The Eyes on Washington Podcast

Public Policy & Regulation attorney Liz Craddock, Senior Public Affairs Advisor Isabel Lane and Senior Policy Advisor Peter Tabor break down the impacts of the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act on the food and agriculture industries in this episode of "The Eyes on Washington" podcast series. They highlight how the legislation affects renewable energy and biofuels, including a rollback of several clean energy tax credits established under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The conversation also covers changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), updates on the Make America Healthy Again movement (MAHA), immigration issues within the agriculture sector, the Farm Bill and the shifting trade and tariff landscape.

In this episode of Holland & Knight's "The Eyes on Washington" podcast series, attorneys Rachel Gartner, Sara Klock, John Vaughan and Michael Werner discuss the evolving landscape of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation throughout the early months of the Trump Administration. Key topics include the significant organizational changes at the FDA, ongoing legal battles over compounded GLP-1 drugs and their market access, regulatory uncertainties surrounding laboratory-developed tests (LDTs) and anticipated reforms in food ingredient safety and cosmetic product oversight. The conversation also explores the administration's shifting approach to the regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare, predicting a lighter federal touch with increased state-level involvement and industry self-regulation. Additionally, the episode touches on the status of cannabis regulation and the fluid nature of enforcement and policy amid changes in the federal government, offering listeners valuable insights into navigating the current FDA regulatory environment.

In this episode of Holland & Knight's "The Eyes on Washington" podcast series, Agriculture & Food Policy Team Leaders Peter Tabor and Liz Craddock provide a comprehensive overview of food and agriculture policy updates from the first 60 days of the Trump Administration. Mr. Tabor talks about the new Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, examining her background and readiness to implement President Donald Trump's agenda on issues such as trade. He also analyzes the status of paused funds from the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as updated dietary guidelines that are ready for review. Other topics include the impact of federal government workforce reduction initiatives on the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Forest Service and the evolving landscape of tariffs. Meanwhile, Ms. Craddock explores the 119th Congress and its agriculture policy agenda. She provides insights into fiscal year (FY) 25 spending and compares it to previous years. As Ms. Craddock explains, with a number of provisions in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) poised to expire, Congress is focusing on extending the legislation through budget reconciliation. Additionally, she discusses tax reform, which would be part of TCJA extensions, and the current conversations surrounding the Farm Bill.

This episode was originally released on June 4, 2024 | In this episode of "The Eyes on Washington Podcast," Public Policy & Regulation attorney Rich Gold is joined by public policy attorney Dimitrios Karakitsos and former Holland & Knight appellate litigation attorney Amit Agarwal to discuss the U.S. Supreme Court's impending decision related to Chevron deference. Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo and Relentless v. Department of Commerce were consolidated and presented to the high court. Attorneys essentially have asked the justices to revisit its Chevron doctrine, which reviewing courts use to defer to agency interpretations of the statutes they're charged with administering. Mr. Gold, Mr. Agarwal and Mr. Karakitsos weigh the legal and political implications of the Supreme Court's decision ahead of its release.

This episode was originally released on May 17, 2021 | In this episode of "The Eyes on Washington Podcast" series, National Security & Defense Industry Sector Group leader Jason Klitenic introduces Partner Daniel Sennott and talks about drafting and passing the yearly National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Mr. Sennott's experience includes most recently a stint as a minority staff director for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Armed Services (HASC) in addition to service in the U.S. Army as an armor office and judge advocate. He explains the role of both HASC and its Senate counterpart as well as discusses how companies can interface with Congress and the Department of Defense to ensure their interests are represented in the NDAA. Mr. Sennott also provides an overview of the process of passing the NDAA, from the official kickoff in the president's budget request, to the extensive, sometimes days-long committee debate, to the final conference of the House and Senate bills. The attorneys conclude their conversation by highlighting a few key opportunities for contractors looking to enter the defense space, especially in the emerging technology sphere.

