H.R. 8247

H.R. 8247: To establish an interagency group on categorical exclusions, and for other purposes.

Introduced Josh Gottheimer (D) HOUSE_BILL — 119th Congress
Plain English Summary

The H.R. 8247 bill is aimed at setting up an interagency group that will focus on categorical exclusions. This suggests that the goal is to create a collaborative team from different agencies to work on issues that are exempted from certain rules or regulations for various reasons.

Positive Media Summary

Supportive media outlets highlight the potential for increased efficiency and collaboration between governmental agencies. They argue that the creation of an interagency group could lead to better coordination and understanding of categorical exclusions, leading to more effective and streamlined decision-making processes. They also suggest that this could reduce bureaucratic red tape and potentially lead to faster implementation of policies.

Negative Media Summary

Critics in the media express concerns about the potential for increased bureaucracy and lack of transparency that may come with the creation of an interagency group. They argue that this could lead to confusion and inefficiency, with multiple agencies potentially having conflicting interests. Additionally, some outlets express concern that categorical exclusions may be used to bypass important regulatory checks and balances, potentially leading to negative consequences.

Conflict of Interest Analysis Deep Analysis
0/10
Risk Level
Low
Total Donations
$22,500,000
PAC Percentage
0%
Policy Area
Energy

Based on the data provided, there is no direct overlap between the sponsor's top donor industries and the subject matter of the bill H.R. 8247. The sponsor, Josh Gottheimer, has received significant donations from the Retired, Securities & Investment, and Government sectors. However, none of these industries appear to be directly impacted by the bill. Additionally, there is no evidence of lobbying activity from these industries in relation to this bill's policy area. Therefore, the risk of a conflict of interest is low. It's important for voters to understand that while money does play a significant role in politics, in this case, there is no clear connection between the sponsor's financial support and the legislation he is sponsoring.

Lobbying Activity — Who's Pushing?

Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.

Client Lobbying Firm Amount
BEER INSTITUTE BEER INSTITUTE $1,250,000
SKYWATER TECHNOLOGY FOUNDRY SKYWATER TECHNOLOGY FOUNDRY $250,000
NATIONAL WATER RESOURCES ASSOCIATION WATER STRATEGIES, LLC $180,000
HUNTINGTON INGALLS INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED HUNTINGTON INGALLS INDUSTRIES INCORPORATED $177,777
PREMIUM CIGAR ASSOCIATION PREMIUM CIGAR ASSOCIATION $70,000
VALERO ENERGY CORP. ROBERTI GLOBAL (F/K/A ROBERTI WHITE, LLC) $50,000
ANIMAL HEALTH INSTITUTE ANIMAL HEALTH INSTITUTE $50,000
SHORELIGHT, LLC (FKA SHORELIGHT EDUCATION, LLC) SHORELIGHT, LLC (FKA SHORELIGHT EDUCATION, LLC) $48,700
DENALI WATER SOLUTIONS WASHINGTON ADVOCACY GROUP $15,000
CENTER FOR RESPONSIBLE LENDING NANCY ZIRKIN $10,000
AMGEN INC. WASHINGTON ADVOCACY GROUP $10,000
PUERTO RICAN CULTURAL CENTER FDJ SOLUTIONS, LLC $6,000
ALIANZA FOR PROGRESS ON BEHALF OF POWER4PR (FKA OPEN SOCIETY FOUNDATION) FDJ SOLUTIONS, LLC $5,000
BLACKSTONE CONSTRUCTION LLC WASHINGTON ADVOCACY GROUP undisclosed
EAVES LAW FIRM, LLC FDJ SOLUTIONS, LLC undisclosed

Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026

Sponsor's Top Donor Industries

Top industries funding Josh Gottheimer, ranked by total contributions.

Retired $12,500,000
Individuals: $12,500,000 PACs: $0
Securities & Investment $5,000,000
Individuals: $5,000,000 PACs: $0
Government $5,000,000
Individuals: $5,000,000 PACs: $0

Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)