Director, HBS Transportation & Infrastructure | Managing Principal
Washington, DC
elausten@hbstrategies.us
A seasoned congressional and government affairs professional with more than twenty years of experience, Eric brings a distinguished set of capabilities to the Husch Blackwell Strategies team. Leaning into leadership opportunities at every turn, Eric recently completed the prestigious Stennis Fellows Program, a bipartisan leadership development experience for select senior-level staff of the United States Congress to explore ways to improve the effectiveness of those who work on Capitol Hill.
Eric’s experience includes serving as a legislative director in three congressional offices, most recently as Chief of Staff to Congressman Daniel Lipinski (D-IL), a role he held for nearly eight years. While serving for Rep. Lipinski, Eric acted as lead policy and political advisor, providing oversight for the Congressman’s active legislative and policy program. He also acted as liaison to U.S. House leadership, the White House and a wide array of stakeholders on behalf of Rep. Lipinski and directed the Congressman’s broader office communications efforts.
Heavily involved in Rep. Lipinski’s committee assignments, Eric provided integral support during the Congressman’s service on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Space and Technology Committee. Eric also helped manage the Blue Dog Coalition, on which Rep. Lipinski served as policy co-chair, and has been actively involved with the Problem Solvers Caucus since its inception. Additionally, Eric served as lead advisor to Rep. Lipinski during his political campaigns, including a recent successful primary campaign which saw ~$7 million in total expenditures.
Prior to serving for Rep. Lipinski, Eric managed federal affairs for the Governor of Puerto Rico and served as Legislative Director for the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico. Eric’s long list of experience also includes serving as Legislative Director for Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney, covering Rep. McKinney’s assignment to the House Armed Services Committee, among other constituent and outreach responsibilities.
Throughout his career, Eric has proven instrumental in achieving various measures passed into law, including long-term transportation bills (FAST Act and MAP-21), Water Resources Development Acts, FAA reauthorizations, as well as federal research and development/innovation policy bills such as the COMPETES Act, and manufacturing policy bills such as the American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act and the Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act. Eric also helped secure passage of various provisions in national defense authorization acts, including efforts to combat sexual assault in the U.S. armed forces.
The Hill newspaper has recognized Eric among Washington’s “Top Lobbyists” in its annual list.
A native of Connecticut, Eric holds a Bachelor of Science degree in History, Technology and Society from Georgia Tech, a Master of Arts degree in International Science and Technology Policy from The George Washington University, and attended graduate classes at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and the National Defense University. Eric resides in Washington, DC, with his wife, Rosanne, and their son, Trevor.
