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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 | 2020 |
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: Dave Dillon |
Date | 11/23/2020 3:08:05 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
Supported HR 6611 that would appropriate an additional $50 billion to the office of the secretary for producer relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and waives the payment limit caps and would raise the borrowing limit of the Commodity Credit Corporation from $30 billion to $50 billion.
Supported both portions of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, both the food box distribution portion as well as the disaster type relief funding for producers.
CFAP will use the funding and authorities provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), and other USDA existing authorities. The program includes two major elements to achieve these goals.
Direct Support to Farmers and Ranchers: The program will provide $16 billion in direct support based on actual losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted and will assist producers with additional adjustment and marketing costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19.
USDA Purchase and Distribution: USDA will partner with regional and local distributors, whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat. We will begin with the procurement of an estimated $100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables, $100 million per month in a variety of dairy products, and $100 million per month in meat products. The distributors and wholesalers will then provide a pre-approved box of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to food banks, community and faith based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need. On top of these targeted programs USDA will utilize other available funding sources to purchase and distribute food to those in need.
USDA has up to an additional $873.3 million available in Section 32 funding to purchase a variety of agricultural products for distribution to food banks. The use of these funds will be determined by industry requests, USDA agricultural market analysis, and food bank needs. The FFCRA and CARES Act provided an at least $850 million for food bank administrative costs and USDA food purchases, of which a minimum of $600 million will be designated for food purchases. The use of these funds will be determined by food bank need and product availability.
Worked to ensure viable application and funding receipt success for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program, both the food box program and tradition disaster funding portion of the program.
CFAP will use the funding and authorities provided in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES), the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), and other USDA existing authorities. The program includes two major elements to achieve these goals.
Direct Support to Farmers and Ranchers: The program will provide $16 billion in direct support based on actual losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted and will assist producers with additional adjustment and marketing costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19.
USDA Purchase and Distribution: USDA will partner with regional and local distributors, whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase $3 billion in fresh produce, dairy, and meat. We will begin with the procurement of an estimated $100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables, $100 million per month in a variety of dairy products, and $100 million per month in meat products. The distributors and wholesalers will then provide a pre-approved box of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to food banks, community and faith based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need.
On top of these targeted programs USDA will utilize other available funding sources to purchase and distribute food to those in need.
USDA has up to an additional $873.3 million available in Section 32 funding to purchase a variety of agricultural products for distribution to food banks. The use of these funds will be determined by industry requests, USDA agricultural market analysis, and food bank needs.
The FFCRA and CARES Act provided an at least $850 million for food bank administrative costs and USDA food purchases, of which a minimum of $600 million will be designated for food purchases. The use of these funds will be determined by food bank need and product availability.
Monitored HR 6800, HEROES ACT, specifically the agriculture provisions, which include:
Livestock
Section 60101. Ensures livestock producers are paid for their animals by requiring dealer trusts, for the benefit of all unpaid cash sellers of livestock.
Section 60102. Provides emergency assistance to support livestock producers who are forced to euthanize marketready livestock due to local processing plant disruptions because of COVID19.
Section 60103. Provides $300 million to support improved animal health surveillance and laboratories, some of which are performing COVID19 tests in this public health emergency.
Dairy
Section 60201. Establishes a direct dairy donation program to prevent dumped milk and facilitate rapid donations of displaced dairy products directly to feeding programs. Milk associated with donated products would be reimbursed at current Class I prices.
Section 60202. Provides necessary cash flow assistance to small and midsized dairies that have grown over the last seven years by establishing supplemental margin coverage based on the difference between 2019 actual production and Dairy Margin Coverage production history.
Section 60203. Authorizes an USDA recourse loan program for dairy processors, packagers, merchants, marketers, wholesalers, and distributors.
Section 60204. Reduces the cost of Dairy Margin Coverage premiums for operations that commit to participating in the program for 20212023 by providing a payment worth 15% of annual premium costs.
Specialty Crops and Other Commodities Section
60301. Provides $100 million in additional funding to address COVID19 specialty crop supply chain issues at the state level via Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. Temporarily waives matching requirements for these additional funds.
Section 60302. Provides $50 million in additional funding to support local farmers, farmers markets, and other local food outlets who are impacted by COVID19 market disruptions. Temporarily waives matching requirements for these additional funds.
