The Eyes on Washington Podcast

Latest Episodes:

An Update on the General Energy and Climate Legislative Landscape Oct 26, 2023

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This episode was originally released on December 19, 2022 | In this post-election special edition episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's "The Eyes on Washington" podcast series, Partner Elizabeth Craddock and Senior Policy Advisor Beth Viola discuss the general energy and climate legislative landscape heading into the 118th Congress. From the newly enacted Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to the potential reauthorization of the PIPES Act, this episode focuses on the many changes happening in the energy and climate space, as well as the impact these changes will have on the oil and gas, and renewable energy industries as a whole.

COP27 in Review: It Takes a Village Oct 26, 2023

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This episode was originally released on December 16, 2022 | In this post-election special edition episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's "The Eyes on Washington" podcast series, Senior Public Affairs Advisor Isabel Lane interviews Senior Policy Advisor Beth Viola about her time at the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), most commonly referred to as COP27. Hosted in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, COP27 was a two-week gathering of diplomats, lawmakers, industry leaders and other shareholders focused on addressing climate change on a global level. Ms. Viola, who has been engaged in the COP process since 1997, shared insight on this year's COP and what it means for U.S. businesses moving forward. The primary issue at the center of COP27 was loss and damages, which was driven by the developing world wanting to ensure they receive compensation for the direct impacts of climate change they have faced, as well as continued funds to help them mitigate potential issues going forward.Ms. Viola shares details about the day-to-day experience on the ground in Sharm El-Sheikh, and emphasized her excitement about the increased participation from C-suite executives and industry leaders in key dialogues and negotiations throughout the COP. She also discusses the status of U.S.-Chinese cooperation on climate change and the international impact of a new emphasis on U.S. domestic production. Lastly, Ms. Viola touches on the implications of Egypt as a host country and what is to be expected at COP28 in Dubai.

Both Sides of the Aisle: Education Policy Agenda in the 118th Congress Oct 26, 2023

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This episode was originally released on December 14, 2022 | In this post-election special edition episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's "The Eyes on Washington" podcast series, Senior Policy Advisors Lauren Maddox and Shawna Watley discuss the future of education policy following the midterm elections. With the Republicans gaining control in the House, Ms. Maddox outlines who is expected to lead the Committee on Education and Labor and what key agenda items will be a focus for the party. She also explains the ways in which the shift in power may affect how the Committee functions. Ms. Watley follows up with an update from the Democratic perspective, as that party will maintain control in the Senate. She discusses key pieces of legislation that will remain top of mind for Democrats, including student loan reform and forgiveness, funding for the CHIPS Act and grant opportunities for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). They conclude their conversation by highlighting where Republican and Democrat priorities overlap and where bipartisan progress can be made in the 118th Congress. *Please note: information regarding Congresswoman Virginia Foxx's waiver has changed since the time of recording.

Election Impacts on DOE Funding, Clean Tech Legislation and Energy Innovation Oct 26, 2023

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This episode was originally released on December 12, 2022 | In this post-election special edition episode of our Public Policy & Regulation Group's "The Eyes on Washington Podcast" series, energy and environment attorney Taite McDonald and energy policy advisor Elizabeth Noll talk about the election impacts and what to expect for the energy and environment sector. Ms. Noll and Ms. McDonald discuss how the election outcome will impact the prospects for clean energy and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funding moving forward. In addition, Ms. Noll, who focuses on the DOE and other agencies across the federal government with regard to energy and clean tech and energy innovation, explains how community benefit plans and Environmental Justice40 (EJ40) will be affected by the changes in Congress. Mr. McDonald, who served at Department of Energy and the Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs Office, also covers topics regarding appropriations and funding for the federal government and provides helpful for businesses to build government strategies.

Let's Get Fiscal: Election Impacts on Tax Code Oct 26, 2023

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This episode was originally released on December 9, 2022 | In this post-election special edition episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's "The Eyes on Washington Podcast" series, tax attorneys Nicole Elliott and Joshua David Odintz discussed the impact of midterm elections on the tax code. Together, they analyze what Congress plans to get done during the lame duck session, including four major tax provisions that will be in play this season. They also explore the likely position of both parties regarding each provision, as well as the prospect of working in a bipartisan fashion during this period of transition.

Don't Let Your Monkeys Become Gorillas: Congressional Oversight Post-Midterms Oct 26, 2023

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This episode was originally released on December 7, 2022 | In this post-election special edition episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's "The Eyes on Washington Podcast" series, congressional investigation attorneys Tom Davis and Chris Armstrong talk about federal investigations in the next Congress. Mr. Davis and Mr. Armstrong discuss the changes in the Senate and House of Representatives and evaluate the landscape for subpoenas. In addition, Mr. Davis, who previously chaired the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, explains how to look out for the well-being of clients under investigation. Mr. Armstrong, who served as chief oversight counsel under Orrin Hatch, also provides helpful guidance on how to prepare witnesses for a successful trial. Both attorneys emphasize that companies facing potential investigation should be staying ahead of the curve.

