Why It Matters

Peppertree’s inaugural federal lobbying effort signals that infrastructure investment in Latin America is now a geopolitical battleground. Congress is increasingly scrutinizing foreign infrastructure projects, particularly telecommunications and subsea cables, through a national security lens focused on countering Chinese influence.

The firm’s focus on "Investigations in Latin America" suggests preparation for heightened U.S. government oversight of its assets. Recent congressional hearings on subsea cable threats, pending legislation like the SECURE American Telecommunications Act establishing security standards for submarine cables, and foreign adversary transparency requirements indicate that private equity infrastructure holdings abroad face new compliance risks.

China’s economic footprint in Latin America has become substantial, with trade hitting $518 billion in 2024 and projections reaching $700 billion by 2035. The Trump administration has taken an explicitly assertive posture toward Chinese infrastructure involvement, including threats regarding the Panama Canal.

By the Numbers

Peppertree has no prior federal lobbying history, making this 2025 engagement a debut. The firm hired Continental Strategy to focus exclusively on "Investigations in Latin America" under the Foreign Relations category.

Carlos Trujillo, the sole registered lobbyist, brings substantial regional expertise. He has represented Argentine energy firms like Empresa Distribuidora de Electricidad de Mendoza SA and Minera Aguilar S.A., plus international agriculture clients.

The Agenda

Congress is intensely focused on protecting critical telecommunications infrastructure from foreign adversaries. Recent hearings examined subsea cable vulnerabilities and China’s "debt trap diplomacy" in the Western Hemisphere.

Multiple bills now advancing would establish security standards for telecommunications networks. The SECURE American Telecommunications Act prohibits subsea cable connections to foreign adversaries. The FACT Act requires transparency on foreign ownership in telecommunications licensing.

Members like Rep. August Pfluger and Rep. Young Kim are actively countering Chinese influence in global telecommunications and strengthening security standards.

Competitive Landscape

Peppertree joins established infrastructure players already engaged in federal advocacy. American Tower Corp. actively lobbies on "international business operations" and telecommunications. T-Mobile and Verizon maintain substantial federal advocacy programs focused on infrastructure and spectrum policy.

The competitive environment suggests established players have already built significant congressional relationships. Peppertree’s inaugural lobbying effort positions it to catch up as policy surrounding foreign infrastructure investment crystallizes.

The Bottom Line

Infrastructure investment in Latin America is no longer purely commercial. Congressional hearings, pending legislation, and executive branch statements all suggest that telecommunications assets, subsea cables, and critical supply chains will face heightened government oversight.

Peppertree’s first lobbying registration reflects a simple calculation: navigating this new reality requires Washington connections. As U.S.-China competition intensifies and lawmakers prioritize national security over market access, private equity firms with foreign exposure need federal advocacy to protect their investments.

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