Holly Fechner

February 5, 2021, Global Policy Watch

After several weeks of negotiations proceeding in fits and starts, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell reached a power-sharing agreement governing the operation of the evenly divided Senate.  As expected, the deal, which passed by voice vote, largely conforms to the agreement in place when the Senate was last evenly ...

February 2, 2021, Global Policy Watch

The nullification of recent Trump Administration regulations is yet another item on the busy agenda for congressional Democrats in the 117th Congress.  With Democrats holding both the presidency and narrow majorities in both chambers of Congress, some Democrats have advocated using the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal Trump-era rules finalized after ...

December 10, 2020, The Hill

The Hill has named Covington’s Holly Fechner, Muftiah McCartin, and Bill Wichterman to its annual “Top Lobbyists” list. The list recognizes Washington’s top policy experts and influencers voicing the concerns of the nation’s largest companies, labor unions, and associations in the nation’s capital. Named to the list for the eighth consecutive year, Ms. Fechner ...

November 10, 2020, Global Policy Watch

Technology policy is a growing issue for the Congress, especially since it is to the economy and to our national security what oil was 20 years. Congress has a love-hate relationship with tech: love them for their innovation, jobs, and international competitiveness, and hate them for their size, bias and perceived hubris. Enter antitrust: a...… Continue Reading

November 10, 2020, Global Policy Watch

The election results show how deeply divided the electorate is and that division is reflected in the make-up of the government with a Democratic President and House and a Republican Senate. Neither Republicans nor Democrats have hit upon the right recipe to realign their party and shift a substantial portion of the voters in their...… Continue Reading

September 17, 2020, Law360

Holly Fechner spoke with Law360 about a coalition of groups tackling the lack of diversity in patenting. Ms. Fechner told Law360 that a key initiative of the group is advocating for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to collect demographic data on inventors through support of the bipartisan Inventor Diversity for Economic Advancement Act, which was introduced ...

July 17, 2020, Inside Tech Media

In this update, we detail the key legislative updates in the second quarter of 2020 related to artificial intelligence (“AI”), the Internet of Things (“IoT”), cybersecurity as it relates to AI and IoT, and connected and automated vehicles (“CAVs”). The volume of legislation on these topics has slowed but not ceased, as lawmakers increasingly focus...… Continue ...

July 15, 2020, Covington Alert

In this update, we detail the key legislative updates in the second quarter of 2020 related to artificial intelligence (“AI”), the Internet of Things (“IoT”), cybersecurity as it relates to AI and IoT, and connected and autonomous vehicles (“CAVs”). The volume of legislation on these topics has slowed but not ceased, as lawmakers increasingly focus on the ...

July 14, 2020, Bloomberg Law

Holly Fechner spoke with Bloomberg Law about the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office’s goal of boosting the percentage of Black patent owners. Ms. Fechner says, “I think we have this vision of inventors as this person alone in a garage but really invention and patenting is a team sport.”

May 12, 2020, Inside Tech Media

Though it seems like the distant past now, in this update we detail the notable legislative events from the first quarter of 2020 on artificial intelligence (“AI”), the Internet of Things (“IoT”), cybersecurity as it relates to AI and IoT, and connected and autonomous vehicles (“CAVs”). Prior to the slowdown in non-COVID related legislation that...… Continue ...

May 7, 2020, Covington Alert

Though it seems like the distant past now, in this update we detail the notable legislative events from the first quarter of 2020 on artificial intelligence (“AI”), the Internet of Things (“IoT”), cybersecurity as it relates to AI and IoT, and connected and autonomous vehicles (“CAVs”). Prior to the slowdown in non-COVID related legislation that accompanied the ...

April 13, 2020, Global Policy Watch

The recently enacted Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act contains a little-known provision to protect inventors during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  Section 12004 of the CARES Act grants the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) director the temporary authority to “toll, waive, adjust, or modify, any timing deadline” established ...

March 27, 2020, Global Policy Watch

As millions of American workers, students, and patients stay home to help combat the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the $2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes funding for the transition to remote life among its many relief provisions. With specific funding for broadband connections, distance learning, telehealth, and ...

March 4, 2020, Morning Consult

January 24, 2020, Inside Tech Media

U.S. federal policymakers continued to focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the fourth quarter of 2019, including by introducing substantive bills that would regulate the use of such technology and by supporting bills aimed at further study of how such technology may impact different sectors. In our fourth AI...… Continue ...

January 24, 2020, Covington Alert

U.S. federal policymakers continued to focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the fourth quarter of 2019, including by introducing substantive bills that would regulate the use of such technology and by supporting bills aimed at further study of how such technology may impact different sectors. In our fourth AI & IoT ...

January 8, 2020, Global Policy Watch

The America Invents Act (“AIA”) may be back on Congress’s agenda this year.  Enacted in 2011, the AIA established the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (“PTAB”) to adjudicate patentability disputes.  The Board is composed of administrative patent judges (APJs) who are appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and removable by either the Secretary or...… Continue ...

