CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

CHARTING A CLEAR COURSE IN WASHINGTON

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Shaping Ocean Policy in the 119th Congress

It’s a new year and a new Congress – a time for reflection and a time to set our sights on the future. The ESP Advisors team is here to help you achieve your 2025 policy goals.

New Ocean and Coastal Laws from the 118th Congress

Before we look too far into the future, let’s reflect on what happened in the last few weeks of the 118th Congress. 

If you’ve been watching the news, you probably think the federal government struggles to get anything done. But DC is like the ocean; below the chaos on the surface are steady currents of activity that run deep. 

Engaging in DC does not mean stepping into gridlock. Controversial bills that make headlines don’t represent the whole picture. Most ocean-related bills pass with overwhelming bipartisan support.

Here are just some of the bills our clients engaged with that passed Congress in the last few months:

  • Thomas R. Carper Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (WRDA) (S.4367) 
  • National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2025 (H.R.5009)
  • Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act (H.R.6492)
  • America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act of 2024 (S.3791)
  • Fishery Improvement to Streamline untimely regulatory Hurdles post Emergency Situation (FISHES) Act (H.R.5103)
  • Pensacola and Perdido Bays Estuary of National Significance Act (S.50)
  • Coastal Habitat Conservation Act of 2023 (H.R.2950)
  • Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm (BEACH) Act (H.R.5490)
  • Lake Tahoe Restoration Reauthorization Act (S. 612)

And others that didn’t quite make it across the finish line are ready for progress. Decisionmakers need your input and ideas as they shape our country’s future in the 119th Congress. 

Looking Ahead: the 119th Congress

Today, January 3, 2025, marks the beginning of the 119th Congress. As you get yourself organized for the new year, don’t forget to reference the ESP Advisors printable 2025 Congressional Schedule and our public 2025 Congressional Google calendar.

Leadership

This Senate will be led by Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) in a 53-47 Republican majority. The House will be led by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-04) and Democrats will be led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY-08). House Republicans will start the year with a very narrow 219-215 majority. Remember, 218 votes are needed to pass a bill. 

Republicans will control both chambers of Congress and the White House once President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance are sworn into office on January 20, but Democrats will still have some cards to play in the power games of Washington. 

Power Games

Republicans hold a very narrow majority in the House, meaning they will have to lean on Democrats to pass things like annual spending bills and historically bipartisan legislation like the annual defense authorization. In the Senate, the filibuster rules require at least a few Democrats to vote with the majority to pass most legislation (except for budget reconciliation, which you’ll hear a lot about and we’ll be writing a blog about soon!)

A new Congress is a lot of work for federal policy advocates, and Republicans have an ambitious agenda. We will spend much of the next few months introducing our clients to the 77 new Members of Congress and their staff, meeting with new and returning committee members, and keeping our clients up to speed on the flurry of activity, orders, and appointments in the new administration. 

How to Get Involved

Federal policymaking is definitely a black box. And even if you know how it works, it’s difficult to keep up with who’s who in the ever-changing landscape of Washington, D.C. 

Navigating this world takes finesse, strategy, and strong relationships. We’re here to help. 

ESP Advisors help ocean and coastal organizations navigate the federal government, educate decisionmakers, and influence U.S. policy. 

Our bipartisan team includes alumni from the offices of Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-MS), House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) and the late Rep. Don Young (R-AK), former Dean of the House and longtime ocean champion. We move seamlessly between the ocean science and policy worlds and have trusted, genuine, and lasting relationships with policymakers in DC. 

This work requires sustained, sophisticated effort and the ability to successfully navigate the ebb and flow of the political tide. Let us take that off your plate. Email Emily for an introductory call: emily@espadvisor.com.

ESP Advisors team wearing ocean creature costumes

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Brandon Elsner

Brandon Elsner is a government affairs professional with extensive experience shaping federal policy in oceans, science, environment, and infrastructure. He most recently directed federal strategic services at Waggoner Engineering, helping communities secure significant federal funding for water, transportation, and economic development projects. Brandon previously held senior advisory roles at NOAA and the White House Council on Environmental Quality and was a Legislative Assistant for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS).

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Thai Boba Tea

Orca

Greater DC area

Marianne Brisson

Marianne helps mission-driven organizations scale their impact through streamlined operations, project leadership, and strategic communications. She leads ESP’s day-to-day operations and ensures firm-wide success. Marianne previously served as Policy and Operations Advisor to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.

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Hot latte with oatmilk

Nudibranch

Based in Oregon

Monaliza Manalinding

Monaliza has over three years of experience supporting small businesses professionals and managing fast-paced administrative operations. She brings strong skills in client relations, scheduling, and marketing support, ensuring efficient workflows and exceptional service across all facets of the firm.

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Ginger Tea

Sea turtles

Davao City, Philippines

Sarah Keartes

Sarah brings a decade of media relations and science communication expertise to her role at ESP Advisors. Before joining ESP, she reported on marine and coastal science for outlets including National Geographic News, PBS Digital Studios, and Hakai Magazine.

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Iced tea

Scalloped hammerhead

Based in Oregon

Cat Elia

With over a decade of experience bringing clients’ visions to reality, Cat specializes in marketing and brand development. As both a designer and artist, she excels in visual storytelling and graphic strategy.

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Iced coffee with milk

Frog fish

Based on the West Coast

Caroline Roche

Caroline brings sharp policy instincts and a passion for coastal resilience to ESP Advisors. At the White House Council on Environmental Quality, she supported both the freshwater and ocean policy teams. Most recently, she worked on communications and government affairs for Restore America’s Estuaries, deepening her expertise in habitat protection and federal engagement. Caroline holds a dual degree in Political Science and Fine Art from George Washington University.

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Unsweetened Iced Green Tea

Beluga Whale

Based in Washington, DC

Austen Stovall

Austen Stovall’s background is in coral reef ecology, nature-based solutions, and coastal management. She most recently worked for Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA-02) on his oceans and fisheries portfolio. Austen holds a master’s degree in coastal science and policy from UC Santa Cruz.

FAVORITES

Iced oat milk latte with coconut syrup

Corals

Based in DC

Kat Montgomery

Kat draws upon her ocean policy expertise and years of experience managing projects, programs, and teams to catalyze success for ESP Advisors and our clients. Most recently, Kat served as staff for Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), former Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

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Cappuccino with sugar

Seahorse

Based in Virginia

Emily Patrolia

Emily Patrolia founded ESP Advisors to address the need for sophisticated government and public affairs services in the community she holds dear. Emily uses her advocacy and congressional experience and deep understanding of environmental science to lead the firm in all its endeavors.

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Cappuccino

Yeti crab

Based in DC

tttttttt

We are a small but mighty team working to build a culture that leans into vulnerability, clarity, integrity, and transparency. Open communication, collaboration, and relationship building are of the utmost importance to our team. While our work is hard-charging and relies on exceptional attention to detail and deadline management, we remain dedicated to the wellbeing of our staff. Our goal is to ensure our team members are fulfilled both personally and professionally.

PAMELA DAY TAPSCOTT

Pamela Day has over 25 years of experience on Capitol Hill. As Chief of Staff for the late Congressman Don Young (R-AK), father of many initiatives and laws that govern ocean resources today, Pamela managed the annual appropriations process and oversaw 16 original bills that were signed into law.

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Coffee

Otter

Maryland