The brother of one of the president-elect’s top advisers, Joe Biden, recently signed a lobbying contract with tech giant Amazon.
Jeff Ricchetti, brother of the White House adviser named Biden Steve Ricchetti
Steve RicchettiBrother of Biden, adviser Ricchetti hired as a lobbyist at Amazon Left increases pressure on Biden for lobbying ethics Biden forms team of insiders MORE, registered for lobbying by Amazon Web Services, the technology company’s cloud platform, on November 13, according to a new lobby disclosure report obtained by CNBC.
The report comes later ethics lawyers told CNBC last month, that Steve Ricchetti may need to move away from issues that could affect his brother’s clients.
However, a source familiar with the brothers’ relationship told CNBC that the two plan to separate their personal and professional lives.
“Jeff has never and will never lobby his brother on behalf of any of his clients, and Steve has had no role in his brother’s business since he sold his stake in the company in 2012,” said the source, who spoke on condition. of anonymity because the relationship is private, he told the media.
The Hill contacted the Biden transition team, Jeff Ricchetti and Amazon to comment on the reported contract.
Biden in May said during an interview on CNBC’s “Squawk Box” that Amazon “should start paying its taxes”.
“I don’t think any company, I don’t give a damn how big they are, the Lord Almighty, should absolutely be in a position where they don’t pay taxes and earn billions and billions and billions of dollars, No. 1, ”Biden added at the time.
According to CNBC, the disclosure report indicates that Jeff Ricchetti plans to lobby Amazon specifically on issues related to the coronavirus pandemic and the CARES Act.
The report also noted that Ricchetti also signed up to lobby Evofem Biosciences on November 15, whereby he will focus on “federal health policies regarding coverage of contraceptive services”.
This comes as Progressive lawmakers have been lobbying Biden must make an ethical promise similar to executive order of the ex-president Barack Obama
Barack Hussein ObamaBrother de Biden, advisor Ricchetti, hired as a lobbyist at Amazon Arms control, held hostage Press: Biden inauguration: do not invite Trump MORE which imposes restrictions on ex-lobbyists working in the White House.
Steve Ricchetti previously worked as a lobbyist, as well as Tom Vilsack
Tom VilsackUSDA: Farm-to-school programs help schools serve healthier meals EVENING MONEY: House ready to approve debt ceiling bill MORE, Biden’s choice for secretary of agriculture.
Sens. Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth WarrenBrother de Biden, adviser Ricchetti hired as a lobbyist on Amazon Left increases pressure on Biden for lobbying ethics Warren and other senators seek investigation into the resumption of federal executions by the Trump administration MORE (D-Mass.), Ed Markey
Ed MarkeyBrother de Biden, adviser Ricchetti hired as a lobbyist on Amazon Left increases pressure on Biden for lobbying Warren ethics and other senators seek investigation into the resumption of federal executions by the Trump administration. MORE (D-Mass.) E Jeff Merkley
Jeff MerkleyBrother de Biden, consultant Ricchetti hired as a lobbyist at Amazon Left increases pressure on Biden for lobbying ethics commitment Ruhle from MSNBC challenges Sanders in search of, 200 stimulus checks MORE (D-Ore.) wrote to Biden this week, seeking an ethical pledge that includes a total ban on lobbyists employed by corporations from serving in the administration and requiring more extensive public reporting of all lobbying activities directed at the White House.
“We strongly support their commitment to demonstrate with their actions – not just their words – that civil servants in the Biden-Harris government will serve all Americans, not just themselves or restricted special interests,” wrote lawmakers.
Biden did not describe the details of such a promise, but said it would improve the Obama administration’s commitment and “will address not only the improper influence of lobbyists, but also any improper or inappropriate influence of personal, financial and other interests,” according to your site.