This episode was originally released on May 13, 2021 | In this episode of our Public Policy & Regulation Group's "The Eyes on Washington Podcast" series, Native American Law Partners Philip Baker-Shenk and Ken Parsons have a conversation with Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe Chairman/CEO Ron Allen on tax policy issues affecting Indian Country. They specifically discuss the general welfare exclusion (GWE), a tax safe harbor that applies to certain benefits given to tribal members, beginning with an explanation of the context for the passage of the 2014 General Welfare Exclusion Act and subsequent creation of the Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee (TTAC).Mr. Allen is a member of the TTAC, and Mr. Parsons is a member of TTAC's General Welfare Exclusion Subcommittee. The committee is currently preparing a report to submit to the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding the implementation of GWE, and both Mr. Parsons and Mr. Allen provide an update on that process. They also highlight what tribes need to know to take advantage of GWE: Mr. Parsons emphasizes the current moratorium on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audits and the broad coverage of the GWE statute, and Mr. Allen underscores the need for tribes to be proactive and draft safe harbor codes now, even if they have to be amended later. The conversation concludes by comparing the Biden Administration's relationship with Indian Country to that of previous administrations, along with previewing potential opportunities to come.

This post-election conversation in Holland & Knight's "The Eyes on Washington" podcast series looks at the interconnectedness of trade, immigration and agricultural policies, emphasizing the need for comprehensive solutions to address these critical issues. Agriculture & Food Policy Team Leaders Peter Tabor and Liz Craddock address significant updates in U.S. agriculture policy, examining the stalled Farm Bill and the repercussions of recent hurricanes on farmers.Mr. Tabor talks about the importance of updating reference prices, which have not been revised since the 2014 Farm Bill, while Ms. Craddock notes the bipartisan support for increasing exports and discusses the implications of current tariffs on agricultural trade. They also touch on immigration policies, highlighting how the labor shortage in the agricultural sector exacerbates challenges faced by farmers, especially during the planting and harvesting seasons. They also delve into the influence of the upcoming Trump Administration on agricultural leadership, particularly focusing on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s potential role in shaping policies related to pesticides and climate-related funding.

In the second part of "Defense Dynamics: Navigating the Post-Election Landscape for the National Security Sector," hosts Misha Lehrer, Dan Sennott, and Simon Coon discuss the anticipated changes in U.S. defense policy following the 2024 elections, where Donald Trump is set for a second presidency alongside a Republican-controlled Congress. The conversation explores potential shifts in defense spending, the emphasis on military modernization, and how domestic policies may intersect with defense initiatives.The hosts analyze implications for the Department of Defense's budget, including expectations for a larger budget focused on strategic priorities, competition with China, and the impact of a "Trump 2.0" administration. They consider how the defense industrial base will adapt to new strategies and funding directives, along with the bipartisan initiatives surrounding artificial intelligence in military applications. This episode provides insights into how the upcoming administration could reshape national security policy and what stakeholders in the defense sector should prepare for moving forward.

In this special Eyes on Washington miniseries, Public Policy & Regulation Group members Peter Tabor, Liz Craddock, Kayla Gebeck Carroll, Isabel Lane and Chris DeLacy explore the potential effects of the upcoming November elections on food and agriculture policy. The episode takes a deep dive into important issues to consider and plan for ahead of the next Congress. Topics covered include: the current state of the White House and a congressional overviewhow a second Trump Administration or first Harris Administration will impact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Senateenergy and sustainability related to agriculture policyan update on the highly anticipated Farm Bill

In this episode of "The Eyes on Washington Podcast," Senior Policy Advisor Peter Tabor discusses the impact of GLP-1 drugs and cultivated meat on the food and agriculture industry with Jack Bobo, director of the Food Systems Institute at the University of Nottingham. They delve into GLP-1 drugs, which help manage diabetes and also aid in weight loss, exploring current marketplace trends surrounding the medication's use. Additionally, Mr. Tabor and Mr. Bobo examine cultivated meat, discussing its nature, the issues it aims to address, public perception, challenges and the potential future of the product.

