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LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
Address1 | 1320 Capitol Street, NE |
Address2 | Suit 200 |
City | Salem |
State | OR |
Zip Code | 97301 |
Country | USA |
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5. Senate ID# 400263203-12
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6. House ID# 400040000
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TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2019 |
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: Gail Greenman |
Date | 1/15/2020 2:38:01 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 AGR
16. Specific lobbying issues
HEMP
Advocated for USDA to extend hemp production rule comment deadline.
Asked EPA to study crop protection for hemp producers. Currently, there are limited crop protection tools labeled for hemp since hemp production became legal. EPA is seeking comments on the ten pesticide applications it has received for use on hemp. Comments are due on September 23, 2019. AFBF will submit comments and make them available on the Feed prior to the deadline.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Agriculture - Dept of (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
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 |
Gail |
Greenman |
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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 TRD
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocated for the passage of USMCA. The trade agreement will:
Designed to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement, the USMCA builds on important trade relationships in North America.
The agreement is expected to increase U.S. ag exports by $2 billion and result in a $65 billion increase in gross domestic product.
The agreement will provide new market access for American dairy and poultry products while preserving the zero-tariff platform on all other ag products.
In particular, the agreement gives U.S. dairy products access to an additional 3.6% of Canadas dairy market - even better than what was proposed in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement.
U.S. wheat will be treated more fairly, thanks to Canadas agreement to grade our wheat no less favorably than its own.
Mexico and the United States have also agreed that all grading standards for ag products will be non-discriminatory.
Additional provisions enhance science-based trading standards among the three nations as the basis for sanitary and phytosanitary measures for ag products, as well as progress in the area of geographic indications.
The agreement also includes measures that address cooperation, information sharing and other trade rules among the three nations related to agricultural biotechnology and gene editing.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)
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 |
Gail |
Greenman |
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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
Supported H.R. 4919, The Responsible & Efficient Agriculture Destination (TREAD) Act. R. 4919 would make it possible for drivers hauling live animals and agricultural commodities to finish their routes if they are within 150 air miles of their destination. The bill also covers haulers transporting perishable commodities.
Hours of Service Rulemaking
First adopted in 1937, FMCSAs hours of service rules specify the permitted operating hours of commercial drivers. In 2018, FMCSA released an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) to receive public comment on portions of the HOS rules.
FMCSAs proposed rule on hours of service offers five revisions to the existing HOS rules:
The Agency proposes to increase safety and flexibility for the 30-minute break rule by tying the break requirement to eight hours of driving time without interruption for at least 30 minutes and allowing the break to be satisfied by a driver using on duty, not driving status, rather than off duty. (Livestock Haulers are exempt from the 30-minute rest break requirement.)
The Agency proposes to modify the sleeper-berth exception to allow drivers to split their required 10 hours off duty into two periods: one period of at least seven consecutive hours in the sleeper berth and the other period of not less than two consecutive hours, either off duty or in the sleeper berth. Neither period would count against the drivers 14-hour driving window.
The Agency proposes to allow one off-duty break of at least 30 minutes, but not more than three hours, that would pause a truck drivers 14-hour driving window, provided the driver takes 10 consecutive hours off-duty at the end of the work shift.
The Agency proposes to modify the adverse driving conditions exception by extending by two hours the maximum window during which driving is permitted.
The Agency proposes a change to the short-haul exception available to certain commercial drivers by lengthening the drivers maximum on‑duty period from 12 to 14 hours and extending the distance limit within which the driver may operate from 100 air miles to 150 air miles.
Agricultural Commodity Definitions Rulemaking
Currently, during harvesting and planting seasons as determined by each state, drivers transporting agricultural commodities, including livestock, are exempt from the HOS requirements from the source of the commodities to a location within a 150-air-mile radius from the source. The advanced rule (ANPRM) by FMCSA was prompted by indications that the current definition of these terms may not be understood or enforced consistently when determining whether the HOS exemption applies.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
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 |
Gail |
Greenman |
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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
JOINT EMPLOYER RULEMAKING
Monitored DOL rule regarding joint employment as it relates to FLSA, not under the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act (MSPA). However, the final rule does limit circumstances in which a farm employer would be considered a joint employer by limiting the determination to four key areas including, if the employer:
Hires or fires the employee;
Supervises and controls the employees schedule or employment conditions to a substantial degree;
Determines the employees rate and method of payment; or
Maintains the employees employment records.
