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Department of Defense Textile and Apparel Procurement Fairness Act
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vs 6,662 other HR bills in the 112th — cohort avg 39d
No CRS summary is available for this bill yet. The source title, actions, sponsors, and text versions below come from Congress.gov.
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Filing registrants (3)
2012 · fourth_quarter · Small Business
H.R. 8 Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act of 2012 Bill would extend for an additional year, through 2013, the Bush-era tax reductions originally enacted in 2001 and 2003, and set to expire at the end of this year. NSBA supported. H.R. 9 The Small Business Tax Cut Act Bill will allow businesses with fewer than 500 employees to take a tax deduction equal to 20 percentfor one yearof their active business income. This deduction also would apply to pass-through entities, which compose the majority of small businesses. NSBA supported. H.R. 25 Fair Tax Act of 2011 Legislation to abolish the Internal Revenue Service and enact a national retail sales tax. NSBA supported. H.R. 436 Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2012 Bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the medical device excise tax that is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2013. NSBA supported. H.R. 679 - Berry Amendment Extension Act This bill would require that any items purchased by the Sec. of the Department of Homeland Security directly related to national security interests are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the US, except with regard to issues of necessary quality and quantity. NSBA supported H.R. 880 - Equity for Our Nations Self-Employed Act of 2011 The bill would allow self-employed individuals to fully-deduct the cost of their health insurance, thus eliminating the self-employed tax on health care. NSBA supported. H.R. 1259 Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2011 Bill to repeal the estate tax. The effective date is the date of enactment, and the bill retains step-up basis. NSBA supported. H.R. 1418 - Small Business Lending Enhancement Act of 2011 Bill would increase the cap for credit union lending from 12.25 percent to 27.5 percent of total assets of the credit union. NSBA supported. H.R. 1663 Small Business Encouragement Act Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow small business employers whose gross receipts in the preceding taxable year did not exceed $20 million, or who did not employ more than 100 full time employees, a work opportunity tax credit for hiring unemployed individuals as full-time employees during 2012 and 2013. NSBA opposed. H.R. 1697 Communities First Act Bill would provide community bank regulatory relief. NSBA supported. H.R. 1827 Home Office Deduction Simplification Act Bill would allow home-based businesses to take a standard $1,500 deduction for home office expenses. NSBA supported. H.R. 2312 - Department of Defense Textile and Apparel Procurement Fairness Act Among other things, prohibits DoD from purchasing more than 5 percent of any one textile or apparel product from the Federal Prison Industries (FPI). NSBA supported. H.R. 2501, H.R. 1113 Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 Would make unemployed a protected class for discrimination law purposes. NSBA opposed. H.R. 2885 Legal Workforce Act This bill would make the use of E-Verify Mandatory for all employers. NSBA opposed. H. R. 2941 Startup Expansion and Investment Act Bill would address SarbanesOxley internal control reporting for small entities. NSBA supported. H.R. 3012 - Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act Would eliminate the per-country numerical cap on the number of employment-based immigrant visas and increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrant visas from 7 percent to 15 percent annually. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 3476 AGREE Act Bill would address SarbanesOxley internal control reporting for small entities. NSBA supported. H.R. 3634 - Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act Require the Federal Prison Industries (FPI) to compete for government contracts, requires FPI to provide a detailed analysis of the probable impact on the private sector, prohibit FPI from selling products commercially, and require agencies to research private sector products based on price, quality, and time of delivery, among other things. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 3786 - Plain Regulations Act of 2012 This bill would reform the regulatory process to require the use of clear and concise language in all new government regulations. NSBA supported. H.R. 3850 - Government Efficiency Through Small Business Contracting Act of 2012 Raise the government-wide small business contracting goal from 23% to 25%, the small business subcontracting goal from 35.9% to 40%, and also prevent senior officials from receiving bonuses in subsequent years where their respective agencies failed to meet the established small business contracting goals. NSBA supported. H.R. 3851 - Small Business Advocate (SBAA) This bill would enhance the role of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) by elevating the OSDBU Director to a Senior Executive Service position and would prohibit them from holding another position at the same time. NSBA supported. H.R. 3893 - Subcontracting Transparency and Reliability (STAR) Act of 2012 Ensure that small businesses are the ones actually benefiting from the contracts set aside on their behalf. It would also allow more small businesses to partner and compete for federal contracts. NSBA supported. H.R. 3980 - Small Business Opportunity Act of 2012 Enhance the role of small-business advocates in the federal acquisition and procurement processes, create small-business contracting classes, and ensure that small business concerns are properly utilized in all applicable federal procurement and acquisition planning processes. NSBA supported. H.R. 3985 - Building Better Business Partnerships Act of 2012 This bill would allow the SBA to oversee all civilian mentor protege programs, improve small-businesses ability to win and perform on government contracts. NSBA supported. H.R. 3987 - Small Business Protection Act of 2012 Would ensure that the size standards assigned to each industry group are appropriate for each NAICS code and do not make it more difficult for small-business to compete for federal contracting opportunities. NSBA supported. H.R. 4032 - Help Entrepreneurs Create American Jobs Act Amends Section 195 of the Internal Revenue Code to increase the allowable deduction for business start-up expenses from $5,000 to $10,000, extending the 2010 temporary increase in the maximum deduction for start-up expenditures for ten years. NSBA supported. H.R. 4081 - Contractor Opportunity Protection (COP) Act of 2012 Protects small business contractors from unfair contract bundling by allowing the SBA (or a third party group) to appeal an agencys decision to bundle contracts, clarifies statutory limits on contract bundling, and requires publication of bundling justification to increase transparency. NSBA supported. H.R. 4118 - Small Business Procurement Improvement Act of 2012 Requires federal agencies to include small business concerns in multiple award contracts, carry out a program to increase small business participation in multiple award contracts, and provide the SBA with representation on the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council. NSBA supported. H.R. 4121 - Early Stage Small Business Contracting Act of 2012 Requires SBA administrator to create and carry out a program to provide improved access to federal contract opportunities for early-stage small business concerns. NSBA supported. H.R. 4191 - Credit Union Small Business Lending Act Establishes a separate process by which credit unions participating in the 7(a) loan program may receive approvals and repurchases regarding loan guarantees under that program, creates a credit union outreach program, and authorizes the SBA Administrator to simplify the application process for credit union participation. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 4196 Bonus Depreciation Bill extends 100 percent bonus depreciation through the rest of this year. Bonus depreciation allows businesses of all sizes to immediately expense the cost of property purchased and placed into service. NSBA supported. H.R. 4203 - Womens Procurement Program Improvement Act of 2012 This bill would expand contracting opportunities for women-owned small business concerns. NSBA supported. H.R. 4206 - Contracting Oversight for Small Business Jobs Act of 2012 Addresses contracting fraud by helping small businesses comply with complicated contracting and size rules, and providing a safe harbor for small businesses making a good faith effort to comply with those rules. NSBA supported. H.R. 4310 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Reauthorizes our national defense programs and includes contracting reform provisions that will help small businesses. NSBA is monitoring this legislation, but supports the specific contracting reform provisions. H.R. 4377 RAPID Act Would improve the environmental review and permitting process by providing concurrent reviews, allow state-level environmental reviews to be used in certain situations, consolidate the process into a single Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and impose fixed deadlines for completion of an EIS or an Environmental Assessment (EA). NSBA supported. H.R. 4409 Reforming and Consolidating Government Act of 2012 This bill would define President Obamas proposed efficiency-enhancing plan as a reorganization plan and also expands the Presidents executive authority to reorganize federal agencies. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 4471 Gasoline Regulations Act of 2012 Bill would establish an interagency committee to analyze and report on the cumulative impact of certain EPA regulations and actions that affect gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas prices, jobs, and the economy. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 4480 Strategic Energy Production Act of 2012 Bill would require the development of a plan to increase oil and gas exploration, development and production under oil and gas leases on Federal lands to offset any drawdown of petroleum reserves from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 5187 IMPACT Act Bill would extend Production Tax Credits for renewable energy, extend the 1603 Grant Program, extend energy efficiency tax credits, provide incentives for heavy duty natural gas vehicles, and would eliminate certain tax breaks for major integrated oil companies. NSBA supported. The Domestic Energy and Jobs Act (Includes H.R. 4480, H.R. 4471, H.R. 4381, H.R. 4382, H.R. 4383, H.R. 2150, and H.R. 2752) This is a package of energy bills that will increase energy production on federal lands, require an interagency committee to conduct an analysis of certain EPA rules and actions that impact fuel prices, require the Secretary of the Interior to establish an all-of-the-above energy plan for federal lands, increase the amount of federal lands available for leasing and encourage onshore oil development and exploration, ensure development of oil and natural gas reserves in the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska, and authorize the BLM to conduct Internet-based auctions for onshore leases. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 5893 Startup Act 2.0 This bill will provide capital gains and income tax incentives to incentivize entrepreneurs and facilitate the growth of new start-ups, creates a new STEM visa for up to foreign students and establishes a new category of visas for immigrant entrepreneurs. NSBA supported. H.R. 6102 America's Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2012 The bill's aim is to help small business owners by instituting eight permanent tax deductions that not only provide fiscal clarity for the business-owners, but also, provide them with equity in the tax code. NSBA supported. H.R. 6132 American Clothing for American Olympians Act This bill requires the U.S. Olympic Committee to ensure that all goods to be donated or supplied to any amateur athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator, or official of the U.S. Olympic team, the Paralympic team, or the Pan-American team are substantially made in the United States. