The Becker Federal Government Relations team includes Washington, D.C. and state capitol insiders, Capitol Hill veterans, former high-level administration officials and agency experts, and former in-house corporate lobbyists. The team is highly regarded by Members of Congress, congressional and committee staff, state legislators, third party trade and industry organizations, and executive personnel, as effective advocates for their client partners’ interests. At its core, the team is diverse and bipartisan, which enables team members to work successfully on both sides of the aisle. Because of the team’s collective years of experience working on Capitol Hill and inside Washington and state political circles, they are skilled in identifying strategic opportunities for their client partners, particularly with the Appropriations, Commerce, Financial Services, Judiciary, Small Business, Transportation, Veterans Affairs, and Ways and Means Committees.
Additionally, the team has very strong working relationships with Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Multicultural Media Caucus, Congressional Hispanic Conference, New Democrats, and Blue Dogs. The firm also has access to state leaders and legislators in key state capitols such as Tallahassee, Sacramento, Albany, Austin, and Richmond.
Services Provided
- Assist and advise client partner in developing strategy
- Participate in, represent, and help prepare client partner for meetings and hearings before Congress and at Executive Agencies
- Monitor and review legislation and other actions proposed for the aforementioned governmental bodies for potential impact on client partner’s interests
- Advise and assist client partner in passing or defeating legislation or other proposed action by governmental bodies
- Arrange meetings with Members of Congress and their staff as well as with key federal agency officials to advocate for client partner’s goals and objectives
- Secure partnerships with Washington based third party organizations and corporate partners to advance client partner’s priorities
- Assist client partner with branding opportunities in Congress and state capitols associated with strategic fly-ins, caucus meetings, presentations by client partner executives with strategic Members and staff, and materials that showcase the client partner’s work in the community, among other initiatives.
- Prepare the political and legislative landscape for potential future heavy engagement through a strategic soft approach we call “brand lobbying”
- Assist client partner’s government relations team with strategic PAC management activities and help with coordinating the development and execution of PAC fundraising initiatives
Notable Client Accomplishments
$500 Million Included in Omnibus Bill for Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Cutter Program
On behalf of Eastern Shipbuilding Group, $500 million was included in the FY18 Omnibus bill of the Homeland Security Appropriations for the Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Cutter program, an increase of $400 million over FY17 funding.
$130 Million in Appropriations for Small Business Development Centers
For Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), secured $130 million in appropriations, an increase of $30 million over the President’s proposed budget.
$83.7 Million for Virginia Port Authority; One of Only Four Construction New Starts in the President’s FY2022 Budget
Secured one of only four Construction New Start’s in the President’s FY2022, the first time the Virginia Port Authority has secured New Start funding for the critically important deepening and widening of the Norfolk Harbor and Channels. Significantly, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers set aside full funding for the project at $83.7 million which will enable the Port to maintain its overall construction schedule.
$25 Million in National Defense Authorization Act for Leading Government Contractor
Secured a $25 million authorization in the National Defense Authorization Act for client STS International Inc.
$20 Million Port Infrastructure Grant Awarded to Virginia Port Authority
Secured $20 million from US Department of Transportation (USDOT) for Virginia Port Authority, the largest Port infrastructure grant in the country in 2020. After years of trying, VPA achieved success with the Becker team’s three-dimensional strategy: politics, policy, and impact. Becker also used regional economic data and support from a regional coalition of Members to make a winning case for the port.
$13 Million U.S. Department of Transportation TIGER Grant for Collier County, FL
Secured a $13 million US Department of Transportation (USDOT) TIGER Grant for transportation infrastructure for Collier County. The highly competitive grant was won on a re-application following a high level debrief with USDOT and outreach from the entire delegation including then House Transportation Appropriations Committee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL). The Becker team worked closely with USDOT’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to achieve this major win for Collier County.
$12 Million in Capital Funding for Florida Historically Black Colleges and Universities
For Florida Memorial University, Bethune-Cookman University, and Edward Waters College, secured $12 million in capital funding after negotiations with program officials within the U.S. Department of Education and Congressional committee staff.
$10 Million to Protect Communities Using ShotSpotter Gunshot Location System Coverage
Guided and advised public safety innovator ShotSpotter and its local government clients in securing over $10 million in federal funding to protect their communities through Gunshot Location System coverage.
$9+ Million for Collier County, FL to Purchase New Buses and Rehabilitate Operations
Secured $9+ million in 2020 for Collier County to purchase new buses and to rehabilitate its existing operations and maintenance building. We helped the County design a project that was well-aligned with both the grant requirements and our knowledge of FTA’s priorities and interests. We also engaged their Congressional delegation to weigh in with support, arming them with draft letters of support and talking points for outreach to USDOT leadership. Notably, we leveraged the support of House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Member Mario Diaz-Balart.
