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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., #330 |
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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 | 2023 |
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 | 7/20/2023 6:08:54 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 urges the Congress to ask CMS to lift the in-the-home rule restricting Medicare wheelchair coverage and provide Medicare coverage of standing systems in power wheelchairs - House Dear Colleaugue letter led by Rep. Debbie Dingell and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. Asking Senators to support the same concept. We thanked CMS for providing coverage for seat elevation tied to power wheelchairs.
For decades, Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems funding has not kept pace with inflation even though the SCI population has doubled. The critical research and innovative services SCIMS provide encompass the entire spectrum of rehabilitation, from emergency services when an SCI is initially sustained through an individuals return to full participation in employment and their community.
As a member of the Disability and Rehabilitation Research Coalition (DRRC), United Spinal signed onto a letter the leadership of the DRRC submitted to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD) commending the agencies formally endorsing the landmark recommendations from the ACD Working Group on Diversity, Subgroup on Individuals with Disabilities (the Subgroup).
United Spinal policy staff participated in the June 28th Interagency Committee on Disability Research (ICDR) Stakeholder Meeting hosted by the Administration for Community Living. Policy staff followed up with the Deputy Director of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development to obtain a copy of the Deputy Directors presentation which included progress on a number of issues important to wheelchair users health and functional abilities.
United Spinal provided information to Congressional staff on the issue of exoskeleton technology to assist individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) and the question of Medicare coverage. Private sector health insurance providers as well as select Medicare Advantage plans and public sector providers namely, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, in certain cases provide coverage of exoskeletons for individuals with an SCI. Exoskeleton technogoiy is another option to help with rehabilitation but has to be selected appropriately for individuals who need it.
United Spinal, as a member of the Steering Committee of the Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation (CPR), signed on to comments submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility Prospective Payment System (IRF PPS) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Proposed Rule, published in the Federal Register on April 3, 2023. The comments read in part, .the CPR Coalition continues to have serious concerns with the impact the IRF RCD will have on patient access to care.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), 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 |
Kent |
Keyser |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Rebecca |
MacTaggart |
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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 participated in a quarterly call with Amtrak along with other representatives from disability organizations.
United Spinal asked for support of Disability Access to Transportation Act (H.R. 3845/S. 1813).
United Spinal, along with numerous other disability organizations, signed onto a letter led by the American Council of the Blind to U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee to support the continued development and deployment of autonomous vehicles in the United States, which could significantly enhance the lives of millions of disabled Americans and their loved ones, and ask that Congress take swift action to ensure ongoing development of this industry can occur in this country.
United Spinal Submitted comments on the U. S. Department of Transportations (DOT) Request for Information on Department of Transportation Equity Action Plan Update (Docket No. DOT-OST-2023-0087).
United Spinal, as a member of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Transportation Task Force, supported comments from the Task Forces co-chairs submitted to the U.S. Department of Transportation providing feedback on the 2023 update to the Equity Action Plan. The letter read in part,It is important to ensure that equity measures advance access to and availability of transportation options for people with disabilities. The comments may be reviewed at:
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, 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 |
Rebecca |
MacTaggart |
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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 CIV
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff led a delegation of disability organizations in a meeting with Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke and Civil Rights Division section leaders to discuss many critical issues facing the disability community.
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff met with Phil Brest from the White House Counsels office to urge that the White House take the opportunities it has to nominate more individuals with disabilities to the federal bench.
United Spinal, along with numerous other disability organizations, as members the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities Technology and Telecommunications Task Force, submitted requests for the inclusion of $49 million in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 House and Senate Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations (LHHS) bills for the Assistive Technology (AT) Act Programs.
On Global Accessibility Awareness Day 2023, United Spinal Association and 51 other national disability organizations celebrate the transformative impact of accessible technology and call on the federal government to require websites and software applications to be accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. The roughly 61 million people with disabilities in the United States have a right to access employment, businesses, programs, and services, regardless of whether they are delivered in-person or online.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Justice - Dept of (DOJ), White House Office, 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 |
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 DOC
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal participated in a quarterly meeting of the Disability Community Advisory Group with DC Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency.
