Rich Thomas

Rich Thomas serves as a Vice President for Government Relations at Monument Policy Group, LLC. As a Capitol Hill veteran with nearly a decade of experience in the House of Representatives, Thomas brings a wide range of knowledge in the areas of public policy and political strategy. While providing strategic advice and guidance for a senior Member of Congress, he garnered a consistent record of success in navigating the legislative maze of Capitol Hill. His long tenure in Washington has given him expertise in numerous issues, as well as extensive contacts throughout the federal government. Prior to joining the Monument Policy Group in July of 2008, Thomas served as Legislative Director to Congressman Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ), where he supervised both policy and communications staff and helped execute a far-reaching, aggressive agenda. Thomas was responsible for the Congressman’s activity on the House Ways and Means Committee, and the International Trade Subcommittee. In that role, Thomas focused on key issues including intellectual property protection, U.S.-China trade, Customs matters, and miscellaneous tariff legislation. His experience also included assisting in the Peru Free Trade Agreement, where he was a liaison to the labor community and various members of the Democratic Caucus prior to its floor consideration and successful passage. Thomas has also worked on major tax legislation, such as extending the Research and Development tax credit for businesses, expanding the renewable energy production tax credit, broadening the Earned Income Tax Credit, and reforming the Alternative Minimum Tax. Prior to Congressman Pascrell’s assignment to the Ways and Means Committee, Thomas was responsible for advising the Congressman as an original member of the House Homeland Security Committee. Along with working on port, chemical, and cyber security issues, he was particularly focused on first responder funding mechanisms. Thomas helped write legislation to reauthorize the highly successful Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program, signed into law in the 108th Congress. He was also active in ensuring a greater risk and vulnerability based approach in the allotment of Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) Grants. In addition to his policy work, Thomas was a Regional Whip staff member, coordinating closely with the House Democratic Leadership in floor strategy and vote counting before key votes. Earlier in his career, after completing the Participation 2000 campaign management school, Thomas assisted political campaigns in New Jersey. He was also active in the races of Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Melissa Bean (D-IL).