Why it Matters
RTI International maintains consistent lobbying spending levels while focusing on core mission areas. The organization relies entirely on in-house lobbyists rather than external firms.
By the Numbers
Q3 2025 Spending: $120,000 in in-house lobbying expenditures
Historical Investment: Over $10.4 million spent on lobbying since 2003
Lobbying Team: Three registered in-house lobbyists
- Marie L. Spear: 24 disclosures, $2.4M total since February 2020
- James Vinson Hunter: 32 disclosures, $2.7M total since February 2018
- Samantha Porter: 14 disclosures, $1.7M total since July 2022
Broader Context
Congress faces pressure on research funding amid budget constraints. Bipartisan support exists for health research and NIH funding. Global health programs face potential cuts while members debate foreign assistance priorities. Defense health research remains a priority in military spending discussions.
The Agenda
RTI lobbies on three main issue areas in its Q3 2025 filing:
- Health Issues: Health statistics and surveillance programs
- Foreign Relations: U.S. foreign assistance and international health programming
- Budget/Appropriations: Defense innovation funding and health statistics appropriations
The organization targets annual appropriations bills for Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education and State and Foreign Operations.
Competitive Landscape
Multiple organizations compete for similar funding streams. Global health advocates include the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene and PATH. Defense health research draws lobbying from Washington State University and other research institutions.
Public health groups like the American Thoracic Society also lobby for HHS and CDC appropriations.
Between The Lines
Congressional activity aligns with RTI’s priorities. The House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee held hearings on “Health at Your Fingertips: Harnessing the Power of Digital Health Data”. Confirmation hearings covered key positions including HHS Secretary and CDC Director.
Members express strong positions on funding. Sen. Cory Booker and Sen. Chris Murphy oppose cuts to global health programs. Sen. Susan Collins questioned proposed reductions to international health funding.
The Bottom Line
RTI maintains steady lobbying operations during uncertain budget times. The organization’s experienced team focuses on established priority areas.
All data used in this article came from Legis1. Request a demo to learn more!
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