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LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
| Address1 | 120-34 Queens Blvd., #320 |
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| City | Kew Gardens |
State | NY |
Zip Code | 11415 |
Country | USA |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
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5. Senate ID# 12994-12
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6. House ID# 334210000
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| TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2022 |
Q1 (1/1 - 3/31) | Q2 (4/1 - 6/30) | Q3 (7/1 - 9/30) | Q4 (10/1 - 12/31) |
9. Check if this filing amends a previously filed version of this report
| 10. Check if this is a Termination Report | Termination Date |
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11. No Lobbying Issue Activity |
| INCOME OR EXPENSES - YOU MUST complete either Line 12 or Line 13 | |||||||||
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| 12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
| INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
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| Provide a good faith estimate, rounded to the nearest $10,000, of all lobbying related income for the client (including all payments to the registrant by any other entity for lobbying activities on behalf of the client). | 14. REPORTING Check box to indicate expense accounting method. See instructions for description of options. | ||||||||
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Method A.
Reporting amounts using LDA definitions only
Method B. Reporting amounts under section 6033(b)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code Method C. Reporting amounts under section 162(e) of the Internal Revenue Code |
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| Signature | Digitally Signed By: Alexandra Bennewith |
Date | 7/20/2022 5:18:10 PM |
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code HCR
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal Association supports HR 3932 / S 2076 The Pioneering Antimicrobial Subscriptions to End Up surging Resistance (PASTEUR) Act.
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff met with staff for Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) to discuss support for increasing funding for the Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems program at NIDILIRR.
To advocate for the disability community being included as a population In equitable diversity efforts and as a member of the Disability Rehabilitation Research Coalition (DRRC), United Spinal endorsed DRRCs Comments to NIH on the NIH-Wide Strategic Plan Framework for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility.
As a member of the Disability Rehabilitation Research Coalition (DRRC), United Spinal supported DRRCs Comments on submitted comments to National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (NIDILRR) on their proposed rule updating the peer review criteria to increase consideration of how projects employ and reach out to people with disabilities.
As a member of the Disability Rehabilitation Research Coalition (DRRC), United Spinal, along with numerous other disability organizations, signed onto DRRCs Comments to NIH and AHRQ urging consideration of designating people with disabilities as a health disparity population for purposes of federal research conducted at the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) and across the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Ask the House and Senate for Increased Funding for Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems at NIDILRR.
United Spinal supports the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act - H.R 3173/S. 3018.
United Spinal provided comments to CMS on the proposed IRF payment rule - our comments focus on CMS Request for Information (RFI) regarding potential application of the home health transfer policy to IRFs, as well as broader concerns with access to appropriate rehabilitation for complex conditions in the Medicare IRF benefit.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality (AHRQ), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Kent |
Keyser |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Elizabeth |
Osborn |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TRA
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff participated shared concerns around access in a quarterly call with Amtrak along with other representatives from disability organizations.
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff attended a site visit of a soft mockup of Amtraks forthcoming intercity trainset cars.
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff attended a site visit of the new Amtrak Acela trainset.
United Spinal supports the Disability Access to Transportation Act (H.R. 1697/S. 2038) (supports including in FY23 transportation appropriations the intermediate one stop pilot program contained in H.R. 1697 and the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act (H.R. 1696/S. 642).
United Spinal continued partnering with May Mobility and other partners on a project for further consideration with the U.S. Department of Transportations Inclusive Design Challenge to create more accessibility for people with disabilities as well as everyone else, particularly in utilizing new technologies with automated vehicles and related infrastructure.
United Spinal staff continue to partner with May Mobility on the US Department of Transportations Inclusive Design Challenge on automated vehicle accessible components and technologies.
United Spinal policy staff participated in a virtual US Department of Transportation Information Session on DOT Priorities.
United Spinal, along with numerous other disability organizations, and as members of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities Transportation Task Force adopted AV principles and recommendations in the areas of: autonomous vehicle accessibility; costs; data; infrastructure; legislation; licensing and insurance; research and funding; resiliency, regulation, equivalent and integrated service; safety; and workforce for regulatory and legislative considerations.
United Spinal, along with numerous other disability organizations, as members of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Transportation Task Force submitted comments to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on their New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), Docket No. NHTSA-2021- 0002. The comments read in part, We are grateful for the U.S. Department of Transportations (DOTs) attention to the safety of people traveling outside of vehicles in the NCAP and its inclusion of pedestrian automatic emergency braking (PAEB) and other Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
AMTRAK - Natl Railroad Passenger Corporation, U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Transportation - Dept of (DOT)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Stephen |
Lieberman |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Kent |
Keyser |
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Elizabeth |
Osborn |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code CIV
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff met with Senate HELP Committee staff to discuss ADA anniversary commemorations, including putting together a briefing for Congressional staff on housing issues.
United Spinal, along with numerous other disability organizations, and as members of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities(CCD), supported a letter Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL and Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee) sent to the Department of Justice calling on the agency to take regulatory and subregulatory action to ensure that state and local governments and public accommodations covered under Titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act are accessible to and usable by people with disabilities.
