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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 |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
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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 | 2021 |
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 | 10/20/2021 7:56:51 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 HCR
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff facilitated virtual meetings with staff for Senate Appropriations Committee lead offices to discuss increased funding for Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems in the Senates FY22 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill. These offices were Sen. Leahy (D-VT), Sen. Shelby (R-AL), Sen. Murray (D-WA), and Sen. Blunt (R-MO).
To promote greater accessibility to healthcare, United Spinal, as a member of the Personal Connected Healthcare Alliance, PCHAlliance, along with numerous other organizations, supported a letter sent to Congressional leadership outlining priorities for Medicare Telehealth reform.
To improve the delivery of new health care treatments and cures through federal legislation building on the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016 which accelerated the discovery, development, and delivery of new treatments and cures for patients and which have had a tremendous impact on our health care ecosystem, United Spinal supported a memo submitted to select members of Congress by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and the Personal Connected Health Alliance (PCHAlliance). United Spinal is a member of the PCHAlliance.
To advance accessibility in standards for remote patient monitoring, United Spinal supported a memo from the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and the Personal Connected Health Alliance (PCHAlliance) in response to National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics on standard setting for remote patient monitoring. Response to National Committee on Vital and Health Statistics (NCVHS) Request for Information on Data Standards, Harmonization of Standards, and Code Sets.
To improve health outcomes for people with disabilities, United Spinal, as a member of the Disability Rehabilitation Research Coalition (DRRC), supported comments submitted by the DRRC in response to a request from the Congressional Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Caucus for information from stakeholders.
To improve accessible health outcomes for people with disabilities, United Spinal, as a member of the Personal Connected Health Alliance (PCHAlliance) supported comments on telehealth the PCHAlliance, along with the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS), submitted in response to the Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on Medicare Program; CY 2022 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Provider Enrollment Regulation Updates; Provider and Supplier Prepayment and Post- Payment Medical Review Requirements (CMS 1751-P).
To improve accessible health outcomes for people with disabilities, United Spinal, as a member of the Personal Connected Health Alliance (PCHAlliance) supported comments on telehealth the PCHAlliance, along with numerous other health related organizations, submitted in response to theNotice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on Medicare Program; CY 2022 Payment Policies Under the Physician Fee Schedule and Other Changes to Part B Payment Policies; Medicare Shared Savings Program Requirements; Provider Enrollment Regulation Updates; Provider and Supplier Prepayment and Post-Payment Medical Review Requirements (CMS 1751-P).
United Spinal Association signed a letter to the CDC asking for a meeting to discuss the importance of guidance calling for census reduction in congregate care facilities during a pandemic.
SCI Awareness Month - worked with Senators Rubio and Baldwin to pass SCI Awareness Month resolution in the Senate.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Kent |
Keyser |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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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 VET
16. Specific lobbying issues
Modernizing the VA Automobile Adaptive Grant program (S. 444/H.R. 1361 - AUTO For Veterans Act). Reconfirm VetsFirst's strong support of the AUTO for Veterans Act.
VetsFirst meetings with Senate Veterans Affairs Committee in support of S. 927, TEAM Act and with House Veterans Affairs Committee on the House companion bill, H.R 2127.
VetsFirst met with Rep. Bilirakis (R-FL), HVAC Minority and SVAC Majority staff regarding push to obtain cosponsors for Major Richard Star Act, S. 344, H.R. 1282.
VetsFirst met with staff from Rep. Hudson (R-NC) to discuss revisions to HR 110, Care for the Veteran Caregivers Act.
VetsFirst supports Credit for Caring Act, S. 167; Military Spouse Hiring Act, H.R. 2974; Veteran Employment Recovery Act H.R. 3582
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 |
Kenneth |
Greenberg |
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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
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff participated in calls with Senate offices to promote funding for Medicaid home and community-based services in the upcoming reconciliation bill. These offices were Sen. Van Hollen (D-MD), Sen. Cardin (D-MD), Sen. Menendez (D-NJ), and Sen. Coons (D-DE).
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff met with the White House and planned a Roundtable featuring United Spinal members on the subject of increasing funding for caregiving in the Build Back Better Act.
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff provided comments and guidance on the National Council on Disabilitys 2022-2026 strategic plan.
To help ensure independent living for people with disabilities, United Spinal, along with numerous other disability organizations, signed on to a letter, led by AAPD, to Congressional leadership expressing support for the full $400 billion for Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).
United Spinal Association signed onto a letter to CMS commenting on their interim final rule related to vaccine requirements for residents and staff of long-term care facilities.
United Spinal joined Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities Comments to the House and Senate on supporting the Better Care Better Jobs Act.
The Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR), including United Spinal Association, appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Calendar Year 2022 Home Health Prospective Payment System proposed rule. Our comments focus on the proposal to expand the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model (HHVBP) nationwide and the broader impact of the recently implemented Patient-Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) on access to care for Medicare beneficiaries in the home health setting.
