Why It Matters

Graham Corp.’s entry into federal lobbying marks a strategic pivot for the defense supplier as Congress mobilizes historic investment in submarine production. The company manufactures critical propulsion components for nuclear submarines at a moment when the Navy faces an acute production crisis: Virginia-class submarines are built at 60% of required capacity, and Columbia-class boats face 18-24 month delays.

Congress responded to these production delays by allocating $8.7 billion additional shipbuilding funds in the FY2026 Defense Appropriations bill, with billions specifically targeting submarine production and industrial base support.

By the Numbers

Graham Corp. began federal lobbying in 2025 with a two-firm strategy, retaining both firms in October 2025 to focus on Defense Authorization and Appropriations Bills. Philip Oliva Jr. serves as the sole registered lobbyist from Gipper Communications representing Graham Corp. Oliva brings direct experience lobbying on defense appropriations for clients including Custom Electronics Inc. and Nouryon Chemicals LLC, plus prior congressional experience as District Director for Rep. John Sweeney during 2005.

By hiring both Gipper Communications LLC and Thorn Run Partners in October 2025, the company is positioning itself to influence the Defense Authorization and Appropriations bills.

The Agenda

Graham Corp. is lobbying specifically on Defense Authorization and Appropriations bills. The company supplies critical vacuum and heat transfer equipment for nuclear-powered submarines and aircraft carriers, positioning itself to influence legislation funding the submarine industrial base, including the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 and companion defense appropriations bills.

Broader Context

Congress faces a critical crisis in U.S. naval shipbuilding capacity that has become a top national security priority. China’s shipbuilding capacity exceeds the United States by over 200 times, intensifying competition for naval dominance.

In response, Congress has authorized massive investment. The Senate’s FY2026 defense appropriations include $8.7 billion in new shipbuilding funding, with billions dedicated specifically to submarine programs and industrial base support. The AUKUS partnership—transferring Virginia-class submarines to Australia—further expands demand for U.S. submarine production.

Competitive Landscape

Graham Corp. enters a crowded field of defense suppliers actively lobbying Congress on submarine and naval industrial base issues. Newport News Economic Development Authority, representing HII-Newport News Shipbuilding, and Granite State Manufacturing, a New Hampshire-based submarine supplier, both consistently lobby for submarine systems support. Bartlett Maritime Corp. focuses specifically on submarine maintenance, targeting the same FY26 Defense Authorization and Appropriations bills that Graham Corp. now targets.

The Bottom Line

Graham Corp.’s lobbying effort capitalizes on significant congressional momentum around submarine procurement and maintenance needs, joining competitors in advocating for naval supply chain support as Congress prioritizes submarine production delays and industrial base vulnerabilities with historic defense spending increases.

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