$5.1 Million Air Force Grant for FIU’s Reconfigurable Antenna Research Program
Secured $5.1 million for client, Florida International University to create a Center of Excellence in joint partnership with the Department of Defense, NASA, and NOAA for research in origami antennae.
$4.6 Million to Rehabilitate Aging Force Main Pipeline in North Bay Village, FL
For 42 years, wastewater from North Bay Village pumped through the same pipe traveling more than two miles to Miami Beach to be processed. This force main pipeline rested on the Biscayne Bay floor and was exposed to hazards such as impacts from boats. Damage to the pipe was accelerated by corrosion and age. This pipeline had caused six spill accidents and was causing continued environmental damage and health risks to North Bay Village and all the surrounding communities. Becker began working with North Bay Village to see if federal funding would be available for this project. Working closely with then-Senator Bill Nelson and Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s office, we resubmitted the appropriations request. After several years of work, North Bay Village received notification that it had been awarded $4,655,012 to completely rehabilitate the existing 12,000 feet of 12-inch force main that crosses the Biscayne Bay.
$2.4 Million Under DHS Safer Grant Program for Fire Service Staffing in Town of Davie, FL
Secured $2.4 million under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SAFER grant program for fire service staffing in the Town of Davie and $462,673 through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant for the Town of Davie for new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and an air compressor cascade system for frontline fire engines and rescue units.
$2.1 Million for Transportation Infrastructure Supporting I-75 Interchanges in Collier County, FL
Over three fiscal years, assisted Collier County in securing $2.1 million in federal funding for transportation infrastructure to support improvements to two critical interchanges on I-75 at Everglades Boulevard and Collier Boulevard/SR 84. These improvements were critically needed to provide access to safe evacuations from storms and fires as significant growth continues in Collier County.
$2.1 Million Secured for Projects in the City of Opa-Locka, FL
Enabled over $1 million in sequestered grant funds to be released during government shut down for a capital project, and negotiated funds from the State Revolving Fund totaling just under $1 million for a related project, for a total of about $2.1 million secured for the City of Opa-Locka, FL.
$1.25 Million Through USDOJ For a Community Police Hiring Program in Miami Gardens, FL
Secured $1.25 million through the U.S. Department of Justice for a Community Police Hiring Program grant to hire ten new police officers.
$1.19 Million FEMA De-Obligation Appeal Related to Hurricane Wilma for Town of Davie, FL
Secured a U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) de-obligation appeal through the state associated with Hurricane Wilma for $1,190,691 for the Town of Davie, FL.
$750,000 to Enhance Street and Sidewalk Infrastructure, Upgrade Police Equipment
On behalf of the City of Hialeah, FL, worked with Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart’s office to secure $500,000 for street and sidewalk improvements in the Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill and $250,000 for police equipment upgrades in the Commerce-Justice State Appropriations under the COPS account. The city requested federal funds to complete the West 24th Avenue corridor’s reconstruction from 52nd Street to 76th Street and West 76th Street, from 20th to 36th Avenue. The federal dollars enhanced stormwater drainage, improved the lighting, sidewalk, curb/gutter, and added additional center turn lanes and an other lane in either direction.
Funding for Procurement of Trolley Bus Service Vehicles in Town of Miami Lakes, FL
Secured $570,000 in the Transportation-Housing and Urban Development (HUD) bill for vehicle procurement of two hybrid electric vehicles to provide trolley bus service in the Town of Miami Lakes. Team members worked with Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart’s office to secure $570,000 in the Transportation-HUD bill for vehicle procurement of two hybrid electric vehicles to provide this trolleybus service. The Town sought to enhance its existing transportation program, specifically, the general circulator trolleybus service routes to decrease traffic congestion and increasing economic development via mass transit development projects. The public circulator service improved with scheduled bus routes, bus shelters and benches, and upgrades to street signs, among other things.
$475,000 for North Bay Village, FL Bus Facility Project
Secured $475,000 for a Bus Facility Project within the new Municipal Public Safety Complex for North Bay Village, FL.
$500,000 Awarded to NJ Department of Public Safety Under COPS School Violence Prevention Program
On behalf of Hitachi Data Systems, $500,000 awarded to the New Jersey Department of Public Safety by the USDOJ under the 2018 COPS School Violence Prevention Program.
Estimated $200,000+ Saved Annually for Construction of Professional Sports Stadiums
Secured support for tax-exempt status of municipal bonds and successfully eliminated language in the final tax package that would have impacted bonding for the construction of professional sports stadiums. One smaller County staff estimated $212,000 would be saved annually due to the removal of this provision.
Secured Paul Coverdell Forensic Science Grant to Fund Cape Coral, FL Police Department
Secured funding through the Paul Coverdell forensic science grant, which resulted in the award of $93,796 in competitive U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) funds to the Cape Coral Police Department.
