Russell Kenneth DeGraff worked nearly 20 years on Capitol Hill, the last 12 as the chief climate and technology advisor to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Balancing a wide perspective while dedicated to the details, his policy and strategic communications experience helped empowered members, staff, thinkers, doers, stakeholders and the public to create or harness a groundswell of urgency to solve problems. He helped Congress design, engineer, enact and explain laws; including President Biden's Investing in America jobs strategy:

• The Inflation Reduction Act, according to the United Nations: “the most significant legislation in history to tackle the climate crisis”,

• The CHIPS & Science Act which transforms federal scientific policy for the economy of the future promoting innovation everywhere,

• The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which invests in universal, affordable, reliable, fast Internet, and other laws.

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He represented Speaker Pelosi in coalitions to demand, and negotiations to enact policies and laws championed in the House and Senate, and executed by presidents from each party like:

• Creating American jobs building our innovations and strengthening allied supply chains,

• Cleaning pollution out of the economy, protecting the planet for future generations,

• Unleashing scientific breakthroughs by retooling policy and reinvigorating the workforce,

• Promoting free speech, free expression and open technology around the world,

• Closing Internet access and affordability divides and the homework gap,

• Preserving millions of acres of wild and scenic lands, rivers, and oceans,

• Protecting rare species and repairing land for reuse,

• Restoring and expanding national and local parks,

• Protecting consumers from predatory businesses and unfair practices,

• Increasing health care access and promoting better outcomes at lower costs,

• Partnering with friends and allies to embrace a future where peoples' lives improve.

"DeGraff helps the Speaker craft, promote, and pass bills with a special emphasis on technology and the environment.

In practical terms, he helps disparate Democrats--and even some Republicans--coalesce around legislation by smoothing over disagreements, finding common ground, and employing just a bit of horse trading."

- Out Magazine, Out 100
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