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 6156 Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal Act of 2012 The measure would provide permanent normal trade relations by lifting a Cold War trade provision known as the Jackson-Vanik amendment. NSBA supported. H.R. 6245 - Saving High-Tech Innovators from Egregious Legal Disputes Act This bill would require non-practicing entities (i.e. patent trolls) to pay a defendants computer hardware and software patent litigation costs if the court determines that the non-practicing entity did not have a reasonable likelihood of succeeding. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 6397 - Defending American Taxpayers From Abusive Government Takings Act This bill would prohibit Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and HUD from purchasing, guaranteeing, making, issuing, or insuring any mortgage (small business loan) secured by a structure or dwelling unit located within a county that contains any structure or dwelling unit that secures or secured a residential mortgage loan that the state or any territory, including any agency or political subdivision, obtained during the preceding 120 months by eminent domain. NSBA is monitoring this legislation. H.R. 6412 Attracting the Best and Brightest Act of 2012 Bill would provide up to 55,000 green cards to foreign-born students graduating from an American university with an advanced degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics). NSBA supported. H.R. 6429 STEM Jobs Act of 2012 Bill would provide up to 55,000 green cards to foreign-born students graduating from an American university with an advanced degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics). NSBA supported. H.R. 6621 AIA Technical Corrections Bill Bill would make technical corrections to the America Invents Act (AIA). NSBA is monitoring. S. 13 Fair Tax Act of 2011 Legislation to abolish the Internal Revenue Service and enact a national retail sales tax on the use or consumption in the United States of taxable property or services. NSBA supported. S. 474 Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act Bill would reform the regulatory process and ensure that job creation by small businesses is considered during the Federal legislative and rulemaking process. NSBA supported. S. 509 The Small Business Lending Enhancement Act Bill would amend the Federal Credit Union Act to advance the ability of credit unions to promote small business growth and economic development opportunities. NSBA supported. S.727 Bipartisan Tax Fairness and Simplification Act of 2011 Comprehensive tax reform legislation with provisions consolidating tax brackets for individuals and businesses while at the same time lowering federal tax obligations, in part through a single, flat 24 percent corporate rate. NSBA is monitoring. S. 1289 Taxpayer Advocacy and Government Accountability Promotion Act Bill targets noncompliant tax filers with provisions to improve tax forms and tax administration and decrease tax avoidance by contractors, as a way to reduce the tax gap. NSBA is monitoring. S. 1471 Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011Would make unemployed a protected class for discrimination law purposes. NSBA opposed. S. 1590 Fairness for Small Businesses in Federal Contracting Act of 2011Requires the SBA and Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to replace the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) with a new small business size classification system. NSBA is monitoring. S. 1600 Communities First Act Bill would provide community bank regulatory relief. NSBA supported. S. 1736 Acquisition Savings Reform Act of 2011 Bill aims to streamline the federal procurement process by requiring online reverse auctions, consider strategic sourcing vehicles in procurement of commercial items, and direct the FAR council to amend the FAR to reflect the government-wide policy to pay small business concerns as quickly as possible. NSBA is monitoring. S. 1866 AGREE Act Bill would address SarbanesOxley internal control reporting for small entities. NSBA supported. S. 1965 Startup Act Provides capital gains and income tax incentives to incentivize entrepreneurs and facilitate the growth of new start-ups, creates a new STEM visa for up to foreign students and establishes a new category of visas for immigrant entrepreneurs. NSBA is monitoring. S. 2114 - Berry Amendment Extension Act Requires that any items purchased by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security directly related to national security interests are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the US, except with regard to issues of necessary quality and quantity. NSBA supported. S. 2129 Reforming and Consolidating Government Act of 2012 This bill would define President Obamas proposed efficiency-enhancing plan as a reorganization plan and also expands the Presidents executive authority to reorganize federal agencies NSBA is monitoring. S. 2172 Fairness in Women-Owned Small Business Contracting Act of 2012 Bill would eliminate the cap on women entrepreneurs and allow women-owned businesses to receive sole source contracts, among other things. NSBA is monitoring. S. 2231 The Small Business Lending Enhancement Act Bill would amend the Federal Credit Union Act to advance the ability of credit unions to promote small business growth and economic development opportunities. NSBA is monitoring. S.2242 - Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2012 Bill to repeal the estate tax. The effective date is the date of enactment, and the bill retains step-up basis. NSBA supported. S. 2264 Domestic Fuels Act By streamlining the regulatory process, developing new criteria, and providing liability protection for retailers, this bill would make it easier for retailers to provide multiple fuels (traditional and renewable) to consumers and businesses using the same equipment. NSBA is monitoring. S. 2337 Plain Writing Act for Regulations for 2012 Bill would reform the regulatory process to require the use of clear and concise language in all new government regulations. NSBA supported. S. 3194 Small Business Common Application Act Bill would require a 12-member executive committee to review the feasibility of a common (or single) application for small businesses to use when applying for federal funding opportunities. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3217 Startup Act 2.0 This bill will provide capital gains and income tax incentives to incentivize entrepreneurs and facilitate the growth of new start-ups, creates a new STEM visa for up to foreign students and establishes a new category of visas for immigrant entrepreneurs. NSBA supports. S. 3275 Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) Parity Act Bill would allow MLPs to invest in renewable energy projects. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3352 Expanding Industrial Energy and Water Efficiency Incentives Act of 2012 This bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code to: increase megawatt and horsepower capacity limitations for the combined heat and power system property energy tax credit; allow new tax credits to improve advanced motor system energy efficiency, to replace chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerant chillers, and for investment in any qualifying efficient industrial process water use project; and allow an energy tax credit for investment in biomass heating property. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3387 Team USA Made in America Act of 2012 This bill requires the U.S. Olympic Committee to adopt a policy with respect to uniforms to be worn by athletes during ceremonies that are part of the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, or the Pan-American Games that requires it to: purchase or otherwise obtain only uniforms, including accessories that meet the standards of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for labeling as "Made in USA"; or make publicly available a detailed justification of the reasons the Committee obtained uniforms that do not meet that requirement. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3414 Cybersecurity Act of 2012 The bill provides for a flexible and voluntary, incentives-based system (or set of standards) to encourage owners and operators of the countrys most critical infrastructure systems to meet much-needed cyber-security requirements. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3438 Offshore Petroleum Expansion Now (OPEN) Act of 2012 This bill would seek to expand offshore energy production via an alternative to the Department of Interiors five-year leasing plan and permit revenue sharing with the participating coastal states. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3444 Wear American Act This bill would direct the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to require federal agencies to procure textiles and apparel articles that are manufactured in the United States wholly from articles, materials, or supplies mined, produced or manufactured in the United States. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3468 Independent Agency Regulatory Analysis Act of 2012 This bill would, among other things, authorize the President to require an independent regulatory agency to comply with basically the same regulatory analysis requirements as an executive agency (including cost-benefit analysis). NSBA supported. S. 3553 Benefits to Research and American Innovation through Nationality Statutes Act of 2012 (BRAINS Act) Bill would provide up to 55,000 green cards to foreign-born students graduating from an American university with an advanced degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics). NSBA supported. EEOC - NSBA opposes efforts to treat educational attainment requirements as discrimination. NSBA opposes efforts to limit employer criminal background checks. U.S. Commission on Civil Rights - NSBA opposes efforts to limit employer criminal background checks. SEC - NSBA supports reasonable regulations implementing the JOBS Act (in particular relating to general solicitation, crowdfunding and emerging growth companies). DOL, HHS, IRS - NSBA opposes efforts to restrict employer provided health care benefit self-insurance with stop loss. HHS Federally Facilitated Exchanges. NSBA supports health insurance exchanges and is seeking rapid implementation and adequate guidance. NSBA supports allowing any QHP that meets all certification standards to sell insurance on the exchanges. HHS SHOPS. NSBA supports immediate implementation of SHOPs in the health insurance exchanges. USCIS Deferred Action policy. NSBA seeks clear rules that do not pose additional legal risk for or burden employers. IRS Health care FSAs. NSBA supports elimination of the so-called use-it or lose-it rule. NSBA also supports revision of the uniform coverage rule if the use-it or lose-it rule is changed. USPTO NSBA filed comments with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office regarding proposed rule implementing changes of the first to file provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. DOL NSBA opposes proposed rule under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act that would require employers to report on consultants assisting with speech-writing, public relations advice, labor campaigns, web sites, emails or other materials for employer communication to employees or the public, no matter how minor or indirect the relation to any labor dispute. In addition, modification of personnel policies and practices fall under the persuader activities list. Therefore, arrangements with and the content of the work by attorneys, insurance agents, HR consultants, pension consultants, accountants or financial advisers who review benefits packages or other personnel practices would be reportable.