CY 2022 Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update; Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Model Requirements and Proposed Model Expansion; Home Health Quality Reporting Requirements Proposed Rule [CMS-1747-P; RIN: 0938-AU37]
United Spinal supported efforts to increase access to complex rehab technology for customized wheelchairs.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, White House Office, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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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
Met with White House Equity Task Force to discuss issues impacting people with disabilities.
United Spinal support the Disabled Access Credit Expansion Act in the Senate.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
White House Office, 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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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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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 INS
16. Specific lobbying issues
To advance equity, especially in underserved communities, United Spinal supported a response to the Request for Information on Methods and Leading Practices for Advancing Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through Government [Docket No. OMB- 2021-0005] submitted by the co-chairs of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Social Security Task Force in response to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Request for Information (RFI). The letter read in part, We appreciate that OMB is collecting information on equity and supporting underserved communities; we look forward to providing comments and suggestions to the Social Security Administration (SSA)...... regarding barriers to accessing Social Security and other benefits, particularly among people with disabilities and low-incomes.
United Spinal supports the SSI Restoration Act - House and Senate
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, 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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
United |
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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 TRA
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff met with staff from Sen. Menendezs office to discuss a possible Dear Colleague to seek cosponsors for the Disability Access to Transportation Act (S. 2038).
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff participated in a quarterly call with Amtrak along with other representatives from disability organizations.
To promote access to transportation, United Spinal, as a member of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Transportation Task Force drafted a letter to support the Disability Access to Transportation Act (H.R.1697 / S. 2038).
To help ensure safety for people with disabilities using public transit, United Spinal as a member of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) Transportation Task Force supported comments the Task Force Co Chairs submitted to the US Department of Transportation in response to the Request for Information on Transit Safety Concerns Docket No. FTA 2021-0011. The comments read in part, We urge the Federal Transit Administration to account for the accessibility of the safety systems that are put into effect and to actively seek rider-oriented perspectives on safety priorities.
United Spinal supports the All Stations Access Program (Sen. Duckworth).
House INVEST Act - United Spinal supports various consumer protections provisions for people with disabilities in the INVEST Act.
Met with Rep. Titus to thank her for her leadership on DATA - H.R. 1697 and discuss next steps.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
AMTRAK - Natl Railroad Passenger Corporation, U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Transportation - Dept of (DOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA)
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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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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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 advocated for sustained federal support for accessible affordable broadband service and for its deployment along with a cost support program.
Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, H.R. 1783/S. 745
United Spinal is advocating for a sustained federal investment ensuring the deployment and maintenance of a high capacity, secure and reliable 5G broadband national network that is accessible and adoptable for all Americans. Please support the Accessible, Affordable Internet for All Act, H.R. 1783/S. 745, introduced by Majority Whip, Representative James Clyburn (D-SC) in the House and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) in the Senate.
United Spinal and VetsFirst, as part of the Clear 2 Connect Coalition, supports a request from a number of Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS) service providers that have asked the FCC to defer implementing a reduced IP CTS compensation rate, which was effective on July 1, 2021.
United Spinal joined disability advocacy groups in Text to 988 petition that was filed with the FCC.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
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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Kenneth |
Greenberg |
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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
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff participated in a quarterly meeting of the Disability Community Advisory Group with DC HSEMA on emergency preparedness issues for the disability community.
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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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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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
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff met with staff from Sen. Young (R-IN) to discuss the ABLE Age Adjustment Act (S. 331) which United Spinal supports.
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 |
Stephen |
Lieberman |
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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
To help improve accessibility at airports, United Spinal attended the virtual 19th Annual TSA Disability and Multicultural Coalition Conference held virtually on September 28, 2021. Advocacy and policy staff specifically asked Transportation Security Administration Administrator David P. Pekoske about TSA procedures for wheelchair users who are traveling with toddlers.
Advocacy and Policy staff represented United Spinal at the September meeting of the DOT
Air Carrier Access Act Advisory Committee (ACAA Advisory Committee). We advocated for inclusion in the final report of a general statement of support for accessibility of aircraft.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation - Dept of (DOT), U.S. Access Board - Architectural & Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
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 GOV
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal Association signed onto a letter to the Department of Justice in support of their interim final rule revoking their previous interim final rules related to the use of guidance by the Department.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Justice - Dept of (DOJ)
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 |
Stephen |
Lieberman |
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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
United Spinal Association signed onto a letter to the Department of Housing and Urban Development in support of their proposed rule to rescind their 2020 final rule related to disparate impact discrimination and reinstate their 2013 final rule.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
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 |
Stephen |
Lieberman |
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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 |
Principal place of business (city and state or country) |
Amount of contribution for lobbying activities | Ownership percentage in client | ||||||||||
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28. Name of each previously reported foreign entity that no longer owns, or controls, or is affiliated with the registrant, client or affiliated organization
1 | 3 | 5 |
2 | 4 | 6 |
CONVICTIONS DISCLOSURE
29. Have any of the lobbyists listed on this report been convicted in a Federal or State Court of an offense involving bribery,
extortion, embezzlement, an illegal kickback, tax evasion, fraud, a conflict of interest, making a false statement, perjury, or money laundering?
Lobbyist Name | Description of Offense(s) |