Why it matters
The National Federation of Independent Business dramatically increased its lobbying muscle in the first quarter of 2025, spending an unprecedented $2.27 million on in-house efforts – nearly double its historical quarterly average.
The big picture
NFIB has consolidated its lobbying power within its experienced internal team of 10 lobbyists, led by veterans with direct ties to key congressional committees:
- Bradley Close, lobbying for NFIB since 2002, previously worked on the House Small Business Committee
- Jeffrey Brabant, with NFIB since 2018, formerly served as Policy Director for the same committee
- Joshua McLeod brings experience from the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
By the numbers
- $2,268,922: Q1 2025 lobbying expenditure
- 88.16%: Increase from Q4 2024 spending
- $1,188,188: NFIB’s historical quarterly lobbying average
Diving deeper
NFIB’s lobbying targets span several policy areas critical to small businesses:
Labor issues: The organization stands against pro-union legislation, including the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act and the Faster Labor Contracts Act, while supporting the Modern Worker Empowerment Act.
Regulatory reform: NFIB backs Congressional Review Act resolutions to repeal EPA methane fees and DOE water heater efficiency standards, reflecting its consistent opposition to regulations it views as burdensome.
Tax policy: The organization supports making small business tax provisions permanent through the Main Street Tax Certainty Act and backs the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025.
Financial services: NFIB advocates for the Credit Card Competition Act, aiming to reduce interchange fees for merchants.
Between the lines
NFIB’s deployed four of its representatives to provide expert testimony before key House committees, including Small Business, Education & Workforce, Ways & Means, and Financial Services.
What to watch
Other stakeholders – particularly labor unions, environmental groups, and financial services companies – will try to counter NFIB’s newly concentrated lobbying power on these issues.
Organizations with aligned interests on specific bills may find NFIB a powerful coalition partner with deep congressional relationships and significant resources.