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 |
Vice P |
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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 VET
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal/VetsFirst supports the Major Richard Star Act (H.R.1282/S.344) and asked Congress to ensure it is included into the FY24 National Defense Authorization 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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
Vice P |
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Elizabeth |
Osborn |
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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
United Spinal supports the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act S. 545/H.R. 1267, the Prioritizing Accountability and Accessibility for Aviation Consumers Act H.R. 1445/S. 400,
H.R. 3762 / S.1765 - the Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin Act, the Airline Safety Information and Entertainment Access Act, S. 1119, the MOBILE Act introduced by U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-TN-09) H.R. 3802/S. 1459; H.R.3743, a bill To amend the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 to extend the advisory committee on the air travel needs of passengers with disabilities.
United Spinal supports H.R.1772, the wheelchairs on Airplanes Act introduced by U.S. Representative Dina Titus (D-NV-01). The would help prevent discrimination against airline passengers with disabilities who use lithium-ion-powered wheelchairs and mobility aids that are safe for air travel.
United Spinal supports the disability-related provisions contained in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023, S. 1939.
Prioritizing Accountability and Accessibility for Aviation Consumers Act of 2023:requires the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) publish an annual report on how quickly, effectively and efficiently consumer complaints related to traveling with a disability are received, addressed and resolved by DOT.
Mobility Aids On Board Improve Lives and Empower All (MOBILE) Act: requires DOT issue an advisory circular that provides guidance to airlines on publishing information related to powered wheelchairs, including the dimensions of aircraft cargo holds, and evaluate the frequency and types of mishandling of mobility aids and take actions towards making in-flight wheelchair seating available.
Access and Dignity for All People who Travel (ADAPT) Act: requires DOT issue regulations regarding seating accommodations for passengers with disabilities that takes into account being seated next to their companion and requires the Secretary of Transportation establish an optional Known Service Animal Travel Pilot Program, providing service animal users the opportunity to participate in a streamlined pre-registration process.
Equal Accessibility to Passenger Portals (Equal APP) Act: requires DOT issue regulations to ensure that customer-facing websites, applications and information communication technologies (ICT) of airlines and airports are accessible. It would require the Secretary to conduct regular audits of such websites, applications and ICTs and allow the Secretary to hold non-compliant entities accountable by issuing civil penalties.
Store On-board Wheelchairs in Cabin (STOWIC) Act: requires airlines provide information on the airline website-and anywhere people can make reservations- regarding the rights and responsibilities of both airlines and passengers as to the availability of on-board wheelchairs. It would also require annual staff training regarding assisting people with disabilities on the use of on-board wheelchairs and the right to request an on-board wheelchair. It would allow the Secretary to issue enhanced civil penalties if airlines fail to provide an on-board wheelchair.
Airport Accessibility Grants: authorizes a pilot grant program to help airports make their facilities more accessible. The program would be funded at $20 million per year from Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds.
Provisions of the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act.
United Spinal supports the disability-related provisions contained in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023, H. R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act including provisions of the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act.
United Spinal supports H.R. 1499/ S. 753, the Good Jobs for Good Airports Act.
United Spinal endorsed a letter, dated May 3, 2023, U.S. Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV 1st), Steve Cohen (D-TN-09) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA-07) submitted to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg seeking greater transparency of disability-related air travel complaints the DOT receives
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, 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 |
Kent |
Keyser |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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Rebecca |
MacTaggart |
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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 TEC
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supporting broadband deployment, equity and inclusion for the disability community to new members of the 118th Congress in a welcome Letter. United Spinal supports a sustained federal investment ensuring the deployment and maintenance of a high capacity, secure and reliable 5G broadband national network that is accessible, adoptable and affordable for all Americans. To make broadband affordable to all, we endorse a permanent financial support system for households based on the Federal Communications Commissions Affordable Connectivity Program.
United Spinal responded to a request for comments from the National Telecommunications and Information Administrations (NTIAs) regarding the development of a National Spectrum Strategy, Docket No.230308-0068/(NTIA-2023-0003). The comments read in part, our communitys needs demand a more balanced spectrum allocation..."
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Natl Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA)
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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Rebecca |
MacTaggart |
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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, as a member of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Social Security Task Force, along with numerous other disability organizations, urged the bipartisan leadership of the House and Senate Appropriations Committees respective Subcommittees on Labor, Health & Human Services to fund SSAs administrative budget to no less than the Presidents request of $15.5 billion for FY 2024.
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 |
Kent |
Keyser |
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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
| Address | 120-34 Queens Blvd., #330 |
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| City | Kew Gardens |
State | NY |
Zip Code | 11415 |
Country | USA |
21. Client new principal place of business (if different than line 20)
| City | Washington |
State | DC |
Zip Code | 20036 |
Country | USA |
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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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:
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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 |
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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) |