Bills with similar content found using semantic analysis.
Sources: Congress.gov
Client expense: $55,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), Federal Reserve System, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Patent & Trademark Office (PTO), SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Small Business Administration (SBA), Treasury, Dept of, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), White House Office
2012 · fourth_quarter · Law Enforcement/Crime/Criminal Justice
Federal Prison Industries related issues generally and the provisions for such in the following pieces of specific legislation: All FY 2013 Appropriations Bills; HR 2312, Department of Defense Textile and Apparel Procurement Fairness Act; HR 3634, Federal Prison Industry Competition in Contracting Act; HR 4310, the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act; S 2169/HR 4730, Federal Prisons Accountability Act of 2012;
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $60,000
Government targets: Bureau of Prisons (BOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
2012 · fourth_quarter · Apparel/Clothing Industry/Textiles
See attached sheet Berry Amendment/Federal Prison Industries/Military Apparel Procurement Comments and discussions on Berry Amendment, Federal Prison Industries, and Ability One programs. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R.1.) Discussions with Members of Congress, DoD, USTR, TSA, and DHS about implementation of Berry and procurement issues, including reverse auctions and Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) procurement procedures. Berry Amendment Extension Act (HR 679) Department of Defense Textile and Apparel Procurement Fairness Act (HR 2312) American Shoes for American Servicemembers Act (HR 2955) Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2011 (H.R. 3634) Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act of 2011 (HR 2008) Miscellaneous Trade (MTBs in other section) Discussions with Congress and Administration officials, including USTR and Commerce on pending FTAs with Korea, Panama, and Colombia, and on pending Anti-Counterfeit Trade Agreement. Discussions with Congress on AGOA and CAFTA-DR fixes. Discussion with ITC, Customs, USTR, and Commerce on implementation of various trade agreements and trade initiatives, such as performance outerwear, footwear, travel goods, Morocco, Andean, Peru, Colombia, Oman, Panama, Haiti, AGOA, CAFTA-DR, Honduras, Thailand, Singapore, NAFTA, Jordan, Bahrain, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Doha Round, FTZs, and Korea. Discussion with White House, USTR, and Commerce on trade barriers in Mexico, Argentina, Indonesia, Ecuador, and Brazil. Discussions with USTR, Commerce, Department of Labor, ITC, State, USDA, and various Congressional office on Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Free Trade Agreement Discussion with Customs on First Sale, 10 plus 2, 9801, CAFTA-DR documentation, FTZs, textile outsoles, and related initiatives. Discussion with USDA and CBP on Lacey Act. Discussions with USTR, Commerce, and USDA on foreign trade practices, including labeling, cotton, market access, and intellectual property rights (IPR). Discussion with Commerce, USTR, and Congressional staff on China, Vietnam, and trade remedy laws, including proposals for prospective trade remedy systems. Issues related to footwear and clothing freight rates vis-a-vis NMFTA CCSB Discussions relating to China trade practices and currency issues with Commerce, USTR, ITC, US/China Economic and Security Review Commission. Issues relating to ocean shipping capacity and prices. Implementation of conflict minerals reporting requirements with the SEC Affordable Footwear Act of 2011 (S. 1069/HR 2697) SAVE Act (H.R. 2387/S. 1244) United States Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation Act (S. 704/HR. 2071) Genuine American Flag Act (HR 474) ON TIME Act (HR 526) To extend the Andean Trade Preference Act, and for other purposes. (HR 622) Andean Trade Preference Extension Act of 2011 (S. 380) Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (HR 639) Free and Fair Trade Act of 2011 (HR 913/S 433) Trade Extenders Act of 2011 (S. 308) Creating American Jobs through Exports Act of 2011 (S. 98) Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (S. 328) Trade Enforcement Priorities Act (S. 708) (See next page) Trade continued A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should immediately approve the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, and the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. (S. Res 20) Freight FOCUS Act of 2011 (HR 1122) Focusing Resources, Economic Investment, and Guidance To Help Transportation Act of 2011 (HR 1338/S. 371) Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012 (H.R. 4348). Discussion with Congress on establishment of Freight policy and high-level freight coordination office. Discussions on MTB reform possibilities with Congress. Legislation to fix the wool trust fund. A bill to extend the temporary duty suspensions on certain cotton shirting fabrics, and for other purposes. Discussions with Congress on making travel goods eligible for benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. Discussions with Congress on renewal of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposed changes to the Hours of Service (HoS) rules. Pilot Program on NAFTA Long-Haul Trucking Provisions Clean Ports Act of 2011 (H.R. 572/S. 2011) Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2011 (HR 2754) To amend the African Growth and Opportunity Act to extend the third country fabric program, and for other purposes (HR 2493) To extend the Generalized System of Preferences, and for other purposes (HR 2832) Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2011 (S. 1619) Burma sanctions renewal legislation (HJ Res 66/S.J.Res 17/HJ Res 79/HR 2608) Comments to USDA on cotton fee increases. United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (HR 3078/S. 1641) United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (HR 3079/S. 1643) United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (HR 3080/S. 1642) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2011 (HR 3312) Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2011 (S. 1683) Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act (S. 2029) Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 1547) Discussions with Export-Import Bank, GAO, and Congressional staff on ways to improve Ex-Im Bank services for the apparel and textile supply chain Cantwell-Graham Amendment (Amendment 1836) to JOBs Act (HR 3606) on ExIm Bank funding. Securing American Jobs Through Exports Act of 2011 (HR 2072) Comments on potential changes for de minimis and informal entry with respect to Customs. Comments to Customs on Scanning Comments to Congress on improving access to credit and financing, including ExIm Bank reauthorization and SBA funding. Comments to FMC on Containerized Cargo Diversion Asia-South Pacific Trade Preferences Act (S. 1443) American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012 (HR 7) Trade agency reorganization Increasing American Jobs Through Greater Exports to Africa Act of 2012 (S. 2215/HR 4221) Discussions with Congress and Administration on disruptions of West and East/Gulf Coast ports due to labor disputes. Discussion with DOT on implementation of freight provisions and development of Freight policy called for in MAP-21 Discussion with Commerce on Honduran trucking rate increases Comments to USTR on WTO Case against Argentina Import Restrictions See additional page Trade continued "Generalized System of Preferences Update for Production Diversification and Trade Enhancement (GSP UPDATE) Act (H.R. 6307) "Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 (HR 6156) "Comments to Administration on EU-US regulatory cooperation and increased trade. Product Safety "Discussions with CPSC and various Congressional offices on implementation of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). "Monitoring issues relating to apparel and footwear safety and product labeling. "H.R. 272 A bill to amend the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act to exempt ordinary books and paper-based printed material from the lead limit in such Act "Kids Just Want to Ride Act (HR 412) "Children's Sports Athletic Equipment Safety Act (S. 601/HR 1127) "Consumer Recall Protection Act of 2011 (S. 330) "Enhancing CPSC Authority and Discretion Act of 2011 (HR 1939) "Amendment prohibits the use of funds to implement a searchable public consumer safety database which is described in the Consumer Product Safety Act of 2008 (HR Amdt 159 to HR 1) "Common Sense in Consumer Product Safety Act of 2011 (S. 69) "Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act of 2011 (HR 2401) "Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S. 847) "Consumer Product Safety Flexibility Act of 2011 (S 1448) "To provide the Consumer Product Safety Commission with greater authority and discretion in enforcing the consumer product safety laws, and for other purposes. (HR 2715) "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 (HR 2434) "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 (S. 1573) "Comments to CPSC on regulatory review "Privacy related legislation, including Do Not Track Me Online Act (HR 654) "Comments to EPA on Significant New Use and Test Rules for specific chemicals "Discussion with CPSC on application of Section 6(b) authorities. Labor "Discussion of WRAP program and with various legislative branch and executive branch officials. "Discussions (including filed comments) with Departments of Labor and State and USTR in conjunction with Child/Forced labor list, Uzbek cotton, Better Work programs, CAFTA-DR labor cases, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Haiti, and other labor issues and reports. "Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act (H.R. 2587) "Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act of 2011 (S. 1100), and related bills, including appropriations bills containing related amendments. "Issues relating to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) pending regulations on the ability of employers to use criminal background checks in employment decisions. "Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act (H.R. 3094). "NLRB issues in Fiscal Year 2013 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agency Appropriations Bill "Discussions with Labor, USTR, and Commerce on CAFTA-DR labor petitions and Haiti HOPE II labor report." "Discussions with Congress on NLRB "Card Check" rule See next page Small Business Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011 (HR 4) (and related bills). Issues relating to changes or implementation of the Lobby Disclosure Act, including Administration policies relating to advisory committees and ethics rules. SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 493) The Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2011 (HR 1439) American Textile Technology Innovation and Research for Exportation (ATTIRE) Act (HR 2275) Discussions with Administration on textile research projects. Issues relating to debt limit. JOBs Act (HR 3606) Small Business Tax Cut Act (HR 9) Regulatory Accountability Act of 2011 (HR 3010) Comments with FTC on textile, wool, and care labeling rules. Main Street Fairness Act of 2011 (S.1452) Marketplace Equity Act of 2011 (HR 3179) Marketplace Fairness Act (S. 1839) Comments to Deficit Reduction Select Committee IPR Issues relating to ICANN/GTLDS Discussions on rogue websites, design piracy, information sharing, and other IPR initiatives with Congressional and Administration officials. Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011 (PROTECT IP Act), S.968 Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act. (HR 2511) Innovative Design Protection Act (S. 3523) Stop Online Piracy Act (H.R. 3261) Discussions with Customs on information sharing. Other Provisions relating to implementation of new rules on interchange fees in Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 (HR 4173/S. 3217). Debit Interchange Fee Study Act of 2011 (S. 575/H.R. 1081) DISCLOSE 2012 Act (S. 2219) Comments to Congress and Administration on various Fiscal Cliff issues, including entitlement reform and tax reform.
