Why It Matters
Databricks is entering federal lobbying at a pivotal moment for AI policy, marking the company’s first formal government affairs engagement after years of operating outside Washington’s regulatory sphere. This move signals recognition that emerging congressional frameworks will materially impact its business model and competitive position.
The company’s lobbying agenda centers on advancing AI innovation policies, fostering sector competition, and promoting AI productivity benefits. These goals directly intersect with high-stakes legislative efforts including the CREATE AI Act of 2025, which would democratize access to computing resources through a National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource, and the Protecting AI and Cloud Competition in Defense Act of 2025, which aims to prevent vendor lock-in in federal AI procurement.
By hiring Mehlman Consulting Inc., Databricks has assembled a seven-person bipartisan team with deep congressional connections. Most notably: Jon M. Adame served as Chief of Staff to Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), a leading voice on AI policy; Elisa Rebecca Goldman worked as Senior Counsel for the House Energy and Commerce Committee; and David Rogan Thomas served as Chief of Staff to Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-18).
By the Numbers
Databricks Inc. is making its first foray into federal lobbying with no previous disclosure history. Mehlman Consulting Inc. has filed over 1,400 disclosures since 2004, generating approximately $103.8 million in total lobbying expenditures.
The seven-person team brings significant bipartisan congressional experience across key committees.
The Agenda
Databricks Inc. is lobbying on artificial intelligence policy for the first time, advocating for federal support for AI research and development, ensuring smaller companies can compete against tech giants, and promoting policies facilitating AI adoption across economic sectors.
This marks Databricks’ entire entry into federal government affairs, reflecting recognition that emerging regulatory frameworks will significantly impact its business operations as Congress actively debates AI governance legislation.
Broader Context
Databricks enters federal lobbying as AI policy dominates Washington’s agenda. Eight of the largest tech companies spent $36 million on federal lobbying in H1 2025, with Meta spending $13.8 million and Nvidia’s spending surging 388 percent.
The Trump administration’s deregulatory AI Action Plan has energized industry lobbying, yet bipartisan Congressional interest in governance persists. Major competitors including Google, Oracle, and LinkedIn are actively lobbying on AI R&D, safety, privacy, and cloud computing.
Between The Lines
The 119th Congress is actively constructing AI’s regulatory framework through multiple legislative vehicles. Key proposals include the CREATE AI Act of 2025, the bipartisan AI Risk Evaluation Act, and the Liquid Cooling for AI Act.
Committee activity includes House Energy and Commerce’s "AI in the Everyday" hearing and Senate Banking’s "Guardrails and Growth" session. Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-CA) advocates regulating AI outcomes rather than tools, while Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) remains a leading voice on technology policy.
Competitive Landscape
Databricks enters a crowded arena where major tech companies are spending unprecedented sums. Industry players pursue similar objectives: minimal regulation, favorable infrastructure policies, and federal contracts. AI-focused companies like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Nvidia have rapidly expanded their federal presence, creating intense competition for policymaker attention.
The Bottom Line
Databricks Inc. has launched its first federal lobbying campaign to influence emerging AI governance frameworks. The bipartisan team’s congressional experience positions Databricks to compete with established players like Google, Oracle, and LinkedIn in shaping foundational AI policy as Congress actively debates regulation.
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