Obtained Invitation for Bethune-Cookman University to Join $86M Federal STEM Research Consortium
Obtained an invitation to join an $86 million federal STEM research consortium sponsored by the United States Army, as well as a DOJ-sponsored research project to study behavioral aspects of domestic violence.
Passage of Language Requiring USCG to Develop Code for U.S.-Documented Yachts
For the International Yacht Brokers Association, secured language in the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019 to require the U.S. Coast Guard to develop a code for U.S.–documented yachts of 300 gross tons or more
Funding for Miccosukee Tribe to Address Significant Road Safety Concerns
For the Miccosukee Tribe, secured $760,000 for improvements to address significant road safety concerns; also helped the Tribe to draw down $1,750,000 in federal funding for Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) safety improvements.
Creation of WIFIA Program to Address Local Government’s Water Infrastructure Finance Issues
Successfully gained passage of language creating the Water Infrastructure Financing and Innovation program (WIFIA) to address local government’s water infrastructure finance issues. This language created a finance mechanism modeled after the successful Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovations Authority and will provide access to lower-cost capital for investments in water infrastructure. WIFIA increased the availability of federal loans for water infrastructure investments by over $20 million, which would otherwise not be suitable for assistance through the existing Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs.
Coalition to Change Law Limiting FEMA’s Ability to De-Obligate Disaster Recovery Expenditures
Coordinated local government coalition with cities and counties to change federal law to limit FEMA’s ability to de-obligate decade-old disaster recovery expenditures for clients, including Collier and Palm Beach Counties, the City of Cape Coral, and the Town of Davie, Florida.
Secured Expedited FWS and USACE Permits Benefitting Coastal Communities
Expedited U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permits for multiple coastal communities, advancing critical habitat protection and economic development.
Passage of RESTORE Act to Hold Parties Responsible for Gulf Oil Disaster Accountable
Following the explosion and fire on BP’s Deepwater Horizon in the summer of 2010, worked on Collier County and Gulf County’s behalf to support legislation to compensate impacted counties and restore habitat. The RESTORE Act became law in 2012 and holds the parties responsible for the Gulf oil disaster accountable for restoring the Gulf. By investing fines owed by BP and the other parties accountable for the Gulf oil spill into to the Gulf region, the RESTORE Act has provided significant financial resources to Florida counties.
Federal Fair Housing Act Clarification Protects Residents of Sober Homes in Palm Beach County, FL
Worked with HUD to clarify its interpretation of the Fair Housing Amendments Act regarding sober houses on behalf of Palm Beach County, FL. The joint statement by both the Department of Justice and HUD clarifies the Fair Housing Amendments Act and its application to group homes, including sober homes. This clarification allows Palm Beach County to pass ordinances to protect the safety of the residents of these homes.
Opa-Locka Airport One of Only 24 Airports to Remain Open in Face of Widespread Closings
Worked with the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to maintain the Executive Airport’s operation in Opa-Locka in the face of widespread contract tower closing. Opa-Locka was one of only 24 airports to remain open of the original 177 slated for closing.
Achieved Multi-Year Funding for Florida Memorial University’s Aviation and Aerospace Program
Secured multi-year funding through the United States Air Force for Florida Memorial University’s Aviation and Aerospace program.
Relationship Forged with NASA’s Manned Exploration Divisions on Iridium Communications
Established working/advisory relationship between NASA’s manned exploration divisions and client ACR Electronics on iridium-based communications networks.
University of Miami Partners with NIOSH on Research Related to Firefighter Cancers
Assisted the University of Miami in partnering with the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) through an MOU agreement to perform research related to firefighter cancers.
Public
- Broward Sherriff’s Office
- City of Cape Coral, FL
- City of Coral Gables, FL
- City of Gastonia, NC
- City of Hialeah, FL
- City of Miami Gardens, FL
- City of North Miami, FL
- City of South Miami, FL
- City of Virginia Beach, VA
- City of West Park, FL
- Collier County, FL
- Hennepin County, MN
- Palm Beach County, FL
- Sarasota County, FL
- Town of Davie, FL
- Village of Pinecrest, FL
- Virginia Port Authority
- Volusia County, FL
Private
- Advanced Green Technologies
- America’s Small Business Development Centers
- Bay Harbor Islands
- BEAM Global
- Bethune-Cookman University
- Brooke USA
- Chiles Group
- CHRAD
- Converged
- Eastern Shipbuilding Group
- Florida Crystals Corporation
- Fox Corporation
- Florida Memorial University
- Florida Rural Economic Development Association
- Genasys Inc.
- Hispanic National Bar Association
- Hitachi, Ltd.
- Jogan Thermal
- The Latino Coalition
- MB&A Outcomes
- National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP)
- NextCity
- NTT Data
- OST Global
- Ozone Professionals
- Pigeonly
- SoundThinking
- Signal Restoration
- Tantalus
- Transurban
- University of Miami
- Virginia Union University