Bottom Line

• MEDICAL DEVICES. In an effort to repeal the medical device tax, Advanced Medical Technology Association has hired Williams and Jensen. They will also work on general education to advance policies that support innovation in the medical device industry, according to lobbying disclosures. Lobbyists on the account include Cheryl Jaeger, who was former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor’s (R-Va.) senior policy adviser; Susan Hirschmann, who was chief of staff to former Rep. Van Hilleary (R-Tenn.); and Karina Lynch, who worked on the Senate Aging Committee.

{mosads}• POSTAL SERVICE. The United Postmasters and Managers of America, which is a professional association representing U.S. Postal Service employees, hired lobbyists recently to help with postal service reform, federal employee retirement benefits and federal employee health-care benefits, according to disclosures. Eris Group, formerly known as Bartlett & Bendall, signed with the association. Doyle Bartlett, onetime chief of staff to former Rep. Bill McCollum (R-Fla.), will work on the account, as well as Chris McCannell, who worked for House Democrats including Reps. Steny Hoyer (Md.) and Joseph Crowley (N.Y.). The group also signed Imperium Global Advisors. Joel Riethmiller, who worked as deputy chief of staff to former Rep. Baron Hill (D-Ind.), as well as Brian McLaughlin, who worked for the Senate Homeland Security Committee, will work on the account.

• RAILROADS. Monument Policy Group has signed on to work with Texas Central Rail Holdings, located in Dallas, on the development of a high-speed rail system in Texas, according to disclosures. They will focus on policy and permitting issues related to construction. Lobbyists on the account include C. Stewart Verdery, who worked as the Department of Homeland Security’s assistant secretary and consultant; T.A. Hawks, who worked for the Senate Agriculture Committee and former Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.); and Kimberly Ellis, who worked as legislative director for Texas Rep. Kevin Brady (R).