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LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
| Address1 | 1016 W Jackson Blvd |
Address2 | #1073 |
| City | Chicago |
State | IL |
Zip Code | 60607 |
Country | USA |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
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5. Senate ID# 400348610-12
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6. House ID# 403510000
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| TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2025 |
Q1 (1/1 - 3/31) | Q2 (4/1 - 6/30) | Q3 (7/1 - 9/30) | Q4 (10/1 - 12/31) |
9. Check if this filing amends a previously filed version of this report
| 10. Check if this is a Termination Report | Termination Date |
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11. No Lobbying Issue Activity |
| INCOME OR EXPENSES - YOU MUST complete either Line 12 or Line 13 | |||||||||
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| 12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
| INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
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| Provide a good faith estimate, rounded to the nearest $10,000, of all lobbying related income for the client (including all payments to the registrant by any other entity for lobbying activities on behalf of the client). | 14. REPORTING Check box to indicate expense accounting method. See instructions for description of options. | ||||||||
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Method A.
Reporting amounts using LDA definitions only
Method B. Reporting amounts under section 6033(b)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code Method C. Reporting amounts under section 162(e) of the Internal Revenue Code |
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| Signature | Digitally Signed By: Paul Melmeyer |
Date | 1/6/2026 11:33:12 AM |
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code HCR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Opposed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Supported the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act
Supported a joint request for Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations for ALS Programs
Supported Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reform Patient Priorities
Expressed opposition to effort that caps indirect costs in NIH grants to 15%
Supported efforts to add FSHD to the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program
Supported the reauthorization of the Rare Pediatric Disease PRV Program as part of the Gives Kids a Chance Act
Continued efforts to reauthorize the ACT for ALS
Supported the reintroduction of the MVP Act
Supported the reintroduction of the Patient Access Act
Supported the introduction of legislation that would better facilitate wheelchair repair
Supported the ABC Act
Supported legislation that increases access to home and community-based services
Supported the HEARD Act
Joined Coalition Comments on Repealing H.R. 1 Health Provisions or Medicaid Provisions and Extending APTCs
Joined Coalition Comments Urging Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reforms
Joined Coalition Comments in Opposition to CMS/OMB Proposal to Include Ostomy, Tracheostomy, and Urological Supplies in Medicare Competitive Bidding
Submitted joint MDA and PPMD Comments for Consideration of Adding Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel
Submitted MDA Comments on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Markup of the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act (H.R.4709)
Joined Coalition Comments to House Appropriations Leaders Calling for Robust Federal Funding for Medical Research in FY26 Budget
Submitted MDA Comments to CMS Administrator Oz re: CY2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule: Medicare Competitive Bidding of Ostomy and Urological Supplies
Joined Coalition Comments to CMS Administrator Oz re: CY2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule: Medicare Competitive Bidding of Ostomy and Urological Supplies
Joined Coalition Comments to CMS Administrator Oz re: CY 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule: Competitive Bidding of Off-the-Shelf Orthotics, Accreditation Organizations, and Prior Authorization
Joined Coalition Comments to CMS Administrator Oz re: Concerns Regarding the WISeR Model and Access to Medically Necessary Rehabilitation Care
Joined Coalition Comments to CMS Administrator Oz on ITEM Coalition Support for a More Robust Pathway for Medicare Coverage of Breakthrough Technologies
Submitted MDA Comments to HHS Sec. Kennedy on Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996; Interpretation of Federal Public Benefit
Joined Coalition Comments to Congressional Leadership on Reauthorizing the Enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credit
Joined Coalition Comments to HHS on Ensuring Lawful Regulation and Unleashing Innovation to Make America Healthy Again Request for Information
Joined Coalition Comments to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on Contract Year (CY) 2026 Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Program
Joined Coalition Comments in Support of the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act, S.1816/H.R. 3514
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Defense - Dept of (DOD)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Joel |
Cartner |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code AVI
16. Specific lobbying issues
Joined Coalition Comments Urging Maintenance of the Provisions in the Final Rule, Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs
Joined Coalition Comments to House and Senate Transportation Appropriations Leaders on FY26 Funding for U.S. Access Board
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation - Dept of (DOT), U.S. Access Board - Architectural & Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code BUD
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported a joint request for Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations for ALS Programs
Supported efforts to add FSHD to the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program
Supported robust appropriations for the NIH, CDC, FDA, and other critical agencies for our community
Joined Coalition Comments to House Appropriations Leaders Calling for Robust Federal Funding for Medical Research in FY26 Budget
Joined Coalition Comments to House and Senate Appropriations Leaders on FY26 Education Appropriations
Joined Coalition Comments to House and Senate Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education Appropriations Leaders on Assistive Technology (AT) Act Programs
Joined Coalition Comments to House and Senate Transportation Appropriations Leaders on FY26 Funding for U.S. Access Board
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Defense - Dept of (DOD), Education - Dept of, U.S. Access Board - Architectural & Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Joel |
Cartner |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code MED
16. Specific lobbying issues
Expressed opposition to effort that caps indirect costs in NIH grants to 15%
Supported efforts to add FSHD to the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program
Supported the reauthorization of the Rare Pediatric Disease PRV Program as part of the Gives Kids a Chance Act
Continued efforts to reauthorize the ACT for ALS
Submitted joint MDA and PPMD Comments for Consideration of Adding Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy to the Recommended Uniform Screening Panel
