Bottom Line

TAX REFORM. The U.S. Sugar Corporation has brought on Capitol Counsel to keep an eye on tax policy reform, including having the former top Republican on the House Ways & Means Committee, Rep. Jim McCrery (La.), on the account. While lawmakers are contemplating ways to overhaul the tax code, Congress is also debating changes to the sugar program, which includes government subsidies. The other lobbyist, Dena Battle, is a former legislative aide to ex-Ways & Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-Mich.).

FOREIGN RELATIONS. Bose Public Affairs Group registered to lobby for PADI Worldwide Corp. and PADI Americas Inc., which creates and administers certification programs for scuba divers. The company hired the firm — its first set of lobbyists — to give it “analysis and advice in connection with US-Cuba relations,” according to lobbying disclosure forms. Earlier this year, President Obama eased relations with Cuba, which could open it up for Americans to visit as tourists. Cuba has well-renowned diving spots around the island.

{mosads}MILITARY. United Launch Alliance (ULA), a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, have picked up a fifth outside lobbying firm — a solo venture run by Theodore Kronmiller. ULA is currently working to develop technology as part of NASA’s military satellite launch program. According to forms, Kronmiller will be working on various issues, including “space launch-related laws, regulations, policies, pending legislation, proposed rules; other space launch-related legislative and administrative matters” for the companies.

IMMIGRATION. The American Dairy Coalition, a new group that represents companies all along the dairy supply chain, registered an in-house lobbyist: Laurie Fischer, its president and former executive director of the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association. Lobbying disclosure forms say that she will be “working to change immigration law to provide dairy farmers with a stable and legal workforce.”