U.S. Investigations Services, the background check operation that vetted former Booz Allen & Hamilton whistleblower Edward Snowden, has hired Podesta Group to handle oversight and legislation related to government security clearance processes.
USIS, which handles about two-thirds of federal checks, is fighting to remain on Uncle Sam’s payroll.
A federal grand jury is probing whether it rushed background checks without the proper investigation, while the Justice Dept. has joined in a separate whistleblower case in which the company is charged with cutting corners. Congressional Republicans and Democrats have called for investigations into the Snowden mess.
USIS claims it has overhauled management and heightened security measures following the allegations. The federal Office of Personnel Management, which has oversight of the federal security clearance system, had given USIS a clean bill of health.
Well-connected Democrat Tony Podesta heads Team ISIS, which includes David Marin, ex-press secretary for Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA); Josh Holly, former communications director for the House Armed Services Committee; Andrew Kauders, ex-senior advisor to Sen. Bobby Menendez (D-NJ); Lauren Maddox, deputy secretary for former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, and Michael Quaranta, ex-chief of staff to Rep. Michael Castle (D-DE).
Sard Verbinnen & Co is advising USIS on the PR front.
Husch Blackwell Strategies has added FleishmanHillard alum Michael Slatin as a principal in its public affairs group.
Rory Cooper, a veteran Republican operative and policy specialist, has joined Teneo’s Washington office as senior managing director in its strategy & communications practice.
Brian Fallon, who served as national press secretary for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential run, is signing on next month as Vice President’s Kamala Harris’ campaign communications director.
TikTok is nothing more than a Chinese propaganda tool that poses “a grave threat to America’s national security and, in particular, impressionable children and young adults,” say two Congressmen who want the platform registered as a foreign agent.
Public Strategies Washington has added Abbie Sorrendino, a former aide to now Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.
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