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LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
| Address1 | 75-20 ASTORIA BLVD. |
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| City | EAST ELMHURST |
State | NY |
Zip Code | 11370 |
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 | 2014 |
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: ALEXANDRA BENNEWITH |
Date | 10/21/2014 9:59:10 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 the Suicide Prevention Research Innovation Act (S. 2035).
Supported the Mental Health First Aid Act of 2013 (S. 153).
Signed on to a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services asking for all modes of public transportation to announce the Suicide Prevention Lifeline for passengers on World Suicide Prevention Day.
United Spinal highlighted improved clinical outcomes for rehabilitative care at in-patient rehab facilities over skilled nursing facilities for individuals with spinal cord injuries and other conditions such as brain injury and stroke.
United Spinal discussed the 21st Century Cure initiative of Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI-6th) focusing on patient centered care.
United Spinal supports Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act (H.R.4683), a free-standing bill that reauthorizes the Lifespan Respite Care Program at $15 million a year for five years.
United Spinal discussed the need to provide clarity and certainty for appropriate, risk-based oversight of health information technology.United Spinal supports HR 3077, the TeleMed Act, which allows Medicare providers licensed in one state to provide telemedicine services to certain Medicare beneficiaries across state lines.
CMS has proposed a rule to expand prior authorization for DME affecting power wheelchairs, lower limb prostheses and negative pressure wound therapy. United Spinal is in general support of prior authorization is a process that certifies DME suppliers with CMS before they provide equipment and services to Medicare beneficiaries.
United Spinal highlighted improved clinical outcomes for rehabilitative care at in-patient rehab facilities over skilled nursing facilities for individuals with spinal cord injuries and other conditions such as brain injury and stroke.
United Spinal supports Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act/HR 942/ S 948. which creates a separate benefit under Medicare for customized equipment known as complex rehab technology needed by people with significant disabilities.
United Spinal discussed the negative impact capped rental agreements for medical equipment and supplies have on access to equipment for individuals with disabilities.
United Spinal supports action on improving benefit designs, including cost-sharing options, and guarantee that there is plan transparency for ACA enrollees.
United Spinal discussed the 21st Century Cure initiative of Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI-6th) focusing on patient centered care with Congressional staff.
United Spinal discussed ACA enrollment and reenrollment matters with HHS.
Discussed state of managed care in NYC for dual eligibles and potential improvements in the short term.
United Spinal supports greater transparency in Medicare's competitive acquisition program for DMEPOS program as to how providers are evaluated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and how the health of beneficiaries are being evaluated.
United Spinal supports Medicare Demonstration of Coverage for Low Vision Devices Act of 2013 (H.R. 3749) which would establish a demonstration under the Medicare program for coverage of low vision aids.
United Spinal supports HR 713/ S. 367 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act of 2013 which eliminates therapy caps for rehabilitative services under Medicare without requiring an exceptions process.
United Spinal presented recommendations to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regarding improvements to the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) rule which was implemented in January 2014. The rule enhances the quality of HCBS, provides additional protections to HCBS program participants, and ensures that individuals receiving services through HCBS programs have full access to the benefits of community living. The letters recommendations include: ensuring transparency throughout the process; maintaining consistency with Olmstead [The Olmstead Supreme Court decision requires states to provide people with disabilities with the most integrated setting appropriate to their needs]; issuing necessary guidance promptly; clarifying consumer rights and ensuring that states properly identify and categorize settings.
United Spinal supports the Community Integration Act/S. 2515. The Act would support the rebalancing of policies to ensure individuals with disabilities can leave institutions and live in the setting of their choosing.
United Spinal supports HR 4920, the DMEPOS Medicare Improvement Act of 2014 which requires that providers of durable medical equipment, in areas known as competitive bidding areas, must be licensed in the states that they provide equipment and services and must be bound to the contract that they submitted to CMS if they are awarded a contract to provide equipment and services to Medicare beneficiaries.
United Spinal discussed and presented recommendations to the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services to proceed with extreme caution when implementing a reimbursement cut in the provision of wound care therapy due to the effects of implementation on beneficiary access to NPWT.
Supports making improvements to Medicare trust funds regarding liability settlements.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Transportation - Dept of (DOT), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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Christopher |
Neiweem |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Carol |
Tyson |
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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 Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act (H.R. 3422) which would provide tax credits for first time veteran homebuyers and for housing adaptations.
Supported Senate efforts to extend and expand the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to incentivize business hiring of people with disabilities and veterans with service-connected disabilities.
United Spinal supports Achieving a Better Life Experience Act/HR 647/S 313 which allows people with disabilities to set aside tax-exempt funds for specific expenses such as employment support and wellness support. We support this bill without SGA or age limits or pay-fors within Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security programs.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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 DEF
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed the FY 2015 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4435/S. 2410).
