Establishing and managing a legislative affairs office in Washington, DC, is an important step for a global industrial company. Helping establish a domestic office for an international company requires a thorough understanding of policy, relationship-building, and an effort to align business priorities with changes in US governance.
I have more than 25 years in the advocacy field, and it has become clear that maintaining a positive reputation—both personal and organizational—is essential for success. In Washington, leading a legislative office involves facilitating communication between clients and policymakers as well as other stakeholders to clearly convey the company’s perspectives.
To take one example of how this relationship works, I can offer Hydro’s story. A leading aluminum and renewable energy company, Hydro is an essential part of the North American manufacturing system, supplying aluminum to more than 4,000 customers in various sectors.
Since opening an office in January 2024, the DC team has acted as a bridge to the US government, enabling the company to both shape and respond to policy developments—both domestic and abroad—that affect its operations, investments, and long-term competitiveness.
The office’s success hinges on building a strong network of internal and external stakeholders—which includes congressional offices, especially those representing Hydro’s manufacturing presence across 17 states, key executive branch agencies, and influential trade associations like the Aluminum Association and the National Association of Manufacturers.
In any partnership, a company’s DC team must be highly active. Supporting clients means adapting to their needs by adding new personnel for expanded outreach with external stakeholders in the US government officials, associations, unions, and competitors. Equally important are relationships with foreign embassies. Clients’ interactions with these stakeholders aren’t merely transactional; they are built on trust, shared goals, and a commitment to transparency.
Bipartisan Interactions ‘Essential’
In today’s increasingly polarized political climate, engaging with both parties is essential. Most international companies looking to establish themselves in the US aren’t partisan. Their strategy acknowledges that lasting policy outcomes require bipartisan support.
Whether advocating for trade certainty, industrial decarbonization, or supply chain resilience, Hydro positions itself as a credible, solutions-oriented partner to both Republican and Democratic lawmakers. This approach has allowed the company to navigate changes in power while maintaining continuity in its advocacy efforts.
When our team meets with our external stakeholders, it is with an abundance of pride that we are accepted as trusted advocates on issues that matter to many states.
Helping companies navigate a murky and shifting set of tariffs is especially important now. For example, the consequences of elevated Section 232 tariffs can distort market pricing and harm instead of helping downstream domestic manufacturers. We have worked to support congressional champions for scrap export limitations to non-market economies and engaged in high-level dialogues with the administration to promote fair and predictable trade policies that protect our clients’ competitiveness in the North American market.
A targeted strategy and interactions like these couldn’t take place without a DC-based office.
Global Stakeholders
Working with international companies in DC means handling a global stakeholder base. Many of a company’s key relationships—governmental, commercial, and strategic—are based overseas.
This presents both challenges and opportunities. Offices in the US help clients leverage these advantages by positioning its leadership and subject matter experts to elevate the company’s profile and align advocacy with business goals. The challenges include time zone and cultural differences, which can complicate coordination and responsiveness, as well as the need to educate US policymakers about global footprints and US contributions.
However, the benefits are substantial. Global credibility can enhance a company’s standing in trade negotiations and multilateral forums; strategic alliances bolster influence on supply chain and recycling issues; and cross-border leverage allows companies to advocate for policies that benefit both US and international operations.
Establishing and leading a legislative affairs office in Washington is about more than lobbying—it’s about stewardship and strategy. It’s about ensuring your client’s voice is heard, its values are reflected in policy, and its contributions to the US economy are recognized.
In a city where access is currency and influence is earned, principled, bipartisan engagement, grounded in a global perspective and local impact, can drive meaningful change. Ultimately, it all starts with respectful dialogue.
This article does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Bloomberg Industry Group, Inc., the publisher of Bloomberg Law, Bloomberg Tax, and Bloomberg Government, or its owners.
Author Information
Ryan Modlin leads government affairs for North America at Norsk Hydro, focusing on policy and legislative matters with governments, stakeholders, and customers.
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