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LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
| Address1 | 2414 I St. NW |
Address2 | |
| City | Washington |
State | DC |
Zip Code | 20037 |
Country | USA |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
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5. Senate ID# 319472-12
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6. House ID# 394830000
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| TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2014 |
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. | ||||||||
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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: Jess Peterson, Executive Vice President |
Date | 10/21/2014 |
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
USCA supported strengthening antitrust laws and ensuring fair market competition. Congress needs to increase market transparency by addressing captive supply contracts, mandatory price reporting, and packer ownership of cattle.
USCA supports the passage of the 2014 Farm Bill and its ongoing implementation.
USCA provided information to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Congress regarding the need to enhance and strengthen the Beef Checkoff Act and Order. USCA continues to assist in efforts with industry groups to address needed changes in the Checkoff.
USCA supports the participation of the USDA Secretary in ongoing efforts to implement comprehensive reform to the Beef Checkoff program. USCA supports the review of the original 1996 Act in these discussions.
USCA provided information to the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding competition in the beef/cattle marketplace and strengthening antitrust laws.
USCA supports the U.S. Department of Agriculture in addressing necessary changes as to increase fairness of livestock marketing.
USCA opposes any efforts that strip funding for the Department's proposed rule to ensure competition in the livestock marketplace through the Appropriations process.
USCA opposes Section 730 within the House FY 2015 Appropriations bill which would restrict revisions necessary to the P&S Act of 1921. USCA opposes the report language issued by the House which references the current COOL program.
USCA supports the passage of a comprehensive FY 2015 Appropriations bill which is void of any language pertaining to COOL or the P&S Act of 1921.
USCA supports the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative in continuing to uphold the right of U.S. cattle producers to label their own product at the World Trade Organization.
USCA supports the continued implementation and enforcement of the final rule offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture regarding Country of Origin Labeling and the terms by which it will bring the U.S. into compliance with WTO standards.
USCA Supports S. 1280/H.R. 2671 Charitable Agricultural Research Act as it allows for tax deductions for a charitable contribution to an agricultural research organization
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Agriculture - Dept of (USDA), 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 |
Jess |
Peterson |
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Kelly |
Fogarty |
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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
USCA continues to support the freedom to utilize valuable and proven medicines that ranchers rely on to keep livestock herds healthy. USCA supports the responsible use of antibiotics.
USCA Opposes S. 541/HR 1094 Safeguard American Food Exports Act- A bill to prevent health threats posed by the consumption of equines raised in the U.S.
USCA opposes H.R. 1150/S. 1256 "Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2013" as it restricts delivery of potentially needed antibiotics within the industry.
USCA opposes the regionalization of those regions in South America, notably Argentina and Brazil, for the purpose of importing meat, as it will allow for the potential introduction of Foot and Mouth Disease within the United States.
USCA opposes the proposed notice by the USDA-APHIS that would allow for trade into the US from 14 states within Brazil.
USCA opposes the proposed change as offered by USDA-APHIS that specifies a change in classification regading FMD to regions within Argentina, Patagonia South and Patagonia North B.
USCA opposes the proposed notice as offered by USDA-APHIS to allow for the importation of meat from regions in Argentina, Patagonia South and Patagonia North B, given the prior notice which announced a change in classification of these regions as pertaining to their FMD status. USCA supports an extension in the current comment period for this proposed rule.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Agriculture - Dept of (USDA), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
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 |
Jess |
Peterson |
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Kelly |
Fogarty |
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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 CAW
16. Specific lobbying issues
USCA opposed the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) plan to implement its Total Maximum Daily Load rule for the Chesapeake Bay and its numeric nutrient criteria rule for the state of Florida.
USCA supports the USDA in their efforts to work with states to offer Certainty to farmer and ranchers who comply with CAW provisions.
USCA opposes the proposed rule as offered by the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers, "Definitation of "Waters of the United States" Under the Clean Water Act". USCA opposes the broad nature and scope of the proposed rule.
USCA opposes any changes made to definitions within the Clean Water Act which would broaden the scope of the agency's reach and would potentially place undue harm on agricultural producers.
USCA remains concerned regarding any changes made to "significant nexus" and "connectivity".
USCA is opposed to any changes in the reach of those waters under "jurisdiction" by the EPA.
USCA opposes the release of information from EPA to environmental groups as requested through a FOIA. The information released contains sensitive information regarding the addresses and contact information of many small farms and ranches. USCA supports efforts that will restrict such releases from occurring in the future.
USCA supports the ongoing communication efforts between the EPA and agriculture groups in providing transparency to issues regarding agriculture and the environment.
USCA supports efforts to address increasing fuel storage quantities allowed on agricultural operations.