IMMIGRATION LEGISLATION
Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee, has introduced legislation to provide legalization and a path to citizenship for agricultural workers, their spouses and children. AFBF has released a statement on H.R. 641, which was referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
On January 17, 2019, Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Chair of the House Immigration Subcommittee introduced legislation providing a path to legalization and citizenship for agricultural workers. A copy of the bill, numbered H.R. 641, is attached. The draft proposal would provide legal status to agricultural workers, their spouses and children and also a path to citizenship. Rep. Lofgrens staff has indicated that they will shortly engage in discussions on potential guest worker provisions, either based on the current H-2A program or some other proposal.
Policy Progress
H-2A regulatory changes have been proposed and more are expected.
We are working to unify agricultural associations behind one approach that includes meaningful reforms to guest worker programs and addresses current workforce issues.
AFBF expressed willingness to work with Rep. Zoe Lofgren and other members of Congress to provide a path to legalization for our workers and develop a guest worker program that meets the needs of growers in all sectors of agriculture.
Rep. Zoe Lofgren is working with a core group of Republicans, Reps. Newhouse, Simpson, Yoho, and Diaz-Balart, on a bipartisan piece of legislation to be marked up in late-May or early-June and brought to the House floor in July.
Whats Next?
Pursue further H-2A regulatory reform
Legislative activity expected in the next 3 months-Mark-up in the House Judiciary Committee by June and vote on House floor by end of July.
Develop legislation to counter Rep. Lofgrens bill if her legislation does not provide enough H-2A reforms.
Continue conversations in the Senate.
Build on progress made during 115th Congress in support of provisions like those included in H.R. 6417, the AG and Legal Workforce Act
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 |
Gail |
Greenman |
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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 tax provisions in HR 1865, Further Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2020, including:
HEALTH INSURANCE TAX (HIT): The legislation permanently repeals the Health Insurance Tax (HIT) that was levied on health insurance companies but was passed along to individuals who purchase their own insurance.
Explanation: The Health Insurance Tax (HIT), enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act, was a tax levied on health insurance companies but was directly passed on to individuals and small businesses like farmers and ranchers who purchase their own insurance. The HIT was expected to collectively add an estimated $16 billion to the cost of coverage for individuals, small businesses, families and Medicare Advantage seniors in 2020, an average $500 in added health insurance premiums per family.
BIODIESEL AND RENEWABLE BIODIESEL: The legislation retroactively reinstates and extends tax incentives for biodiesel and renewable biodiesel through December 31, 2022 and tax credits for second generation biofuels through 2020.
Explanation: Biodiesel is a cleaner-burning renewable replacement for petroleum diesel fuel. It is manufactured primarily from vegetable oils (soybean, corn, sunflower seed, cotton seeds, canola, etc.), animal fats and recycled cooking oils. Second-generation biofuel comes from cellulosic biomass, for example woody crops and agricultural residues or waste. Biodiesel and biofuel production not only help farmers and ranchers by expanding markets for their products, but in many rural areas of the country, biodiesel and biofuel production facilities are a driving force in local economies that provide employment and broaden the local tax base. In addition, all citizens, including farmers who are large fuel consumers, benefit when our nation reduces its dependence on international oil markets. The biodiesel tax credits expired at the end of 2017.
The legislation also extends the tax credit for alternative refueling property through 2020. The credit previously expired in 2017. In addition to mixtures of biodiesel, diesel and kerosene with 20 percent or more volume derived from a biodiesel fuel, Fuels consisting of 85 percent or more of natural gas, liquefied or compressed natural gas, propane, hydrogen or ethanol are considered alternative fuels..
SHORT LINE RAILROADS: The legislation retroactively restores and extends the 50 percent tax credit for short line railroad maintenance through December 31, 2022.
Explanation: Short line railroads are first-and-last mile carriers that connect small towns, farms and factories to the national rail network, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth in thousands of local communities. Short line railroads operate nearly 29 percent of the national railroad network. The 50 percent short line rail tax credit was first enacted in 2005 to encourage infrastructure repairs and upgrades by regional and short-line railroads and expired at the end of 2017.
COOPERATIVES: The legislation allows rural electric cooperatives to maintain their tax-exempt status when they receive grants for such things as expanding broadband or restoring power after storms and disaster.