December 23, 2019, Global Policy Watch

5G wireless technology has captured the attention of Congress.  At least 30 5G-related bills have been introduced in the House and Senate this Congress, signaling widespread interest by lawmakers in 5G. Several of these bills, addressing a range of issues including national security concerns, the promotion of U.S. leadership in international 5G standards-setting ...

December 12, 2019

WASHINGTON—The Hill has named Covington’s Holly Fechner, Muftiah McCartin, and Bill Wichterman to its annual “Top Lobbyists” list. The list recognizes Washington’s top policy experts and influencers voicing the concerns of the nation’s largest companies, labor unions, and associations in the nation’s capital. Named to the list for the seventh consecutive year, ...

October 22, 2019, Inside Tech Media

Federal policymakers continued to focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the third quarter of 2019, including by introducing substantive bills that would regulate the use of such technology and by supporting bills aimed at further study of how such technology may impact different sectors. In our third AI &...… Continue ...

October 21, 2019, Covington Alert

Federal policymakers continued to focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the second quarter of 2019, including by introducing substantive bills that would regulate the use of such technology and by supporting bills aimed at further study of how such technology may impact different sectors. In our third AI & IoT Quarterly ...

August 13, 2019, Global Policy Watch

A bipartisan, bicameral group of members of Congress introduced the Inventor Diversity for Economic Advancement (IDEA) Act to ensure that policy makers and researchers have the tools they need to study diversity among inventors holding U.S. patents.  Representative Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH), Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) and ...

July 29, 2019, Global Policy Watch

Last week, the Senate Commerce Committee held a markup where it unanimously passed two pieces of legislation aimed at improving U.S. fifth-generation wireless network (5G) security measures out of committee: the Secure 5G and Beyond Act (S. 893) and the United States 5G Leadership Act (S. 1625).  These bills—passed as Congress, the Administration, and the...… ...

July 18, 2019, Inside Tech Media

Federal and state policymakers continued to focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the second quarter of 2019, including by introducing both substantive measures that would regulate the use of the technology and by supporting funding bills aimed at increasing investment. In our second AI & IoT Quarterly Legislative ...

July 17, 2019, Covington Alert

Federal and state policymakers continued to focus on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the second quarter of 2019, including by introducing both substantive measures that would regulate the use of the technology and by supporting funding bills aimed at increasing investment. In our second AI & IoT Quarterly Legislative Update, ...

May 1, 2019, Inside Tech Media

Federal and state policymakers introduced a range of new measures on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the first quarter of 2019. In our initial AI & IoT Quarterly Legislative Update, we detail the notable legislative events from this quarter on AI, IoT, cybersecurity as it relates to AI and IoT,...… Continue Reading

April 30, 2019, Covington Alert

Federal and state policymakers introduced a range of new measures on artificial intelligence (“AI”) and the Internet of Things (“IoT”) in the first quarter of 2019. In our initial AI & IoT Quarterly Legislative Update, we detail the notable legislative events from this quarter on AI, IoT, cybersecurity as it relates to AI and IoT, and connected and autonomous ...

March 2019, The American Lawyer

The American Lawyer has recognized Covington in its 2019 Dealmakers of Year.

March 27, 2019

WASHINGTON—The American Lawyer has recognized Covington among its 2019 “Dealmakers of the Year.” The annual feature highlights “the lawyers behind the most significant work” in deal making, and this marks the second time the firm has received this distinction in the last three years. In March 2018, Covington helped Qualcomm, Inc. secure a U.S. Presidential ...

February 27, 2019

The webinar covered such topics as federal regulations affecting connected and automated vehicles (CAVs), with a focus on NHTSA, the FAA, the FCC, and CFIUS review; where Congress stands on CAV legislation, including the AV START Act, the SELF-DRIVE Act, and infrastructure legislation; state-level legislative, regulatory, and policy developments, with a closer ...

December 13, 2018

WASHINGTON—The Hill has named Covington’s Howard Berman, Holly Fechner, Muftiah McCartin, and Bill Wichterman to its annual “Top Lobbyists” list. The list recognizes the most distinguished and accomplished professionals from the influence world who are on the front lines of the nation’s most consequential political and policy battles. First elected to Congress ...

November 20, 2018

WASHINGTON—Covington has helped achieve a legislative victory to advance pro-innovation policies and to further study issues of underrepresentation in inventing by women, persons of color, and veterans when Congress enacted H.R. 6758, the Study of Underrepresented Classes Chasing Engineering and Science Success (SUCCESS) Act into law, which the President has now ...

March 15, 2018

WASHINGTON—Covington secured a U.S. Presidential order compelling Broadcom Limited to “immediately and permanently abandon” its proposed hostile takeover of its client Qualcomm, Inc. The order was based on findings by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) that Broadcom's takeover "threatens to impair the national security of the United ...

