inside the Beltway

Primarily related to, concerned with, or affecting those within or adjacent to the US federal government, especially in contrast to US citizens in general. "The Beltway" is a shortening of "The Capital Beltway," a nickname for Interstate 495, which surrounds Washington, DC, as well as parts of Virginia and Maryland. When you've been working as a lobbyist inside the Beltway for your entire career, it can be hard to imagine a life outside of politics. That guy? He works for one of the members of Congress. I promise you, only people inside the Beltway have even heard of him. You didn't hear it from me, but people inside the Beltway are investigating the senator's suspicious phone call.