Explanation: Most electric cooperatives are tax-exempt organizations. In order to keep their tax-exempt status at least 85 percent of their income must come from cooperative members. An unintended consequence of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was the re-categorization of revenue from government grants as income making it harder for electric cooperatives to meet the 85 percent test. The legislation restores the traditional classification of grant revenue as a capital contribution.
UNRELATED BUSINESS INCOME TAXES: The legislation repeals a 21-percent unrelated business income tax (UBIT) on tax-exempt employers that provide certain fringe benefits to employees.
Explanation: The TCJA levied a new 21-percent unrelated business income tax (UBIT) on tax-exempt organizations that provide certain fringe benefits to employees. The TCJA required tax-exempt organizations to self-value these benefits and to implement a burdensome administrative process to properly file taxes. This was the first time a UBIT was applied to an expenditure, not on income received.
CRAFT BEVERAGES: The legislation extends the Craft Beverage Moderation Act for one year, until December 31, 2020.
Explanation: The TCJA included a two-year provision which lowered federal excise taxes for small breweries, wineries and distilled spirits producers. Craft breweries and distilleries can foster rural economic development and create much needed jobs as well as provide additional markets for agricultural products.
WIND ENERGY: The legislation extends the wind energy Production Tax Credit (PTC) through December 2020 and raises the value of the PTC to 1.5 cents/kilowatt hour.
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 |
Gail |
Greenman |
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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
Supported H.R. 4229 (and S.1822) the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act. The legislation will improve the accuracy of broadband coverage maps and better direct federal funds for broadband buildout.
H.R. 4229, the Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act. This bipartisan bill would improve the accuracy of broadband coverage maps and better direct federal funds for broadband buildout.
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 |
Gail |
Greenman |
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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 appropriations provisions including;
Agriculture Spending Bill Highlights:
The agriculture spending bill provides $23.5 billion in discretionary funding, which is $451 million above the fiscal year 2019 enacted level.
Disaster Relief: The bill includes a provision that retains $1.5 billion in disaster relief funding that was set to expire and repurposes the funding that expands assistance to farmers impacted by natural disasters in 2018 and 2019. AFBF supports.
Farmer and Rancher Stress Assistance Network: The bill fully funds the $10 million that was authorized in the 2018 Farm Bill. AFBF supports.
Broadband: The bill funds the ReConnect Program an additional $550 million. AFBF supports.
Transportation Spending Bill Highlight:
Electronic Logging Devices: The bill includes a provision that would prohibit the U.S. Department of Transportation from enforcing electronic logging devices on livestock and insect haulers through Sept. 30, 2020. AFBF supports.
Interior Spending Bill Highlights:
Bureau of Land Management: The bill contains a total appropriation of $101.5 million for the wild horse and burro program - an increase of $21 million.
Labor Spending Bill Highlights:
OSHA: The bill prohibits funds from being used to enforce OSHA requirements on employers with 10 or fewer employees is included. AFBF supports.
Agricultural Labor Unions: The bill prohibits funds from going towards agricultural labor unions. AFBF supports.
Tax Extenders:
Health Insurance Tax: The bill permanently repeals the Health Insurance Tax (HIT) which was passed to offset the cost of the Affordable Care Act. The HIT is an excise tax levied on a health insurance companys net premium which is passed along to consumers. While the HIT has been in place since 2014, it was suspended for 2019 but was set to resume in 2020. Permanent elimination of the HIT Tax will save people who purchase their own health insurance on the individual market an average $500 a year. AFBF supports.
Biodiesel: The bill retroactively extends a $1-per-gallon biodiesel tax credit through 2022. AFBF supports.
Short-line Railroads: The bill provides a tax break for the short-line railroads through 2022. AFBF supports.
Tax Exempt Status: The bill makes a change to protect rural electric cooperatives tax exempt status. AFBF supports.
Fringe Benefits: The bill cancels the tax on fringe benefits provided by nonprofit organizations. AFBF supports.
Craft Brewers: The bill extends the tax incentives for craft brewers. AFBF supports.
Wind: The bill extends wind production tax credit for one-year. AFBF supports.
Legislative Extensions:
Secure Rural Schools Act: The bill extends for two years the Secure Rural Schools Act, which is necessary to preserve the economies of more than 780 rural counties and school districts in 41 states, which are already struggling economically. AFBF supports.
Community Health Centers: The bill extends funding for Community Health Centers for six-months. AFBF supports.
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 |
Gail |
Greenman |
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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.
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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
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FOREIGN ENTITIES
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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) |