Holland & Knight Welcomes Thomas J. Story, Former Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, to Lobbying Team
WASHINGTON (January 6, 2022) – Thomas J. (TJ) Story has joined Holland & Knight's Washington, D.C., office as a senior public affairs advisor in the Public Policy & Regulation Group. For the past six and a half years, Mr. Story has assisted U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to advance his legislative agenda, most recently as a legislative assistant. Mr. Story led policy initiatives across an expansive portfolio that included transportation, infrastructure, space, science, natural disaster, auto safety, trade, homeland security, ocean, fisheries, maritime and labor issues.
Mr. Story helped spearhead Sen. Blumenthal's agenda as a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, coordinating with relevant stakeholders, agencies and other offices to introduce legislation, lead negotiations and file amendments on bills that came before the Senate Commerce Committee. He was most recently involved in the development of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and various authorizing bills such as the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act, Coast Guard Authorization Act, NASA Authorization Act, FAA Reauthorization Act, Aircraft Safety and Certification Reform Act and PIPES Act.
Mr. Story will focus on developing and implementing advocacy strategies for clients, particularly as they relate to the convergence of technology and transportation.
"The timing of TJ's arrival couldn't be better," said Rich Gold, leader of Holland & Knight's Public Policy & Regulation Group. "His intimate knowledge of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the significant funding set aside for transportation, technology and other types of economic development will give a steep advantage to clients looking to benefit from this historic investment."
"The future of American mobility is being written right now and innovative companies will have very exciting opportunities in the next decade," said Mr. Story. "Selling your vision to Congress and creating a favorable regulatory environment are some of the biggest hurdles these companies face. I look forward to using my experience working on complex issues involving transportation, technology and infrastructure and to help clients find pathways to success, no matter how difficult the obstacles."