In this special Eyes on Washington miniseries, Public Policy & Regulation Group members Misha Lehrer, Daniel Sennott and Simon Coon explore the potential effects of the upcoming November elections on defense policy, funding and national security. The three examine how a second Trump Administration or a Harris Administration could impact defense spending, strategy and priorities. They also discuss the role of Congress in advancing or challenging defense initiatives, including oversight, investigations and the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Furthermore, they emphasize the bipartisan focus on innovation, modernization and competition, particularly with China, and advise industry leaders to stay vigilant for potential shifts and opportunities in the defense sector.

In this episode of "The Eyes on Washington Podcast," Public Policy & Regulation attorneys Rich Gold and Dimitrios Karakitsos sit down with Arjun Mody, Staff Director to the Senate Republican Conference, to cover the legislative aspects of the Loper Bright and Corner Post decisions. The speakers break down how these decisions are going to impact Congress and in particular the Senate and what they mean for advocates before Congress as well as congressional staff and agencies providing technical assistance in the legislative process moving forward.

In this special Eyes on Washington mini-series, energy attorneys Elizabeth Craddock and Jim Noe provide insights on the potential trajectory of a second Trump Administration in relation to oil and gas policies. Ms. Craddock and Mr. Noe discuss the continuation of Trump's energy policies in a possible second term, anticipating a focus on expanding domestic energy production and potentially reversing environmental regulations implemented by the Biden Administration. The conversation delves into potential challenges and uncertainties, such as dealing with tariffs and difficulties of repealing certain policies.This podcast was taped in late August and some issues have updates since then but on a whole the podcast lays out relevant issues for next Administration.

In this insightful episode of our "Eyes on Washington" election mini-series, Holland & Knight Partners Elizabeth "Liz" Craddock and Jim Noe explore what a potential Harris Administration could mean for the oil and gas industry. Drawing from their extensive experience in energy policy and the oil and gas sector, Ms. Craddock and Mr. Noe discuss Vice President Kamala Harris's evolving stance on energy issues and how it might shape future policies. They also examine the potential continuation or expansion of Biden Administration policies, regulatory challenges and the role of environmental regulations in shaping the industry's future.This podcast was taped in late August and some issues have updates since then but on a whole the podcast lays out relevant issues for next Administration.

In this episode of "The Eyes on Washington Podcast," Public Policy & Regulation attorneys Michael Werner, Sara Klock, Joshua Odintz and Ed Perlmutter discuss the proposed rule by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to movie marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug under the Controlled Substances Act. They explore how the reclassification could impact federal and state regulation, U.S. tax policy, banking rules and product approvals. The discussion also highlights the need for stakeholders to carefully engage with these evolving regulatory changes.

In the latest episode of Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group "Eyes on Washington" podcast series, Healthcare & Life Sciences attorneys Michael Werner and Sara Klock examine pivotal shifts in U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.This episode explores updates in three crucial areas: the regulation of laboratory developed tests (LDTs), the proposed reclassifying of cannabis to a Schedule III drug by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the FDA's evolving approach to artificial intelligence (AI). It also covers the FDA's revised guidance on new dietary ingredient notifications (NDINs) for dietary supplements. The discussion provides a comprehensive overview of these significant regulatory updates, breaking down potential impacts and exploring opportunities for industry engagement in influencing upcoming changes.

In this episode of our Eyes on Washington Podcast Special Miniseries about the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), national security attorney Dan Sennott sits down with corporate and securities attorney David Cole and public policy attorney Paul Stimers. Their discussion centers around general themes in the fiscal year 2024 (FY 2024) NDAA related to emerging technology.

In this episode of our Eyes on Washington Podcast Special Miniseries about the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), National Security attorney Dan Sennott is joined by Government Contracts attorney Eric Crusius. Their conversation focuses on cybersecurity provisions in the FY24 NDAA and what those provisions may indicate about future Department of Defense (DoD) priorities, regulations and policies.This Eyes on Washington Podcast Special Miniseries breaks down the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is the yearly authorization of funding and policy for the entire Department of Defense (DoD). Hosted by attorney Dan Sennott, this miniseries delves deep into the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) NDAA, its wide-reaching provisions, policy initiatives and the associated laws being passed in Congress. In each episode of this miniseries, Holland & Knight attorneys will tackle specific topics and themes in the FY24 NDAA.

