Why It Matters
American Advanced Materials has added Ballard Partners LLC to its federal lobbying, according to a lobbying registration signed Nov. 9. The filing lists Government Issues and describes the work as "guidance and advocacy regarding federal funding."
The client's earlier filings come from TSG Advocates DC LLC, which filed a new client registration signed Aug. 26 and a third-quarter report signed Oct. 20.
By the Numbers
TSG's third-quarter report lists $30,000 and the specific issue of "secure federal funding for critical minerals project." Its August registration carried a $0 filing amount, as does the Ballard registration, and neither lists bills.
The Ballard filing names four lobbyists: Partners Will Russell, Jimmy Sapp and Thomas Boodry, and President Brian Ballard. Russell's listed Hill experience is with Rep. Alan Nunnelee (R-MS) and Sen. Thad Cochran (R-MS). Sapp's is with Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX) and the House Judiciary Committee.
Broader Context
PR Newswire reported Oct. 28 that the company raised a $12.5 million seed round for a planned U.S. titanium-sponge facility, said it would seek project financing, and signed letters of intent for sales worth more than $1 billion.
A Defense Industrial Base Consortium request, dated Aug. 21, sought proposals on domestic production gaps in critical minerals, including titanium sponge. Proposals were due Sept. 17.
The U.S. Geological Survey reported the United States produced no titanium sponge in 2025 and had 100% net import reliance.
Between The Lines
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) announced July 22 a $38 million Department of Commerce Tech Hubs award for a critical minerals and advanced materials project at Missouri S&T. Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) said at a July 21 subcommittee hearing that China's competition demands better targeting of National Institute of Standards and Technology and National Science Foundation resources.
Competitive Landscape
Other organizations that recently registered through other firms on Government Issues include Revolutional LLC, which hired Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP on Nov. 4. Atticus Labs Inc. hired S-3 Group LLC on Nov. 3. RSM US LLP hired Holland & Knight LLP on Nov. 2.
The Bottom Line
Ballard joins TSG as a second registrant on the client's federal funding work, with a four-person team that has no overlap with TSG's listed lobbyists.
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