Lobbyists, lawmakers stake out positions for debt deal's next phase

As potential candidates for the 'super committee' emerge on Capitol Hill, lobbyists are trying to figure out how to influence the panel's decisions and also are gearing up for major public relations campaigns. Health care interests are likely to be among the most active because they have a great deal at stake.

The New York Times: Jockeying Anew In Congress In Next Budget Fight Phase
Congressional leaders have two weeks to name panel members. Names of candidates were circulating Wednesday on Capitol Hill, and some lawmakers have been quietly promoting themselves or their friends for spots on the 12-member panel, which will consist of equal numbers of Republicans and Democrats from the House and the Senate. Lobbyists scrambled Wednesday to figure out how to influence the new panel to protect the programs and tax breaks from which they benefit. Military contractors and health care lobbyists were particularly active, as they have the most to fear (Pear, 8/3).

The Washington Post: Debt-Limit Deal Triggers Lobbying Campaign From Health Care And Defense Industries
Health care and defense lobbyists are quickly gearing up for a major lobbying and public relations campaign in response to this week's debt-limit deal, which could force hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts for two of Washington's most powerful industries. The compromise bill that averted a government default this week includes $1.2 trillion in mandatory cuts over the next decade if Congress can't agree on a broader deficit reduction plan by December. Most of that amount targets the Pentagon and Medicare providers (Eggen, 8/3).