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LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
| Address1 | Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777 |
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| City | New York |
State | NY |
Zip Code | 10163 |
Country | USA |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
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5. Senate ID# 401104060-12
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6. House ID# 432920001
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| TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2024 |
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: Dustin Watson |
Date | 10/18/2024 11:55:15 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
H.R.2365/S.1064 - National Plan to End Parkinson's Act: A bill to create an advisory council comprising members of federal agencies that support research, care, and services for Parkinson's disease, as well as patients, care partners, researchers, clinicians, and other non-federal experts, to ensure efficient and effective coordination among all federal entities responsible for managing, treating, and curing Parkinson's disease.
General Parkinson's Disease Information: Covers symptoms, triggers, health coverage, health costs, social determinants of health, data collection, research, environmental risks, and health access for underserved communities, particularly through the CDC's National Neurological Conditions Surveillance System (NNCSS).
H.R.2630/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: Requires group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that individuals living with Parkinson's disease can access treatments safely and efficiently.
Establishing Parkinson's Disease ICD-10-CM Codes: Aims to assist in the coordination of care for Parkinson's patients who experience OFF episodes and to allow researchers to gather data to study disease progression.
S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, which aid in confirming a Parkinson's diagnosis under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient services.
H.R.3432 - Telemental Health Care Access Act of 2023: Permanently removes Medicare's originating site requirements for mental health services furnished via telehealth. Parkinson's non-motor symptoms include mental health conditions, and many people with Parkinson's are Medicare beneficiaries who may face barriers due to in-person requirements.
H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: A bill requiring health insurance plans to apply certain payments, including third-party payments, financial assistance, and product vouchers, toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. This helps Parkinson's patients afford medications for managing symptoms.
The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six protected classes, including antidepressants and antipsychotics. For individuals with Parkinson's disease, these medications are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis.
H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to improve early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia, during Medicare wellness visits.
H.R.4942/S.655 - Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act: Reauthorizes the Conrad State 30 program and improves policies to address health care provider shortages, supporting neurological care for Parkinson's patients.
H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans.
H.R.9233/S.- The HEALTHY Brains Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases.
General Outreach for Establishing an ""Office of Caregiver Health"": Supports the creation of an Office of Caregiver Health within the Department of Health and Human Services to address the needs of caregivers, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease care.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), President of the U.S., General Services Administration (GSA), Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP), White House Office
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 |
Mason |
Zeagler |
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Dustin |
Watson |
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Drew |
Hatter |
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Sallie |
Weart |
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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
Lobbying to Increase Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for Medicare Part D redesign and benefits for people living with Parkinson's, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes.
The Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. For people living with Parkinson's, most of whom are Medicare beneficiaries, it is essential to have access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics, which are crucial for managing non-motor symptoms like depression and psychosis.
Signed Coalition Letters:
- Medicare Access for Prescription Rx (MAPRx): Comment letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance.
- Patient and Provider Advocates for Telehealth: Comment letter in response to CMS CY 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) supporting expanded access to telehealth.
- Alliance for Aging Research: Coalition letter in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance supporting proposed beneficiary protections.
H.R.4752/S.2379 - CHANGE Act of 2023: A bill to better utilize existing Medicare wellness visits for early screening, detection, and diagnosis of Alzheimer's and related dementias, including Parkinson's disease dementia.
S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans used to confirm Parkinson's diagnoses, under the Medicare outpatient prospective payment system.
CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare OPPS Proposed Rule): Comment supporting CMS's proposal to separately reimburse certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals used in diagnosing Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms.
H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act: Establishes requirements for the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans to ensure timely access to care for seniors, including those with Parkinson's.
S.3109/H.R.8018 - Alleviating Barriers for Caregivers (ABC) Act: Requires the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Social Security to simplify processes and communications for family caregivers to assist individuals in accessing and utilizing benefits.
S.3766/H.R.7274 - Connecting Caregivers to Medicare Act: Amends the Social Security Act to provide outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries and simplify access to information for family caregivers through 1-800-MEDICARE.
Advocacy for Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Access: Lobbying CMS to direct Medicare contractors to clarify claims procedures for DME therapies requiring administration via external infusion pumps, ensuring quick access to new Parkinson's therapies after FDA approval.
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)
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 |
Mason |
Zeagler |
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Drew |
Hatter |
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Dustin |
Watson |
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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 AGR
16. Specific lobbying issues
General Education on Parkinson's Risk Factors: Focused on raising awareness about triggers and risks of Parkinson's disease, including exposure to TCE, paraquat, air pollution, and other environmental chemicals.
H.R.9233/S. - The HEALTHY BRAINS Act: Draft legislation to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institutes of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative diseases.
Supporting FDA Neurology Drug Program Funding: Advocacy for funding through the FY 2025 Agriculture Appropriations bills (H.R. 9027, S. 4690) and the Labor, Health and Human Services FY 2025 Appropriations bill (not yet filed).
S.269 - Protect America's Children from Toxic Pesticides Act (PACTPA): Legislation focused on protecting children from harmful pesticides, including those linked to Parkinson's.
S.806 - The Healthy H2O Act: A bill that addresses concerns about water quality and its effects on health, relevant to Parkinsons disease prevention.
Neurodegenerative Disease Center of Excellence: Ongoing development of a legislative proposal to create a center at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) to focus on neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinsons.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH)
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 |
Drew |
Hatter |
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Sallie |
Weart |
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Mason |
Zeagler |
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Ted |
Thompson |
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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
FY 2025 Appropriations bills including funding requests for Parkinson's research within:
H.R.8774/ S.4921: The Department of Defense within the FY 2025 Defense Appropriation bill. Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).
