“Ask Me Anything” with Tori Smith (Forbes Tate Partners) & James O’Brien (Invariant)
📌 What’s happening: Two of DC’s top policy minds. Your questions.
Why attend: Policy developments move fast. Staying informed, and proactive, is key to protecting your bottom line. This is your chance to ask the experts directly.
What you might hear about: 🛃 Trade and tariff shifts that impact materials and markets ⚙️ Federal and state regulation trends 📉 Economic outlooks tied to supply chain policy 🏭 Domestic manufacturing incentives and risks 📊 How lobbyists and advocates are positioning for what’s ahead
🎯 Format: Ask Me Anything. No slides. No script. Just your questions answered live.
Reserve your spot and submit your questions today.
As a former advisor to senior leaders in Congress, including current House Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO), former Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX), and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), James helps clients navigate international trade issues and shape tax policy. Previously, James served as a professional staff member for the House Committee on Ways and Means trade subcommittee, where he advised committee members and their offices on international trade policy. Before that, he was the legislative director for Congressman Kevin Brady (R-TX). In this role, he successfully helped defend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act against efforts to undo critical provisions while working with stakeholders to build support for various tax proposals.
Tori has spent nearly a decade focusing on international trade, the economic impacts of tariff and non-tariff barriers on American businesses and consumers, and the intersection of trade and broader international economic policy. Her specific areas of expertise include domestic content requirements, de minimis, trade laws that allow the executive branch to impose tariffs, and trade agreements. She also has expertise in digital services taxes, international tax, and domestic tax policy.
Prior to joining FTP, Tori served as tax and trade policy advisor for Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), a member of the Senate Finance Committee. She was also Director of International Economic Policy at American Action Forum. Tori spent nearly seven years working on trade policy at The Heritage Foundation. Before moving to Washington, D.C., she worked as a legislative aide in the Michigan House of Representatives.
Thursday, May 15 | 12 pm ET/9 am PT
