Why it Matters
Corporate income tax is now a primary focus for Western Union after the company hired Holland & Knight to bolster its Washington lobbying as Congress debates international tax reform and remittance rules. The addition expands Western Union’s presence in tax policy discussions and leverages Senate Finance Committee expertise.
By the Numbers
Western Union Co. has maintained lobbying operations since 2004. The company combines in-house lobbying with multiple external firms including Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP and Thorsen French Advocacy LLC.
Holland & Knight’s team includes three lobbyists:
- Todd Alan Wooten: Former Senate Finance Committee Senior Counsel
- Joshua David Odintz: Former Senate Finance Committee Tax Counsel
- Nicole M. Elliott: Tax policy specialist
Broader Context
Corporate tax policy has become a fierce battleground in Congress. Democrats are pushing proposals such as the No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act to eliminate certain tax breaks for foreign profits, while Republicans generally favor extending provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. International negotiations on global minimum tax rates also complicate planning for multinationals; see the OECD’s work on a global minimum tax here.
The Agenda
The 2025 Registration Amendment specifies corporate income tax as the lobbying focus. Historically, Western Union lobbied on financial services regulation, immigration policy, and cybersecurity; tax policy rose in importance after the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act impacted international operations.
Competitive Landscape
Other money transfer companies, banks, and multinational corporations lobby on similar tax and financial services issues. Trade associations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce also advocate on international tax reform affecting cross-border business operations.
Between The Lines
Several bills could affect Western Union’s operations: the AIDA Act (remittance cost reduction), the Remittance Expense Minimization and Integrity for Transfers Act (limits on taxes for money transmitting businesses), and the Wall Street Tax Act of 2025 (financial transaction taxes). Legislators like Rep. Lloyd Doggett and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse have publicly criticized corporate tax avoidance and called for ending certain outsourcing tax breaks.
The Bottom Line
Western Union’s hiring of Holland & Knight reflects the high stakes in current tax policy debates. The firm’s Senate Finance Committee connections provide access during active congressional consideration of corporate tax reform and global tax negotiations.
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