BGR’s Summer 2026 Quarterly Outlook

The road to the 2026 midterms is well underway, but Congress still faces a packed legislative agenda.

BGR Group’s latest Policy & Political Outlook offers a look at the major fiscal deadlines, policy priorities, political trends, and industry-specific developments that will define the months ahead.

35 Questions, Ep. 12: BGR Vice President Alex Gallo

Leadership, teamwork, and a little New Jersey pride! In this edition of #35Questions, BGR VP Alex Gallo shares lessons from his military service, the “don’t worry alone” philosophy that’s guided his career, and maybe a few Bruce Springsteen classics along the way!

BGR Brief: The Path Forward for NDAA with Max Richards

The House of Representatives will be considering the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) this week, setting in place the nation’s defense priorities for the coming year.

In this edition of the BGR Brief, Defense Practice Vice President Max Richards outlines the key issues in this year’s package and its prospects for compromise with the Senate.

35 Questions, Ep. 11: BGR Practice Head Jonathan Mantz

From the DNC to Capitol Hill, BGR Principal and Commerce Practice Head Jonathan Mantz has been connecting people and impacting outcomes for decades in Washington. In this edition of #35Questions, Jonathan shares his love of all things Philly, his surprising first job, and even a few music recs!

BGR Review – June 19th

Included in this week’s BGR Review: BGR honors Joe Ellis, a Midterm State of Play update, analysis of the latest developments involving Iran and the G7, the introduction of two new BGR team members, and more.

BGR Group Honors Juneteenth

On June 19, 1865, freedom reached the last enslaved Black Americans in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, BGR Group celebrates the independence, resilience, and community spirit born from that historic day. Happy Juneteenth!

BGR Group Mourns the Passing of Joe Ellis

BGR is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our friend and colleague Joe Ellis after an accident late last week while supporting the U.S. delegation to the G7 Meeting in France. Since joining BGR last year, Joe quickly became an encouraging and supportive presence across our team. In the days following his injury, Joe’s colleagues offered reflections about the person and friend he was. Our respect and admiration for him far exceeds the time we had with him. We send our love and prayers to his family and many friends as they mourn his passing and celebrate his remarkable life.

BGR Group Welcomes Joshua Grogis to Appropriations Practice as Managing Director

WASHINGTON, D.C. June 11, 2026 — BGR Group, Washington, D.C.’s premier bipartisan lobbying and public relations firm, has announced that Joshua Grogis, one of the most experienced appropriations strategists on Capitol Hill, is joining the firm as a Managing Director and one of the leaders of its Appropriations Practice. Grogis will also expand the firm’s Tribal Relations offering and engagement in Oklahoma, where he has deep roots. 

Grogis joins BGR after more than two decades in senior roles in the U.S. House of Representatives, most recently serving as senior advisor to House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK). Over the course of his career, he has been directly involved in crafting and negotiating federal funding legislation, guiding complex bipartisan agreements, and advising on billions of dollars in federal investments across key sectors. 

“Josh is a builder, a strategist, and a trusted advisor who understands both the substance and the politics of governing at the highest level,” BGR Group Chairman and CEO Bob Wood said. “He has been at the center of some of the most consequential funding decisions in Washington, and his ability to deliver results for our clients will further strengthen BGR’s leadership in the competitive advocacy space.” 

“BGR is unmatched in its ability to deliver results at the intersection of policy and politics,” said Grogis. “I’m excited to build on the firm’s strong foundation—expanding our appropriations engagement, building a Tribal Relations offering, and supporting clients in Oklahoma and across the region.” 

Chairman Cole said: “For more than two decades, Josh Grogis has been an invaluable leader of my team and a constant in an institution that rarely stands still. From his earliest days on my staff at the NRCC to serving as my Chief of Staff in Washington, he distinguished himself through steady leadership, sound judgement, and unwavering commitment to public service. Josh’s career has been defined by a deep commitment to both the people of Oklahoma and the House itself. He understands that effective governing requires patience, discipline, and a willingness to do difficult work. He navigated some consequential challenges in Congress.” 

He continued: “Josh’s loyalty and integrity have left a lasting impact on my office, the House Rules Committee, the House Appropriations Committee, and the Members fortunate enough to work alongside him. As a trusted advisor, a valued friend, and a key part of our success for many years, I am proud of all Josh has accomplished and am excited for the next chapter in his life. I know he will bring the same character, professionalism, and strategic insight to his new endeavor that he has demonstrated through his distinguished career.” 

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said: “I’ve worked with Josh for more than fifteen years, going back to when I was first running for Congress. He’s the kind of person every member hopes to have on their team—loyal, hardworking, and incredibly effective. Whether helping members navigate tough challenges or quietly solving problems behind the scenes, Josh has always delivered. Oklahoma and Capitol Hill have both benefited from his service, and I’m proud to call him a friend.” 

Dean of the House, former Appropriations Committee Chairman, and current Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Chair Hal Rogers (R-KY) said: “Josh is the real deal — a seasoned, steady hand who understands the appropriations process and knows how to get things done. He has been a trusted and effective staffer, a strong partner to members, and someone whose judgment and work ethic have earned respect across the committee.” 

Appropriations Committee Vice Chair and Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State and Related Agencies Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) said: “Josh Grogis has been a trusted advisor, respected public servant, and valued friend throughout his years on Capitol Hill. His professionalism, sound judgment, and ability to bring people together have earned him the respect of Members and staff across Congress. As a fellow Floridian by birth, I have always appreciated Josh’s connection to our home state and the perspective he brought to public service. Throughout his career, he has played an important role in advancing critical priorities and delivering results for the American people.” 

Subcommittee on Transportation, House and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Chair Steve Womack said: “Josh Grogis is a top-notch advisor, political strategist, and—most importantly—a good friend. He’s earned my trust with his refreshing honesty and ability to get things done. I will miss his counsel on the Committee, but I look forward to working with him in his new role.” 

Grogis is widely regarded as a top-tier appropriations strategist, with deep relationships across Congress and a track record of delivering results in challenging legislative environments. At BGR Group, he will advise clients on securing and defending federal funding, navigating congressional dynamics, and aligning policy priorities with appropriations outcomes.  

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35 Questions, Ep. 10: BGR Principal Jerry Strickland

It’s #35Questions with Jerry Strickland, BGR’s man in Texas! From barbecue and boots to pickleball championships and a love of baseball, Jerry shares the lessons and milestones that have shaped his career in Texas and beyond.

BGR Welcomes Chris Meininger as a Policy Analyst to Commerce & Infrastructure

BGR is excited to announce that Chris Meininger has joined the Commerce & Infrastructure Practice as a Policy Analyst! After successfully serving as a Clerk and Researcher at the firm, Chris transitions into this new role following his December 2025 graduation from Marquette University, where he also completed the Les Aspin Center for Government program in Washington, D.C.