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LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
Address1 | 120-34 Queens Blvd., #320 |
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City | Kew Gardens |
State | NY |
Zip Code | 11415 |
Country | USA |
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5. Senate ID# 12994-12
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6. House ID# 334210000
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TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2017 |
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. | ||||||||
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: Alexandra Bennewith |
Date | 7/27/2020 10:47:51 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
Discussed options for United Spinal to be a potential grantee of the agencys Paralysis Resource Center. The PRC provides comprehensive information for people living with spinal cord injury, paralysis and mobility-related disabilities and their families. Resources include information and referral by phone and email in multiple languages including English and Spanish; a peer and family support mentoring program; a military and veterans program; multicultural outreach services; free lending library; quality of life grants; and a national website. The grant components and requirements may differ in upcoming grant announcements.
Opposed efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act with multiple letters to White House and to the Hill as well as Hill meetings and signed onto letters in support of protection of pre-existing conditions and essential health benefits.
Support HR 750 - Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2017
Support HR 1361/S. 486 - to protect access to complex rehab wheelchairs and essential components required by people with disabilities
Support implementing what was passed into law as part of the 21st Century Cures Act - HR 292/S. 849 including ensuring robust funding.
Support HR 807 and S. 253 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2017.
Raised concerns with HR 1628- The American Health Care Act
Provided comments to NIDILRR on their long-range plan regarding government-wide research to include adaptive fitness and nutrition.
Continue to discuss NIH government research on disability and rehabilitation issues.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, White House Office, 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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Jasey |
Cardenas |
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Kent |
Keyser |
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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 CIV
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed concerns regarding confirmation of Senator Jefferson Sessions as Attorney General relating to his view of the protection of civil rights.
Signed onto letters to Congress opposing the ADA Education and Reform Act H.R. 620 which would create significant obstacles for people with disabilities to enforce their rights under Title III of the ADA. Title III (public accommodations) was intended to balance the interests of small businesses along with the accessibility concerns of people with disabilities. Title III does not require any action with respect to existing buildings that would cause an undue burden on businesses or that is not readily achievable.
Support HR 634 - the existence of the Election Assistance Commission - which provides the election administration and accessible resources at polling places.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Election Assistance Commission (EAC)
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 |
Jasey |
Cardenas |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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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
Discussed with DOL and the White House employment policy for people with disabilities, including finalizing and updating Section 501 of the Rehabilitation Act to ensure there are opportunities for personal assistance services for people with disabilities with a 12% recruitment goal for people with disabilities and a 2% recruitment goal for certain targeted disabilities at the federal government and ways to partner with DOL ODEP on the State Exchange on Employment and Disability program.
Discussed with EEOC the recent final rule on the Rehabilitation Act's Section 501.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Labor - Dept of (DOL), White House Office, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Kent |
Keyser |
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Jasey |
Cardenas |
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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
Discussed disability community concerns around improving accessibility.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation - opposed HR 1394 which amends Title XIX of the Social Security Act to provide States with flexibility with respect to providing coverage for non-emergency transportation under Medicaid.
Support safety measures and facilitate policies regarding the development of autonomous vehicles for people with disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
AMTRAK - Natl Railroad Passenger Corporation, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Transportation - Dept of (DOT)
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Jasey |
Cardenas |
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Kent |
Keyser |
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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
Signed on to letter of support for the Stop Taxing Death and Disability Act of 2017. H.R. 1659/S. 405
Discussed the importance of direct mail in providing funding to non-profits and opposing restrictions on individual charitable giving.
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Kent |
Keyser |
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Jasey |
Cardenas |
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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
Support VA Accountability Legislation to Enable VA Leaders to Manage Workforce Issues Effectively to Improve Healthcare Access for Veterans - HR 1259
Enhance Department of Veterans Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits Program (VRE)
Support H.R. 1618, the Support our Services (S.O.S.) to Veterans Caregivers Act.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 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 |
Christopher |
Neiweem |
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Jasey |
Cardenas |
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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
Discussed consumer protections on biologics. The FDA released a draft interchangeability guidance that we support. It is a critical step on the path to providing safety and confidence. We continue to advocate for guidance on the interchangeability of biologic products as it is a necessity to ensure patient safety.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Jasey |
Cardenas |
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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
United Spinal signed on to testimony for the House Ways & Means Oversight and Social Security Subcommittees second joint hearing on SSAs representative payee program on Wednesday, March 22nd. The testimony pointed out, Millions of Social Security and SSI beneficiaries have payees, with the vast majority performing their duties admirably under difficult circumstances. However, a small percentage of payees have misused benefits and violated their fiduciary duties, and some have even abused beneficiaries.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Kent |
Keyser |
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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
Support repeal of the medical device tax - HR 523 - Protect Medical Innovation Act.
United Spinal, along with many groups representing patients, scientists, advocates, caregivers and health care professionals, urged Congressional leaders to make updating the oversight framework for all molecular diagnostic tests, including laboratory developed tests (LDTs), a priority early in the 115th Congress. The Food and Drug Administration needs to play a more visible role in oversight of LDTs.
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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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 DOC
16. Specific lobbying issues
Oppose legalizing assisted suicide. Opposed the Death with Dignity Act. B21-0038
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Jasey |
Cardenas |
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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
Discussed current legislation authorizing Federal Aviation Administration programs expires in September of this year. Discussed the future of regulatory actions US Department of Transportation (US DOT) may take regarding issues that were part of last years negotiated rule making effort. United Spinal requested that future facilitators/contractors in regulatory negotiating committees should be qualified and able to fully communicate with the entire community, particularly those with various disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Transportation - Dept of (DOT), 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 |
Kent |
Keyser |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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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 protecting non-defense discretionary funding. NDD programs serve many vital national needs but have been subject to repeated cuts over the past six years, including through the appropriations caps and sequestration process established by the 2011 Budget Control Act.
Discussed and submitted an appropriation programmatic request for the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program, Spinal Cord Injury Research Program (SCIRP). The SCIRP was established by Congress in FY09 with a $35 million appropriation to support research into regenerating/repairing damaged spinal cords and improving rehabilitation therapies. From FY10-15, Congress appropriated an additional $122.85 million to continue this research.
Submitted report language to Congress to include in FY 2018 Appropriations regarding directing FDA to increase its efforts on educating patients surrounding biosimilars.
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Jasey |
Cardenas |
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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 DEF
16. Specific lobbying issues
Spoke with representatives of the CDMRP SCIRP program at the Department of Defense. The SCIRP focuses its funding on innovative projects that have the potential to make a significant impact on improving the function, wellness, and overall quality of life for military service members as well as their caregivers, families, and the American public. We support robust funding levels in the FY18 budget.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Jasey |
Cardenas |
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Kent |
Keyser |
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Christopher |
Neiweem |
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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
1 | 2 | 3 |
FOREIGN ENTITIES
27. Add the following foreign entities:
Name | Address |
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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) |