Representing clients with national interests is Winstead's Washington, D.C. team, led by Bill LaForge and Jim Bayless.

Winstead's Washington, D.C. team is highly experienced and effective in the legislative and oversight processes of Congress, and before executive branch departments and agencies on regulatory issues and program/project assistance.

• LaForge, the former chief counsel of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, he was also chief of staff for U.S. Senator Thad Cochran, currently ranking Republican of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Higher education issues are a particular practice strength for LaForge. He was an adjunct professor at George Washington University for 25 years and served on several higher education-related boards, including foundations. 
• Bayless is a native Houstonian with three decades of experience in Washington as an attorney and former U.S. government official. He served as legislative counsel to Senator John Tower of Texas, as associate director of the Office of Presidential Personnel in the Reagan White House, and as deputy assistant secretary for congressional affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce.

They represent a powerful combination of trust, experience, knowledge and adaptability to changing political climates. Deliberative. Methodical. Insightful representation and advocacy. Driven by our clients' strategic business objectives.

Representative federal lobbying matters include:

• Higher Education and Research – Securing federal funding for university research and other programs through the congressional appropriations process. Clients include a law school seeking funding for innovative curriculum programs.
• Port Authorities – Vast experience with congressional appropriations involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, EPA, DOT, Homeland Security and other agencies for port related projects such as dredging, intermodal infrastructure, environmental issues and security.
• Transportation – Represent Austin's Capital Metro in securing federal funding assistance. Congressional earmarking of appropriations for San Marcos Transit authority.
• Trade Association – Counsel national agricultural group through process of government funding of vital industry research.
• Municipalities – Represent a Florida entity seeking federal fiscal support for everglades restoration activity.
• Pharmaceutical IP – Defend leading global pharmaceutical companies' patent protections through strategic scrutiny of competitors' legislative initiatives.
• Health Care – Advocate on behalf of hospitals and health care organizations before Congress and federal agencies. Issues managed include program funding, hospital construction and nursing shortage.
• Environmental Coalition – Represent California coalition of government, agricultural and private interests concerned with environmental regulations.
• Insurance Policyholders – Secure approval of legislation providing a federal backstop to preserve the availability of adequate and affordable insurance against the risk of terrorist attack.
• Pipelines – Advocate legislation to prevent discriminatory taxation of interstate natural gas pipeline property.

Practice Scope, Services and Industries
Representative Matters
Federal, State, and Local Government Relations