H.R. 8970 is a proposed law that would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to conduct research to better understand gambling disorder. The goal is to improve prevention and treatment strategies for people affected by gambling addiction.
Supporters of H.R. 8970 argue that the bill addresses a growing public health concern by allocating federal resources to study gambling addiction. They believe that better research will lead to more effective interventions and support systems for individuals struggling with gambling problems.
Critics of H.R. 8970 may contend that the bill could lead to increased government spending without guaranteed outcomes. They might also argue that gambling regulation should be handled at the state level rather than through federal intervention.
The bill H.R. 8970, which aims to advance the understanding of gambling disorder, is sponsored by Dan Goldman, who has received significant contributions from the health professionals sector, totaling $120 million. This substantial financial backing from health professionals raises questions about potential conflicts of interest, particularly as the bill pertains to health-related issues. The overlap between the sponsor's top donor industry and the subject matter of the bill suggests that there could be a vested interest in the outcomes of the research funded by this legislation.
Additionally, while there are various lobbying activities in the policy area, none directly relate to gambling disorder. However, the presence of health-related lobbying could indicate that stakeholders in the health sector may have interests that align with the bill's objectives. Voters should be aware that the significant financial influence from health professionals could lead to biases in how gambling disorders are researched and addressed, potentially prioritizing certain interests over public health needs.
These industries are both affected by this bill and among the sponsor's top donors.
| Industry | Match Type | Related Subject | Donations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health Professionals (H01) | Sector | Health | $120,000,000 |
| Total from overlapping industries | $120,000,000 | ||
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| REFORM ACTION FUND | THE TOLMAN GROUP | $30,000 |
| VIASAT, INC. | GORMAN STRATEGY GROUP, TOO | $20,000 |
| PHOTONIS | LEWIS-BURKE ASSOCIATES, LLC | $20,000 |
| SOUTHWEST AIRLINES | THE MONDELLO GROUP LLC | $20,000 |
| HUBBARD BROADCASTING | STEPHEN WARD CONSULTING, LLC | $20,000 |
| ISTATION | THE MONDELLO GROUP LLC | undisclosed |
| LUMA ENERGY, LLC | TRUE COMPASS, LLC | undisclosed |
| SANTA FE FARMS, INC DBA ELEMENT6 DYNAMICS | STEPHEN WARD CONSULTING, LLC | undisclosed |
| LOUISIANA ENERGY SERVICES, LLC | STEPHEN WARD CONSULTING, LLC | undisclosed |
| CROSS COUNTRY HEALTHCARE, INC. | MILLER STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| NUCOR CORPORATION | MILLER STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| NEXUS HOSPICE OF THE HIGH DESERT LLC | MILLER STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| TWG CADILLAC FORMULA 1 TEAM HOLDINGS, LLC | MILLER STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| COSTAR GROUP, INC. | MILLER STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| PADSPLIT, INC. | CONTINENTAL STRATEGY, LLC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Dan Goldman, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
