Why It Matters

Massachusetts faces intense competition for limited federal defense dollars, making sustained advocacy on the FY2026 Defense Appropriations Bill and National Defense Authorization Act critical to protecting the state’s $50 billion defense sector and 140,000 jobs. The Massachusetts Development Finance Agency is lobbying to secure funding for key installations including Air Force Materiel Command, USCYBERCOM, and Army modernization programs—priorities that align with congressional investment in cyber capabilities ($15.1 billion in FY2026). By retaining the Roosevelt Group with lobbyists holding direct House Armed Services and Appropriations Committee experience, MassDevelopment is positioning itself to compete effectively for federal resources.

By the Numbers

The Massachusetts Development Finance Agency has filed 109 lobbying disclosures totaling $4.88 million since 2003, establishing itself as a consistent presence in Washington focused on defense advocacy.

MassDevelopment spent $320,000 in 2025 across four quarterly filings of $80,000 each, retaining the Roosevelt Group—its lobbying partner since 2013. The Roosevelt Group team includes Matthew Harrington Herrmann, former Chief of Staff to House Armed Services Committee member Delegate Madeleine Bordallo, and John M. Simmons, who worked for House Appropriations Committee member Rep. Jim Walsh.

The Agenda

MassDevelopment is advocating on the FY2026 Defense Appropriations Bill, the National Defense Authorization Act, and targeted military priorities including Air Force Materiel Command operations, USCYBERCOM expansion, Air National Guard force structure, and Army modernization initiatives.

The agency has maintained this defense-focused agenda for over two decades, previously protecting Massachusetts bases during the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure process and advocating for programs like New Markets Tax Credits.

Broader Context

Congress recently approved a $900+ billion authorization bill with $15.1 billion for cyber operations—directly relevant to USCYBERCOM. The Army is implementing major modernization initiatives including Long Range Precision Fires and Next Generation Combat Vehicles.

Governor Maura Healey announced nearly $47 million in state funding for defense initiatives, including support for Hanscom Air Force Base and the Army’s Natick Soldier Systems Center. The state launched the Massachusetts Strategic Hub for Innovation in Defense, positioning the defense sector—7 percent of the state economy—as critical to national security.

Between The Lines

The FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act secured bipartisan Senate passage 77-20, authorizing $900+ billion in defense spending with substantial cybersecurity increases targeting USCYBERCOM expansion. Parallel appropriations bills including the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for 2026 will determine actual funding for MassDevelopment’s priorities.

The Army’s 2025 acquisition reforms include roughly $3 billion in next-generation command-and-control systems, while the Air Force Materiel Command’s 2025 Strategic Plan emphasizes digital materiel management capabilities.

Competitive Landscape

MassDevelopment faces competition from other state defense alliances. The Roosevelt Group simultaneously represents the Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, Utah Defense Alliance, Louisiana Armed Forces Alliance, and Hampton Roads Military Alliance—all competing for limited federal appropriations.

This competitive pressure underscores why MassDevelopment maintains sustained $80,000 quarterly investments to keep its advocacy at the forefront during annual budget cycles.

The Bottom Line

The Massachusetts Development Finance Agency paid the Roosevelt Group $80,000 in fourth quarter 2025 as part of a $320,000 annual investment spanning a 12-year partnership. With congressional experience on key committees, the lobbying team provides direct insight into decision-making bodies overseeing defense appropriations. As Massachusetts competes against other states for defense resources, sustained professional representation remains strategically necessary for protecting the state’s $50 billion defense sector.

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