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- Home
- Professionals
- Muftiah M. McCartin
Muftiah McCartin is co-chair of the Public Policy Practice Group. She specializes in providing advice and guidance to clients on legislative and regulatory strategies.
Ms. McCartin, named a top lobbyist by The Hill, has been praised by congressional leaders for “her policy and technical expertise [that] have served both sides of the aisle over many years," for "personif[ying] competence, professionalism and courtesy," and for being “one of the most able people with whom I have worked during the 30 years I have been here." Her distinguished public service career in the U.S. House of Representatives includes senior positions with the Rules Committee, the Appropriations Committee, and the Parliamentarian's Office. She has breadth of congressional experience across the spectrum of committees and offices and in interfacing with regulatory agencies, and she has breadth of experience in private practice advising a broad range of industries that face legislative and regulatory challenges. This experience makes her particularly well-suited to represent clients effectively on a broad spectrum of issues, whether the client is well-established in Washington, seeking to establish a Washington presence for the first time, or relying entirely on Washington counsel.
Ms. McCartin possesses unique expertise to offer clients on intricate and often arcane congressional procedures, including the congressional budget and appropriations processes. Ms. McCartin also is an experienced legislative drafter who can assist in crafting provisions to enhance a client’s legislative prospects and to avoid or mitigate pitfalls such as points of order, budget offset requirements, or unfriendly committee referrals. She knows how to draw on these unique and valuable knowledge and skills within a variety of political contexts to generate effective legislative strategies whether a client wants to pass, amend, or block legislation, or to understand and navigate a complicated procedural context.
- Advised a major life sciences association on a range of procedural matters related to the application of reconciliation procedures to repeal the Affordable Care Act and congressional procedures related to Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB).
- Provide comprehensive government affairs services to global bio-pharmaceutical companies, including advocacy on the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act of 2016 relating to combatting the opioid epidemic.
- Represented clients on extension of visa programs.
- Provides strategic and advocacy support to Microsoft on a range of issues, including environmental sustainability, appropriations, the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and privacy.
- Provides legislative strategy to two separate coalitions working on pension issues.
- Provides strategic and advocacy support to a Fortune 200 technology company on intellectual property policy and legislation.
- Advises one of the world's largest manufacturers of passenger rail platforms and civil aircraft on foreign direct investment, export promotion, trade policy, and U.S. government procurement.
- Advisory counsel to multiple aerospace and defense companies facing policy and regulatory challenges in the aerospace, defense and national security sector.
- Facilitated a coalition of wind energy companies and environmental groups on tax legislation.
Pro Bono
Ms. McCartin maintains an active pro bono practice.
- Provided procedural, budgetary, and legislative advice to women's health organizations to maintain funding for key programs.
- Provided procedural, legal, and advocacy support for women's health organizations under congressional investigation.
- Provided procedural, legislative, and advocacy support for veterans organizations in support of veterans’ and service-members’ rights to challenge military personnel decisions on a class-wide basis in federal court and preserve class action authority at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
- Provides legal counsel to Muslim American organizations regarding enhanced visa screening.
- Represents a family in political asylum application.
- Provides procedural and legislative advice to an organization seeking redress for victims of sexual assault in the military.
Previous Experience
- Staff Director of the House Committee on Rules
- Worked with the leadership of the House of Representatives in supervising all of the major legislation that came before the 111th Congress
- Member of the professional staff of the House Committee on Appropriations
- Office of the Parliamentarian—first woman appointed a parliamentarian (1991)
- Advised all House members and committee staffs on parliamentary procedure
- Advised the Speaker and other presiding officers on floor procedures
- Reviewed proposed legislation and amendments for conformity with House rules
- Served as an expert on the budget and appropriations processes
- Managing editor of both House Rules and Manual and House Practice
April 18, 2019, Global Policy Watch
With Congress heavily engaged in launching and pursuing new congressional investigations, particularly since the Democratic takeover of the House of Representatives, many of our clients have questions regarding the rules that govern congressional investigations. While many aspects of congressional investigations are not subject to any rules at all, the House, ...
April 16, 2019, Covington Alert
Consistent with our predictions over the past several months, congressional investigations have flourished in the first few months of the 116th Congress, outpacing the oversight activity of any other Congress in recent memory.
Breaking through the boys club
April 2, 2019, The Hill
Muftiah McCartin was featured in The Hill about her experience as a woman in big law lobbying. She discusses what it’s like to be the only woman in the room sometimes, and shares, “Actually, that happened last week. It does happen, and this was a big meeting. I counted up, it was 17 people at the meeting and I was the only woman. The interesting thing about ...
