Ben L. McMakin

Senior Director, Governmental Issues*

Ben McMakin has spent the past 15 years as a senior political and legislative advisor to members of the Washington and Oregon congressional delegations. In that capacity, he worked with business and community leaders on innovative solutions to the region’s transportation, trade and technology challenges. Today, Mr. McMakin uses his comprehensive knowledge of Congress and the legislative process to advance client interests on an array of issues including appropriations, transportation, defense, international trade, technology, and homeland security.

Professional Background

Prior to joining Van Ness Feldman in 2005, Mr. McMakin served as the Legislative Director for Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), the senior Senator from Washington and a member of the Senate Democratic leadership team. In this position, Mr. McMakin developed and implemented the Senator’s legislative agenda, including all of her work at the Senate Appropriations Committee and the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee.  Furthermore, he worked extensively with the staffs and members of the Defense, Energy and Water, Commerce, Interior, Agriculture, Labor HHS, and Education subcommittee.

From 1995 to 1996, Mr. McMakin served as Legislative Director for Representative Ron Wyden (D-OR), where he worked on the 1996 Telecommunications Act as it was considered by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. He also served from 1991 to 1994 as Legislative Director for Representative Mike Kopetski (D-OR), where he managed the Representative’s work at the House Ways and Means Committee on such issues as international trade, tax, and health care.

Government Service

• Legislative Director, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), U.S. Senate, 2000-2005
• Legislative Assistant,Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), U.S. Senate, 1996-2000
• Legislative Director, Representative Ron Wyden (D-OR), U.S. Congress, 1995-1996
• Legislative Director, Representative Mike Kopetski (D-OR), U.S. House of Representatives, 1990-1994
• Staff Assistant, Senator Alan Cranston (D-CA), U.S. Senate 1988-1989
  

Articles

• U.S. Climate Change Policy Will Drive Significant Investment Opportunities in Traditional and Alternative Energy
• Clean tech depends on federal policy

News

• VNF's Curt Rich and Ben McMakin Offer Insights on Clean Tech and Federal Policy