Section 60303. Provides $50 million to support beginning farmers and ranchers with financial, operational, and marketing advice in this difficult market. Temporarily waives matching requirements for these additional funds.
Section 60304. Provides $28 million to be distributed as block grants to State departments of agriculture for use to support existing farm stress programs.
Section 60305. Provides support for renewable fuels and cotton textile mills.
Section 60306. Provides $16.5 billion for direct payments to agricultural producers.
Commodity Credit Corporation
Section 60401. Amends the CCC Charter Act to add authority for the Secretary to deal with the removal and disposal of livestock and poultry due to supply chain interruption during a public health emergency. Amends the CCC Charter Act to add authority to assist agricultural processing plants in the event of a public health emergency in order to assure the continuation of markets for agricultural commodities.
Section 60402. Amends the CCC Charter Act to require Congressional notification before disbursement of CCC funding.
Conservation
Section 60501. Expands the Conservation Reserve Program Soil Health Incentive Pilot Program to 5 million acres.
Nutrition
Section 60602. Provides $25 million for Farm to Food Bank and makes program improvements for these additional funds.
Section 60606. Increases the SNAP benefit level by 15%. Excludes the Pandemic Unemployment Compensation as countable income for SNAP benefit calculation. Increases the minimum SNAP benefit to $30 per month. Waives all work requirements for SNAP and prevents funding for USDA to implement or finalize the AbleBodied Adults Without Dependents, Broad Based Categorical Eligibility, and Standard Utility Allowance rules. Provides additional funding to States for SNAP administration this fiscal year, to meet the increased need for SNAP.
Section 60607. Directs USDA to allow the use of SNAP to purchase hot foods or hot food products ready for immediate consumption from authorized retail food stores. Section 60608. Provides flexibility for SNAP Nutrition Education.
Supported Senate legislation that would allow emergency haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres during the COVID-19 health crisis. Under the current statute, emergency CRP haying and grazing is limited to weather-related disaster events.
Allowing for emergency haying and grazing of CRP acres will help producers ensure adequate forage for the livestock they are having to keep longer than expected due to low prices and/or meat processing capacity shortfalls resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
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
Monitoried US-Kenya trade negotiations, which include:
Two-way goods trade between the U.S. and Kenya was $1.1 billion in 2019.
Top U.S. goods exports to Kenya: aircraft parts, plastics, machinery and wheat ($27 million).
Top imports from Kenya: apparel, nuts ($55 million), ores and coffee ($34 million).
The U.S. International Trade Commission is beginning an investigation into the impacts of eliminating tariffs on imports from Kenya.
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 |
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 Senate legislation The Americas Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 (AWIA 2020) focuses on Army Corp of Engineers (Army Corps) projects and would authorize roughly $17 billion in infrastructure project.
The draft bill cuts red tape by setting a two year goal for the Army Corps to complete its feasibility studies for potential projects. It also adjusts the cost-share for construction and major rehabilitation for inland waterways projects. The base draft shifts from up to 50 percent from Inland Waterways Trust Fund/50 percent General Revenues, to 35 percent Inland Waterways Trust Fund/65 percent General Revenue.
Continue to monitor the reallocation of the Willamette River,, which is expected to be included in both Senate and House WRDA packages. We continue to work with our congressional delegation, NOAA and the Army Corps.
Monitored the New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act. The bill authorizes nearly $500 billion over five years and makes major investments in highways, rail and transit systems. A plan for funding the legislation was not identified.
The proposal would spend $494 billion over five years, $411 billion of that out of the Highway Trust Fund, which will need a significant boost to pay for the 46 percent increase in funding. The bill explicitly addresses COVID-19 recovery, allowing states and cities extra flexibility in how they use funds and ensuring a 100 percent federal share. The bill would create a host of new discretionary grant programs for federal and tribal lands, electric vehicle charging, climate innovation projects and more. The bill also creates a single year Rebuild Rural Grants program which would provide $250 million for rural communities to address needs on and off the Federal-aid system.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Transportation - Dept of (DOT), 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 |
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
Monitored continuing USDOL guidance on rapidly changing requirements for H2A employees with regard to state mandates being put in place to mitigate COVID-19.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Labor - Dept of (DOL)
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
Continued to support all forms of broadband and connectivity activity including the concept of using TV white space was introduced by Microsoft. OFB is a long standing member of the Connect America Now (CAN) Coalition founded for the purpose of using white space.
