H.R. 9299 directs the Secretary of the Interior to create a grant program that provides funding to eligible organizations. The goal of this program is to develop and implement environmental DNA (eDNA) monitoring techniques, which are used to assess biodiversity and monitor ecosystems.
Supporters of H.R. 9299 have praised the bill for its potential to enhance conservation efforts and improve scientific understanding of ecosystems through innovative eDNA monitoring. They highlight that this technology can lead to more effective management of natural resources and better protection of endangered species.
Critics of H.R. 9299 express concerns about the allocation of federal funds for eDNA monitoring, arguing that the bill may divert resources from other pressing environmental issues. Some also question the practicality and effectiveness of eDNA techniques in certain contexts, suggesting that the bill may not yield the intended benefits.
The analysis of H.R. 9299, sponsored by Hillary Scholten, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the bill's subject matter and the sponsor's top donor industries. Scholten's largest donor industry is Health Professionals, contributing $40 million, followed by Retired individuals at $12.5 million. While these industries are significant in terms of financial contributions, they do not appear to have a direct connection to the eDNA monitoring techniques outlined in the bill. The lobbying activity in this policy area is primarily associated with health-related companies, but the absence of direct overlaps suggests that the risk of conflict is minimal. Voters should be aware that while there is substantial financial backing from health professionals, it does not directly influence the environmental focus of this legislation.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| MIDSIZED BIOTECH ALLIANCE OF AMERICA (MBAA) | LMH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS | $230,000 |
| STEALTH BIOTHERAPEUTICS INC. | LMH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS | $60,000 |
| SAVARA INC. | LMH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS | $60,000 |
| REGENXBIO INC. | LMH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS | $60,000 |
| PTC THERAPEUTICS, INC. | LMH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS | $50,000 |
| INCYTE CORPORATION | LMH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS | $50,000 |
| HARMONY BIOSCIENCES | LMH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS | $50,000 |
| GLAXOSMITHKLINE LLC | LMH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS | $50,000 |
| PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH AND MANUFACTURERS OF AMERICA | LMH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS | $30,000 |
| NEUROPACE, INC. | LMH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS | $30,000 |
| IONIS PHARMACEUTICALS, INC. | LMH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS | $30,000 |
| ERISA INDUSTRY COMMITTEE (ERIC) | LMH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS | $30,000 |
| UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE HEALTH | LMH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS | $20,000 |
| NATERA, INC. | LMH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS | $20,000 |
| MEDICAL DEVICE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION | LMH STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS | $20,000 |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Hillary Scholten, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