United Spinal submitted comments to the U.S. Access Board on accessible medical diagnostic equipment and wheelchair height.
United Spinal endorsed an ITEM Coalition letter to DOT highlighting the concerns of the lack of training in the airline industry as it relates to the handling of wheelchairs. Incorrect information was shared by the airline industry at a DOT Public meeting in March regarding Air Travel and Persons with Disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. Access Board - Architectural & Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, 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 |
Stephen |
Lieberman |
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Kent |
Keyser |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code DOC
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff discussed accessibility concerns in a quarterly meeting of the Disability Community Advisory Group with the District of Columbia Homeland Security Emergency Management Agency.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
Vice P |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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Elizabeth |
Osborn |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code VET
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal/VetsFirst supports the AUTO for Veterans Act - S. 444/H.R. 1361, the Care Access Resources for Veterans Act/CARS for Vets Act/H.R. 3304 and the S. 910 SAFE Banking Act.
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
Vice P |
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Elizabeth |
Osborn |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code AVI
16. Specific lobbying issues
To advocate for equitable and inclusive accessibility in air travel for people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users, United Spinal public policy staff met with congressional staff in support of the Air Carrier Access Amendments Act H.R. 1696/S. 642.
To advocate for equitable and inclusive accessibility in air travel for people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users, United Spinal submitted additional comments to the US Department of Transportations Docket No. DOT-OST-2022-0014, Air Travel by Persons Who Use Wheelchairs.
To increase accessibility in air travel, United Spinal submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regarding the proposed rule, Accessible Lavatories on Single-Aisle Aircraft: Part 2, RIN 2105-AE89, DOT-OST-2021-0137.
United Spinal, as a member of the Consortium for Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Transportation Task Force, supported comments submitted to the Department of Transportation (DOT) in response to the proposed rule, Accessible Lavatories on Single-Aisle Aircraft: Part 2, RIN 2105-AE89.
United Spinal, along with numerous other disability and veterans organizations, coordinated by Paralyzed Veterans of America submitted programming recommendations for inclusion in the Fiscal Year 2023 Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization to the Senate Commerce Committee.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Transportation - Dept of (DOT), U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Kent |
Keyser |
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Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Elizabeth |
Osborn |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code INS
16. Specific lobbying issues
To increase accessibility for people with disabilities to Social Security Administration services, and as a member of the Consortium of Constituents with Disabilities (CCD) Social Security Task Force, United Spinal, along with numerous other disability organizations, submitted a letter to bipartisan congressional leadership urging immediate action be taken to assure that the Social Security Administration has the resources it needs to respond to the increased demand associated with reopening Field Offices to the public after two years without any in-person services.
To serve the needs of people with disabilities, United Spinal advocated for increased appropriations for the Social Security Administrations administrative budget with congressional staff.
United Spinal policy staff, along with numerous other disability organizations, advocated for adequate FY23 Appropriations for the Social Security Administrations administrative budget to serve the needs of claimants and beneficiaries, especially those with disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Social Security Administration (SSA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Kent |
Keyser |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
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
United Spinal supports H.R.2373/S.3238 - Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act.
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
Vice P |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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Elizabeth |
Osborn |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code FIN
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff met with staff for Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) to urge that the Senator cosponsor the ABLE Age Adjustment Act (S. 331).
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 |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code MMM
16. Specific lobbying issues
Ask Senators/Representatives to work with United Spinal to draft legislation to direct Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to lift the in the home restriction in order to allow access to mobility devices that meet wheelchair users needs both in the home AND/OR in the community and to ensure that CMS holds to its commitment of opening the National Coverage Determination for wheelchair seat elevation and standing device coverage no later than August.
United Spinal submitted a letter to CMS on behalf of United Spinal's Access and Care Coalition for the need to reform catheter coding.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Alexandra |
Bennewith |
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Stephen |
Lieberman |
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Elizabeth |
Osborn |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code NAT
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal advocacy and policy staff met with staff for Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) to discuss initiatives to promote accessibility for people with disabilities in the National Park System.
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 |
Stephen |
Lieberman |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code IMM
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal signed a comment letter to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services providing comments on a proposed rule related to the public charge rulemaking and its impact on people with disabilities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Homeland Security - Dept of (DHS)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Stephen |
Lieberman |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code SCI
16. Specific lobbying issues
United Spinal, along with numerous other disability organizations, signed on to two Consortium for Citizens with Disabilities Technology and Telecommunications Task Force letters respectively to the US House of Representatives and US Senate bipartisan leadership requesting support for the inclusion of $60 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 House and Senate Labor, Health and Human Services and Education Appropriations. Funding provided through the AT Act supports programs that ensure people with disabilities have access to and are able to acquire the assistive technology, devices, and services they need to live, work, and attend school in their communities.
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Kent |
Keyser |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
Information Update Page - Complete ONLY where registration information has changed.
20. Client new address
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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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ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
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AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
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Principal Place of Business (city and state or country) |
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26. Name of each previously reported organization that is no longer affiliated with the registrant or client
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
FOREIGN ENTITIES
27. Add the following foreign entities:
| 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 |
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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) |