Why It Matters
The Lake Carriers Association's lobbying disclosure, filed for the second-quarter of this year and posted July 16 shows the Great Lakes shipping trade group continuing its federal advocacy while reducing spending from the previous quarter. The filing does not identify specific legislation, though prior disclosures indicate the association has focused on trade policy, maritime regulations and federal appropriations affecting Great Lakes shipping.
By the Numbers
Lake Carriers Association retained K&L Gates LLP for its federal lobbying work, reporting $180,000 in lobbying expenses for the quarter. The filing lists three lobbyists: Jim Sartucci, government affairs counselor; Mark Ruge, partner; and Scott Gelbman, government affairs adviser.
The association spent $200,000 on lobbying during the first quarter of this year, according to its previous filing. The second-quarter total represents a 10% decrease, not 9%, from the prior quarter. The reduction follows several quarters of relatively consistent lobbying activity.
This marks the fifth consecutive quarterly filing by Lake Carriers Association using K&L Gates LLP. Across those five filings, the association has reported approximately $1.02 million in lobbying expenditures. The organization's federal lobbying registration also reflects a streamlined advocacy team compared with the nine lobbyists listed in its fourth-quarter 2025 filing.
The Bottom Line
Lake Carriers Association continues to advocate on behalf of the U.S.-flag Great Lakes shipping industry while modestly reducing its quarterly lobbying expenditures. The organization has maintained representation through K&L Gates and largely the same core lobbying team, suggesting a continued focus on maritime policy, trade issues and federal legislation affecting Great Lakes commerce rather than a significant shift in advocacy priorities.
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