Client expense: $179,683 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Defense Logistics Agency, Defense, Dept of (DOD), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), Federal Maritime Commission, Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Government Accountability Office (GAO), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Intl Trade Administration (ITA), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Economic Council (NEC), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Natl Security Council (NSC), Navy, Dept of, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of the Vice President of the United States, Overseas Private Investment Corp (OPIC), Patent & Trademark Office (PTO), President of the U.S., SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Small Business Administration (SBA), State, Dept of (DOS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), Treasury, Dept of, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Copyright Office, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Vice President of the U.S., White House Office
2012 · third_quarter · Small Business
H.J.Res. 117 - Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2013: Resolution prevents a government shutdown and fund federal programs until March 27, 2013. NSBA supported. H.R. 8 - Job Protection and Recession Prevention Act of 2012: Bill would extend for an additional year, through 2013, the Bush-era tax reductions originally enacted in 2001 and 2003, and set to expire at the end of this year. NSBA supported. H.R. 9 The Small Business Tax Cut Act: Bill will allow businesses with fewer than 500 employees to take a tax deduction equal to 20 percentfor one yearof their active business income. This deduction also would apply to pass-through entities, which compose the majority of small businesses. NSBA supported. H.R. 25 Fair Tax Act of 2011: Legislation to abolish the Internal Revenue Service and enact a national retail sales tax. NSBA supported. H.R. 436 Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2012: Bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code to repeal the medical device excise tax that is scheduled to go into effect on January 1, 2013. NSBA supported. H.R. 679 - Berry Amendment Extension Act: This bill would require that any items purchased by the Sec. of the Department of Homeland Security directly related to national security interests are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the US, except with regard to issues of necessary quality and quantity. NSBA supported H.R. 880 - Equity for Our Nations Self-Employed Act of 2011: The bill would allow self-employed individuals to fully-deduct the cost of their health insurance, thus eliminating the self-employed tax on health care. NSBA supported. H.R. 942 American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2011: Bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the research credit through 2012 and to increase and make permanent the alternative simplified research credit. NSBA supported. H.R. 1259 Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2011: Bill to repeal the estate tax. The effective date is the date of enactment, and the bill retains step-up basis. NSBA supported. H.R. 1418 - Small Business Lending Enhancement Act of 2011: Bill would increase the cap for credit union lending from 12.25 percent to 27.5 percent of total assets of the credit union. NSBA supported. H.R. 1663 Small Business Encouragement Act: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow small business employers whose gross receipts in the preceding taxable year did not exceed $20 million, or who did not employ more than 100 full time employees, a work opportunity tax credit for hiring unemployed individuals as full-time employees during 2012 and 2013. NSBA opposed. H.R. 1697 Communities First Act: Bill would provide community bank regulatory relief. NSBA supported. H.R. 1827 Home Office Deduction Simplification Act: Bill would allow home-based businesses to take a standard $1,500 deduction for home office expenses. NSBA supported. H.R. 2312 - Department of Defense Textile and Apparel Procurement Fairness Act: Among other things, prohibits DoD from purchasing more than 5 percent of any one textile or apparel product from the Federal Prison Industries (FPI). NSBA supported. H.R. 2501, H.R. 1113 Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011: Would make unemployed a protected class for discrimination law purposes. NSBA opposed. H.R. 2885 Legal Workforce Act: This bill would make the use of E-Verify Mandatory for all employers. NSBA opposed. H. R. 2941 Startup Expansion and Investment Act: Bill would address SarbanesOxley internal control reporting for small entities. NSBA supported. H.R. 3012 - Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act: Would eliminate the per-country numerical cap on the number of employment-based immigrant visas and increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrant visas from 7 percent to 15 percent annually. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 3476 AGREE Act: Bill would address SarbanesOxley internal control reporting for small entities. NSBA supported. H.R. 3634 - Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act: Require the Federal Prison Industries (FPI) to compete for government contracts, requires FPI to provide a detailed analysis of the probable impact on the private sector, prohibit FPI from selling products commercially, and require agencies to research private sector products based on price, quality, and time of delivery, among other things. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 3786 Plain Regulations Act of 2012: This bill would reform the regulatory process to require the use of clear and concise language in all new government regulations. NSBA supported. H.R. 3850 - Government Efficiency Through Small Business Contracting Act of 2012: Raise the government-wide small business contracting goal from 23% to 25%, the small business subcontracting goal from 35.9% to 40%, and also prevent senior officials from receiving bonuses in subsequent years where their respective agencies failed to meet the established small business contracting goals. NSBA supported. H.R. 3851 - Small Business Advocate (SBAA): This bill would enhance the role of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) by elevating the OSDBU Director to a Senior Executive Service position and would prohibit them from holding another position at the same time. NSBA supported. H.R. 3893 - Subcontracting Transparency and Reliability (STAR) Act of 2012: Ensure that small businesses are the ones actually benefiting from the contracts set aside on their behalf. It would also allow more small businesses to partner and compete for federal contracts. NSBA supported. H.R. 3980 - Small Business Opportunity Act of 2012: Enhance the role of small-business advocates in the federal acquisition and procurement processes, create small-business contracting classes, and ensure that small business concerns are properly utilized in all applicable federal procurement and acquisition planning processes. NSBA supported. H.R. 3985 - Building Better Business Partnerships Act of 2012: This bill would allow the SBA to oversee all civilian mentor protege programs, improve small-businesses ability to win and perform on government contracts. NSBA supported. H.R. 3987 - Small Business Protection Act of 2012: Would ensure that the size standards assigned to each industry group are appropriate for each NAICS code and do not make it more difficult for small-business to compete for federal contracting opportunities. NSBA supported. H.R. 4032 - Help Entrepreneurs Create American Jobs Act: Amends Section 195 of the Internal Revenue Code to increase the allowable deduction for business start-up expenses from $5,000 to $10,000, extending the 2010 temporary increase in the maximum deduction for start-up expenditures for ten years. NSBA supported. H.R. 4081 - Contractor Opportunity Protection (COP) Act of 2012: Protects small business contractors from unfair contract bundling by allowing the SBA (or a third party group) to appeal an agencys decision to bundle contracts, clarifies statutory limits on contract bundling, and requires publication of bundling justification to increase transparency. NSBA supported. H.R. 4118 - Small Business Procurement Improvement Act of 2012: Requires federal agencies to include small business concerns in multiple award contracts, carry out a program to increase small business participation in multiple award contracts, and provide the SBA with representation on the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council. NSBA supported. H.R. 4121 - Early Stage Small Business Contracting Act of 2012: Requires SBA administrator to create and carry out a program to provide improved access to federal contract opportunities for early-stage small business concerns. NSBA supported. H.R. 4191 - Credit Union Small Business Lending Act: Establishes a separate process by which credit unions participating in the 7(a) loan program may receive approvals and repurchases regarding loan guarantees under that program, creates a credit union outreach program, and authorizes the SBA Administrator to simplify the application process for credit union participation. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 4196 Bonus Depreciation: Bill extends 100 percent bonus depreciation through the rest of this year. Bonus depreciation allows businesses of all sizes to immediately expense the cost of property purchased and placed into service. NSBA supported. H.R. 4203 - Womens Procurement Program Improvement Act of 2012: This bill would expand contracting opportunities for women-owned small business concerns. NSBA supported. H.R. 4206 - Contracting Oversight for Small Business Jobs Act of 2012: Addresses contracting fraud by helping small businesses comply with complicated contracting and size rules, and providing a safe harbor for small businesses making a good faith effort to comply with those rules. NSBA supported. H.R. 4310 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): Reauthorizes our national defense programs and includes contracting reform provisions that will help small businesses. NSBA is monitoring this legislation, but supports the specific contracting reform provisions. H.R. 4377 RAPID Act: Would improve the environmental review and permitting process by providing concurrent reviews, allow state-level environmental reviews to be used in certain situations, consolidate the process into a single Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and impose fixed deadlines for completion of an EIS or an Environmental Assessment (EA). NSBA supported. H.R. 4409 Reforming and Consolidating government Act of 2012: This bill would define President Obamas proposed efficiency-enhancing plan as a reorganization plan and also expands the Presidents executive authority to reorganize federal agencies. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 4471 Gasoline Regulations Act of 2012: Bill would establish an interagency committee to analyze and report on the cumulative impact of certain EPA regulations and actions that affect gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas prices, jobs, and the economy. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 4480 Strategic Energy Production Act of 2012: Bill would require the development of a plan to increase oil and gas exploration, development and production under oil and gas leases on Federal lands to offset any drawdown of petroleum reserves from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 5187 IMPACT Act: Bill would extend Production Tax Credits for renewable energy, extend the 1603 Grant Program, extend energy efficiency tax credits, provide incentives for heavy duty natural gas vehicles, and would eliminate certain tax breaks for major integrated oil companies. NSBA supported. H.R. 5893 Startup Act 2.0: This bill will provide capital gains and income tax incentives to incentivize entrepreneurs and facilitate the growth of new start-ups, creates a new STEM visa for up to foreign students and establishes a new category of visas for immigrant entrepreneurs. NSBA supported. H.R. 6102 America's Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2012: The bill's aim is to help small business owners by instituting eight permanent tax deductions that not only provide fiscal clarity for the business-owners, but also, provide them with equity in the tax code. NSBA supported. H.R. 6132 American Clothing for American Olympians Act: This bill requires the U.S. Olympic Committee to ensure that all goods to be donated or supplied to any amateur athlete, coach, trainer, manager, administrator, or official of the U.S. Olympic team, the Paralympic team, or the Pan-American team are substantially made in the United States. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 6169 The Pathway to Job Creation through a Simpler, Fairer Tax Code Act of 2012: The measure establishes an expedited process for tax reform in 2013 that will direct the committees of jurisdiction to consider and act on comprehensive tax reform next year. NSBA supported. H.R. 6245 - Saving High-Tech Innovators from Egregious Legal Disputes Act: This bill would require non-practicing entities (i.e. patent trolls) to pay a defendants computer hardware and software patent litigation costs if the court determines that the non-practicing entity did not have a reasonable likelihood of succeeding. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 6397 - Defending American Taxpayers From Abusive Government Takings Act: This bill would prohibit Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and HUD from purchasing, guaranteeing, making, issuing, or insuring any mortgage (small business loan) secured by a structure or dwelling unit located within a county that contains any structure or dwelling unit that secures or secured a residential mortgage loan that the state or any territory, including any agency or political subdivision, obtained during the preceding 120 months by eminent domain. NSBA is monitoring this legislation. H.R. 6412 Attracting the Best and Brightest Act of 2012: Bill would provide up to 55,000 green cards to foreign-born students graduating from an American university with an advanced degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics). NSBA supported. H.R. 6429 STEM Jobs Act of 2012: Bill would provide up to 55,000 green cards to foreign-born students graduating from an American university with an advanced degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics). NSBA supported. S. 13 Fair Tax Act of 2011: Legislation to abolish the Internal Revenue Service and enact a national retail sales tax on the use or consumption in the United States of taxable property or services. NSBA supported. S. 474 Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act: Bill would reform the regulatory process and ensure that job creation by small businesses is considered during the Federal legislative and rulemaking process. NSBA supported. S. 509 The Small Business Lending Enhancement Act: Bill would amend the Federal Credit Union Act to advance the ability of credit unions to promote small business growth and economic development opportunities. NSBA supported. S.727 Bipartisan Tax Fairness and Simplification Act of 2011: Comprehensive tax reform legislation with provisions consolidating tax brackets for individuals and businesses while at the same time lowering federal tax obligations, in part through a single, flat 24 percent corporate rate. NSBA is monitoring. S. 1289 Taxpayer Advocacy and Government Accountability Promotion Act: Bill targets noncompliant tax filers with provisions to improve tax forms and tax administration and decrease tax avoidance by contractors, as a way to reduce the tax gap. NSBA is monitoring. S. 1471 Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011: Would make unemployed a protected class for discrimination law purposes. NSBA opposed. S. 1590 Fairness for Small Businesses in Federal Contracting Act of 2011: Requires the SBA and Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to replace the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) with a new small business size classification system. NSBA is monitoring. S. 1600 Communities First Act: Bill would provide community bank regulatory relief. NSBA supported. S. 1736 Acquisition Savings Reform Act of 2011: Bill aims to streamline the federal procurement process by requiring online reverse auctions, consider strategic sourcing vehicles in procurement of commercial items, and direct the FAR council to amend the FAR to reflect the government-wide policy to pay small business concerns as quickly as possible. NSBA is monitoring. S. 1866 AGREE Act: Bill would address SarbanesOxley internal control reporting for small entities. NSBA supported. S. 1965 Startup Act: Provides capital gains and income tax incentives to incentivize entrepreneurs and facilitate the growth of new start-ups, creates a new STEM visa for up to foreign students and establishes a new category of visas for immigrant entrepreneurs. NSBA is monitoring. S. 2114 - Berry Amendment Extension Act: Requires that any items purchased by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security directly related to national security interests are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the US, except with regard to issues of necessary quality and quantity. NSBA supported. S. 2129 Reforming and Consolidating Government Act of 2012: This bill would define President Obamas proposed efficiency-enhancing plan as a reorganization plan and also expands the Presidents executive authority to reorganize federal agencies NSBA is monitoring. S. 2172 Fairness in Women-Owned Small Business Contracting Act of 2012: Bill would eliminate the cap on women entrepreneurs and allow women-owned businesses to receive sole source contracts, among other things. NSBA is monitoring. S. 2231 The Small Business Lending Enhancement Act: Bill would amend the Federal Credit Union Act to advance the ability of credit unions to promote small business growth and economic development opportunities. NSBA is monitoring. S. 2237 Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act of 2012: Bill is designed to give small businesses a 10-percent income tax credit on new payroll for hiring new workers or increasing employee wages and will allow businesses to fully deduct the cost of significant investments made this year. The $26 billion in tax cuts would be temporary and apply only to 2012 wages and investments. NSBA is monitoring. S.2242 Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2012: Bill to repeal the estate tax. The effective date is the date of enactment, and the bill retains step-up basis. NSBA supported. S. 2337 Plain Writing Act for Regulations for 2012: Bill would reform the regulatory process to require the use of clear and concise language in all new government regulations. NSBA supported. S. 2264 Domestic Fuels Act: By streamlining the regulatory process, developing new criteria, and providing liability protection for retailers, this bill would make it easier for retailers to provide multiple fuels (traditional and renewable) to consumers and businesses using the same equipment. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3217 Startup Act 2.0: This bill will provide capital gains and income tax incentives to incentivize entrepreneurs and facilitate the growth of new start-ups, creates a new STEM visa for up to foreign students and establishes a new category of visas for immigrant entrepreneurs. NSBA supports. S. 3194 Small Business Common Application Act: Bill would require a 12-member executive committee to review the feasibility of a common (or single) application for small businesses to use when applying for federal funding opportunities. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3275 Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) Parity Act: Bill would allow MLPs to invest in renewable energy projects. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3352 Expanding Industrial Energy and Water Efficiency Incentives Act of 2012: This bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code to: increase megawatt and horsepower capacity limitations for the combined heat and power system property energy tax credit; allow new tax credits to improve advanced motor system energy efficiency, to replace chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) refrigerant chillers, and for investment in any qualifying efficient industrial process water use project; and allow an energy tax credit for investment in biomass heating property. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3387 Team USA Made in America Act of 2012: This bill requires the U.S. Olympic Committee to adopt a policy with respect to uniforms to be worn by athletes during ceremonies that are part of the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, or the Pan-American Games that requires it to: purchase or otherwise obtain only uniforms, including accessories that meet the standards of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for labeling as "Made in USA"; or make publicly available a detailed justification of the reasons the Committee obtained uniforms that do not meet that requirement. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3412 Middle Class Tax Cut Act: Bill would extend for one year current individual tax rates for individuals with income below $200,000, and joint filers with income below $250,000. NSBA opposed. S. 3414 Cybersecurity Act of 2012: The bill provides for a flexible and voluntary, incentives-based system (or set of standards) to encourage owners and operators of the countrys most critical infrastructure systems to meet much-needed cyber-security requirements. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3438 Offshore Petroleum Expansion Now (OPEN) Act of 2012: This bill would seek to expand offshore energy production via an alternative to the Department of Interiors five-year leasing plan and permit revenue sharing with the participating coastal states. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3444 Wear American Act: This bill would direct the Federal Acquisition Regulation Council to amend the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) to require federal agencies to procure textiles and apparel articles that are manufactured in the United States wholly from articles, materials, or supplies mined, produced or manufactured in the United States. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3468 Independent Agency Regulatory Analysis Act of 2012: This bill would, among other things, authorize the President to require an independent regulatory agency to comply with basically the same regulatory analysis requirements as an executive agency (including cost-benefit analysis). NSBA supported. S. 3521 Family and Business Tax Cut Certainty Act of 2012: The bill would extend certain expired and expiring business and individual tax provisions through the end of 2013. The proposed tax extenders package includes a two-year extension of many tax provisions that expired at the end of 2011 including the research credit, CFC look-through, active financing, and leasehold improvement depreciation and a one-year extension of a modified renewable electricity production tax credit and certain other tax provisions that are set to expire at the end of 2012. NSBA supported. S. 3553 Benefits to Research and American Innovation through Nationality Statutes: Act of 2012 (BRAINS Act): Bill would provide up to 55,000 green cards to foreign-born students graduating from an American university with an advanced degree in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics). NSBA supported. EEOC - NSBA opposes efforts to treat educational attainment requirements as discrimination. NSBA opposes efforts to limit employer criminal background checks. SEC NSBA supports reasonable regulations implementing the JOBS Act (in particular relating to general solicitation, crowdfunding and emerging growth companies). DOL, HHS, IRS NSBA opposes efforts to restrict employer provided health care benefit self-insurance with stop loss. HHS Federally Facilitated Exchanges. NSBA supports health insurance exchanges and is seeking rapid implementation and adequate guidance. NSBA supports allowing any QHP that meets all certification standards to sell insurance on the exchanges. USCIS Deferred Action policy. NSBA seeks clear rules that do not pose additional legal risk for or burden employers. IRS Health care FSAs. NSBA supports elimination of the so-called use-it or lose-it rule. NSBA also supports revision of the uniform coverage rule if the use-it or lose-it rule is changed. SBA NSBA filed comments with SBA re: SBA Proposed Rule on SBIR/STTR programs, and NSBA supported letter submitted by SBTC re: SBIR/STTR Policy Directive USPTO NSBA filed comments with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office regarding proposed rule implementing changes of the first to file provisions of the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act. DOL NSBA opposes proposed rule under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act that would require employers to report on consultants assisting with speech-writing, public relations advice, labor campaigns, web sites, emails or other materials for employer communication to employees or the public, no matter how minor or indirect the relation to any labor dispute. In addition, modification of personnel policies and practices fall under the persuader activities list. Therefore, arrangements with and the content of the work by attorneys, insurance agents, HR consultants, pension consultants, accountants or financial advisers who review benefits packages or other personnel practices would be reportable.
Client expense: $55,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), Federal Reserve System, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Patent & Trademark Office (PTO), SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Small Business Administration (SBA), Treasury, Dept of, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), White House Office
2012 · third_quarter · Apparel/Clothing Industry/Textiles
See attached. Berry Amendment/Federal Prison Industries/Military Apparel Procurement Comments and discussions on Berry Amendment, Federal Prison Industries, and Ability One programs. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R.1.) Discussions with Members of Congress, DoD, USTR, TSA, and DHS about implementation of Berry and procurement issues, including reverse auctions and Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) procurement procedures. Berry Amendment Extension Act (HR 679) Department of Defense Textile and Apparel Procurement Fairness Act (HR 2312) American Shoes for American Servicemembers Act (HR 2955) Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2011 (H.R. 3634) Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act of 2011 (HR 2008) Product Safety Discussions with CPSC and various Congressional offices on implementation of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Monitoring issues relating to apparel and footwear safety and product labeling. H.R. 272 A bill to amend the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act to exempt ordinary books and paper-based printed material from the lead limit in such Act Kids Just Want to Ride Act (HR 412) Children's Sports Athletic Equipment Safety Act (S. 601/HR 1127) Consumer Recall Protection Act of 2011 (S. 330) Enhancing CPSC Authority and Discretion Act of 2011 (HR 1939) Amendment prohibits the use of funds to implement a searchable public consumer safety database which is described in the Consumer Product Safety Act of 2008 (HR Amdt 159 to HR 1) Common Sense in Consumer Product Safety Act of 2011 (S. 69) Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act of 2011 (HR 2401) Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S. 847) Consumer Product Safety Flexibility Act of 2011 (S 1448) To provide the Consumer Product Safety Commission with greater authority and discretion in enforcing the consumer product safety laws, and for other purposes. (HR 2715) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 (HR 2434) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 (S. 1573) Comments to CPSC on regulatory review Privacy related legislation, including Do Not Track Me Online Act (HR 654) Comments to EPA on Significant New Use and Test Rules for specific chemicals Labor Discussion of WRAP program and with various legislative branch and executive branch officials. Discussions (including filed comments) with Departments of Labor and State and USTR in conjunction with Child/Forced labor list, Uzbek cotton, Better Work programs, CAFTA-DR labor cases, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Haiti, and other labor issues and reports. Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act (H.R. 2587) Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act of 2011 (S. 1100), and related bills, including appropriations bills containing related amendments. Issues relating to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) pending regulations on the ability of employers to use criminal background checks in employment decisions. Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act (H.R. 3094). NLRB issues in Fiscal Year 2013 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agency Appropriations Bill Discussions with Labor, USTR, and Commerce on CAFTA-DR labor petitions and Haiti HOPE II labor report. Discussions with Congress on NLRB Card Check rule Continued on next page Miscellaneous Trade (MTBs in separate section) Discussions with Congress and Administration officials, including USTR and Commerce on pending FTAs with Korea, Panama, and Colombia, and on pending Anti-Counterfeit Trade Agreement. Discussions with Congress on AGOA and CAFTA-DR fixes. Discussion with ITC, Customs, USTR, and Commerce on implementation of various trade agreements and trade initiatives, such as performance outerwear, footwear, travel goods, Morocco, Andean, Peru, Colombia, Oman, Panama, Haiti, AGOA, CAFTA-DR, Honduras, Thailand, Singapore, NAFTA, Jordan, Bahrain, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Doha Round, FTZs, and Korea. Discussion with White House, USTR, and Commerce on trade barriers in Mexico, Argentina, Indonesia, Ecuador, and Brazil. Discussions with USTR, Commerce, Department of Labor, ITC, State, USDA, and various Congressional office on Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Free Trade Agreement Discussion with Customs on First Sale, 10 plus 2, 9801, CAFTA-DR documentation, FTZs, textile outsoles, and related initiatives. Discussion with USDA and CBP on Lacey Act. Discussions with USTR, Commerce, and USDA on foreign trade practices, including labeling, cotton, market access, and intellectual property rights (IPR). Discussion with Commerce, USTR, and Congressional staff on China, Vietnam, and trade remedy laws, including proposals for prospective trade remedy systems. Issues related to footwear and clothing freight rates vis-a-vis NMFTA CCSB Discussions relating to China trade practices and currency issues with Commerce, USTR, ITC, US/China Economic and Security Review Commission. Issues relating to ocean shipping capacity and prices. Implementation of conflict minerals reporting requirements with the SEC Affordable Footwear Act of 2011 (S. 1069/HR 2697) SAVE Act (H.R. 2387/S. 1244) United States Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation Act (S. 704/HR. 2071) Genuine American Flag Act (HR 474) ON TIME Act (HR 526) To extend the Andean Trade Preference Act, and for other purposes. (HR 622) Andean Trade Preference Extension Act of 2011 (S. 380) Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (HR 639) Free and Fair Trade Act of 2011 (HR 913/S 433) Trade Extenders Act of 2011 (S. 308) Creating American Jobs through Exports Act of 2011 (S. 98) Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (S. 328) Trade Enforcement Priorities Act (S. 708) A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should