Why It Matters

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce wants to secure permanent tax cuts and regulatory relief while managing severe trade policy uncertainty that’s already shrinking manufacturing jobs. The Chamber achieved major victories with TCJA extension legislation and aggressive deregulation efforts in 2025, but tariff rates remain elevated and volatile—reaching levels unseen since the Great Depression.

By hiring Cornerstone Government Affairs Inc. in the last quarter of 2025, the Chamber is doubling down on legislative advocacy precisely when tax legislation was finalizing and deregulation was accelerating. The firm’s lobbyists—particularly David Mark Planning, who previously served as staff director for the House Small Business Committee—bring direct congressional expertise on financial services and small business issues central to the Chamber’s agenda.

By the Numbers

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent more than $1.3 billion on lobbying from 2003 to 2025. This fourth quarter engagement with Cornerstone Government Affairs Inc. represents a $60,000 external supplement—modest for the lobbying powerhouse.

Long-term partners include Mayer Brown LLP ($10.9 million over 76 disclosures), Tiber Creek Group Inc. ($2.4 million), and Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP ($1.16 million).

The Cornerstone hire adds two registered lobbyists: Colleen Kaveney Moss, who brings energy and financial services expertise from work with Duke Energy Corp. and SIFMA, and David Mark Planning, whose congressional experience includes staff director roles on House Small Business and Financial Services committees.

The Agenda

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce retained Cornerstone to support broad "legislative and regulatory priorities" without specifying particular bills. However, recent Chamber-hosted roundtables with members like Rep. Nathaniel Moran and Rep. Russ Fulcher centered on extending Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions.

Congress is advancing bills like H.R. 421, the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act, which reduces regulatory burdens—a core Chamber objective. The engagement comes as House Small Business Committee hearings focus on cutting red tape and improving capital access.

Broader Context

The Chamber’s last quarter engagement comes during significant economic policy activity in Congress. Major tax legislation has been moving forward, with Congress actively debating TCJA extensions while pursuing aggressive deregulation.

However, trade policy volatility creates headwinds, with tariff uncertainty affecting Chamber members across sectors. Multiple Republicans have participated in Chamber roundtables focused on tax policy permanency, indicating active engagement in shaping legislative outcomes. Other major business groups like Google and the American Farm Bureau Federation are pursuing similar advocacy strategies.

Between The Lines

Congress is actively advancing Chamber-aligned legislation. Key bills include H.R. 421 requiring economic impact analysis for regulations, S. 816 expanding U.S. exports to Africa and Latin America, and H.R. 4278 protecting companies from foreign regulatory taxation.

Multiple House Republicans have publicly partnered with the Chamber. Rep. Nathaniel Moran, Rep. Zach Nunn, and Rep. Juan Ciscomani participated in roundtables advocating for making TCJA provisions permanent.

Competitive Landscape

The Chamber operates within a crowded field of business advocacy organizations. Google Client Services LLC spent over $6 million in 2025 on overlapping priorities including TCJA permanency and regulatory reform. The American Farm Bureau Federation focuses heavily on tax policy and trade advocacy.

This coordinated business coalition reflects broad agreement on economic priorities, though disagreements persist on trade and tariff approaches.

The Bottom Line

The Chamber’s $60,000 Cornerstone engagement strategically deploys experienced lobbyists during active congressional debates on tax extensions, deregulation, and trade—core Chamber priorities. This represents tactical reinforcement of the Chamber’s massive lobbying operation rather than a strategic shift, positioning the organization to capitalize on favorable policy conditions while addressing trade uncertainty that threatens member interests.

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