H.R.9029/S.4942: The National Institute of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Possible funding to implement the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act (HR 2365/ PL 118-66) within LHHS appropriations.
H.R.9027/ S.4690: The Food and Drug Administration within the FY 2025 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill.
H.R.8580/ S.4677: The Department of Veterans Affairs within the FY 2025 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriation bill. Support funding for Neurology Centers of Excellence and medical care and research through Veterans Health Administration, including the Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Centers.
H.R.9029/S.4942: General advocacy in support of robust non-defense discretionary investments in Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies appropriations bill for FY 2025.
Funding for discretionary, non-defense priorities including overall investment in the National Institute of Health, ARPA-H, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention within the FY 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriation bills.
Funding for the Parkinson's Research Program (PRP) under the Department of Defense's Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).
Increased funding for NIEHS (no bill introduced).
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Defense - Dept of (DOD), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Veterans Affairs - Dept of (VA)
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 |
Dustin |
Watson |
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Sallie |
Weart |
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Drew |
Hatter |
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Mason |
Zeagler |
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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
Lobbying to Improve Prescription Drug Affordability and Accessibility: Advocacy for people living with Parkinson's via Medicare Part D redesign and benefits, including expanding the low-income subsidy (LIS) program, capping out-of-pocket costs, implementing a smoothing mechanism, and streamlining utilization management processes.
Medicare Part D Six Protected Classes Policy: Requires Part D plans to cover all drugs in six classes: immunosuppressants, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, antiretrovirals, and antineoplastics. Access to a wide range of treatment options for antidepressants and antipsychotics is essential for Parkinson's patients due to non-motor symptoms such as depression and psychosis. Advocacy includes coalition meetings and letters to CMS in response to Medicare Prescription Payment Plan Part One Guidance to support continued protection for the six protected classes.
H.R.2360/S.652/S.1339 - Safe Step Act: A bill requiring group health plans to provide an exception process for any medication step therapy protocol to ensure that Parkinson's patients can access treatments safely and efficiently. Led a digital campaign to allow constituents to write to members of Congress in support of the legislation.
H.R.830/S.1375 - Help Ensure Lower Patient Copays Act: This bill requires health insurance plans to apply third-party payments, financial assistance, discounts, and other reductions in out-of-pocket expenses toward a plan's cost-sharing requirements. Many Parkinson's patients rely on such payments to afford medications, and this legislation ensures they count toward out-of-pocket costs.
S.1544/H.R.1199 - Facilitating Innovative Nuclear Diagnostics Act of 2023: A bill to establish separate payment requirements for diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including DaTscans, under the Medicare prospective payment system for hospital outpatient department services. This will help confirm Parkinson's diagnoses more efficiently.
CMS-1809-P (2025 Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System Proposed Rule): Supported CMS's proposal to separate payment for certain diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals, including those used to diagnose Parkinson's disease and atypical parkinsonisms, from the procedure payment and reimburse them separately.
H.R.8702/S.4532 - Improving Seniors Timely Access to Care Act: A bill to establish requirements regarding the use of prior authorization under Medicare Advantage plans.
Lobbying CMS: Advocacy efforts to direct Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors to provide clarification on the use of claim modifiers for DME therapies administered via an external infusion pump to expedite patient access to new Parkinson's therapies once they are approved by the FDA.
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)
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 |
Mason |
Zeagler |
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Dustin |
Watson |
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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 VET
16. Specific lobbying issues
General education on the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease.
H.R.8774/ S.4921: FY25 Defense Appropriations bills to support increased funding for DOD Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs Parkinson's Research Program.
H.R.542/S.141 - The Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act: Increases access to home care and caregiver programs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and seeks to address VA home health workforce shortages.
Inclusion of Parkinson's disease and PD-related diseases as presumptive conditions when military Veterans are exposed to associated toxins.
H.R.8580 / S.4677 - FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations bill: Supports increased funding for the VA's Parkinson's Disease Research, Education and Clinical Center as part of Neurology Centers of Excellence.
General education regarding the importance of the Department of Defense medical research programs for military service personnel and Veterans living with Parkinson's disease.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Defense - Dept of (DOD), Veterans Affairs - Dept of (VA)
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 |
Dustin |
Watson |
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Sallie |
Weart |
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Mason |
Zeagler |
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Drew |
Hatter |
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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 ENV
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocating for a ban on Trichloroethylene (TCE) and paraquat.
H.R.9233 - The Harmonizing Environmental Analyses and Launching Therapeutic Hubs to Yield Bolstered Research And Innovation in Neurological Science (HEALTHY BRAINS) Act of 2024 - a bill to create a Centers of Excellence grant program within the National Institute of Health to focus on the intersection between environmental risk factors and neurodegenerative disease.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH)
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 |
Ted |
Thompson |
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Mason |
Zeagler |
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Drew |
Hatter |
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Dustin |
Watson |
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Sallie |
Weart |
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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
S.3702/H.R.7165 -the Credit for Caring Act -To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a nonrefundable credit for working family caregivers.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE
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 |
Drew |
Hatter |
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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:
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26. Name of each previously reported organization that is no longer affiliated with the registrant or client
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FOREIGN ENTITIES
27. Add the following foreign entities:
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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
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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) |