immediately approve the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, and the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. (S. Res 20) Freight FOCUS Act of 2011 (HR 1122) Focusing Resources, Economic Investment, and Guidance To Help Transportation Act of 2011 (HR 1338/S. 371) Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012 (H.R. 4348). Discussion with Congress on establishment of Freight policy and high-level freight coordination office. Discussions on MTB reform possibilities with Congress. Legislation to fix the wool trust fund. A bill to extend the temporary duty suspensions on certain cotton shirting fabrics, and for other purposes. Discussions with Congress on making travel goods eligible for benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. Discussions with Congress on renewal of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposed changes to the Hours of Service (HoS) rules. Pilot Program on NAFTA Long-Haul Trucking Provisions Continued on next page Trade continued Clean Ports Act of 2011 (H.R. 572/S. 2011) Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2011 (HR 2754) To amend the African Growth and Opportunity Act to extend the third country fabric program, and for other purposes (HR 2493) To extend the Generalized System of Preferences, and for other purposes (HR 2832) Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2011 (S. 1619) Burma sanctions renewal legislation (HJ Res 66/S.J.Res 17/HJ Res 79/HR 2608) Comments to USDA on cotton fee increases. United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (HR 3078/S. 1641) United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (HR 3079/S. 1643) United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (HR 3080/S. 1642) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2011 (HR 3312) Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2011 (S. 1683) Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act (S. 2029) Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 1547) Discussions with Export-Import Bank, GAO, and Congressional staff on ways to improve Ex-Im Bank services for the apparel and textile supply chain Cantwell-Graham Amendment (Amendment 1836) to JOBs Act (HR 3606) on ExIm Bank funding. Securing American Jobs Through Exports Act of 2011 (HR 2072) Comments on potential changes for de minimis and informal entry with respect to Customs. Comments to Customs on Scanning Comments to Congress on improving access to credit and financing, including ExIm Bank reauthorization and SBA funding. Comments to FMC on Containerized Cargo Diversion Asia-South Pacific Trade Preferences Act (S. 1443) American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012 (HR 7) Trade agency reorganization Increasing American Jobs Through Greater Exports to Africa Act of 2012 (S. 2215/HR 4221) Discussion with Congress/DOT on possible disruption of East/Gulf Coast port labor Discussion with DOT on implementation of freight provisions and development of Freight policy called for in MAP-21 Discussion with Commerce on Honduran trucking rate increases Comments to USTR on WTO Case against Argentina Import Restrictions Generalized System of Preferences Update for Production Diversification and Trade Enhancement (GSP UPDATE) Act (H.R. 6307) Small Business Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011 (HR 4) (and related bills). Issues relating to changes or implementation of the Lobby Disclosure Act, including Administration policies relating to advisory committees and ethics rules. SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 493) The Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2011 (HR 1439) American Textile Technology Innovation and Research for Exportation (ATTIRE) Act (HR 2275) Discussions with Administration on textile research projects. Issues relating to debt limit. JOBs Act (HR 3606) Small Business Tax Cut Act (HR 9) Continued on next page Small Business Continued Regulatory Accountability Act of 2011 (HR 3010) Comments with FTC on textile, wool, and care labeling rules. Main Street Fairness Act of 2011 (S.1452) Marketplace Equity Act of 2011 (HR 3179) Marketplace Fairness Act (S. 1839) Comments to Deficit Reduction Select Committee IPR Issues relating to ICANN/GTLDS Discussions on rogue websites, design piracy, information sharing, and other IPR initiatives with Congressional and Administration officials. Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011 (PROTECT IP Act), S.968 Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act. (HR 2511) Innovative Design Protection Act (S. 3523) Stop Online Piracy Act (H.R. 3261) Discussions with Customs on information sharing. Other Provisions relating to implementation of new rules on interchange fees in Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 (HR 4173/S. 3217). Debit Interchange Fee Study Act of 2011 (S. 575/H.R. 1081) DISCLOSE 2012 Act (S. 2219)
Client expense: $185,488 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Defense Logistics Agency, Defense, Dept of (DOD), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), Federal Maritime Commission, Federal Mediation & Conciliation Service, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Government Accountability Office (GAO), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Intl Trade Administration (ITA), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Economic Council (NEC), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Natl Security Council (NSC), Navy, Dept of, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of the Vice President of the United States, Overseas Private Investment Corp (OPIC), President of the U.S., SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), State, Dept of (DOS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), Treasury, Dept of, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Copyright Office, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Vice President of the U.S., White House Office
2012 · third_quarter · Law Enforcement/Crime/Criminal Justice
Federal Prison Industries related issues generally and the provisions for such in the following pieces of specific legislation: All FY 2013 Appropriations Bills; HR 2312, Department of Defense Textile and Apparel Procurement Fairness Act; HR 3634, Federal Prison Industry Competition in Contracting Act; HR 4310, the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act; S 2169/HR 4730, Federal Prisons Accountability Act of 2012;
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $60,000
Government targets: Bureau of Prisons (BOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
2012 · second_quarter · Small Business
H. Con. Res. 112 - FY 2013 Federal Budget The budget would substantially reduce the federal deficit by reducing federal spending levels compared to FY 2012 in the years FY 2013-2015 and substantially reducing the growth rate in federal spending thereafter. NSBA supported the outline of a tax reform plan contained in the resolution. H.R. 9 The Small Business Tax Cut Act Bill will allow businesses with fewer than 500 employees to take a tax deduction equal to 20 percentfor one yearof their active business income. This deduction also would apply to pass-through entities, which compose the majority of small businesses. NSBA supported. H.R. 25 Fair Tax Act of 2011 Legislation to abolish the Internal Revenue Service and enact a national retail sales tax. NSBA supported. H.R. 679 - Berry Amendment Extension Act This bill would require that any items purchased by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directly related to national security interests are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the US, except with regard to issues of necessary quality and quantity. NSBA supported H.R. 880 - Equity for Our Nations Self-Employed Act of 2011 The bill would allow self-employed individuals to fully-deduct the cost of their health insurance, thus eliminating the self-employed tax on health care. NSBA supported. H.R. 942 American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2011 Bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the research credit through 2012 and to increase and make permanent the alternative simplified research credit. NSBA supported. H.R. 1259 Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2011 Bill to repeal the estate tax. The effective date is the date of enactment, and the bill retains step-up basis. NSBA supported. H.R. 1418 - Small Business Lending Enhancement Act of 2011 Bill would increase the cap for credit union lending from 12.25 percent to 27.5 percent of total assets of the credit union. NSBA supported. H.R. 1663 Small Business Encouragement Act Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow small business employers whose gross receipts in the preceding taxable year did not exceed $20 million, or who did not employ more than 100 full time employees, a work opportunity tax credit for hiring unemployed individuals as full-time employees during 2012 and 2013. NSBA opposed. H.R. 1697 Communities First Act Bill would provide community bank regulatory relief. NSBA supported. H.R. 1827 Home Office Deduction Simplification Act Bill would allow home-based businesses to take a standard $1,500 deduction for home office expenses. NSBA supported. H.R. 2072 Securing American Jobs Through Exports Act of 2011 The bill reauthorizes the U.S. Export-Import Bank. It also would gradually increase the banks exposure cap from $100 billion to $160 billion; use a portion of its surplus to update information technology systems; establish clear guidelines on the content of goods and services for which it would provide financing; and require the bank to report to Congress if its default rate exceeded 2 percent. NSBA supported. H.R. 2312 - Department of Defense Textile and Apparel Procurement Fairness Act Among other things, prohibits DoD from purchasing more than 5 percent of any one textile or apparel product from the Federal Prison Industries (FPI). NSBA supported. H.R. 2501, H.R. 1113 Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 Would make unemployed a protected class for discrimination law purposes. NSBA opposed. H.R. 2885 Legal Workforce Act This bill would make the use of E-Verify Mandatory for all employers. NSBA opposed. H. R. 2941 Startup Expansion and Investment Act Bill would address SarbanesOxley internal control reporting for small entities. NSBA supported. H.R. 3012 - Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act Would eliminate the per-country numerical cap on the number of employment-based immigrant visas and increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrant visas from 7 percent to 15 percent annually. