Microsoft is fortifying its congressional lobbying team as major issues that could affect them begin to work their way through Capitol Hill this year. The software firm has hired Christina Pearson to join its Washington office as senior director for public relations.

Until recently, Pearson worked for the public relations firm Fleishman-Hillard helping clients deal with product recalls and public health emergencies. Software and computer companies such as Microsoft are gearing up to fight an Obama administration plan to curb offshore tax avoidance.

It comes at a time when the administration is looking for other tax loopholes that could affect firms like Microsoft.

For more on Microsoft's hiring move:
- see this National Journal article
- see this Business Week article

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