Why It Matters
Oracle Corp. reported increased federal lobbying expenditures in the third quarter, with its in-house disclosure covering defense appropriations, information technology modernization, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity executive orders, and government cloud procurement.
The company's lobbying comes as Congress considers federal data privacy legislation and the Trump administration implements new AI and cybersecurity policies. Oracle also faces congressional scrutiny over a major expansion of its Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic health record contract.
By the Numbers
Oracle's in-house lobbying filing reports $2.89 million for the third quarter, up $580,000 (about 25.1%) from $2.31 million in the same quarter last year. Across all 11 registrants, Oracle's reported lobbying total reached $3.53 million, up $890,000 from $2.64 million in the second quarter and $570,000 from $2.96 million in the third quarter last year. The in-house operation accounted for the entire quarter-over-quarter increase, rising from $2 million to $2.89 million. Outside lobbying firms collectively reported $640,000 in both quarters.
The seven lobbyists named on the in-house filing are:
- Ken Glueck, executive vice president
- Peter Lord, senior vice president
- Aliza Silver, senior director of health care policy and government affairs; formerly deputy director of health policy for the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee
- Emalee Young, newly listed in the third quarter
- Josh Pitcock, senior vice president of government affairs; former chief of staff to former Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN)
- Cheryl Davis, senior director of strategic initiatives
- Robert Novy, senior director
Compared with the second quarter, Tracy Spicer was no longer listed on Avenue Solutions' filing, and Chad Sydnor was no longer listed on Cassidy & Associates Inc.'s filing.
Broader Context
SECURE Data Act
H.R. 8413, the Securing and Establishing Consumer Uniform Rights and Enforcement over Data (SECURE Data) Act, was introduced April 21 by Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) and referred to the House Energy and Commerce and Judiciary committees. The legislation would establish a national consumer privacy framework and remains at the introduced stage.
The bill would generally cover companies with annual revenues of at least $25 million that process personal data involving 200,000 or more consumers, as well as certain businesses that process data involving at least 100,000 consumers and derive at least 25% of their revenue from selling personal data. It includes exemptions and provisions addressing entities subject to other federal privacy laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
The House Energy and Commerce Committee examined the legislation at a hearing titled "Examining Legislation to Establish a Federal Comprehensive Privacy and Data Security Law." The U.S. Chamber of Commerce endorsed H.R. 8413, citing an Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF) estimate that differing state privacy laws could cost the U.S. economy $1 trillion, including $200 billion for small businesses.
The California Privacy Protection Agency opposed the legislation, warning that its broad federal preemption provisions could weaken state privacy protections and affect California's Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP), which allows consumers to request deletion of personal information held by registered data brokers. The Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) also criticized the bill's reliance on a "notice and choice" framework, arguing that it would permit excessive data collection and sales. EPIC cited approximately 80 million Americans covered by state opt-out laws.
AI and cybersecurity executive orders
Oracle's lobbying disclosure identifies Executive Order 14179, "Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence," issued Jan. 23, 2025; Executive Order 14306, which amended earlier federal cybersecurity directives; and Executive Order 14409, "Promoting Advanced Artificial Intelligence Innovation and Security," issued June 2.
Executive Order 14409 directs federal agencies to coordinate on AI-related cybersecurity, establish a process for evaluating advanced AI models for national security risks, and work with developers on voluntary security assessments. The order also prioritizes enforcing penalties for criminal misuse of AI in cyberattacks.
VA electronic health records
In August, the VA increased the ceiling on its electronic health record modernization contract with Oracle Health Government Services by about $16.9 billion, raising the total potential contract value to about $26.9 billion. The modification also added three optional one-year ordering periods, potentially extending the agreement through May 2031.
The increase represents additional contracting capacity, not necessarily money already spent. The modernization program has faced delays, technical problems, and patient-safety concerns. Lawmakers have questioned the cost increase. On Oct. 13, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Rep. Mark Takano (D-CA) asked VA Secretary Doug Collins for more detail on the contract expansion, citing concerns about oversight and the department's justification for the additional funding.
Competitive Landscape
Motorola Solutions Inc., the American Advertising Federation, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Palo Alto Networks Inc. and Kroger Co. are among 29 organizations identified in the supplied records as associated with H.R. 8413. Their involvement reflects interest from technology, advertising, financial services, and retail organizations in the proposed national privacy framework.
The Bottom Line
Oracle's in-house lobbying expenditures rose to $2.89 million in the third quarter, up from $2 million in the second quarter. Emalee Young's addition was the first change to its in-house lobbying roster since Adrian Boafo was no longer listed in the first quarter. The SECURE Data Act remains in the House Energy and Commerce and Judiciary committees, while Oracle's federal policy engagement continues alongside heightened congressional scrutiny of its expanded VA electronic health record contract.
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