Bottom Line: Shein steps up its lobbying game

Apparel

Two more lobbying firms have registered to lobby for Shein, the latest additions to its quickly expanding influence operation in Washington amid allegations of forced labor in the fast fashion giant’s supply chains.

Shein hired Ballard Partners to lobby on issues related to the fashion industry, including online retail, competition and trade. The firm will also educate policymakers on “SHEIN’s presence, operating footprint, and economic impact in the United States,” according to the new registration, which is similar to a registration filed last month by Navigators Global. One of the lobbyists on the account is Hunter ​Morgen, who was a special assistant to former President Trump and deputy director of the White House’s Office of Trade and Manufacturing Policy.

Forbes Tate also registered to lobby on e-commerce issues for Shein. Jeff Strunk, former deputy floor director to ex-Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), will work on the account.

Trade

The Swedish furniture giant IKEA hired Invariant to lobby on issues related to trade, tax sustainability and climate. Lobbyists on the account include Annie D’Amato, former Democratic counsel and professional staffer on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, and James O’Brien, who was a professional staffer on the House Ways and Means Committee under its current chair, Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.).

Appropriations

The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation hired McGuireWoods Consulting to lobby for grants and federal appropriations for Colonial Williamsburg. Paul Reagan, who was chief of staff to former Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) and former Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), will work on the account.

The ​American Geriatrics Society hired Kristine Blackwood LLC to lobby for funding for National Institute on Aging research programs and for geriatrics workforce and academic career award programs at the Health Resources and Services Administration, as well as on issues related to Medicare telehealth and payment reform and geriatrics research and workforce issues. 

The lobbyist on the account is Kristine ​Blackwood, former chief counsel to the Senate Special Committee on Aging and deputy director for congressional oversight at the Department of Health and Human Services.