This episode was originally released on September 28, 2023 | In this episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's "Eyes on Washington" podcast series, Senior Policy Advisor Lauren Maddox sits down with Andy Rotherham, co-founder and partner at Bellwether Education Partners, a national nonprofit organization working to support educational innovation. Their conversation takes a deep dive into the rises and pitfalls taking place in the education space today. Topics discussed include how the U.S. can improve its education system, the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on learning and school systems, and the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. Mr. Rotherham shares final thoughts on the challenges and changes being faced in education to wrap up the conversation.

This episode was originally released on September 25, 2023 | In this episode of the "Eyes on Washington" podcast series by Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group, Healthcare and Life Sciences attorneys Michael Werner and Sara Klock discuss recent developments in marijuana, particularly federal legislation and the regulation of cannabis products in the United States. This conversation focuses on the possible rescheduling of marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III drug, as recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the impact that change could have on the industry at large, especially in states where marijuana use is already legal. While the timeline isn’t explicit, Mr. Werner and Ms. Klock emphasize that the regulatory environment is likely to undergo a number of changes in the next couple years and beyond. They also explain how the rescheduling process works and which regulatory bodies and federal agencies play a major role. The discussion concludes with insightful recommendations for industry stakeholders, including growers, distributors, state governments and researchers.

This episode was originally released on August 28, 2023 | This episode of the "Eyes on Washington" podcast series by Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group is presented by attorneys Halley Townsend, Andy Kriha and Alex Holtan of the firm's Greenwashing Mitigation Team. Their conversation focuses on recent actions by the U.S. Commodity Futures Exchange Commission (CFTC) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the carbon markets space. They discuss the CFTC's new Environmental Fraud Task Force, the FTC's updates to the Green Guides and how both could impact businesses' trade and carbon offsets. They offer detailed insight on how these agencies exercise their authority, how those enforcement actions may change or stay the same and ultimately what impact the heightened scrutiny will have on the decarbonization efforts of U.S. businesses.

This episode was originally released on August 23, 2023 | This episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's "Eyes on Washington" podcast series is guest hosted by the co-chairs of the firm's ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plans) practice, Renee Lewis and David Pardys. They are joined by tax attorney Joshua Odintz to discuss a recent press release issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) warning businesses and tax professionals to be alert to a range of compliance issues that can be associated with ESOPs. This conversation outlines the key components of the press release and how it impacts the ESOP community.

This episode was originally released on July 6, 2023 | In this episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's "Eyes on Washington" podcast series, energy attorneys Andy Kriha and Susan Lafferty provide an update on the Renewable Fuel Standard final rule. Their conversation delves into key changes regarding Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs), electric Renewable Identification Numbers (e-RINs), feedstocks and more.

This episode was originally released on June 26, 2023 | In this episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's "Eyes on Washington" podcast series, attorneys Meaghan Colligan and Andy Kriha and Public Affairs Advisor Hannah Coulter introduce Holland & Knight's Greenwashing Mitigation Team. Their conversation provides an overview of existing greenwashing law and outlines the capabilities of the firm's multidisciplinary team. This episode also covers a number of recent developments related to greenwashing, including forthcoming changes to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims (Green Guides).

This episode was originally released on May 29, 2023 | In this episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's "Eyes on Washington" podcast series, energy attorneys Andy Kriha and Alex Holtan discuss new voluntary carbon markets. Their conversation covers the building blocks of a market, current issues and regulations, as well as predictions on what the future holds for avoidance-based and removal-based offsets.

This episode was originally released on May 15, 2023 | In this episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's "Eyes on Washington" podcast series, energy attorneys Andy Kriha and Susan Lafferty take a deep dive into state Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) programs. Specifically, their conversation provides helpful insight into the latest LCFS-related updates taking place in California, Oregon and Washington.

