Why it Matters
Fortune Brands Innovations is a newcomer to federal lobbying, having filed its first disclosure in late 2024. The home products giant spent $50,000 in Q3 2025 to influence legislation affecting its smart home devices. In total, the company has invested $170,000 on lobbying through five quarterly filings.
By the Numbers
Fortune Brands hired six lobbyists from Penn Avenue Partners for $50,000 in Q3 2025. The company has maintained consistent quarterly spending since starting its lobbying program, with external lobbying representing 100% of its federal advocacy spending. The lobbying team includes former congressional staffers with relevant committee experience. Three lobbyists have direct experience on committees overseeing consumer protection and trade issues.
Broader Context
Congress is currently debating smart device privacy and trade policy affecting home product manufacturers. The House has already passed legislation requiring disclosure of cameras and microphones in connected devices. Tariff discussions continue to impact companies with global supply chains like Fortune Brands.
Recent congressional hearings emphasized the aim to make homes “safer, healthier, and more prosperous” through consumer protection measures. Members highlighted concerns regarding the unintended consequences of new technologies in homes.
The Agenda
Focus on lobbying is on two key issues: consumer product safety and trade policy. The company specifically targets S. 28, the “Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act”. This bipartisan bill would require manufacturers to disclose cameras and microphones in internet-connected products.
Moreover, Fortune Brands also lobbies on broad trade issues affecting its global manufacturing operations, making smart locks, faucets, and security products through brands like Moen and Master Lock.
Competitive Landscape
Fortune Brands is joining other major manufacturers lobbying on similar issues. Whirlpool Corporation focuses on connected appliances and cybersecurity, while Lowe’s Companies Inc. engages on trade policy and consumer privacy legislation. Honeywell International Inc. lobbies on smart cities technologies and trade issues, and trade associations like Plumbing Manufacturers International work on removing tariffs on plumbing products.
Between The Lines
The House Energy and Commerce Committee held markup sessions in January and February 2025 regarding the smart devices bill. Rep. Russ Fulcher remarked that “consumers have a right to know if their internet-connected ‘smart’ appliance is recording them unknowingly.” Sen. Ted Cruz emphasized that “many Americans aren’t made aware that many of these devices and appliances are being built with cameras and microphones.” The House has already passed H.R. 859, the companion bill to S. 28.
The Bottom Line
Fortune Brands is positioning itself to influence legislation directly affecting its smart home products. The company’s lobbying investment reflects the importance of regulatory compliance for connected devices. /p>
All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!
Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article