Why it matters:
The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas just hired a specialized lobbying firm focused squarely on transportation, narrowing its focus from a wide array of issues.
The timing is notable. Federal tribal infrastructure funding faces potential steep cuts. The FY 2026 budget proposes slashing tribal transportation programs by 57 percent. Congressional interest in tribal infrastructure remains strong—for now—but the window may be closing.
Critically, Rep. Tony Gonzales—the tribe’s representative—introduced the International Bridge and Port of Entry Modernization Act in May. It streamlines permitting for international bridge projects. The tribe’s own border crossing initiative directly benefits from this momentum.
Gonzales recently visited the tribe in Eagle Pass to discuss partnerships. That direct line to the House matters.
The tribe operates the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel, which transformed the community from poverty. Transportation infrastructure directly supports that economic engine.
By the Numbers
The new lobbying team: Andrea McWilliams and Daniel Brookhart Mays bring transportation sector experience. Both previously lobbied for automotive safety clients, particularly on pulsing brake light legislation.
Neither has prior congressional staff experience. But their work navigating transportation policy committees and federal agencies translates directly to tribal infrastructure advocacy.
The tribe currently employs four separate lobbying firms: Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker LLP for general Indian affairs; Capitol Hill Policy Group LLC for border and federal funding issues; Valiant Strategies LLC for the presidential permit process on its international bridge project; and newly-hired McWilliams for transportation infrastructure.
McWilliams’ prior clients generated $456,500 in disclosed lobbying revenue, while Mays’ clients generated $656,500, primarily from Williams & Lake LLC work on automotive advocacy.
The Agenda
The tribe’s lobbying focuses on transportation infrastructure near the reservation, along with federal appropriations, tribal tax policy, border security, and gaming regulation. Current legislative activity includes the Tribal Gaming Regulatory Compliance Act (H.R. 3723 / S. 2564) addressing gaming regulations for Texas-based tribes.
The Bottom Line
The tribe’s decision to add specialized transportation expertise suggests it views the next 18-24 months as critical. Federal funding is available now. Budget pressures are coming. The tribe is positioning itself to capture as much as possible before the money dries up.
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