This episode was originally released on February 8, 2023 | In this episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's "Eyes on Washington" podcast series, energy attorneys Andy Kriha and Alex Holtan talk all things state and federal cap-and-trade programs. Their conversation covers the launch of Washington's cap-and-invest program, proposed cap-and-trade program in New York, the status of Virginia and Pennsylvania's participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), as well as the status of California's cap-and-trade program.

This episode was originally released on January 25, 2023 | In this episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's "Eyes on Washington" podcast series, energy attorneys Andy Kriha and Susan Lafferty take a deep dive into the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) landmark proposed rule to update the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Their conversation provides insight into the proposed changes to some of the hottest industry topics: Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) on electricity produced from biogas, Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) and separated food waste recordkeeping.

This episode was originally released on December 22, 2022 | In this post-election special edition episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's "The Eyes on Washington" podcast series, Partners Joel Roberson and Michael Friedberg, alongside Senior Policy Advisor Lauri Hettinger, discuss how committees throughout both the House and Senate will take up transportation issues following the midterm elections and subsequent changes in leadership. They delve into the shuffling of committee and subcommittee positions from both parties, how these changes will impact FAA Reauthorization and the legislative agendas both Republicans and Democrats will seek to accomplish during the upcoming Congress.

This episode was originally released on December 21, 2022 | In this post-election special edition episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's "The Eyes on Washington" podcast series, healthcare attorneys Sara Klock and Michael Werner discuss how the elections will impact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and what can be expected in terms of agency regulation and related legislation. The conversation takes an in-depth look at FDA's stance on digital health products, cannabis and laboratory developed tests. Our hosts also express that the industry should be prepared for an uptick in enforcement and explain how Holland & Knight guides clients through the regulation process.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This episode was originally released on June 29, 2022 | In this episode of Holland & Knight’s The Eyes on Washington podcast series, Public Policy & Regulation Group Leader Rich Gold is joined by Dan Ekstein, Partner & Chief Business Development Officer of Sagac Public Affairs. Their conversation focuses on the increasing role and importance of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in the boardrooms of public companies. During this discussion, Mr. Gold and Mr. Ekstein provide insight on maintaining trust and credibility among stakeholders while navigating, advocating and lobbying on major ESG issues. They also touch on the differing views that may exist between employees and major shareholders at a company, and advise executives on how to balance those interests while still keeping the business on an upward trajectory and remaining a talent magnet. In addition, they discuss the overall challenges that coincide with starting a dialogue regarding ESG issues within a company.

This episode was originally released on May 5, 2022 | In this episode of Holland & Knight Public Policy & Regulation Group's Eyes on Washington podcast series, Senior Policy Advisor Shawna Watley is joined by Tanisha D. Hill, the Senior U.S. Medical Director of the digital health portfolio of products at Teva Pharmaceuticals, and the President and Founder of the Digital Health for Equitable Health (DHEH) Alliance. DHEH is a nonprofit organization with the mission to improve access to care in underserved populations using digital health. This conversation focuses on the evolving story of digital health across sectors and technology and how the government can be involved in digital health transformation to achieve equitable healthcare in the United States. Ms. Hill shares details about the work of DHEH, the digital health space as a whole and what technologies are driving the industry forward. She also explains how community stakeholders and organizations can elevate the digital transformation of health through courageous conversations and policy advocacy.

This episode was originally released on May 2, 2022 | In this episode of Holland & Knight’s The Eyes on Washington Podcast, Public Policy & Regulation attorneys Rich Gold and Marissa Serafino discuss the on-campus interview (OCI) process. They begin the podcast by explaining what the OCI process is and how Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group has been participating in on-campus interviews for more than 25 years. As leader of the firm's Public Policy & Regulation Group, Mr. Gold shares valuable insight on what he looks for in applicants when doing on-campus interviews. Ms. Serafino shares her experience in the OCI process and gives law school students advice on how to prepare for interviews and how to take full advantage of what the process has to offer. The podcast ends with Mr. Gold talking about his favorite interview question that surprisingly involved Betty White.

