Why It Matters

Waymo LLC has retained Greenberg Traurig LLP as an outside lobbying firm, filing a new client registration on May 1, 2026, signed June 10. The move brings a four-person team to bear on automotive industry issues in Washington at a moment when Congress is actively debating a federal framework for autonomous vehicles. The registration signals Waymo is investing more formally in its federal presence as both legislative opportunities and regulatory threats accelerate.

By The Numbers

The registration lists four lobbyists from Greenberg Traurig assigned to the Waymo account:

  • Matthew Satterley (Senior Director), a former staffer with Reps. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Ann Marie Buerkle (R-NY), and Connie Mack (R-FL)
  • Mike Rogers (Associate), a former staffer with Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ)
  • Joel Roberson (Shareholder)
  • Chris Senn (Associate), prior committee experience with the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the 117th and 118th Congresses

No dollar figures were disclosed in this initial registration filing.

The Agenda

The filing lists the Automotive Industry as the sole issue area. No specific legislation or issues were identified in the disclosure. Waymo has previously engaged publicly on federal autonomous vehicle policy. In July 2025, the company formally endorsed the Autonomous Vehicle Accessibility Act, with its Head of Federal Policy and Government Affairs quoted in a bipartisan press release from Reps. Greg Stanton (D-AZ) and Brian Mast (R-FL). In February 2026, Waymo's Chief Safety Officer testified before the Senate Commerce Committee at a hearing on the future of self-driving cars.

Broader Context

The timing of this registration coincides with a period of intense congressional activity around autonomous vehicle policy. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-TX) has made a federal AV framework a legislative priority, chairing a February 4, 2026, hearing titled "Hit the Road, Mac: The Future of Self-Driving Cars" and stating in May 2026 that the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill represents "the best opportunity in years" to establish clear federal rules for AV deployment. Cruz has publicly accepted an "AV Champion" award from the autonomous vehicle industry.

At the same time, Waymo faces pointed scrutiny from members on both sides of the aisle over its use of overseas remote operators to assist its vehicles. Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) introduced the AV Safety Data Act in January 2026, which would require NHTSA to mandate reporting of vehicle miles traveled, unplanned stoppages, and injury data.

Rep. Earl "Buddy" Carter (R-GA) sent a formal letter to the Department of Transportation in February 2026 requesting an investigation into Waymo's use of foreign remote operators. Markey and Sen. Richard Blumenthal also introduced the Stay in Your Lane Act in December 2025, which would restrict self-driving technology from operating outside conditions for which it was designed.

Between the Lines

Congressional engagement with Waymo and autonomous vehicles has been substantial in the past year. Waymo's CSO testified before the Senate Commerce Committee in February 2026, where Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA) raised concerns about NHTSA staffing and referenced California Teamsters calling for a "Waymo ban." The House Energy and Commerce Committee's Communications and Technology subcommittee held its own hearing on AVs in January 2026, with Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) noting discussions of safety standards, senior access, and liability. Rep. Bob Latta (R-OH) has been an active voice in that subcommittee pushing for a federal framework. The AV Safety Data Act has a House companion bill introduced by Rep. Kevin Mullin (D-CA).

Competitive Landscape

No specific competitor lobbying data was available in this filing. The broader AV industry, represented by groups like the AV Industry Association, has been publicly engaged on the federal framework debate, with Chairman Cruz accepting its "AV Champion" designation. Waymo's move to retain outside counsel at Greenberg Traurig adds institutional capacity alongside whatever in-house federal affairs operation the company maintains.

The Bottom Line

Waymo's new registration with Greenberg Traurig puts a well-connected team in place as Congress moves toward potential AV legislation. The lobbying team brings Hill experience spanning both parties and relevant committee backgrounds, including the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The registration comes as Waymo faces direct congressional scrutiny over its operating practices while simultaneously benefiting from a pro-deployment posture among key committee leaders.

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