Stephen Payne

Who is Stephen Payne?

Stephen Prentiss Payne is an American lobbyist from Houston, Texas. He has also served as a governmental, energy, international affairs, and international business development consultant, corporate and political adviser, foreign diplomat, businessman, fundraiser, and former adviser to two of the United States Department of Homeland Security's Advisory Committees—the Secure Borders and Open Doors Advisory Committee and the Essential Technology Task Force, in connection with which he held a U.S. security clearance.

In July 2008 he attracted international attention after being secretly videotaped discussing a $750,000 lobbying contract offering access to senior U.S. officials and suggesting a $250,000 donation to the future presidential library of U.S. president George W. Bush.