This episode was originally released on March 23, 2022 | In the fourth episode of Holland & Knight’s Eyes on Washington Podcast Special Miniseries about the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), attorney Dan Sennott is joined by head of the National Security, Defense and Intelligence Team Jason Klitenic. Their conversation focuses on the future of national security in the United States. They explore how foreign influences on U.S. domestic affairs have evolved over the last few years particularly through the use of technology. Mr. Klitenic highlights how foreign actors have been able to infiltrate and undermine the United States through false information, misinformation and disinformation on social media platforms. He also shares advice for combatting misinformation as a way to restore faith in American democracy. The conversation briefly touches on the Russia and Ukraine conflict, indicating the likelihood of cyber-attacks and potential ramifications on Ukraine and the rest of the world. Lastly, Mr. Sennott and Mr. Klitenic share their thoughts about security clearance reform and protection of U.S. technology from intellectual property theft.This Eyes on Washington Podcast Special Miniseries breaks down the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is the yearly authorization of funding and policy for the entire Department of Defense (DoD). Hosted by attorney Dan Sennott, this miniseries delves deep into the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) NDAA, its wide-reaching provisions, policy initiatives and the associated laws being passed in Congress. In each episode of this miniseries, Holland & Knight attorneys will tackle specific topics and themes in the FY22 NDAA.

This episode was originally released on March 9, 2022 | In the third episode of Holland & Knight’s Eyes on Washington Podcast Special Miniseries about the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), National Security attorney Dan Sennott is joined by government contracts attorneys Eric Crusius and Leila George-Wheeler. Their conversation focuses mainly on cybersecurity provisions and acquisition reform in the FY22 NDAA. The group outlines major shifts in the cybersecurity enforcement space as a result of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program (CMMC) and what implications that will have on small businesses and contractors. They also provide insight on DoD’s acquisition approach for software and innovative technologies, indicating how it has changed the landscape of the industry. Ms. George-Wheeler touches on the False Claims Act as it relates to CMMC and likely enforcement trends under the Biden Administration. Lastly, the group provides predictions for next year’s NDAA.This Eyes on Washington Podcast Special Miniseries breaks down the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is the yearly authorization of funding and policy for the entire Department of Defense (DoD). Hosted by attorney Dan Sennott, this miniseries delves deep into the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) NDAA, its wide-reaching provisions, policy initiatives and the associated laws being passed in Congress. In each episode of this miniseries, Holland & Knight attorneys will tackle specific topics and themes in the FY22 NDAA.

This episode was originally released on February 25, 2022 | In the second episode of Holland & Knight’s Eyes on Washington Podcast Special Miniseries about the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), National Security attorney Dan Sennott is joined by Public Policy attorneys Nasim Fussell and Chris DeLacy. Their conversation hones in on the economic relationship between the United States and China, its history, the current state of affairs and what’s on the horizon for the two countries. They spend time discussing a number of past and current efforts taken by U.S. government entities to address competition with China, including the CHIPS Act, which was passed via the NDAA and authorizes funding to develop the U.S. semiconductor manufacturing industrial base. The group also touches on additional legislation related to China including, the United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA) and the America Competes Act.This Eyes on Washington Podcast Special Miniseries breaks down the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is the yearly authorization of funding and policy for the entire Department of Defense (DoD). Hosted by attorney Dan Sennott, this miniseries delves deep into the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) NDAA, its wide-reaching provisions, policy initiatives and the associated laws being passed in Congress. In each episode of this miniseries, Holland & Knight attorneys will tackle specific topics and themes in the FY22 NDAA.

This episode was originally released on February 22, 2022 | In the inaugural episode of Holland & Knight’s Eyes on Washington Podcast Special Miniseries about the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), National Security attorney Dan Sennott is joined by Public Policy attorney Marissa Serafino. Their conversation provides an overview of the NDAA and highlights general themes, including major defense and non-defense related provisions in this year’s bill. They also discuss acquisition reform, a topic consistent with bills in years past, and emerging technologies, which will continue to have a tremendous impact on the world at large.This Eyes on Washington Podcast Special Miniseries breaks down the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is the yearly authorization of funding and policy for the entire Department of Defense (DoD). Hosted by attorney Dan Sennott, this miniseries delves deep into the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) NDAA, its wide-reaching provisions, policy initiatives and the associated laws being passed in Congress. In each episode of this miniseries, Holland & Knight attorneys will tackle specific topics and themes in the FY22 NDAA.

