|
LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
Address1 | 4121 WILSON BOULEVARD |
Address2 | TENTH FLOOR |
City | ARLINGTON |
State | VA |
Zip Code | 22203 |
Country | USA |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
City |
|
State |
|
Zip Code |
|
Country |
|
|
5. Senate ID# 28674-12
|
||||||||
|
6. House ID# 310600000
|
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 |
|
11. No Lobbying Issue Activity |
INCOME OR EXPENSES - YOU MUST complete either Line 12 or Line 13 | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
|
|
||||||||
|
|
||||||||
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. | ||||||||
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 |
Signature | Digitally Signed By: Jill Canfield, General Counsel, VP of Policy |
Date | 7/19/2024 10:51:51 PM |
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
The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on FY2024 and FY2025 appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to the following:
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband loan and grant programs funding and funding for administrative expenses.
USDA ReConnect program, including coordination with other rural broadband program rules, priority for providers based on form of organization or commercial status, and deployment of symmetrical service.
Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies such as broadband availability mapping, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, as well as policies tied to supply chain issues, The Affordable Connectivity Program, compliance costs of certain rulemakings, and other aspects of rural communications operations.
Department of Interior related to coordination with other agencies and staffing for improving securing rights-of-way, permitting and other communications deployment issues.
Supporting full funding for the Federal Communications Commissions Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program.
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 |
Leif |
Oveson |
|
|
|
Makenzie |
Shellnutt |
|
|
|
Brendan |
Dailey |
|
|
|
Virdina |
Gibbs |
|
|
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 TEC
16. Specific lobbying issues
The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following:
S. 130 - Rural Internet Improvement Act - all sections.
S. 275 - Rural Broadband Protection Act - all sections.
S. 341 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections.
S. 856 - Funding Affordable Internet with Reliable Contributions Act - all sections.
S. 975 - The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections.
S. 1117 - ALIGN Act - all sections.
S. 1245 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections.
S. 1642 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections.
S. 1939 - FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024- a proposed amendment to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program and Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Program.
S. 3242 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections.
S. 3321 - Lowering Broadband Costs For Consumers Act - all sections.
S. 3565 - Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 - all sections.
S. 4297 - Spectrum and National Security Act of 2024 - all sections.
H.R.815 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes - all sections.
H.R. 889 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections.
H.R. 1812 - Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections.
H.R. 2406 - ALIGN Act - all sections.
H.R. 3283 - Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act - all sections.
H.R. 3297 - Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act - all sections.
H.R.- 3299 - DIGITAL Applications Act - all sections.
H.R. 3565 - Spectrum Auction Reauthorization Act - all sections.
H.R. 4141 - To provide that certain communications projects are not subject to requirements to prepare certain environmental or historical preservation reviews, and for other purposes - all sections.
H.R. 4227 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections.
H.R. 6189 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections.
H.R. 6915 - Public Lands Telecommunications Act - all sections.
H.R. 6929 - Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 - all sections.
Legislation to reform the Universal Service Fund contribution system.
Legislation to require the Federal Communications Commission to study and report on the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund through contributions from edge providers.
Legislation to make permanent the allowance for depreciation and amortization for determining income limitations on the tax deductions for business interest.
Legislative and regulatory issues related to the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund.
Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill.
Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping.
Legislative and regulatory issues related to telecommunications workforce.
Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband permitting applications.
Legislative and regulatory issues related to the funding shortfall for the Secure and Trusted Communications Reimbursement Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC spectrum reauthorization.
Regulatory issues related to updating the Universal Service Fund, including updating distribution and contribution systems, coordination among programs, and buildout obligations.
Legislation to update USDAs Community Connect Program.
Regulatory issues related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Regulatory issues related to interagency communication between the FCC, USDA, NTIA, and Treasury.
Regulatory issues related to cybersecurity.
Legislation and regulatory issues related to the FCCs E-Rate Program.
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 |
Leif |
Oveson |
|
|
|
Makenzie |
Shellnutt |
|
|
|
Brendan |
Dailey |
|
|
|
Virdina |
Gibbs |
|
|
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
The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
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 |
Leif |
Oveson |
|
|
|
Makenzie |
Shellnutt |
|
|
|
Brendan |
Dailey |
|
|
|
Virdina |
Gibbs |
|
|
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
The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
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 |
Leif |
Oveson |
|
|
|
Makenzie |
Shellnutt |
|
|
|
Brendan |
Dailey |
|
|
|
Virdina |
Gibbs |
|
|
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 ECN
16. Specific lobbying issues
The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following:
Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending.
Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.
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 |
Leif |
Oveson |
|
|
|
Makenzie |
Shellnutt |
|
|
|
Brendan |
Dailey |
|
|
|
Virdina |
Gibbs |
|
|
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
The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following:
S. 1117 - ALIGN Act - all sections.
S. 1232 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections.
S. 3242 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections.
H.R. 2406 - ALIGN Act - all sections.
H.R. 2788 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections.
H.R. 4360 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections.
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 |
Leif |
Oveson |
|
|
|
Makenzie |
Shellnutt |
|
|
|
Brendan |
Dailey |
|
|
|
Virdina |
Gibbs |
|
|
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 SMB
16. Specific lobbying issues
The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following:
Draft legislation to allow a trade association to solicit contributions from members without the approval of the member corporation - all sections.
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 |
Leif |
Oveson |
|
|
|
Makenzie |
Shellnutt |
|
|
|
Brendan |
Dailey |
|
|
|
Virdina |
Gibbs |
|
|
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
The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following:
Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Agriculture - Dept of (USDA)
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 |
Leif |
Oveson |
|
|
|
Makenzie |
Shellnutt |
|
|
|
Brendan |
Dailey |
|
|
|
Virdina |
Gibbs |
|
|
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
Address |
|
||||||
City |
|
State |
|
Zip Code |
|
Country |
|
21. Client new principal place of business (if different than line 20)
City |
|
State |
|
Zip Code |
|
Country |
|
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
|
|
||||||||
1 |
|
3 |
|
||||||
2 |
|
4 |
|
ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
Name | Address |
Principal Place of Business (city and state or country) |
||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
|
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 | ||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||
|
% |
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) |