USCA supports increasing the capacity at which oversight and monitoting from federal agencies must occur regarding this storage. The need for access to fuel by farmers and ranchers in order to run tractors, trucks, etc. garners an increase in that amount which is allowed to be stored on their operations; the proximity to fueling stations makes this increase in size allowed even more pertinent.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, 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 |
Jess |
Peterson |
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Kelly |
Fogarty |
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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 NAT
16. Specific lobbying issues
USCA opposes legislative efforts that designate any area as a "monument" without appropriate public notice, ability to submit comments and any associated environmental and/or social impact study conducted before such a declaration can be made.
USCA supports the humane treatment of horses and implementing a plan regarding the wild horse and burro population that involves the processing of horses in the U.S.
USCA Opposes S. 541/HR 1094 Safeguard American Food Exports Act- A bill to prevent health threats posed by the consumption of equines raised in the U.S., as introduced by Sen. Landrieu (D-LA) and Sen. Graham (R-SC); Rep. Meehan (R-PA) and Rep. Schakowsky (D-IL)
USCA opposes any language within both House and Senate FY 2015 Appropriation legislation that restricts any funding to be allocated to federal inspectors at domestic horse processing facilities.
USCA opposes the limiting and decreasing of livestock numbers on public land as to allow for increased herd sizes of wild horses and burros.
USCA supports the best management practices of the nation's natural resources that allows for the continued allocation of livestock on public lands and that in no way decreases those numbers to allow for greater herd sizes of wild horses and burros.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Agriculture - Dept of (USDA), Interior - Dept of (DOI)
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 |
Jess |
Peterson |
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Kelly |
Fogarty |
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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
USCA worked with Congress, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, and the USDA to provide information that supports country of origin labeling at the World Trade Organization level. USCA supports the final rule issued by USDA regarding COOL.
USCA supports those trade agreements which adequately address and ensure that appropriate safeguards concerning agricultural products are maintained; USCA is monitoring the Trans-Pacific Partnership Free Trade Agreement and ongoing U.S.-EU FTA discussions to ensure such safeguards are in place and fair market access is assured.
USCA supports the final rule as issued by USDA regarding modifications to COOL which bring the program into compliance with the WTO ruling. USCA supports the implementation of this final rule as it was issued on November 23, 2013.
USCA supports the USTR and Administration as they continue to defend COOL at the WTO level.
USCA opposes the notice issued by the USDA-APHIS regarding the classification of those regions within Argentina known as Patagonia South and Patagonia North as FMD-free.
USCA opposes the proposed rule issued by the USDA-APHIS regarding the initiation of trade in fresh (chilled or frozen) maturated deboned beef from 14 states within Brazil.
USCA opposes the opening of trade regarding meat products with those regions known to have FMD.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Agriculture - Dept of (USDA), 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 |
Jess |
Peterson |
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Kelly |
Fogarty |
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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
USCA supports the estate tax rate reached through the 2013 Fiscal Cliff negotiations; $5 million exemption per individual, 40% rate assessed thereafter. USCA opposes any reduction of the exemption of increase in the rate assessed.
USCA supports reform to current tax code that addresses a reduced Capital Gains rate for sellers of land to beginning Farmers and Ranchers
USCA Supports S. 1280/H.R. 2671 Charitable Agricultural Research Act as it allows for tax deductions for a charitable contribution to an agricultural research organization.
USCA supports reinstating those tax provisions related to Section 179 and the passage of a comprehensive tax-extenders bill.
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 |
Jess |
Peterson |
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Kelly |
Fogarty |
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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
USCA supports the continued funding, at sufficient levels, for the USDA-APHIS Wildlife Services.
USCA opposes any riders or language within the FY 2015 Appropriation legislation which strips any funding allocated to addressing clarification within the GIPSA rule or that repeals or weakens the current COOL program.
USCA opposes the inclusion of language within the House Committee on Appropriations-passed FY 2015 Agriculture Appropriations bill which addresses further restrictions regarding the USDA's ability to address necessary reforms to provisions increasing transparency and fairness in the livestock market.
USCA opposes language included within Section 730 which would further restrict the USDA-GIPSA from clarifying aspects within the Packers & Stockyards Act.
USCA opposes the report language issued alongside the House Committee on Appropriations-passed FY 2015 Agriculture Appropriations bill which addresses Country-of-Origin-Labeling (COOL). USCA opposes the report language which would immediately direct the USDA to repeal the current COOL program depending on the upcoming WTO ruling.
USCA opposes any Congressional action on the issue of COOL within the FY 2015 Appropriations process.
USCA opposes the continued inclusion of language which restricts funding to inspectors allocated to horse processing facilities.
USCA supports the directive of allowing for horse processing to occur on tribal land.
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 |
Jess |
Peterson |
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Kelly |
Fogarty |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code COM
16. Specific lobbying issues
USCA supports increased access to broadband and high speed internet services throughout Rural America.
USCA opposes any loss of Low Powered Television within rural America as a result of the spectrum auction within the FCC.
USCA supports the Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act (STELA) Reauthorization Act of 2014; H.R. 4572/S. 2454 as it provides rural regions with continued access to local news, weather and emergency alerts
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Agriculture - Dept of (USDA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Jess |
Peterson |
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Kelly |
Fogarty |
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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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