Key Congressional Staffer on IP Issues Joins Covington
February 12, 2019
WASHINGTON—Jason Everett has joined Covington in its Public Policy practice. Mr. Everett’s arrival follows the recent additions of former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, Broderick Johnson, and Samantha Clark to the firm’s Public Policy practice. At Covington, Mr. Everett will provide regulatory and legislative advice and advocacy to clients in a range of industries, ...
January 23, 2019
WASHINGTON—Samantha Clark has joined Covington in its Public Policy, CFIUS, and Government Contracts practices in Washington. Ms. Clark’s arrival follows the recent additions of former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl and Broderick Johnson to the firm’s Public Policy practice. Ms. Clark provides advisory and advocacy support to clients facing policy, political, and ...
Leading Public Policy Lawyer Joins Covington
January 7, 2019
WASHINGTON—Broderick D. Johnson has joined Covington in its Public Policy practice in Washington. Mr. Johnson is a public policy and political strategist with more than three decades of leadership at the highest levels of government and the legal profession. He provides strategic leadership advice and counsel to clients on legislative, regulatory, legal, and ...
Jon Kyl Returns to Covington
January 7, 2019
WASHINGTON—Former U.S. Senator Jon Kyl has re-joined Covington in its Public Policy practice. Senator Kyl will focus on matters of policy and strategy for the firm’s clients. “We are extremely proud of Jon’s service to the country and the people of Arizona and delighted that he has rejoined us,” said Timothy Hester, Covington’s chair. “Given his profile and ...
The Hill Recognizes Covington's Public Policy Practice
December 13, 2018
WASHINGTON—The Hill has named Covington’s Howard Berman, Holly Fechner, Muftiah McCartin, and Bill Wichterman to its annual “Top Lobbyists” list. The list recognizes the most distinguished and accomplished professionals from the influence world who are on the front lines of the nation’s most consequential political and policy battles. First elected to Congress ...
January 24, 2018, Politico
Muftiah McCartin is quoted in a Politico article regarding lobbyist revenue during the first year of Trump's Administration. “There were a number of companies trying to figure out how to navigate the new administration," says McCartin.
January 8, 2018, Bloomberg
Muftiah McCartin is quoted in a Bloomberg article regarding the government spending bill that could lead to a government shut down if Republicans and Democrats in Congress do not reach an agreement. According to McCartin, if both parties can agree this week on raising budget limits, Congress may be able to pass a short-term spending bill, known as a continuing ...
November 9, 2017, Global Policy Watch
In late October, the House of Representatives quietly approved a bill that would dramatically strengthen Congress’s procedures for enforcing congressional subpoenas. In adopting the bill, the bipartisan leadership of the House Judiciary Committee highlighted the challenges that Congress faces in obtaining materials from executive branch agencies. Significant ...
Leader In BigLaw Lobbying Revenue
October 23, 2017, Law360
Muftiah McCartin is quoted in a Law360 article regarding third-quarter spending on lobbying. According to McCartin the firm expected to see a leveling off in the second half of the year, following a surge in lobbying activity fueled in part by the uncertainty of the Trump Administration’s first 100 days. However, taxes remain an ongoing topic of concern that ...
Setting up a DC Government Affairs Office—A Consultant's Perspective
September 19, 2017, OFII
September 5, 2017, Bloomberg
Muftiah McCartin is quoted in a Bloomberg article regarding tasks Congress must tackle before September 30. According to McCartin, “It’s hard enough when you’re working all together," commenting on Republicans in the White House and Congress.
September 1, 2017, Global Policy Watch
Procedural questions over when a budget resolution’s reconciliation instructions become stale have swirled for years. There were three options: the end of a fiscal year; until the next budget resolution overtakes it (and next budget resolution could certainly affirmatively preserve it); or the end of a Congress. The huge news out of the Senate today...… ...
July 25, 2017, CQ Healthbeat
Muftiah McCartin is quoted by CQ Healthbeat in an article regarding Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough's ruling against two provisions in the GOP healthcare rule. According to McCartin, the Planned Parenthood language previously deemed a Byrd rule violation is likely to continue to have issues. She adds that Republicans are trying to broaden the ...
Cash surges to lobby firms in Trump era
July 21, 2017, The Hill
Muftiah McCartin is quoted by The Hill in an article regarding second-quarter spending on lobbying. According to McCartin, “Although there have not been any high-profile legislative accomplishments during the first six months of the Trump Administration, the legislative wheels of government are clearly grinding away.”
April 25, 2017, The Washington Post
Muftiah McCartin is quoted in a Washington Post article regarding first-quarter spending on lobbying. “The first 100 days of the Trump administration have been extremely chaotic,” says McCartin. “As a result, companies across the globe are seeking assistance to help navigate the new Administration.”