June 2018, Technology & Innovation

November 3, 2017

WASHINGTON—The Hill has named Covington’s Howard Berman, Holly Fechner, Jon Kyl, and Bill Wichterman to its annual “Top Lobbyists: Hired Guns” list. First elected to Congress in 1982, Congressman Berman became known as one of Capitol Hill’s preeminent deal-makers. He served as chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and was a long-time senior member on ...

February 17, 2017, University of Michigan Law School

February 16, 2017, D.C. Bar Presentation

October 26, 2016

WASHINGTON—The Hill has named Covington’s Howard Berman, Holly Fechner, Jon Kyl, and Bill Wichterman to its annual “Top Lobbyists” list, which recognizes individuals “who do battle within” Washington’s policymaking arena.  First elected to Congress in 1982, Congressman Berman became known as one of Capitol Hill’s preeminent deal-makers. He served as chairman of ...

August 11, 2016, Daily Labor Report

Holly Fechner is quoted in a Daily Labor Report article regarding Labor Secretary Thomas Perez’s challenging position as both a government employee and Hillary Clinton supporter. According to Fechner, “I know that [Perez will] be very careful and follow the Hatch Act to the letter, but he will want to be very involved with both roles—both seeing through all of ...

December 17, 2015, Roll Call

Holly Fechner is quoted in a Roll Call article discussing a recent congressional staff survey measuring how safe people feel at the Capitol in light of the Paris and San Bernardino terrorist attacks. According to Fechner, better security and planning after the 9/11 and anthrax attacks have made the Capitol less open. “People today would find it incredible how ...

October 30, 2015

WASHINGTON, DC, October 30, 2015 - The Hill has named Covington’s Holly Fechner and Bill Wichterman to its annual “Top Lobbyists” list, which recognizes individuals who have “proven to be effective in advocating at the federal level.” Named to the list for the third consecutive year, Ms. Fechner previously served as Policy Director for Senator Edward Kennedy, ...

2015, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

November 18, 2014, GlobalPolicyWatch Blog

October 24, 2014, Law360

October 24, 2014, Law360

Covington partner Holly Fechner authored this piece on U.S. House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner’s strategic use of the Hastert Rule: "U.S. House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner’s strategic use of an informal political and procedural tool — the Hastert Rule — allowed him successfully to navigate a treacherous political path of managing his ...

October 22, 2014, The Hill

Covington's Holly Fechner was named a Top Lobbyist.

October 16, 2014, GlobalPolicyWatch Blog

June 3, 2014, GlobalPolicyWatch Blog

April 29, 2014, The Hill

Covington partner Holly Fechner is quoted regarding women in the lobbying industry.

2014, Utah Law Review

November 8, 2013, University of Utah S.J. Quinny College of Law

October 4, 2013, Inside Counsel Conference

April 4, 2013, Covington Advisory

March 14, 2013

WASHINGTON, DC, March 14, 2013 — Congressman Howard Berman, a widely respected leader in the U.S. Congress, is joining Covington & Burling’s global public policy and government affairs practice. The addition of Rep. Berman, the former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, comes a week after Sen. Jon Kyl joined Covington’s public policy and government ...

March 6, 2013

WASHINGTON, DC, March 6, 2013 — Senator Jon Kyl, who recently left Congress as the second-highest ranking Republican in the U.S. Senate, is joining Covington & Burling’s global public policy and government affairs practice. “Senator Kyl’s deep knowledge and extraordinary legislative skills from his years as a senior leader in Congress make him ideally suited to ...

November 8, 2012, Politico

Holly Fechner was quoted in this article.

October 1, 2012

WASHINGTON, DC, October 1, 2012 — Covington & Burling is pleased to announce that it has elected 15 new lawyers to its partnership. This group is comprised of diverse and talented individuals from five offices who have made their mark at the firm through exceptional work and the highest standards of client service. “We’re delighted to welcome these 15 lawyers to ...

July 2, 2012, Covington Advisory

June 29, 2012, Covington E-Alert

June 26, 2012, The Hill

Holly Fechner was profiled in this article.

June 11, 2012

WASHINGTON, DC, June 11, 2012 — Chambers USA recognized 106 individual Covington & Burling lawyers and 46 Covington practice areas in the 2012 Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business guidebook released on June 7, 2012. Many of the 106 Covington lawyers ranked by Chambers USA were recognized in multiple categories, resulting in a total of 131 ...

2012, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

January 10, 2011, Covington E-Alert

September 16, 2010, Roll Call

February 2010, The European Lawyer

2008, Blue Cross Blue Shield Association

July 24, 2007, Houston Chronicle

4/10/2007

WASHINGTON, DC, April 10, 2007 — Covington & Burling LLP announced today that Holly Fechner has joined the firm as Of Counsel.  Ms. Fechner will be resident in the firm’s Washington office.Ms. Fechner most recently served as Policy Director for Senator Edward M. Kennedy.  She also served as Chief Labor & Pensions Counsel to the Senate Health, Education, Labor & ...

2007, National Coordinating Committee for Multiemployer Plans

2007, National Conference on Equal Employment Opportunity Law, American Bar Association