Supported S. 1659, the POST Act. This legislation would allow for-profit schools to receive no more than 85% of their revenues from federal sources and include DoD Tuition Assistance and G.I. Bill funds in the 85% calculation.
Supported the Caring for Military Children with Developmental Disabilities Act of 2014 (H.R. 4630/S.2333). This legislation would improve access to behavioral health services, including applied behavior analysis, for TRICARE beneficiaries with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Supported H.R. 164 which would permit former members of the Armed Forces who have a service-connected disability rated as total to travel on military aircraft in the same manner and to the same extent as retired members of the Armed Forces are entitled to travel on such aircraft.
Supported the Rehabilitative Therapy Parity for Military Beneficiaries Act (H.R. 1705).
Discussed the Military Justice Improvement Act of 2013 (S. 967).
Supported the Disabled Military Child Protection Act (H.R. 2249/S. 1076).
Supported House efforts to increase DoD and VA support for Joint Centers of Excellence.
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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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
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 The Independent Budget for the VA budget recommendations for VA and related agencies serving veterans for FY 2015.
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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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
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 CHAMPVA Childrens Protection Act (H.R. 288/S. 325). This legislation increases from 23 to 26 the maximum age of eligibility for certain dependent children of veterans for medical care under CHAMPVA (the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs).
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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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
Discussed the following: how to transform VAs vocational rehabilitation program into a 21st century vocational rehabilitation program. Department of Veterans Affairs Expiring Authorities Act of 2014 (H.R. 5404). Restore Trust in Veterans Access to Health Care Act (H.R. 5007). Guarantee Housing for Terminally Ill Veterans Act (H.R. 4674).Rural Veterans Improvement Act of 2014 (S. 2009). Veteran Voting Support Act (S. 2145). Veterans Appeals Improvement Act of 2014 (S. 2296). S. 2316 requires the VAs Inspector General to submit a report on wait times for veterans seeking medical care from VA and to prohibit closure of VA medical facilities. S. 2362 prohibits the payment of performance awards in fiscal year 2015 to Veterans Health Administration employees. Increasing Medical Oversight in the Department of Veterans Affairs Act of 2014 (S. 2401). Veterans Access to Care Act of 2014 (H.R. 4810).H.R. 4037, the Improving Veterans Access to Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Act of 2014.21st Century Veterans Benefits Delivery Act (S. 2091). This legislation would seek to improve the VA claims process. H.R. 2119, the Veterans Access to Speedy Review Act. H.R. 3876, the Burial with Dignity for Heroes Act of 2014. S. 1584 which would provide replacement automobiles for certain disabled veterans and servicemembers. VAs Prosthetic and Sensory Aids Service standards for installation of adaptive auto equipment paid for by VA. legislation to provide a presumption of service connection for mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma. legislation regarding telework for certain VA employees. H.R. 2088 which would direct VA to carry out a pilot program to establish claims adjudication centers of excellence. H.R. 2189 which would establish a commission or task force to evaluate the backlog of disability claims. reforming the VAs claims process to ensure that it is veteran-centered. H.R. 2726 which would authorize VA to enter into contracts and agreements for the transfer of veterans to non-VA medical foster homes for certain veterans who are unable to live independently. Veterans Health and Benefits Improvement Act of 2013, as amended (S. 944). Access to Appropriate Immunizations for Veterans Act of 2013 (S. 1165). Improving the Lives of Children with Spina Bifida Act (S. 832). Ending VA Claims Disability Backlog and Accountability Act (H.R. 2138). VA Claims Efficiency Through Information Act (H.R. 1623). Veterans Pension Protection Act (H.R. 2341). a legislative proposal, with advocates to expand the approved uses of the Post 9/11 GI Bill. access to VA mental health services with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration. VetSuccess Enhancement Act (H.R. 844). This legislation would extend from 12 to 17 years the authorized period for an eligible veteran to receive vocational training and rehabilitation from VA. H.R. 894 which would reform VAs fiduciary program. Reducing Barriers to Veterans Benefits Act (H.R. 369).
Supported the following: Protect Veterans Employment and Training Services Act (Protect VETS Act) (S. 2834). Creating Options for Veterans Expedited Recovery Act (H.R. 4977). Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act (H.R. 5059). Also discussed the Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act (S. 2182). Toxic Exposure Research Act of 2014 (H.R. 5484). Wounded Warrior Employment Improvement Act (H.R. 5032). H.R. 4971, the Ask Veterans Act. This legislation would solicit veterans opinions regarding their experiences with VA health care. S. 1659, the POST Act. This legislation would allow for-profit schools to receive no more than 85% of their revenues from federal sources and include DoD Tuition Assistance and G.I. Bill funds in the 85% calculation.