Submitted MDA Comments on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Markup of the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Reauthorization Act (H.R.4709)
Joined Coalition Comments to House Appropriations Leaders Calling for Robust Federal Funding for Medical Research in FY26 Budget
Supported muscular dystrophy research efforts at the CDC
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Defense - Dept of (DOD), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Joel |
Cartner |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code MMM
16. Specific lobbying issues
Opposed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Supported the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act
Supported the reintroduction of the MVP Act
Supported the reintroduction of the Patient Access Act
Supported the reintroduction of the ALS Better Care Act
Supported the reintroduction of the Access to Genetic Counseling Services Act
Joined Coalition Comments in Opposition to CMS/OMB Proposal to Include Ostomy, Tracheostomy, and Urological Supplies in Medicare Competitive Bidding
Submitted MDA Comments to CMS Administrator Oz re: CY2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule: Medicare Competitive Bidding of Ostomy and Urological Supplies
Joined Coalition Comments to CMS Administrator Oz re: CY2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule: Medicare Competitive Bidding of Ostomy and Urological Supplies
Joined Coalition Comments to CMS Administrator Oz re: CY 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule: Competitive Bidding of Off-the-Shelf Orthotics, Accreditation Organizations, and Prior Authorization
Joined Coalition Comments to CMS Administrator Oz re: Concerns Regarding the WISeR Model and Access to Medically Necessary Rehabilitation Care
Joined Coalition Comments to CMS Administrator Oz on ITEM Coalition Support for a More Robust Pathway for Medicare Coverage of Breakthrough Technologies
Joined Coalition Comments to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on Contract Year (CY) 2026 Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Program
Joined Coalition Comments in Support of the Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act, S.1816/H.R. 3514
Supported the ABC Act
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Joel |
Cartner |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code INS
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported the Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act
Opposed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Supported the reintroduction of the Patient Access Act
Joined Coalition Comments on Repealing H.R. 1 Health Provisions or Medicaid Provisions and Extending APTCs
Joined Coalition Comments Urging Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reforms
Joined Coalition Comments to Congressional Leadership on Reauthorizing the Enhanced Advance Premium Tax Credit
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Joel |
Cartner |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TRA
16. Specific lobbying issues
Joined Coalition Comments Urging Maintenance of the Provisions in the Final Rule, Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs
Joined Coalition Comments to House and Senate Transportation Appropriations Leaders on FY26 Funding for U.S. Access Board
Supported the DATA Act
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Transportation - Dept of (DOT), U.S. Access Board - Architectural & Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code EDU
16. Specific lobbying issues
Joined Coalition Comments to Secretary of Education McMahon Re: Importance of State Assessments and Strong Accountability for Students with Disabilities
Joined Coalition Comments Urging to Maintain All Current Grants Under Part D of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Joined Coalition Comments to U.S. Secretary of Education McMahon re: U.S. Department of Education (ED) Proposed Priority: Advancing Artificial Intelligence in Education
Joined Coalition Comments to House and Senate Appropriations Leaders on FY26 Education Appropriations
Joined Coalition Comments to House and Senate Labor, Health and Human Services (HHS), and Education Appropriations Leaders on Assistive Technology (AT) Act Programs
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Education - Dept of, U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code RET
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported the ABC Act
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Social Security Administration (SSA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Shannon |
Wood |
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Paul |
Melmeyer |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TAX
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported the Credit for Caring Act
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Shannon |
Wood |
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Paul |
Melmeyer |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code PHA
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Reform Patient Priorities
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Joel |
Cartner |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code HOU
16. Specific lobbying issues
Joined Coalition Comments re: FY26 Appropriations for Critical Housing Programs for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Housing & Urban Development - Dept of (HUD)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code LBR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Submitted MDA Comments to Office of Federal Contractor Compliance Programs, U.S. Department of Labor re: Modifications to the Regulations Implementing Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as Amended
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Labor - Dept of (DOL)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
Information Update Page - Complete ONLY where registration information has changed.
20. Client new address
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21. Client new principal place of business (if different than line 20)
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22. New General description of client’s business or activities
LOBBYIST UPDATE
23. Name of each previously reported individual who is no longer expected to act as a lobbyist for the client
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ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
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AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
| Name | Address |
Principal Place of Business (city and state or country) |
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26. Name of each previously reported organization that is no longer affiliated with the registrant or client
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
FOREIGN ENTITIES
27. Add the following foreign entities:
| Name | Address |
Principal place of business (city and state or country) |
Amount of contribution for lobbying activities | Ownership percentage in client | ||||||||||
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28. Name of each previously reported foreign entity that no longer owns, or controls, or is affiliated with the registrant, client or affiliated organization
| 1 | 3 | 5 |
| 2 | 4 | 6 |
CONVICTIONS DISCLOSURE
29. Have any of the lobbyists listed on this report been convicted in a Federal or State Court of an offense involving bribery,
extortion, embezzlement, an illegal kickback, tax evasion, fraud, a conflict of interest, making a false statement, perjury, or money laundering?
| Lobbyist Name | Description of Offense(s) |