He may have narrowly lost his bid for the U.S. Senate to David Perdue, but former U.S. Rep Jack Kingston of Savannah isn’t finished with Washington.
The powerful D.C. lobbying/law firm of Squire Patton Boggs announced this week that Kingston has joined the firm as an adviser.
House ethics rules prohibit the 22-year congressional veteran from registering as a lobbyist during his first year away from office. So for now, Kingston will serve as a principal in the firm’s public policy practice, advising on issues such as agriculture, defense, education, energy, financial services, health care, tax, transportation, trade and international business.
“My time as a public servant was dedicated to making policy decisions that would grow economic activity for Georgia and the United States,” Kingston said in a prepared statement.
“There is no firm better known for handling complex policy challenges than Squire Patton Boggs. I’m delighted to join the team and look forward to advising clients on how to best cut through the complex web of federal laws and regulations to grow their business and create jobs.”
Squire Patton Boggs CEO Mark Ruehlmann, in a press release, said public policy issues continue to grow as a concern for global businesses.
“Adding someone with Jack’s vast experience builds upon our ability to address these challenges for clients in legislatures and regulatory agencies around the world.”
Kevin O’Neill, a deputy managing partner at the firm, agreed.
“Throughout his career in public service, Jack developed a well-earned reputation as an effective legislator with a keen ability to resolve complex matters by reaching across the aisle,” O’Neill said. “His leadership of the largest domestic appropriations subcommittee and his senior position on the defense appropriations subcommittee give him a deep understanding of the policy and financial challenges our nation faces in the future.
“His diverse background in industries that are important to our clients around the world, as well as his in-depth understanding of how the government works, will build upon the leadership of our practice.”
Kingston served Georgia’s 1st congressional district in southeast Georgia from 1993 to 2015. He also served as vice-chairman of the House Republican Conference, the sixth-ranking post among House Republicans, from 2002 – 2006.
During his time in Congress, Kingston was a leading member of the House Appropriations Committee, serving as chairman of the Agriculture/FDA and Labor/Health and Human Services/Education subcommittees. He was also a longtime member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee and visited American troops and installations around the world.
Kingston also was an early supporter of earmark reforms and spending reductions.