H.R. 9605, titled the 'Less Bureaucracy, Better Foreign Medical Accreditation Act,' is part of a legislative package introduced by the House Education and Workforce Committee aimed at reducing federal bureaucracy in education. This bill, introduced by Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI), seeks to streamline the accreditation process for foreign medical schools by transferring certain statutory authorities to agencies better equipped to handle them, thereby reducing unnecessary layers of federal oversight and focusing on student success.
Supporters of H.R. 9605 argue that reducing federal bureaucracy in the accreditation of foreign medical schools will lead to a more efficient and effective process. By delegating responsibilities to agencies with specialized expertise, the bill aims to ensure that students receive quality education without the hindrance of excessive governmental procedures. This approach is seen as a step toward modernizing federal education law and improving outcomes for students and taxpayers.
Critics of H.R. 9605 express concern that reducing federal oversight in the accreditation of foreign medical schools could lead to inconsistencies in educational standards and a lack of accountability. They worry that delegating these responsibilities to other agencies might result in a fragmented system, potentially compromising the quality of medical education and the protection of students and taxpayers. Additionally, there is apprehension that such changes could disproportionately affect certain institutions and students, leading to unintended consequences.
The analysis of H.R. 9605, sponsored by Glenn Grothman, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor's top donor industries and the bill's subject matter. The bill focuses on reducing bureaucracy in foreign medical accreditation, which does not appear to directly benefit any of the top donor industries. While there is significant lobbying activity in the policy area, the amounts from these lobbying entities do not indicate a clear financial incentive tied to the bill's passage. For instance, Owen G. Dunn Co., Inc. contributed $100,000, but there is no direct connection to the bill's focus on medical accreditation. Overall, the lack of direct industry ties suggests a low risk of conflict of interest.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMERICA FIRST AGRICULTURE, INC. | CHECKMATE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS | $110,000 |
| OWEN G. DUNN CO., INC. | CHECKMATE GOVERNMENT RELATIONS | $100,000 |
| MURPHY OIL CORPORATION | MURPHY OIL CORPORATION | $50,000 |
| PARALLEL SYSTEMS | CROSSROADS STRATEGIES, LLC | $40,000 |
| BOMBARDIER AEROSPACE (HOLDINGS) USA INC (FORMER CLIENT BOMBARDIER TRANSIT CORP) | COVINGTON & BURLING LLP | $30,000 |
| WIZ, INC. | ADVANCED POLICY CONSULTING, LLC | $30,000 |
| SOCIAL SECURITY WORKS | PORT SIDE STRATEGIES, LLC | $20,000 |
| SHEPHERD CENTER | STRATEGIC HEALTH CARE | $18,000 |
| SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS US LLC | SABIC INNOVATIVE PLASTICS US LLC | $17,000 |
| BEMIDJI STEEL COMPANY | STRATEGIC MARKETING INNOVATIONS | $10,000 |
| NUCOR STEEL | STRATEGIC MARKETING INNOVATIONS | $10,000 |
| CITY OF WEST PARK, FLORIDA | BECKER & POLIAKOFF, P.A. | $10,000 |
| POLARIS INDUSTRIES, INC. | BUCHANAN INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC | undisclosed |
| VOTEVETS ACTION FUND, INC. | PORT SIDE STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONALE NEBI DANIEL | COVINGTON & BURLING LLP | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Glenn Grothman, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)