A supported H.R. 6723, the Universal Broadband Act, which would modernize the contribution rates of the Federal Communication Commissions USF. The current model draws contributions solely from telephone services, while this bill would expand contributions to include broadband services.
The USF continues to be the primary method FCC uses to address broadband shortages. These funds include four pivotal programs to close the digital divide: High Cost (Connect America), Schools and Libraries (E-rate), Low Income (Lifeline), and Rural Health Care programs. The Universal Broadband Act would stabilize the USF revenue stream, and implement important changes:
*Codify that broadband is within the definition of Universal Service;
*Require the FCC to set the contribution rate as needed to meet Universal Service goals and serve all Americans;
*Require consultation between USDAs RUS, the NTIA, and the FCC;
*Create reporting requirements to ensure the FCC is meeting their build out goals; and
*Prioritize unserved areas, and further ensure tribal areas are served.
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
CARES Act
Rural Communities:
Small Business Administration:
$10 billion for the SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EDIL). AFBF staff is speaking with the SBA to clarify if farms will qualify for SBA EDILs.
Broadband Programs:
$100 million for the USDA ReConnect Pilot Program.
$25 million for the USDA Distance Learning, Telemedicine and Broadband Program.
$200 million for the Federal Communications Commission Telehealth initiatives.
Rural Health Care:
$100 billion for grants to reimburse hospitals and health care providers for COVID -19 related expenses and to replace revenue lost because of the virus outbreak. This amount will be shared between rural, suburban and urban hospitals.
$275 million to expand services and capacity for rural hospitals, telehealth, poison control centers, and for HIV\AIDS support programs.
Language to allow Community Health Centers to maintain or increase staffing and capacity to address the coronavirus. Community Health Centers are a federally-supported health center system of over 1,400 organizations that provide an affordable health care option for more than 29 million people. Nearly half of health centers (44 percent) are located in rural communities.
Provides the Secretary of HHS to reassign members of the National Health Service Corps to neighboring communities. This will provide flexibility for health care providers to move between rural communities that could be facing a higher rate of COVID19 patients.
Expands the use of telehealth, specifically:
Allows Medicare patients to use telehealth even with a doctor that a patient does not have a preexisting relationship.
Allows rural health clinics to treat patients with telehealth.
Agricultural Assistance
- $14 billion to replenish the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), which is used to stabilize, support, and protect farm income and prices through initiatives like the Market Facilitation Program (MFP).
- $9.5 billion to help specialty crop growers, farmers who support local food systems, dairy farmers, and livestock producers.
- A temporary three-month extension on repayment of commodity marketing assistance loans, from nine months to a year.
Nutrition Assistance
- $15.5 billion in additional funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to assist more participants. This will not increase benefit levels for individuals.
- $8.8 billion in additional funding for Child Nutrition Programs.
- $450 million for the Emergency Food Assistance Program.
Employee Retention Benefits
Establishes a refundable credit against employer payroll for certain employers that are hurt by the coronavirus but retain their employees. The credit would be for 50% of eligible employee wages paid after March 12, 2020, and before Jan. 1, 2021. It would be provided for as much as $10,000 of compensation, including health benefits.
Employers could receive the credit if a government order related to the pandemic requires them to partially or fully suspend operations, or if their gross receipts declined by certain thresholds.
Employers with more than 100 full-time employees in 2019 would receive credits for wages paid to employees while they arent providing services. Employers with fewer employees would receive credit for wages paid while operations were suspended or during the quarter in which the company had a significant decline in gross receipts.
Employers couldnt receive the credit if they receive a loan under the SBA Paycheck Protection Program for loans established by the bill.
Employers couldnt use the credit for wages for which they also receive a credit under the work opportunity tax credit or a paid leave credit established by the 2017 tax overhaul (Public Law 115-97). Wages taken into account for the paid leave credits established under the second coronavirus response law (Public Law 116-127) couldnt also be used for the employee retention credit.
Unemployment Benefits
Creates a temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program through December 31, 2020, to provide payment to those not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits (self-employed, independent contractors, those with limited work history, and others) who are unable to work as a direct result of the coronavirus public health emergency.
Provides an additional $600 per week payment to each recipient of unemployment insurance or Pandemic Unemployment Assistance for up to four months.
Provides an additional 13 weeks of unemployment benefits through December 31, 2020, to help those who remain unemployed after weeks of state unemployment benefits are no longer available.
Unemployment benefits under these programs would be available to individuals who are in quarantine, caring for a diagnosed family member, or out of work because their employer closed due to the coronavirus. It also would be available to those who are self-employed, have limited work history, or otherwise wouldnt qualify for unemployment benefits. Benefits wouldnt be provided to individuals who can telework with pay or who are receiving other paid leave benefits.
Provides full funding to states who provide short-time compensation programs, where employers reduce employee hours instead of laying off workers and the employees with reduced hours receive a pro-rated unemployment benefit. This provision would pay 100 percent of the costs they incur in providing this short-time compensation through December 31, 2020.
Unemployment benefits would not apply to seasonal or temporary workers.
The agriculture appropriations bill provides funding for a wide array of federal programs, mostly within USDA. These programs include: agricultural research; education and extension activities; natural resources conservation programs; food safety, marketing and inspection activities; rural economic and community development activities; telecommunications and electrification assistance; and various export and international activities of the USDA in the following areas:.
Farm Programs;
International Programs;
Agricultural Research Priorities; and
Food Safety.
Farmer Stress and Mental Health;
Agriculture Advanced Research and Development Authority
Biotechnology Promotion;
Expanding International Markets and Safeguarding U.S. Agriculture;
Animal Health;
Food Safety and Protection;
Crop Protection Tools;
Rural Development;
Agriculture in the Classroom;
Wildlife services; and
Renewable energy.
Natural Resources Conservation Service;
Food Safety User Fees;
Horse Processing; and
Agricultural Marketing Service Packers and Stockyards Program.
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 HCR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported the Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act, S. 3917, which would expand telemental health services in rural areas. The bill, S. 3917, would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) in coordination with the Rural Health Liaison of the Department of Agriculture to award grants for home-based telemental health care demonstrations. This new program would increase mental health services in rural medically underserved populations and for individuals in farming, fishing, and forestry occupations. The bill would authorize up to $10 million for each of fiscal year 2020 to 2024 of funds currently available to the Secretary of HHS. HHS would submit a report to Congress during the third and fifth year on the impact and quality of care of home-based telemental health care services.
Telemental health is the delivery of mental health services using remote technologies when the patient and provider are separated by distance. This service has the potential to alleviate the lack of mental health services in rural areas and allow rural residents to connect with the mental health professional from the comfort of their home. The recent pandemic, challenging weather, trade disputes, labor shortages and market volatility over the past few years have brought an unprecedented level of pressure on Americas farmers.
H.R. 266, the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. Health Care: The bill provides $100 billion for hospitals and for COVID testing. A summary of the health care provisions is attached.
*$75 billion for hospitals and healthcare providers for COVID-19 related expenses and lost revenue.
*$25 billion to expand capacity for COVID-19 tests.
*$600 million of funding is earmarked for Community Health Centers and $225 million for rural health clinics.
Supported legislation to allow the Farm Credit System to make loans for health care and other infrastructure projects in rural America.
Access to health care in rural America is on the decline at the same time that the current health care crisis is accelerating the need for more and better-equipped hospitals and medical facilities. According to the National Rural Health Association, 121 rural hospitals have closed since 2010, and in 2019 the U.S. experienced more rural hospital closures than in any other year in the past decade. Expanding the Farm Credit Systems authority help build, upgrade and expand rural facilities will improve health care access and medical services for farmers and their neighbors and strengthen the communities where they live and work.
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 |
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 ENV
16. Specific lobbying issues
Opposed H.R. 5737 which would require federal land management agencies to permanently end livestock grazing on any allotments where the current permittee has accepted a payout in exchange for relinquishment of their term grazing permit.
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Regulatory Modernization
The industry needs more efficient, safe and reliable infrastructure and modernizing the NEPA review process will deliver those projects to communities across the country, not just for agriculture, but for every sector of the economy. It shouldnt take 7 years to approve a grazing permit or a highway project.
We support regulation that makes sense, helps us protect our natural resources and doesnt stifle economic growth.
Federal grazing permits last 10 years, but as soon as one is granted, ranchers often begin working preparing for the permit renewal years in advance due to the lengthy NEPA review process. Ranchers utilize forage on federal grazing allotments which provides numerous environmental benefits including wildland fire risk reduction, carbon sequestration, and habitat improvement for wildlife and endangered species. NEPA delays can risk the positive measures livestock grazing provides to our public lands that federal land management agencies could not do on its own.
American farmers and ranchers need reliable and safe infrastructure to deliver their products to consumers in the U.S. and around the world and to get the supplies they need on the farm. Americas infrastructure is in decline, and it takes the federal government an average of 7 years to complete a NEPA review. Continuing to be the greatest economy in the world will require a more efficient review process. Modern infrastructure is key to remaining competitive - for agriculture and other industries. If we dont repair and upgrade it - America will fall behind.
Renewable Energy
Throughout rural America, windmills, biofuel facilities, and other renewable energy products are helping reduce our nations carbon footprint, but too many projects are threatened by an onerous and outdated NEPA review process. Modernizing NEPA will help speed up deployment of renewable energy projects, helping farmers and ranchers protect and care for the natural resources we all rely upon.
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 FOO
16. Specific lobbying issues
Monitored supply chain problems related to COVIDF-19 specifically in the meat packing industry. Evaluated legislative concepts allowing intrastate commerce of meat products under a state inspection program. Supportive of PRIME Act legislation.
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 SMB
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported S. 3918, the Paycheck Protection for Producers Act and companion bill, H.R. 7175. This bill addresses one of the major hurdles for sole proprietors who file a Schedule F by allowing farmers and ranchers to use their 2019 Schedule F gross income (up to $100,000) when calculating their PPP loan rather than 2019 net income. The bill would also allow farmers and ranchers who received a PPP loan using their 2019 net income to recalculate their loan award using 2019 gross income if it would result in a larger loan amount.
Supported both the Payment Protection Program (PPP) and Emergency Industry Disaster Loan (EIDL). Worked to ensure that there was a small lender set aside and H2A employees for eligible to be counted when making application for PPP. Also, worked to ensure that all types of agriculture businesses were eligible for EIDL grants/loans, specifically with regard to those who are self employed and sole proprietors.
Economic Injury Disaster Loans: Extends eligibility to agricultural enterprises, as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)) and have 500 or fewer employees to participate in the EIDL. The definition mentioned above is: (b) As used in this Act, the term agricultural enterprises means those small business concerns engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural-related industries.
Provides $60 billion for the EIDL program.
Paycheck Protection Program: Provides $320 billion for the PPP. While AFBF supports this funding, we are asking Congress to include the corrections that AFBF shared to improve the programs assistance for agricultural producers and support eligibility for tax-exempt agricultural organizations that assist farmers and ranchers in the next round of legislation.
Small Lender Set-Aside: The bill creates a $60 billion set-aside for Insured Depository Institutions, Credit Unions, and Community Financial Institutions for the PPP. However, the set-aside does not include the Farm Credit System.
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 RES
16. Specific lobbying issues
Opposed S. 3422, the Great American Outdoors Act which includes a permanent annual allocation of $900 million to the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
The bill includes two titles. The first title would address the multi-billion dollar maintenance backlog in National Parks and other federal lands by spending $9.5 billion of federal offshore energy revenues over five years on deferred maintenance projects.
The second title would modify the LWCF to a fund not subject to congressional appropriation and mandate that $900 million from offshore oil and gas revenues be spent annually in perpetuity on land acquisition by the federal land management agencies and on land acquisition and development of recreational facilities by state and local governments.
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.
20. Client new address
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Zip Code |
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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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4 |
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ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
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AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
| Name | Address |
Principal Place of Business (city and state or country) |
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26. Name of each previously reported organization that is no longer affiliated with the registrant or client
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
FOREIGN ENTITIES
27. Add the following foreign entities:
| Name | Address |
Principal place of business (city and state or country) |
Amount of contribution for lobbying activities | Ownership percentage in client | ||||||||||
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% | |||||||||||||
28. Name of each previously reported foreign entity that no longer owns, or controls, or is affiliated with the registrant, client or affiliated organization
| 1 | 3 | 5 |
| 2 | 4 | 6 |
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) |