Achieving Health Equity: One Bite at a Time Oct 26, 2023

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This episode was originally released on December 2, 2022 | Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group is proud to partner with the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC) for a three-part podcast series highlighting diverse perspectives on genetic testing and kidney disease. RDDC brings together health and diversity advocates, rare disease specialists and industry leaders to identify and advocate for evidenced-based solutions to alleviate the disproportionate burden of rare diseases on communities of color. This series, co-hosted by Senior Policy Advisor Shawna Watley and Advocacy Relations Professional and RDCC Consultant Deanna Darlington, lifts up important voices from the field and educates listeners about the experiences of those living with rare diseases. Special thanks to Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Travere Therapeutics for their sponsorship and support of this podcast.In this episode, our co-hosts are joined by Dr. Tralonda Triplett, Director of Operations for the Institute for Successful Leadership, and Pamela Price, Deputy Director for The Balm in Gilead. This conversation centers around health equity and its complexities. Health equity, as defined by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is when every person has the opportunity to attain his or her full potential when it comes to health, and no one is disadvantaged from achieving this potential because of social position or other socially determined circumstances. The group dives deep on this definition and explains why equitable healthcare is so important in communities worldwide. Dr. Triplett and Ms. Price each share how their organizations are working toward equity in healthcare, one bite at a time, and how improving health equity requires a collective effort across systems. They also offer specific insight on ways healthcare organizations can create and support equity in the community.

Battling Cystinosis: Perspectives from a Doctor and a Patient Turned Advocate Oct 26, 2023

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This episode was originally released on November 30, 2022 | Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group is proud to partner with the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC) for a three-part podcast series highlighting diverse perspectives on genetic testing and kidney disease. RDDC brings together health and diversity advocates, rare disease specialists and industry leaders to identify and advocate for evidenced-based solutions to alleviate the disproportionate burden of rare diseases on communities of color. This series, co-hosted by Senior Policy Advisor Shawna Watley and Advocacy Relations Professional and RDCC Consultant Deanna Darlington, lifts up important voices from the field and educates listeners about the experiences of those living with rare diseases. Special thanks to Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Travere Therapeutics for their sponsorship and support of this podcast.In this episode, our co-hosts are joined by Sara Healy and Dr. Agnes Lo Costello. Sara has a rare genetic disease known as cystinosis. Cystinosis is a lysosomal storage disorder that targets the body's organs and if left untreated, can lead to kidney failure. Sara has been involved with the Cystinosis Research Network and continues to advocate for cystinosis patients. As a medical affairs and clinical development leader, Dr. Agnes Lo Costello provides consulting services to the biotechnology companies. She shares her experience and insights to support clinical development and bring new and novel therapeutic agents to patients. Her therapeutic knowledge includes transplant immunology, immune-mediated diseases, metabolic diseases, kidney diseases and rare diseases. Together, they discuss cystinosis and the many challenges faced by both sides when dealing with a rare genetic kidney disease. This discussion also emphasizes the importance of genetic testing and the barriers that exist for diverse communities as it relates to getting tested.

Importance of Diversity in Clinical Trials and Genetic Testing Oct 26, 2023

Show notes

This episode was originally released on November 28, 2022 | Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group is proud to partner with the Rare Disease Diversity Coalition (RDDC) for a three-part podcast series highlighting diverse perspectives on genetic testing and kidney disease. RDDC brings together health and diversity advocates, rare disease specialists and industry leaders to identify and advocate for evidenced-based solutions to alleviate the disproportionate burden of rare diseases on communities of color. This series, co-hosted by Senior Policy Advisor Shawna Watley and Advocacy Relations Professional and RDCC Consultant Deanna Darlington, lifts up important voices from the field and educates listeners about the experiences of those living with rare diseases. Special thanks to Vertex Pharmaceuticals and Travere Therapeutics for their sponsorship and support of this podcast.The first episode in this series features a discussion with M.D., Vice President, Value & Development Consulting for Evidera Dr. Jonca Bull and Clinical Genetic Counselor at Children's National Hospital Dr. Heather Hain. This discussion focuses on the importance of diversity in clinical trials and genetic testing in the context of research and development, and for patients receiving care. Dr. Bull shares active steps the RDDC is taking to help tear down existing barriers in the rare patient community, particularly those living in diverse communities. Dr. Hain provides insight into what is being done to increase genetic testing for patients of color, and the importance of telemedicine. During the episode, the group also emphasizes how having equity and diversity in the patient ecosystem helps break down mistrust in genetic testing, research and clinical trials.

A Deep Dive into Consortia with Dan Sennott and Stephanie Halcrow Oct 26, 2023

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This episode was originally released on August 1, 2022 | In this episode of Holland & Knight’s The Eyes on Washington podcast series, Public Policy & Regulation attorney Dan Sennott is joined by Stephanie Halcrow, senior fellow at George Mason University Center for Government Contracting. Their conversation focuses on consortia, its different models and the value proposition that it brings to the government. Ms. Halcrow authored a report on consortia titled The Power of Many: Leveraging Consortia to Promote Innovation, Expand the Defense Industrial Base and Accelerate Acquisition. Mr. Sennott points out the key takeaways in the report, and Ms. Halcrow explains her main ideas in detail.