The rise of the homeland security lobbyist.

• Author: Book, Elizabeth G.
• Position: Security Beat

The war on terrorism is spawning a whole new field of Washington lobbyists specializing in homeland security issues. The growth has been fueled by an expanding array of legal, legislative and regulatory matters arising from 9/11 and its aftermath. Several lobbying firms in Washington, D.C. have formed units to focus specifically on homeland security.

One of them is the law firm of Venable LLP, which launched its group in October. "Homeland security affects the flow of goods and services in a way that we are only beginning to understand," explained managing partner James L. O'Shea. It imposes "legal and regulatory challenges" impacting many industries, including manufacturing, transportation, financial services, import-export, energy, agriculture and health care, he said.

More than two...