Mary Bono, a former U.S. congresswoman who represented California's 45^th District in the United States House of Representatives from 1998-2013, focuses her government advocacy and consulting practice on legislative, regulatory and policy matters affecting the information technology, entertainment and media industries. Mary advises clients on public policy issues related to intellectual property rights, energy, health, telecommunications and privacy. A public figure herself, Mary also utilizes her firsthand media relations experience to provide guidance to clients on media and strategic communications matters. During Mary's 15-year congressional career, she served on the Energy and Commerce Committee, the House Armed Services Committee, the Judiciary Committee and the Small Business Committee.

Telecommunications, Technology, Privacy and Intellectual Property Rights

As a member of the Telecommunications and the Internet subcommittee in the House, Mary gained significant hands-on experience with telecommunications, privacy and cybersecurity public policy issues. She works with clients to develop thoughtful policies that grow the Internet economy and maximize broadband networks throughout the U.S. Mary has worked with various agencies, including the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Department of Commerce on regulatory issues. She is widely recognized as a national leader on privacy issues and is a global champion of Internet innovation. When Mary served in Congress, the House of Representatives passed many of her bills, including her Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass (SPY ACT), which protects an individual's personal information on the Web. She also passed a bill expressing Congressional opposition to United Nations regionation of the Internet. Through her work in this area, Mary has developed professional relationships with well-known high-tech firms and cutting-edge startups on telecommunications and privacy issues.

As evidenced by her record during her 15 years in Congress, Mary also advocates for thoughtful and meaningful intellectual property policies to protect the rights of of those who create digital content, including movies, television, music, video games and other media. She was a leading proponent of the Copyright Term Extension Act of 1998, which extended the terms of copyright in the U.S. As the late Sonny Bono's wife and the administrator of his collection, Mary views protection of artists' intellectual property rights as an important aspect of her public policy work with the entertainment industry.

Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade

Mary was the first Republican woman to serve as Chair of the prestigious Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, with jurisdiction over the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA), and other high-profile agencies. Mary earned a reputation for being a consensus builder who was adept at building bipartisan support for her legislative initiatives, including the Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act, which saved thousands of American jobs when it passed in Congress and was signed into law by President Obama. Mary also led efforts to jumpstart American manufacturing and convened hearings entitled "Making Made in America Matter Again."

Energy

As a longtime member of the Energy and Commerce Committee Mary supported American energy and was involved in passing comprehensive energy policies. Her deep understanding of energy policy complements the sophisticated energy practices at FaegreBD Consulting and law firm affiliate Faegre Baker Daniels.

Legislative Accomplishments

Mary had legislation signed into law by Presidents Clinton, Bush and Obama –  testament to her understanding of legislative and political processes. In addition to her role on the Energy and Commerce Committee, Mary served on the House Judiciary and Armed Services committees. As the daughter of a World War II veteran, Mary has been deeply involved throughout her career on issues important to American veterans and active members of the U.S. military. Most notably, she played a key role in the creation of much-needed VA clinics in Blythe and Palm Desert, California.

Mary's congressional experience also included serving as chair of the Women's Policy Committee in the House, which included 24 female Republican lawmakers from 17 states. In addition to using her role as congresswoman to focus on technology, job creation and consumer protection, Mary stepped up to the forefront of the nationwide fight against prescription drug abuse as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Prescription Drug Abuse. While in Congress, she also sponsored health-related legislation including the Combatting Autism Act and the reauthorization of the Ryan White Care Act .

Mary also spearheaded passage of legislation that established the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument in the Palm Springs region,which was novel in it's approach to balancing private property rights with the preservation of unique natural lands. The Secretary of the Interior cited this legislation as the model for future designations of such nature. Mary also passed multiple pieces of legislation settling decades-old water disputes between water agencies, local governments and local Native American tribes.

Honors

• U.S. Chamber of Commerce — Spirit of Enterprise Award
• Independent Women's Forum —Women of Valor Award
• Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America — Champion of the Year
• The Association for Addiction Professionals — Legislator of the Year Award
• 60 Plus Association — Guardian of Senior's Rights Award
• National Association of Manufacturers — Manufacturing Legislative Excellence Award
• First Focus Campaign for Children — Defender of Children Award
• Mental Health America — Legislator of the Year Award
• National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare — Legislator of the Year Award
• National Farmers Union (NFU) — Golden Triangle Award
• Partnership for a Drug-Free America — Guardian Award
• The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) — Congressional Honors
• International Hispanic Awards Gala — Legislator of the Year
• Americans for Tax Reform — Hero of the Taxpayer Award
• The National Federation of Independent Business — Guardian of Small Business Award
• Politico — One of Five Key Players to Watch in Technology
• Ladies' Home Journal — One of the Most Fascinating Women of the Year
• George magazine — One of the 20 Most Fascinating Women in Politics

Professional Associations

• 21st Century Privacy Coalition — Co-chair

Civic Activities

• Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America — Board Member
• Mothers Against Prescription Drug Abuse— Co Founder, Honorary Chairman
• Rally2Recovery — Advisory Board
• Palm Springs International Film Festival — Honorary Chair
• National Student Leadership Conference — Honorary Board Member
• Palm Springs Women in Film and Television — Honorary Advisor
• Lincoln Club of Coachella Valley — Advisory Board Member 

Published Articles

• Honoring Our Founders, Remembering Our Principles
  Real Clear Politics, February 18, 2013
• The Government Needs to Regain the Public's Trust
  Politico, April 28, 2010