Why It Matters
Uber faces an existential challenge to its core business model: worker classification. While the company lost ground at the state level with California’s new unionization law taking effect in 2026, federal Democrats are pushing the Empowering App-Based Workers Act to mandate stronger protections and reclassification. Republicans counter with legislation preserving independent contractor status.
Uber’s third-quarter spending reflects a high-stakes battle. This company is lobbying aggressively through a deliberately bipartisan team, suggesting a strategy to preserve flexibility while adopting selective concessions. Beyond labor, Uber is shaping emerging regulatory frameworks around autonomous vehicles, electric vehicle infrastructure, and rideshare privacy—positioning itself as a willing partner in the next generation of transportation policy.
By the Numbers
Uber Technologies Inc. spent $1.01 million on in-house lobbying during Q3 2025, continuing its decade-long advocacy engagement. The company has logged 456 total disclosures since 2014, spending $36.72 million cumulatively on federal lobbying.
Uber’s five-person in-house team brings diverse Capitol Hill experience. Julius L. West contributes 15+ years in senior roles, including Chief of Staff to Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL-2). Brian P. Barnard brings seven years of Hill experience, including House Appropriations Committee work. Newcomers Cameron James Rohall and Javier Ricardo Correoso joined in 2025, with Rohall bringing prior lobbying experience from Ford Motor Co. on autonomous vehicles.
The Agenda
Uber Technologies Inc. is lobbying on multiple fronts tied to its core business model and future growth.
The ride-hailing giant is pushing back against the Empowering App-Based Workers Act, which would mandate algorithmic fairness and provide traditional employment protections. Worker classification remains Uber’s most contentious policy battleground.
Beyond labor, Uber is actively shaping emerging regulations. The company is engaging on the Safe and Private Rides Act, which would require passenger notification of in-vehicle recording. It’s also lobbying on the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, directly impacting its e-bike and e-scooter operations.
Transportation policy rounds out the agenda, with engagement on autonomous vehicle regulations, EV infrastructure implementation, and the Autonomous Vehicle Accessibility Act. The company is also pushing for tax-free tips for rideshare drivers.
Broader Context
Congress in this quarter confronted major policy shifts directly affecting Uber’s operations. California passed Assembly Bill 1340, allowing Uber drivers to unionize starting January 2026—a significant state-level loss. Simultaneously, Republicans advanced the "Protect the Gig Economy Act," while Democrats pushed the Empowering App-Based Workers Act. This partisan divide explains Uber’s investment in bipartisan lobbying.
On autonomous vehicles, NHTSA’s new framework prioritizes federal over state regulation, creating favorable conditions for Uber’s AV ambitions. Canada rescinded its Digital Services Tax, eliminating a key lobbying concern.
Between The Lines
Congress is actively legislating on nearly every issue central to Uber’s business model this quarter.
Worker classification dominated the political landscape. The Empowering App-Based Workers Act (S.2488) pushes mandatory algorithmic fairness—directly challenging Uber’s model. Meanwhile, the Republican-controlled House Education and the Workforce Committee held hearings favoring portable benefits over reclassification.
On autonomous vehicles, bipartisan momentum emerged with Reps. Greg Stanton and Brian Mast advancing the Autonomous Vehicle Accessibility Act.
Rideshare privacy saw bipartisan support when Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Peter Welch (D-VT) introduced the Safe and Private Rides Act (S. 1654).
The Bottom Line
Uber’s $1.01 million lobbying reflects genuine congressional friction across its key issues. Democrats are pushing the Empowering App-Based Workers Act to reclassify drivers as employees, while Republicans advanced competing legislation preserving independent contractor status. The company also faces state-level losses with California’s new unionization law beginning January 2026.
Success on issues like Canada’s Digital Services Tax repeal suggests Uber has found common ground with policymakers. But labor classification remains deeply partisan and unsettled, making it the company’s most critical lobbying battleground.
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