Federal Appropriations

Navigating the evolving appropriations process

Securing appropriations continues to be one of the most challenging policy processes in government. Over the past 40 years, Williams & Jensen’s federal appropriations practice has provided our clients with top-notch strategies that get results. We have expertise representing a diverse set of organizations in the appropriations process, including well-known Fortune 500 companies, state and local governments, non-profit organizations, and colleges and universities.

Leveraging our strong relationships with key Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and senior Administration budget officials, we work with our clients to develop comprehensive strategies to guide them from the beginning of the appropriations process through the release of federal funds. Operating under the current ban on “earmarks” has made navigating the appropriations process even more challenging. However, we have developed multiple successful strategies for aligning client interests with the appropriations process.

We understand Federal agencies and we know their priorities. Our knowledge of the appropriations process has helped us succeed in funding large multi-delegation projects and identifying public-private partnerships that can benefit our clients’ interest. This expertise also drives our strong record in helping clients accomplish other legislative or policy goals in the appropriations process.

Williams & Jensen has an experienced team of professionals who are deeply knowledgeable of the appropriations process. Our team has a strong record of winning, and has the creativity needed to succeed in a challenging budget environment. We look forward to working with your organization to develop a thoughtful strategy to advance your interests in the appropriations process.

Our strategic and substantive services to clients include:

Repealing

Led the successful effort to repeal the 1970s-era ban on crude oil exports

Securing

Assisted a major utility in securing pilot funding for innovative scrubber technology.
Worked on a successful effort to secure a critical federal permit for a multi-billion dollar pipeline project.
Helped a Class I railroad receive funding for new hybrid switching locomotive technology.

Obtaining

Worked with a client to obtain multiple federal regulatory approvals for a major new LNG facility

Developing

Developed provisions included in greenhouse gas emissions reduction legislation to protect trade-sensitive, energy-intensive domestic manufacturers.

Creating

Helped lead creation of unprecedented conservation agreements between the private sector and state and federal regulators that avoided listing of the Sand Dune Lizard and Lesser Prairie Chicken under the Endangered Species Act.
Led the legislative effort to create the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas.

Enacting

Led a successful effort to enact the first legislation in decades designating a National Monument that accounted for the needs of neighboring land owners.
Worked successfully to enact legislation streamlining rate regulations for pipelines.

Organizing

Organized and led a coalition to successfully address issues in the implementation of Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel regulations.

Enhancing

Worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a client on putting a former dredged materials placement area into constructive use, while enhancing coastal barrier protection

Assisting

Assisted a major vehicle manufacturer in a joint project with the Department of Energy in light duty electric vehicles

Negotiating

Negotiated land exchanges in Nevada between private sector parties and the federal government.

Saving

Led the successful campaign to save the Redfish in the Gulf of Mexico from the threat of commercial overfishing.