S. 2115, the American Cures Act. This legislation would create a biomedical trust fund to sustain federal investment in four leading federal agencies and programs dedicated to mental health and prosthetic research for veterans. Military and Veteran Caregiver Services Improvement Act of 2014 (S. 2243/H.R. 4892). This legislation would increase access to caregiver benefits and make other critical changes needed to ensure improved services for significantly disabled veterans and servicemembers and their caregivers. Disabled Veterans Jobs Opportunity Act (H.R. 4247). This legislation would increase preference in federal hiring for veterans who have disability ratings of 70 percent or greater from VA. Express Appeals Act (H.R. 4616). This legislation would provide veterans with the opportunity to have their appeals of claims for disability compensation benefits reviewed using an expedited review process. Serving Americas Veterans Effectively Act (SAVE Act) (H.R. 5332). This legislation would promote greater awareness of the health care needs of our nations veterans by requiring health care providers who participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs to ask about a patients veteran status. Veterans Access to Care Through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 (S. 2450). This legislation represents an important step toward ensuring that veterans have timely access to health care and that VA employees who gamed the system for scheduling care will be held accountable. S. 2450 was inserted into H.R. 3230 (Veterans Access to Care through Choice, Accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014) as an amendment in the nature of a substitute. S. 1950/S. 1982, the Comprehensive Veterans Health and Benefits and Military and Retirement Pay Restoration Act. Also supported Amendment 2755 to add advance appropriations for additional VA accounts to S. 1982. H.R. 2527 which expands access to counseling and treatment for sexual trauma that occurred while a service member was on inactive duty for training status. H.R. 2974 which expands beneficiary travel for veterans seeking treatment or care for military sexual assault at a specialized outpatient or residential facility. H.R. 3958, the Healing our Heroes Act. This legislation would prevent veterans who have sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from being forced to prematurely end their rehabilitation due to the expiration of the Assisted Living Pilot Program for Veterans with TBI. In addition, we supported H.R. 4276 and S. 2607 which would also extend the authorization of the program. H.R. 4234, the Ensuring Veterans Resiliency Act. This legislation would encourage psychiatrists to dedicate their careers to serving our veterans by authorizing a select number of full-time hires to be offered loan repayment incentives commensurate with other federal entities. H.R. 4150, the Veterans Employment and Training Service Longitudinal Study Act of 2014. H.R. 4151, the Veterans Education Survey Act of 2014. H.R. 2018, the Honor Those Who Served Act of 2013. H.R. 2529, the Veteran Spouses Equal Treatment Act. H.R. 3671 which would furnish a medallion to signify the veteran status of a deceased individual. H.R. 4095/S. 2258, the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2014. H.R. 4102 which would allow the estates of deceased veterans to receive accrued benefits. H.R. 4141 which would allow enhanced-use leases for excess property of the National Cemetery Administration. S. 2311/H.R. 3508 which would clarify qualifications of hearing aid specialist of the VHA. Support our Services to Veterans Caregivers (SOS Veterans Caregivers) Act (H.R. 3672). Protecting Those Who Protected Us Act of 2013 (S. 1564). Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act (H.R. 1980/H.R. 4191). House efforts to increase DOD and VA support for Joint Centers of Excellence. Homeless Veterans Assistance Fund Act of 2013 (H.R. 2797). Veterans Independent Living Enhancement Act (H.R. 3330). American Heroes COLA Act (H.R. 570). Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act (H.R. 602). Ruth Moore Act of 2013 (H.R. 671). Honor Americas Guard-Reserve Retirees Act (H.R. 679). VA Claims, Operations, and Records Efficiency Act (H.R. 1729).
World War II Merchant Mariner Service Act (H.R. 1288). Blue Water Navy Ship Accountability Act (H.R. 1494). Pay As You Rate Act (H.R. 2086). H.R. 1809 which would require VA to provide notice of average times for processing claims and percentage of claims approved. Prioritizing Urgent Claims for Veterans Act (H.R. 2382). Disabled Veterans Access to Medical Exams Improvement Act (H.R. 2423). Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013 (H.R. 813/S. 932). Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act (S. 522). Veterans Affairs Research Transparency Act (S. 877). legislation authorizing VA to transport individuals to and from VA facilities in connection with rehabilitation, counseling, examination, treatment, and care (H.R. 1702/S. 455). Caregivers Expansion and Improvement Act of 2013 (H.R. 3383/S. 851). H.R. 1284/S. 633 which would provide coverage under the beneficiary travel program of VA of certain disabled veterans for travel in connection with certain special disabilities rehabilitation. H.R. 1405 which would require VA to include an appeals form in any notice of decision issued for the denial of a benefit. Servicemembers Choice in Transition Act of 2013 (H.R. 631/S. 889) and recommended an amendment that would ensure inclusion of information about disabi
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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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
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
Discussed possible solutions for improving access to Medicaid for military families who have children with disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Defense - Dept of (DOD), 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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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
Urge the Department of Labors Assistant Secretary for Veterans Employment and Training Service to swiftly implement Section 521 of the National Defense Authorization Act (P.L. 113-66).
