACs).
Sam brings to bear more than a decade of experience working with clients to create and execute effective legislative strategies. As a result of his extensive lobbying, policy and political experience, Sam has developed a broad network of strong relationships with Republicans in both the House and Senate.
Notably, Sam has achieved substantial bipartisan wins securing millions of dollars in federal funding. He has also helped to shape legislation and the focus of regulatory policies. In an example of his best-in-class advocacy work, Sam was instrumental in lobbying the House and Senate Appropriations Committees to commit millions of dollars in funding for the removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos. Sam’s effective lobbying resulted in considerable increases in funding over several fiscal years, ultimately leading to a substantial annual appropriation for Southeast Asian countries, including a dedicated portion for Laos.
In another example of Sam’s legislative successes, he played a pivotal role in enacting legislation to reform and reauthorize the EB-5 Regional Center Program after a lapse of approximately eight months. The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, which was signed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (Public Law 117-103), provided the first long-term reauthorization of the program since 2015.
Sam has also assisted clients with navigating the numerous complex regulations covering federal, state and local lobbyist registration provisions, campaign finance guidance, gift laws and pay-to-play restrictions.
Prior to joining Akin, Sam worked for a well-known super PAC and outside issue-advocacy group to elect a Republican majority in the House of Representatives. After the election cycle, he joined the legislative staff of then newly elected Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL). Sam also worked for a public relations, lobbying and business consulting firm, where he focused on coalition-building and domestic policy issues such as corporate tax reform and for-profit education.
EducationB.A., George Washington University, magna cum laude
B.A., George Washington University, magna cum laude
- National Institute for Lobbying & Ethics, Top Lobbyists, 2024.
- Office of Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL).
- Office of then Rep. and current Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN).