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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. |
Address2 | |
City | JACKSON HEIGHTS |
State | NY |
Zip Code | 11370 |
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 | 2013 |
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 | |
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: Paul J. Tobin, President and CEO, United Spinal Association |
Date | 07/22/2013 |
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 with DOJ Civil Rights Division a multitude of issues related to the ability of people with disabilities to fully integrate into their communities, including access to voting.
Discussed with DOJ efforts to provide long-term services and supports to veterans in the most integrated setting.
Opposed the ADA Compliance for Customer Entry to Stores and Services (ACCESS) Act (H.R. 994).
Opposed the Pool Safety and Accessibility for Everyone (Pool SAFE) Act (H.R. 203).
Opposed the ADA Notification Act (H.R. 777).
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 |
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 TAX
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed the Veterans Homebuyer Accessibility Act which would provide tax credits for first time veteran homebuyers and for housing adaptations.
Supports HR 647/S. 313 - Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2013 which adjusts the Internal Revenue Code to establish tax-exempt ABLE accounts to assist people with disabilities save private funds to pay for education, housing, transportation,
employment support and other personal support expenses.
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 |
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 FIR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed the need to ensure that efforts to address mental health needs as part of gun control do not create barriers for or discriminate against people with disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
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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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
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 legislation that would provide certain behavioral health treatment under the TRICARE program for adults and children with developmental disabilities.
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 |
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 BUD
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported The Independent Budget for the VA budget recommendations for VA and related agencies serving veterans for FY 2014.
Supported an amendment to the Senates FY 2014 Budget Resolution that would prohibit using the chained CPI to determine the COLA for veterans and Social Security benefits.
Supported the highest funding level possible for the House and Senate versions of the Transportation and Housing and Urban Development appropriation for FY 2014.
Supported efforts to limit educational institutions use of GI Bill funds in the House and Senate versions of the Military Construction VA appropriation for FY 2014 (H.R. 2216).
Supported efforts to limit educational institutions use of DODs Tuition Assistance Program and MyCAA funds and level fund spinal cord injury research in the House and Senate versions of the Defense appropriation for FY 2014.
Discussed the FY 2014 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1960/S. 1197).
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 |
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 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).
Supported an amendment to the Senates FY 2014 Budget Resolution that would prohibit using the chained CPI to determine the COLA for veterans and Social Security benefits.
Supported Senate Concurrent Resolution 15 which expresses the sense of Congress that the Chained CPI should not be used to calculate COLAs for Social Security or veterans benefits.
Discussed the President's Budget proposal and social security protections and benefits for people with disabilities.
Opposed the Chained CPI which lowers social security benefits significantly over time and support the Chained CPI-E (Experimental Price Index for the Elderly) to calculate SSI and SSDI to ensure people with disabilities continue to have the critical income support they need to cover essential needs such as food, medicine and shelter. Support HR 649/S. 308 Protecting and Preserving Social Security Act of 2013 and S. 567, Strengthening Social Security Act of 2013.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 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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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
Discussed the Access to Appropriate Immunizations for Veterans Act of 2013 (S. 1165).
Discussed the Improving the Lives of Children with Spina Bifida Act (S. 832).
Supported the Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act (H.R. 569).
Supported the American Heroes COLA Act (H.R. 570).
Supported the Veterans Second Amendment Protection Act (H.R. 602).
Supported the Ruth Moore Act of 2013 (H.R. 671).
Supported the Honor Americas Guard-Reserve Retirees Act (H.R. 679).
Supported the VA Claims, Operations, and Records Efficiency Act (H.R. 1729).
Discussed the Ending VA Claims Disability Backlog and Accountability Act (H.R. 2138).
Supported the World War II Merchant Mariner Service Act (H.R. 1288).
Supported the Blue Water Navy Ship Accountability Act (H.R. 1494).
Discussed the VA Claims Efficiency Through Information Act (H.R. 1623).
Supported the Pay As You Rate Act (H.R. 2086).
Supported H.R. 1809 which would require VA to provide notice of average times for processing claims and percentage of claims approved.
Supported the Prioritizing Urgent Claims for Veterans Act (H.R. 2382).
Supported the Disabled Veterans Access to Medical Exams Improvement Act (H.R. 2423).
Discussed the Putting Veterans Funding First Act of 2013 (H.R. 813).
Discussed the Veterans Pension Protection Act (H.R. 2341).
Opposed the Access to Veterans Benefits Improvement Act (H.R. 733).
Supported the Wounded Warrior Workforce Enhancement Act (S. 522).
Supported the Veterans Affairs Research Transparency Act (S. 877).
Supported legislation authorizing VA to transport individuals to and from VA facilities in connection with rehabilitation, counseling, examination, treatment, and care (S. 455).
Supported the Caregivers Expansion and Improvement Act of 2013 (S. 851).
Supported (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.
Supported H.R. 1405 which would require VA to include an appeals form in any notice of decision issued for the denial of a benefit.
Discussed H.R. 2189 which would establish a commission or task force to evaluate the backlog of disability claims.
Supported the Servicemembers Choice in Transition Act of 2013 (H.R. 631/S. 889) and recommended an amendment that would ensure inclusion of information about disability related protections for disabled veterans seeking employment and/or education opportunities. This provision is now part of H.R. 357.
Discussed reforming the VAs claims process to ensure that it is veteran-centered.
Urged VA to expedite housing adaptations available for disabled veterans with ALS and other terminal illnesses under chapter 21 of title 38, USC.
Supported the Women Veterans and Other Health Care Improvements Act of 2013 (S. 131/H.R. 958). This legislation includes greater assistance through VA for veterans who have infertility issues related to their military service.
Discussed with advocates a legislative proposal to expand the approved uses of the Post 9/11 GI Bill.
Discussed access to VA mental health services with the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration.
Discussed the 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.
Discussed H.R. 894 which would reform VAs fiduciary program.
Discussed the Reducing Barriers to Veterans Benefits Act (H.R. 369).
Discussed the Veteran Voting Support Act that would direct the VA Secretary to provide mail voter registration application forms to each veteran who: (1) seeks to enroll in VA health care system at the time of such enrollment; and (2) is already enrolled in such system when there is a change in the veteran's enrollment status or when there is a change in the veteran's address.
Supported the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act (H.R. 183). This legislation would direct the VA Secretary to carry out a pilot program for assessing the effectiveness of addressing post-deployment mental health and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms through a therapeutic medium of service dog training and handling for veterans with disabilities.
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 [VA]).
Urged Congress to expand the extended caregivers program authorized by the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act (P.L. 111-163) to include all veterans who are eligible for VA health care and meet certain needs-based criteria.
Urged Congress to expand VA home and community-based services for veterans with disabilities.
Urged Congress to provide appropriate oversight for and resources to address the VAs benefits claims processing backlog.
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 |
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 MMM
16. Specific lobbying issues
Support and promote HR 942/S.948 - Ensuring Access to Quality Complex Rehabilitation Technology Act of 2013.
This legislation creates a separate benefit for complex rehab technology under Medicare for individuals with significant
disabilities and functional limitations.
United Spinal discussed CMS' competitive bidding program with CMS and explained United Spinal's main complaints with the program:
Difficulty getting wheelchair repairs and delays in wheelchair repair
Delivery delays
Wrong products/parts delivered
Difficulty contacting suppliers and obtaining wheelchairs
Supplier locations too far from home
In some cases, inferior quality of services and supplies
Discussed protecting peoples access to medically necessary medical equipment and related services (HR 1717 - the Medicare DMEPOS Market Pricing Act) and ensure that individuals with disabilities receive high-quality service and equipment that will give our community the ability to live active, productive independent lives with improved health outcomes.
Oppose CMS' Medicare Secondary Payer authority that requires current Medicare beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries to project what their future medical needs may be related to the accident, injury or illness in question.
Discussed opposition to CMS' DME coding decisions related to K0009 wheelchairs and the issue of seat elevation which is not covered under Medicare.
Ensure adequate funding for all Medicaid services, including waiver programs that allow people with disabilities to remain in their homes and contribute to the community.
Oppose restructuring of Medicaid funding known as block grants or per capita caps.
Support and expand state participation in Medicaid programs that increase funding for HCBS such as the Community First Choice Option; Money Follows the Person; and the Balancing Incentive Program; and, increase HCBS eligibility such as the Enhanced 1915(i) State Plan Option.
Promote state adoption of the Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) and National Disability Leadership Alliance (NDLA) Managed Care Principles. Adoption of the principles would ensure consumers transitioning to managed care have access to consumer-directed care and the specialized and supportive services they need to improve their quality of life and remain in the community.
Advocate for the creation of state-level ombudsmen for any Medicaid demonstration projects geared toward integrating care for individuals eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. An ombudsman would provide individual assistance, assist with complaints, advocate, and monitor and report on the programs provision of information and services for consumers.
Support and fund quality measures (i.e. data collection) that track how well Medicaid programs allow for person-centered and consumer-directed services; timely provision of care; access to necessary services such as housing and employment; and, consumer satisfaction with those services.
Discussed Commission on Long-Term Care principles with Commissioners and Congressional offices on the following issues as they relate to long-term care: financing, the role of consumers and family caregivers, quality of life, quality of care and workforce protections.
Supports HR 713/S. 367 - Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act - legislation that would repeal the arbitrary cap on outpatient rehabilitation services.
We submitted comments to the EEOC regarding the potential of wellness programs to discriminate against our members with spinal cord injuries or diseases (SCI/D) and individuals with other disabilities.
Distributed testimony to the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee as a member of the Coalition to Preserve Rehabilitation highlighting the need to preserv acdess to high-quality rehabiliation in response to various Medicare proposals
addressing post-acute care such as site neutral payment proposals which would reduce access significantly to inpatient rehabilitation for patients with different types of SCI; opposition to increasing the 60% rule for inpatient rehabilitation hospitals to 75%. This rule is used to define inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRF) in order for them to receive payment as an IRF. The rule requires that at least 60 percent of cases an IRF admits have one or more selected conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury. The testimony also addressed opposition to audit contractors review of claims in excess of $3700 which creates a chilling effect on access to services above the $3700 cap.
Support protections for dual-eligible demonstration projects to include the following: transparency, ombudsman programs; financing structure, quality measures.
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
Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Defense - Dept of (DOD), U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC),
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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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 LBR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed efforts to ensure that disabled veterans have information regarding disability rights and protections in seeking employment and education opportunities.
Discussed elimination of subminimum wage for people with disabilities that is authorized by section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act, including the Fair Wages for Workers with Disabilities Act of 2013 (H.R. 831).
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 |
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 MED
16. Specific lobbying issues
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. 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 HOU
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported the Eleanor Smith Inclusive Home Design Act (H.R. 2352).
Supported the Housing Assistance for Veterans Act of 2013 (Haven Act) (H.R. 385). 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 improving accessibility and visitability in Department of Housing and Urban Development programs.
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 |
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 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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Carol |
Tyson |
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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 TRA
16. Specific lobbying issues
Discussed potential modifications to the Air Carriers Access Act to allow a private right of action.
Discussed the Transportation for Heroes Act of 2013 (H.R. 2362).
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 |
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
Information Update Page - Complete ONLY where registration information has changed.
20. Client new address
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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
27. Add the following 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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