Chief of staff to new top Democrat on antitrust subcommittee lobbied for Apple, Amazon
Summary
The chief of staff to the new top Democrat on the House Judiciary subcommittee on antitrust lobbied on behalf of Amazon and Apple as recently as 2022, including on the very issues the ranking member will oversee in his new role, CNBC found based on public disclosures. The background of California Democrat Lou Correas top staffer is likely to further upset progressives who supported efforts to reform the rules of the road around digital competition. The tech industry is likely to cheer the shift from antitrust reform advocates like Cicilline and Buck as a reprieve from years of fighting against bills they saw as overly broad or having undue consequences on consumer privacy. Demand Progress Communications Director Maria Langholz called Correas elevation to the role "a profound disappointment," in a statement after his selection was announced, citing his opposition to a package of tech antitrust bills championed by former subcommittee Chair David Cicilline, D-R.I., who recently left Congress and vacated the spot. Its because of that unwavering commitment and history of service that Congressman Correa brought him aboard his team —to work by his side in his fight for the hard-working taxpayers he represents right here in Orange County."
