User:Armose/sandbox

Background information
Van Scoyoc Associates is a government affairs firm and lobbyist that was founded in 1990, by H. Stewart 'Stu' Van Scoyoc. He is also the current President and Chief Executive Officer. VSA is a sub division of The Van Scoyoc Companies. That contains: The Implementation Group, Inc., Capitol Decisions, Inc., and allied with Van Scoyoc Kelly PLLC. Van Scoyoc Associates (VSA) represents 20 of the largest 200 US corporations, as well as more than 50 universities (and their medical centers), trade associations, non-profits, and foreign governments. It is one of the two biggest lobby firms in Washington, specializing in earmarks.

Contracts
VSA has a $55,000 per month contract with Pakistan. Pakistan’s role both as a key non-NATO ally of the U.S.-led war against terrorism and a host to a population of Islamic extremists has made its relationship with Congress and the White House increasingly complex in recent years. Mark Tavlarides experience on the Hill and in the Clinton administration has assisted in making him an effective lobbyist for Pakistan. With the change in administration in 2001, Tavlarides took a job at Van Scoyoc to keep a finger on Congress’s pulse and continue to advance his passion for international relations.

Lobbying
Records from the Clerk of the House of Representatives provides a list of 273 of the firm's lobbying clients.

On July 31, 2005, Montana native Randy Popelka quit his job as a vice-president of Van Scoyoc Associates, a major Washington, D.C., lobbying firm. The next day, he went to work as legislative director for Sen. Conrad Burns, R-Mont. While Congress will likely tighten some rules on relations between lobbyists and lawmakers this year, lobbyists cite the constitutional right to petition the government, and say they navigate complex legislative issues to help businesses grow and cities, colleges and other groups get the funding they need.

Donations
VSA/Vice president Prenda, Brian J. donated $1,000 on 5/31/2005 to Pete V. Domenici (R-NM). VSA/Vice President Klatt, Victor F. Donated $2,000 on 3/31/2005 to Ralph Regula (R-Ohio). VSA?President donated $5,000 on 3/31/2004 to Pete Visclosky (D-Ind).