Why It Matters
Beer Institute lobbying now includes an outside firm on hemp, dietary guidelines and aluminum pricing. The Beer Institute, which lobbies in-house, signed a new client registration with NVG LLC on Nov. 9.
The registration lists five issue areas: Budget/Appropriations, Beverage Industry, Trade (Domestic & Foreign), Commodities (Big Ticket), and Consumer Issues/Safety/Protection. Its specific issues are the beer industry, regulation of hemp and THC beverages, dietary guidelines, and aluminum pricing.
NVG joins firms already on the institute's reports: Cornerstone Government Affairs Inc., Radius Advocacy LLC and Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr LLP, each in the third quarter.
By the Numbers
The registration carries a $0 filing amount. The institute's in-house third-quarter report lists $690,000, and its second-quarter report lists $770,000. The third-quarter reports from the three outside firms, linked above, list $50,000 for Cornerstone, $40,000 for Radius and $0 for Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale & Dorr.
The registration names three NVG lobbyists: Santiago Gonzalez (Vice President), Amy Rutkin (Founder/Principal) and Josh Hurvitz (Partner). Each lists prior experience in a House member's office, and Rutkin's entry also lists House Judiciary Committee experience.
Broader Context
The Congressional Research Service reported on Sept. 28 that the fiscal year 2026 Agriculture appropriations law changed the federal definition of hemp, excluding final products over 0.4 mg total THC per container. It said the 2027 continuing appropriations law delayed portions of the definition until Dec. 11, and that some exclusions take effect Nov. 12.
On aluminum, a Congressional Research Service report dated Oct. 30 said tariff increases and supply-chain disruptions have contributed to higher prices. It said that may benefit producers but raise costs for beverage-can makers.
In a Jan. 7 statement on the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, the Beer Institute said the guidelines reaffirm advice that people who drink do so in moderation.
Between The Lines
Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO) posted on X on Aug. 13, urging followers to "Drink American beer."
Competitive Landscape
Price Rite Transportation LLC d/b/a E&O One hired Frontline Government Relations LLC on Nov. 9 to lobby on budget/appropriations. GRVTY Inc. hired Hither Creek Strategies LLC on Nov. 5 on the same issue area.
The Bottom Line
The registration puts an additional outside team on the institute's hemp, dietary guideline and aluminum work, alongside its in-house staff.
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