January-February 2024

ADVOCACY REPORT

Federal Update and the Current Washington Situation

2023 was one of the most politically tumultuous years in history. As the country enters 2024, Congress faces lots of unfinished business and a turbulent election landscape. For many years, Julian Heron has contributed to the Advocacy Report in addition to serving as Blue Diamond Growers ’ federal advocate in Washington, D.C. As the cooperative enters the new year, Heron has transitioned advocacy leadership to Lynn Jacquez and Stacy McBride, federal advocates and longtime associates of Heron. Heron remains a partner and friend of Blue Diamond Growers on Capitol Hill.

Lynn Jacquez

Stacy McBride

With over twenty-five years of experience in Washington, D.C., Lynn has earned a reputation as one of the most effective bipartisan advocates in federal public policy on a broad range of issues. In her

Stacy McBride is the Executive Vice President of Federal Government Affairs at Husch Blackwell Strategies (HBS). McBride is an experienced public policy strategist whose diligent work over

law practice with JPH Law she specializes in workforce development and training, labor law and employment- based immigration policy. Her advocacy practice covers a wide range of issues including rural development, sustainable agriculture, trade, infrastructure, goods movement, energy and air quality and local government funding. Lynn specializes in identifying federal policy and funding opportunities within the congressional appropriations process and creating critical programs in the authorization process. Clients benefit from her in-depth knowledge of the legislative and regulatory process — from drafting legislative provisions, to developing strategy, to securing enactment, and to impacting the regulatory process for implementation.

twenty years in Washington has earned her the respect and friendship of leading elected officials of both parties on Capitol Hill. Before joining HBS in March 2023, Stacy served eight years as Chief of Staff and Committee Staff Director to U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt as he led the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, the Republican Policy Committee and served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference. Earlier in her career, Stacy served as the Republican Subcommittee Staff Director for the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies and as a Special Assistant in the Commissioner’s Office of the Food and Drug Administration.

Lynn is a member of the District of Columbia Bar.

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ALMOND FACTS

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