Supported the Protect Veterans Employment and Training Services Act (Protect VETS Act) (S. 2834).
United Spinal supported the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act/ HR 803.The legislation will help prepare jobseekers for in-demand occupations in their communities through relevant skills training and job placement services.
Discussed strategies to improve employing people with disabilities in the federal government.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, Labor - Dept of (DOL), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), 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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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Christopher |
Neiweem |
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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 MED
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported S. 2115, the American Cures Act. This legislation would create a biomedical trust fund to sustain federal investment in four leading federal agencies and programs dedicated to mental health and prosthetic research for veterans.
Supported the CAL Undiagnosed Diseases Research and Collaboration Network Act of 2013 (H.R. 1591).
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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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
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
Supported the Housing Assistance for Veterans Act of 2013 (Haven Act) (H.R. 385/H.R. 3743/S. 1387). This legislation will leverage the ability of nonprofits to assist disabled and low-income veterans with needed housing adaptations and home repairs.
Discussed the Homes for Heroes Act of 2013 (H.R. 384/H.R. 386).
Discussed the Universal Home Design Act (S. 2889) which would increase the availability of accessible housing for individuals 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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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
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 FOR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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
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 the Transportation for Heroes Act of 2013 (H.R. 2362).
Signed on to a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services asking for all modes of public transportation to announce the Suicide Prevention Lifeline for passengers on World Suicide Prevention Day.
Discussed disability and civil rights with the Department of Transportation FTAs Office of Civil Rights regarding new ADA compliance review processes.
United Spinal participated in US Department of Transportation Town Hall discussions regarding drafting language that would bolster the US DOTs proposed surface transportation bill, ensuring that people of color, low income communities and people with disabilities have access to jobs in the transportation industry.
United Spinal supports retaining the requirement in section 609 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010, Pub. L. 111-281 (Section 609), in the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014. Section 609 provides the common sense requirement that the use of survival craft that do not keep all parts of the body out-of-the-water be phased out by 2015.
United Spinal endorsed Representative Langevins Transit Accessibility Innovation Program (TAIF) proposal. The program encourages public transit systems to take actions to address deficiencies in service for individuals with disabilities.
United Spinal participated as an alternate in the Access Boards Rail Vehicle Access Advisory Committee (RVAAC) meeting. The Committee reviewed draft reports from subcommittees, including: Boarding and Alighting, Rooms and Spaces, and On-Board Circulation and Seating. The Committee is tasked with presenting recommendations to the Access Board which will draft guidelines.
United Spinal discussed Amtrak ADA compliance with Amtrak.
Supported HR 3978,New Opportunities for Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure Financing Act (NOBPIFA). The bill includes funding for achieving compliance with the ADA,improving
public transit, biking and pedestrian infrastructure.
Supported HR 3494/S1708, the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Act. The bills
would require the DOT to set a non-motorized safety performance measure.
United Spinal supports passage of a long-term surface transportation bill with adequate funding measures which incentivize solutions to ensuring an accessible, affordable, reliable and safe transportation system in urban, suburban,and rural settings.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Transportation - Dept of (DOT), U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), U.S. SENATE, 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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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Carol |
Tyson |
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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
Discussed the drafting of a rule on gainful employment for for-profit colleges and universities that accept federal funds with staff from the White House, Office of Management and Budget, and the Department of Education.
Opposed the Academic Freedom Through Regulatory Relief Act (H.R. 2637).
Supported S. 1659, the POST Act. This legislation would allow for-profit schools to receive no more than 85% of their revenues from federal sources and include DoD Tuition Assistance (TA) and G.I. Bill funds in the 85% calculation.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Education - Dept of, White House Office, Office of Management & Budget (OMB)
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 |
Heather |
Ansley |
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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
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 COM
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal presented recommendations to the FCC regarding net neutrality rules, known as Open Internet regulations regarding people with disabilities' access to devices and content.
United Spinal submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission to ensure that funding for broadband infrastructure is not restricted, especially for individuals with disabilities living in rural areas.
United Spinal sent a letter to President Obama urging the Department of Justice to release internet accessibility regulations.
United Spinal has met with the United States House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security to discuss recommendations for improved planning and communications for emergency preparedness for people with disabilities and has reviewed legislation regarding improving integration and the chain of command on disabilities communications within the U.S Department of Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Federal Communications Commission (FCC), White House Office, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
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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Carol |
Tyson |
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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 the 25th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Carol |
Tyson |
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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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Zip Code | |
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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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3 |
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4 |
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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 |