Overview
Leslie Belcher, an Oklahoma native, draws on her more than 35 years of service in the US House of Representatives and the private sector. She is recognized as a trusted advisor to many members of Congress, and is highly regarded in the appropriations and budget reconciliation space. Leslie has successfully spearheaded government relations campaigns for her clients, including corporations, trade associations and universities. She is an accomplished and natural deal-maker, securing billions of dollars in federal funding over the years for clients.
Recognized as a "Top Lobbyist" by The Hill, Leslie has her finger on the pulse of the House Republican Conference and has extensive knowledge of the legislative process. Her ability to grasp the intricate nuances of complex political conditions, assess their impact on policy decisions, and effectively communicate the "art of the possible" sets Leslie apart in Washington.
Leslie leverages her vast experience and institutional knowledge to facilitate successful deals and advises clients on developing and implementing federal legislative strategies. Her expertise encompasses appropriations, tax, trade, energy, and transportation issues.
Before joining Steptoe, Leslie served as the chief of staff for Reps. Tom Cole (R-OK) and Wes Watkins (R-OK), legislative director for Rep. Bill Brewster (D-OK) and appropriations associate for Rep. Wes Watkins (D-OK). She was also a founding staffer of the House Blue Dogs and played a pivotal role in creating and drafting the House Democratic Budget Resolution. Leslie’s broad bipartisan experience provides her with a unique and valuable perspective few in Washington possess, enhancing her ability to navigate and influence the legislative landscape.
- Leslie Belcher is a Managing Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy and does not provide legal advice.
- B.S., Oklahoma State University, 1988, Journalism
Representative Matters
- Obtained the largest university earmark in FY24, according to Inside Higher Ed.
- Acquired earmarks and program additions for economic development projects, research projects, children’s hospitals, homeland security and defense applications, and infrastructure projects for a variety of clients.
- Created a new federal research initiative focusing on the health disparities of Native Americans, located at a specific NCI Center.
- Facilitated the passage and enactment of critical disaster relief funding for the State of New York and the Gulf Coast following natural disasters, navigating a challenging political environment.
News & Publications
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
August 7, 2026
By: Leslie A. Belcher, Rowan Bost, Elizabeth Hurley Burks, Michele Nellenbach, David M. Dailey, Jack Buttarazzi, Zoe Wojnowich
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
July 31, 2026
By: Leslie A. Belcher, Rowan Bost, Elizabeth Hurley Burks, Michele Nellenbach, David M. Dailey, Jack Buttarazzi, Zoe Wojnowich
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
July 24, 2026
By: Leslie A. Belcher, Rowan Bost, Elizabeth Hurley Burks, Michele Nellenbach, Jack Buttarazzi, Zoe Wojnowich, David Dailey
Publications
Governing by Shortcut – Congress Is Losing Ability to Function Through Regular Order
Reuters
July 17, 2026
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
July 17, 2026
By: Leslie A. Belcher, Rowan Bost, Elizabeth Hurley Burks, Michele Nellenbach, Jack Buttarazzi
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
July 3, 2026
By: Leslie A. Belcher, Rowan Bost, Elizabeth Hurley Burks, Michele Nellenbach, Jack Buttarazzi, Zoe Wojnowich
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
June 26, 2026
By: Leslie A. Belcher, Rowan Bost, Elizabeth Hurley Burks, Michele Nellenbach, Jack Buttarazzi, Zoe Wojnowich
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
June 12, 2026
By: Leslie A. Belcher, Rowan Bost, Elizabeth Hurley Burks, Michele Nellenbach, Jack Buttarazzi, Zoe Wojnowich
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
June 5, 2026
By: Leslie A. Belcher, Rowan Bost, Elizabeth Hurley Burks, Michele Nellenbach, Jack Buttarazzi, Zoe Wojnowich
Resources
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
The Topline: Steptoe Appropriations Newsletter
September 12, 2025
By: Leslie A. Belcher, Rowan Bost, Elizabeth Hurley Burks, Michele Nellenbach, Jack Buttarazzi
Events
Seminars & Events
Complimentary Food Contact Conference
April 21, 2026 - April 22, 2026
Speakers: Joan Baughan, Leslie A. Belcher, Jennifer Bonanno, Elizabeth Hurley Burks, Ruxandra Cana, Joseph Dages, Matthew J. Flynn, Anthony G. Hopp, Surya Kundu, Zanda Romata, Daniel C. Rubenstein
Webinars
Policy Perspectives Roundtable
January 23, 2025
Speakers: Jason Abel, Leslie A. Belcher, Matthew J. Flynn
Webinars
Post-Election Recap: The First 48 Hours
November 7, 2024
Speakers: Jason Abel, Leslie A. Belcher, Elizabeth Hurley Burks, N. Hunter Johnston, Lisa M. Zarlenga
Seminars & Events
Post-Election Recap - Policymaking Agenda for 2023
November 10, 2022
Speakers: Jason Abel, Leslie A. Belcher, Elizabeth Hurley Burks, Scott A. Sinder
Webinars
Post-Election Recap: Appropriations and Defense
December 2, 2020
Speakers: Leslie A. Belcher, Alan Cohn
Webinars
Post-Election Recap: The First 48 Hours
November 5, 2020
Speakers: Jason Abel, Leslie A. Belcher, Elizabeth Hurley Burks, Scott A. Sinder
Webinars
November 8, 2018
Speakers: Jason Abel, Leslie A. Belcher, Elizabeth Hurley Burks, Kate Jensen, N. Hunter Johnston, Scott A. Sinder
Webinars
The US-China Trade Relationship
August 28, 2018
Speakers: Eric C. Emerson, Gregory S. McCue, Leslie A. Belcher, Henry Cao
Webinars
August Recess Tax Policy Webinar
August 16, 2017
Speakers: Jason Abel, Leslie A. Belcher, Lisa M. Zarlenga
Webinars
Legislative Oversight of the CFTC: A Primer
May 18, 2017
Speaker: Leslie A. Belcher
Noteworthy
- The Hill, Top Lobbyist (2023-2025)
Previous Employment
- Chief of Staff, Congressman Tom Cole (R-OK)
- Chief of Staff, Congressman Wes Watkins (R-OK)
- Legislative Director, Congressman Bill Brewster (D-OK)
- Appropriations Associate, Congressman Wes Watkins (D-OK)
- Assistant Director, Federal Relations, Oklahoma State University