Menu Search Account

LegiStorm

Get LegiStorm App Visit Product Demo Website
» Get LegiStorm App
» Get LegiStorm Pro Free Demo

Caught Our Eye

Medical machinery company enlists lobbyists in fight against Ebola

Posted by LegiStorm on Oct. 21, 2014

As Ebola seizes the attention of official Washington, the fight begins for federal dollars. Cue the lobbyists.

Two former Senate staffers with the international law and lobbying firm Dentons have a new client that makes equipment that might be helpful in fighting the deadly disease. Sander Lurie and Mark Weller filed lobbying papers Monday saying they are representing Zimek, which makes anti-microbial misters for decontaminating enclosed spaces.

Before becoming lobbyists, Lurie served as chief of staff to Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) and as deputy staff director for the Senate Budget Committee. Weller worked as legislative director for Sen. Dick Lugar (R-Ind.).

Zimek has hired the firm for discussions on the Hill regarding "preventing the spread of Ebola and other infectious diseases using Zimek's infection control and biohazard remediation misting technology." The Department of Homeland Security has used Zimek machinery in the past, according to the company's website, though it does not say whether its products are effective against Ebola specifically. 

Zimek's misters were the subject of some controversy in 2011, when the EPA placed a temporary halt on their use in New Jersey following several health complaints from medical workers. A subsequent investigation did not prove a connection between the machines and the reported symptoms.