Why It Matters

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art has terminated its lobbying engagement with ArentFox Schiff LLP, according to recent disclosure filings.

By The Numbers

Cooper Union was a modest but steady client for ArentFox Schiff. The firm billed the institution $10,000 in the first quarter of 2021 and $20,000 in the second quarter that year. While these figures are relatively small compared to major corporate clients, the consistency of the engagement over several years indicates a stable working relationship that has now dissolved.

Broader Context

Cooper Union's lobbying efforts through ArentFox Schiff focused on several interconnected policy areas affecting higher education institutions. The firm advocated on behalf of Cooper Union regarding the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which funneled significant federal funding into higher education. The institution also lobbied on issues about funding for higher education more broadly and subsequent guidance from the Department of Education.

A separate issue area proved particularly relevant to Cooper Union's advocacy: the endowment excise tax. The firm lobbied on provisions within the Internal Revenue Code related to endowment taxation, a matter of significant concern to institutions with substantial endowments like Cooper Union.

The American Rescue Plan Act passed Congress in 2021, and Cooper Union's lobbying activity tracked closely with the law's implementation and the regulatory guidance that followed. The firm continued to lobby on higher education funding and endowment excise tax issues through at least 2022, suggesting ongoing engagement with policymakers as regulations took shape.

The team that represented Cooper Union at ArentFox Schiff brought substantial congressional experience to the engagement. Phil English, a former Republican Congressman from Pennsylvania's 3rd district, served as Co-Chair of the Government Relations Practice and led the account. Oliver Spurgeon III worked as Senior Government Relations Director on the Cooper Union engagement.

Kelsey Griswold-Berger, who served as Government Relations Director on the account, brought prior experience with multiple Republican members of Congress.

The Bottom Line

The termination comes as higher education institutions continue to navigate federal policy on student lending, accreditation, and funding that emerged from the American Rescue Plan and subsequent legislative efforts.

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