Why It Matters

Cisco Systems Inc. disclosed advocacy regarding AI, cybersecurity, innovation, and trade through Ballard Partners LLC in its third-quarter 2026 report. The filing's issues reflect broad policy terrain. ​

By the Numbers

Ballard Partners LLC reported $150,000 for the third quarter of 2026, signed Oct. 16. That held flat from the second quarter of 2026, when Ballard also reported $150,000.

The three lobbyists named on this filing are:

  • Brian Ballard, president of Ballard Partners
  • Micah Ketchel, partner, with committee experience on the House Veterans' Affairs Committee in the 112th Congress
  • Amaryllis Kennedy, partner and co-chair of the firm's emerging technology and AI practice group, with five total filings on record, the fewest of the three Ballard lobbyists on this filing

Broader Context

In March 2026, the White House announced a national AI legislative framework, and in June 2026 described its December 2025 executive order as seeking to protect AI innovation from inconsistent state compliance requirements. Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins publicly praised that executive order, stating it strengthens national security while giving private industry room to innovate. A July Congressional Research Service (CRS) analysis found the order directs agencies to strengthen federal cybersecurity and work with industry, but warned its voluntary model-review process could leave gaps if developers decline to participate. On Sept. 24, Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-MA) introduced the Cybersecurity and AI Board of Investigations Act of 2026 (S. 5541); no House companion or committee action is recorded.

A Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee press release dated Oct. 28, 2025, states that Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) had requested information from Cisco after the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an emergency directive telling federal agencies to disconnect from certain Cisco devices, framing the inquiry as part of a broader investigation into repeated cybersecurity threats to the U.S. economy.

In February 2026, the Supreme Court held in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the president to impose tariffs and remanded the case. The Business Software Alliance's (BSA) 2026 Digital Trade Agenda calls for governments to modernize global trade rules to support AI, cloud services, and cross-border data flows.

The Bottom Line

Ballard Partners LLC reported $150,000 in each of the first three quarters of 2026, while the total of reported filings fell from $1,750,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025 to $1,330,000 in the second quarter of 2026, and the firm added Amaryllis Kennedy as a lobbyist in the third quarter.

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