Why It Matters
National Whistleblower Center hired Attention Studio to lobby, according to a new client registration signed Nov. 5. The registration lists two issue areas: computer industry (CPI) and labor issues/antitrust/workplace (LBR).
The filing names two Attention Studio lobbyists. Ava Smithing is listed with the covered position of Founding Partner, and Olivia Konar with Policy Associate.
By The Numbers
After registration, they submitted a third-quarter filing in the amount of $100,000.
Broader Context
The National Whistleblower Center said on June 21 that it launched a congressional survey and public tracker on lawmakers' positions on the AI Whistleblower Protection Act. Its article describes the bill as a center policy priority and says the bill remained stalled in committee.
Congress.gov lists the bill (S.1792) as introduced May 15, 2025, and referred to the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee. It would prohibit employment discrimination against people who report AI security vulnerabilities or violations.
In its January 13 review of 2025, the center described its work on whistleblower protections in AI, tax enforcement, and federal employment. It describes itself as a nonprofit focused on protecting and rewarding whistleblowers.
Between The Lines
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) issued a March 17 press release introducing bills to extend whistleblower protections to duty-speech disclosers and government corporation employees. The release says the National Whistleblower Center endorsed them. Grassley said the bills will "close loopholes, prevent illegal gag orders and ensure that employees who are simply doing their jobs cannot be fired for disclosing violations of law."
Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) issued an April 27 press release on House passage of the IRS Whistleblower Program Improvement Act, which the release says the center supports. Thompson said whistleblowers "face real personal and professional risk just for coming forward."
Competitive Landscape
Three other organizations recently registered on one of the same issue areas:
- Advanced Micro Devices Inc. hired Salt Point Strategies LLC on Nov. 3 to lobby on computer industry issues.
- Independent Haulers Association hired Diakon Partners Inc. on Nov. 3 to lobby on labor issues/antitrust/workplace, along with taxation.
- Innovation Council Action Inc. registered itself on Oct. 29 to lobby on computer industry issues and economics/economic development.
The Bottom Line
The registration adds an outside firm to the center's lobbying under two broad issue codes. Which measures the firm will work on will show up in the quarterly reports that follow.
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