Fiscal Years 2017/2018, Federal Funding and the Appropriations Process
April 21, 2017, Community Action and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments (Massachusetts), Federal Funding Forum
K Street bouncing back under Trump
April 20, 2017, The Hill
Muftiah McCartin is quoted by The Hill in an article regarding first-quarter spending on lobbying. According to McCartin, the growth in spending can be attributed to the “extremely chaotic” first months of the Trump Administration, which left clients scrambling to figure out how to navigate the new environment.
A Century of Women in Congress: Muftiah McCartin
April 2017, The Office of the Historian
The Office of House Historian featured Muftiah McCartin in its project displaying women’s roles in American politics and their contributions to Congress during the past century. In her interview, McCartin traces her first 10 years on the Hill as the only woman in the House Parliamentarian’s Office. According to McCartin, "The House is such a part of the fabric ...
January 30, 2017, Covington Alert
As has been widely reported, President Trump issued an Executive Order (“the Order”) on Friday, January 27, 2017, entitled “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States,” which, among other directives, bans individuals from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen, and Somalia (the “Covered Countries”) from entering the United States ...
Election 2016: Impact of the Election on the 115th Congress
October 6, 2016, CEO Summit
January 21, 2016, Global Policy Watch
After more than 5 years of negotiations between partner countries (Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and the United States), the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement was finalized in October 2015 and will be confirmed through a formal signing ceremony on February 4th in New Zealand. ...
Shutdown Talk Spreads Concern on K Street
September 10, 2015, Roll Call
Muftiah McCartin, of counsel and vice-chair of the Public Policy and Government Affairs Practice group, comments on the budget debate and the provisions of a short-term continuing resolution to avoid government shutdown in Roll Call. "I haven't been as confident that we can do a short-term CR. I still think they'll thread the needle. I'm just not so sure how ...
November 6, 2014, Global Policy Watch
Since last summer the Appropriators and the Leaderships on both sides of the Rotunda have said that any final decision on passing appropriations measures for FY 2015 will depend on the outcome of the election. Although the election has passed, there will be no certain decision about FY 2015 until, at the earliest, next week...… Continue Reading
May 14, 2014, Global Policy Watch
Congress has a great opportunity to amend the tax code in a way which will benefit the environment, promote American jobs, and foster diversity in our energy sources. It can achieve these results by enacting the Master Limited Partnerships Parity Act. Since the early 1980’s, oil and gas producers have been permitted to use Master...… Continue Reading
November 20, 2013, Covington E-Alert
November 18, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC, November 18, 2013 — The Federal Communications Commission has unanimously approved a request by the Coalition for Broadcast Investment to relax a long-standing cap on foreign investment in broadcast companies. Covington & Burling represented the coalition in a two-year effort to secure greater opportunities for foreign investment in broadcasting ...
Covington Announces Eight New Counsel
April 5, 2013
WASHINGTON, DC, April 4, 2013 — Covington & Burling is pleased to announce the promotion of one lawyer to of counsel and seven lawyers to special counsel, effective April 1, 2013. Muftiah McCartin, the new of counsel, is a member of the public policy and government affairs practice. Ms. McCartin’s distinguished public service career spans 34 years on Capitol ...
Introduction to House Parliamentary Procedure
June 12, 2012, Covington & Burling LLP
The Looming Budget Control Act Sequester - And What It Means For You
January 20, 2012, Covington & Burling LLP
The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction -The Last Lap
November 16, 2011, Labor & Employment Relations Association - DC Chapter
Navigating the Budget Control Act and What It Means for You
September 7, 2011, Covington & Burling LLP
Navigating Through the Federal Budget: What Course Will Our Nation's Security Take?
April 19, 2011, Covington & Burling LLP
Politics of Health Care Reform
March 8, 2011, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association
March 7, 2011, Covington E-Alert
House and Senate Procedure in the New Congress
January 11, 2011, Covington & Burling LLP
Discussion of the 111th Congress End Game
July 13, 2010, Covington & Burling LLP
The Role of the Rules Committee in the House of Representatives
July 2010, Lobbyists.info
June 7, 2010
WASHINGTON, DC, June 7, 2010 — Covington & Burling LLP is pleased to announce that Muftiah McCartin has joined the firm’s government affairs practice as special counsel. She will be resident in the firm’s Washington office. Ms. McCartin’s distinguished public service career spans 34 years on Capitol Hill. Most recently, she served as staff director of the House ...
- The Hill, "Top Lobbyist" (2018)
- Chambers USA, Government Relations (2017-2018)
- Legal 500 US, Government Relations (2015-2017)
- Ms. McCartin’s work on the Hill, where “She accomplished all her tasks with great determination, strength and grace" was profiled in the Congress Daily/National Journal article, “The Friday Buzz: A Veteran Departs” (May 14, 2010).
- Ms. McCartin’s was profiled in the Legal Bisnow article “From Secretary to Sage” (June 28, 2010).