This episode was originally released on December 22, 2021 | In honor of National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group is proud to partner with the Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI) for a four-part podcast series on sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disease that causes red blood cells, which are normally round, to become C-shaped like a sickle. It is a progressive and debilitating disease that can cause pain crises, organ damage and a shortened lifespan, and it disproportionately impacts communities of color, occurring in approximately one in every 365 Black or African American individuals in the United States.This episode is co-hosted by Holland & Knight Senior Policy Advisor Shawna Watley, Chief Policy Officer & Counsel for BWHI Tammy Boyd and Senior Director for Alliance Development and Government Affairs at bluebird bio Sonya Elling. They are joined by the Director of the Center for Sickle Cell Disease at Howard University, Dr. James Taylor VI, MD who shares insight about the mission and history of the center. He explains what sickle cell centers are, describes why they are so rare in the United States and illustrates how their increased existence could change the course of healthcare for people living with sickle cell. This discussion explores legislation related to sickle cell disease, including the National Sickle Cell Control Act which is celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. Dr. Taylor provides an overview of how funding for sickle cell research and clinical care has historically been distributed, highlighting the disparities in comparison to diseases like cystic fibrosis. During this episode, the group also focuses on discrepancies in care for people with sickle cell when transitioning from pediatric to adult care and how policies can work to better support adults with sickle cell.

This episode was originally released on December 14, 2021 | In In honor of National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group is proud to partner with the Black Women's Health Imperative (BWHI) for a four-part podcast series on sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disease that causes red blood cells, which are normally round, to become C-shaped like a sickle. It is a progressive and debilitating disease that can cause pain crises, organ damage and a shortened lifespan, and it disproportionately impacts communities of color, occurring in approximately one in every 365 Black or African American individuals in the United States.This episode is co-hosted by Holland & Knight Senior Policy Advisor Shawna Watley, Policy Counsel for BWHI Kineta Sealey and Senior Director for Alliance Development and Government Affairs at bluebird bio Sonya Elling. They are joined by President and CEO of BWHI Linda Goler Blount. This discussion explores the mission and history of BWHI and the impact the organization has had on black women and women of color. Ms. Goler Blount, an epidemiologist, shares how her background as a scientist has allowed her to bring a different perspective to the organization and to policy discussions in the healthcare space. During this episode, the group highlights the growing healthcare disparities for those living with sickle cell disease and the role implicit racism and bias plays in the treatment of patients. Ms. Goler Blount shares insight on how policies can guarantee access and close gaps.

This episode was originally released on November 17, 2021 | In honor of National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group is proud to partner with the Black Women's Health Imperative for a four-part podcast series on sickle cell disease. Sickle cell disease is a genetic disease that causes red blood cells, which are normally round, to become C-shaped like a sickle. It is a progressive and debilitating disease that can cause pain crises, organ damage and a shortened lifespan, and it disproportionately impacts communities of color, occurring in approximately one in every 365 Black or African American individuals in the United States.This episode is co-hosted by Holland & Knight Senior Policy Advisor Shawna Watley, Chief Policy Officer & Senior Counsel for Black Women’s Health Imperative Tammy Boyd and Senior Director for Alliance Development and Government Affairs at bluebird bio Sonya Elling. They are joined by Ty Montgomery, wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League and returning guest Dr. Anjulika Chawla, M.D., FAAP, of bluebird bio, a Massachusetts-based company focused on developing gene and cell therapies for severe and rare genetic diseases including sickle cell. Together, they tackle the challenges of playing sports with sickle cell trait and how Ty has learned to overcome those challenges during his professional football career. This discussion also emphasizes the importance of educating the community on how to cope with the disease and how you can help by donating blood and bone marrow. Dr. Chawla also gives us a detailed explanation of the difference between sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease and gives us exciting news about the future.