H.R. 9464 is a bill that aims to prevent the Secretary of Agriculture from closing any research and development facilities operated by the Forest Service. This legislation seeks to ensure that these facilities remain open and continue their work in forestry research and development.
Supporters of H.R. 9464 have praised the bill for its commitment to preserving critical research facilities that contribute to forest management and environmental sustainability. Advocates argue that maintaining these facilities is essential for advancing scientific knowledge and supporting local economies dependent on forestry.
Critics of H.R. 9464 have expressed concerns that the bill may hinder necessary budgetary adjustments within the Department of Agriculture. Some argue that it could prevent the Secretary of Agriculture from making strategic decisions about resource allocation, potentially leading to inefficiencies in the management of federal resources.
While there are no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor's top donor industries and the subject matter of H.R. 9464, the lobbying activity in the bill's policy area presents some potential conflicts of interest. Notably, RESPOND-US, which has contributed $140,000, and GINKGO BIOWORKS, INC., contributing $60,000, are involved in sectors that may benefit from research and development funding. This could create a perception of bias in favor of these entities should the bill pass, as it aims to prevent the closure of Forest Service research facilities that could impact various industries, including biotechnology and energy. Voters should be aware that while direct conflicts are not evident, the significant lobbying amounts suggest a vested interest in the outcomes of such legislation.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| RESPOND-US | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | $140,000 |
| SILVERLINING | ALPINE GROUP PARTNERS, LLC. | $80,000 |
| MEDLINE | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | $80,000 |
| GINKGO BIOWORKS, INC. | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | $60,000 |
| PEABODY ENERGY CORPORATION | CORNERSTONE GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, INC. | $50,000 |
| LUFTHANSA GERMAN AIRLINES | CAPITOL POINT GROUP, LLC | $50,000 |
| MERIDIAM INFRASTRUCTURE | CAPITOL POINT GROUP, LLC | $40,000 |
| LEO TECHNOLOGIES | BUTLER SNOW LLP | $30,000 |
| MAXIMUS | BRICK STREET STRATEGY | $30,000 |
| JOHNSON & JOHNSON | BRICK STREET STRATEGY | $30,000 |
| OCCIDENTAL PETROLEUM CORPORATION | GTB PARTNERS | $20,000 |
| CHAMBERS COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY | BUTLER SNOW LLP | $15,000 |
| HEARTH, PATIO & BARBECUE ASSOCIATION | HEARTH, PATIO & BARBECUE ASSOCIATION | $15,000 |
| THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST ALABAMA | BUTLER SNOW LLP | $12,000 |
| BASIS PATH | BUTLER SNOW LLP | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Maggie Goodlander, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
