Military Mental Health Group Hires Cornerstone Government Affairs for Federal Lobbying Push
Why it Matters: Advancing Mental Health for Military Families LLC is significantly expanding its lobbying firepower by adding Cornerstone Government Affairs Inc. to its advocacy team. The organization has already spent $1.29 million on federal lobbying since 2023. This latest hire brings specialized expertise in defense appropriations and healthcare policy at a time when Congress is intensely focused on military mental health issues.
By the Numbers: The organization has disclosed $1,290,000 in total lobbying expenditures across 23 filings since March 2023. Its lobbying team previously included BGR Government Affairs LLC ($890,000), Cassidy & Associates Inc. ($390,000), and Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP ($10,000). The new Cornerstone team includes six lobbyists, led by Patrick M. Flood, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE). Karyn Faye Richman brings House Appropriations Committee experience.
Broader Context: Congressional attention on military mental health has intensified following revelations that 17 veterans die by suicide daily. Recent hearings highlighted the VA’s low compliance rate for suicide risk screening at just 55%. The transition period for service members leaving the military has been identified as particularly high-risk for mental health crises.
The Agenda: The organization focuses on Veterans, Defense, Budget/Appropriations, and Health Issues. Multiple bills are advancing through Congress, including the BRAVE Act of 2025 (S.609) and the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act (S.702/H.R.2426). The Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act (H.R.3944) remains the primary funding vehicle.
Competitive Landscape: The policy space includes diverse players lobbying on similar issues. Mental health providers like Give an Hour Nonprofit and Centerstone seek community-based service funding. Pharmaceutical companies including Otsuka America Pharmaceutical lobby on PTSD treatments. The Fleet Reserve Association represents veteran service organization interests.
Between The Lines: Bipartisan momentum is building around military mental health legislation. Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-RI) and Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) co-lead suicide prevention efforts. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) chairs the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and has led multiple hearings. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) opposes potential VA staffing cuts that could “cripple efforts to save veterans from suicide.” Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) secured significant VA mental health funding in appropriations.
The Bottom Line: This lobbying expansion positions the organization to capitalize on unprecedented congressional interest in military mental health. With experienced appropriations and defense policy advocates, the group enters a crowded but receptive policy environment where bipartisan support exists for meaningful reform.
All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!