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 3476 AGREE Act Bill would address SarbanesOxley internal control reporting for small entities. NSBA supported. H.R. 3634 - Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act Require the Federal Prison Industries (FPI) to compete for government contracts, requires FPI to provide a detailed analysis of the probable impact on the private sector, prohibit FPI from selling products commercially, and require agencies to research private sector products based on price, quality, and time of delivery, among other things. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 3786 Plain Regulations Act of 2012 This bill would reform the regulatory process to require the use of clear and concise language in all new government regulations. NSBA supported. H.R. 3850 - Government Efficiency Through Small Business Contracting Act of 2012 Raise the government-wide small business contracting goal from 23% to 25%, the small business subcontracting goal from 35.9% to 40%, and also prevent senior officials from receiving bonuses in subsequent years where their respective agencies failed to meet the established small business contracting goals. NSBA supported. H.R. 3851 - Small Business Advocate (SBAA) This bill would enhance the role of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) by elevating the OSDBU Director to a Senior Executive Service position and would prohibit them from holding another position at the same time. NSBA supported. H.R. 3877 1099K Overreach Prevention Act Legislation would repeal the 1099-K reporting requirement on Schedule-C filers. Bill will statutorily remove burdensome reporting requirement by preventing the IRS from requiring new calculations by businesses on their tax returns based on the 1099-K reports. NSBA supported. H.R. 3893 - Subcontracting Transparency and Reliability (STAR) Act of 2012 Ensure that small businesses are the ones actually benefiting from the contracts set aside on their behalf. It would also allow more small businesses to partner and compete for federal contracts. NSBA supported. H.R. 3980 - Small Business Opportunity Act of 2012 Enhance the role of small-business advocates in the federal acquisition and procurement processes, create small-business contracting classes, and ensure that small business concerns are properly utilized in all applicable federal procurement and acquisition planning processes. NSBA supported. H.R. 3985 - Building Better Business Partnerships Act of 2012 This bill would allow the SBA to oversee all civilian mentor protege programs, improve small-businesses ability to win and perform on government contracts. NSBA supported. H.R. 3987 - Small Business Protection Act of 2012 Would ensure that the size standards assigned to each industry group are appropriate for each NAICS code and do not make it more difficult for small-business to compete for federal contracting opportunities. NSBA supported. H.R. 4032 - Help Entrepreneurs Create American Jobs Act Amends Section 195 of the Internal Revenue Code to increase the allowable deduction for business start-up expenses from $5,000 to $10,000, extending the 2010 temporary increase in the maximum deduction for start-up expenditures for ten years. NSBA supported. H.R. 4081 - Contractor Opportunity Protection (COP) Act of 2012 Protects small business contractors from unfair contract bundling by allowing the SBA (or a third party group if the SBA declined to appeal a decision via a GAO protest) to appeal an agencys decision to bundle contracts, clarifies statutory limits on contract bundling, and requires publication of bundling justification to increase transparency. NSBA supported. H.R. 4118 - Small Business Procurement Improvement Act of 2012 Requires federal agencies to include small business concerns in multiple award contracts, carry out a program to increase small business participation in multiple award contracts, and provide the SBA with representation on the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council. NSBA supported. H.R. 4121 - Early Stage Small Business Contracting Act of 2012 Requires SBA administrator to create and carry out a program to provide improved access to federal contract opportunities for early-stage small business concerns. NSBA supported. H.R. 4191 - Credit Union Small Business Lending Act Establishes a separate process by which credit unions participating in the 7(a) loan program may receive approvals and repurchases regarding loan guarantees under that program, creates a credit union outreach program, and authorizes the SBA Administrator to simplify the application process for credit union participation. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 4196 Bonus Depreciation Bill extends 100 percent bonus depreciation through the rest of this year. Bonus depreciation allows businesses of all sizes to immediately expense the cost of property purchased and placed into service. NSBA supported. H.R. 4203 - Womens Procurement Program Improvement Act of 2012 This bill would expand contracting opportunities for women-owned small business concerns. NSBA supported. H.R. 4206 - Contracting Oversight for Small Business Jobs Act of 2012 Addresses contracting fraud by helping small businesses comply with complicated contracting and size rules, and providing a safe harbor for small businesses making a good faith effort to comply with those rules. NSBA supported. H.R. 4377 RAPID Act Would improve the environmental review and permitting process by, among other things, providing concurrent reviews, allow state-level environmental reviews to be used in certain situations, consolidate the process into a single Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), and impose fixed deadlines for completion of an EIS or an Environmental Assessment (EA). NSBA supported. H.R. 4471 Gasoline Regulations Act of 2012 Bill would establish an interagency committee to analyze and report on the cumulative impact of certain EPA regulations and actions that affect gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas prices, jobs, the economy, and other relevant issues. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 4480 - Strategic Energy Production Act of 2012 Bill would require the development of a plan to increase oil and gas exploration, development and production under oil and gas leases on Federal lands to offset any drawdown of petroleum reserves from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 4628 - Interest Rate Reduction Act A bill to extend the current lower interest rates on federal student loans. The bill would be paid for by eliminating the unobligated balance of a controversial public fund in the 2010 health care reform law. NSBA supported. H.R. 5187 IMPACT Act Bill would, among other things, extend Production Tax Credits for renewable energy, extend the 1603 Grant Program, extend energy efficiency tax credits, provide incentives for heavy duty natural gas vehicles, and would eliminate certain tax breaks for major integrated oil companies. NSBA supported. The Domestic Energy and Jobs Act (Includes H.R. 4480, H.R. 4471, H.R. 4381, H.R. 4382, H.R. 4383, H.R. 2150, and H.R. 2752) This is a package of energy bills that will increase energy production on federal lands, require an interagency committee to conduct an analysis of certain EPA rules and actions that impact fuel prices, require the Secretary of the Interior to establish an all-of-the-above energy plan for federal lands, increase the amount of federal lands available for leasing and encourage onshore oil development and exploration, ensure development of oil and natural gas reserves in the National Petroleum Reserve Alaska, and authorize the BLM to conduct Internet-based auctions for onshore leases. NSBA is monitoring. S. 13 Fair Tax Act of 2011 Legislation to abolish the Internal Revenue Service and enact a national retail sales tax on the use or consumption in the United States of taxable property or services. It sets the sales tax rate at 23 percent in 2011, with adjustments to the rate in subsequent years. NSBA supported. S. 474 Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act Bill would reform the regulatory process and ensure that job creation by small businesses is considered during the Federal legislative and rulemaking process. NSBA supported. S. 509 The Small Business Lending Enhancement Act Bill would amend the Federal Credit Union Act to advance the ability of credit unions to promote small business growth and economic development opportunities. NSBA supported. S.727 Bipartisan Tax Fairness and Simplification Act of 2011 Comprehensive tax reform legislation with provisions consolidating tax brackets for individuals and businesses while at the same time lowering federal tax obligations, in part through a single, flat 24 percent corporate rate. NSBA is monitoring. S. 1289 Taxpayer Advocacy and Government Accountability Promotion Act Bill targets noncompliant tax filers with provisions to improve tax forms and tax administration and decrease tax avoidance by contractors, as a way to reduce the tax gap. NSBA is monitoring. S. 1471 -- Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 Would make unemployed a protected class for discrimination law purposes. NSBA opposed. S. 1547 Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2011 The bill amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to extend the termination of functions date for the Export-Import Bank of the United States to September 30, 2015. NSBA supported. S. 1590 - Fairness for Small Businesses in Federal Contracting Act of 2011 Requires the SBA and Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to replace the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) with a new small business size classification system. NSBA is monitoring. S. 1600 Communities First Act Bill would provide community bank regulatory relief. NSBA supported. S. 1736 Acquisition Savings Reform Act of 2011 Bill aims to streamline the federal procurement process by requiring online reverse auctions, consider strategic sourcing vehicles in procurement of commercial items, and direct the FAR council to amend the FAR to reflect the government-wide policy to pay small business concerns as quickly as possible, among other things. NSBA is monitoring. S. 1866 AGREE Act Bill would address SarbanesOxley internal control reporting for small entities. NSBA supported. S. 1965 Startup Act Provides capital gains and income tax incentives to incentivize entrepreneurs and facilitate the growth of new start-ups, creates a new STEM visa for up to foreign students and establishes a new category of visas for immigrant entrepreneurs, requires a cost-benefit analysis of all proposed federal regulations with an economic impact of $100 million or more, requires certain federal agencies to redirect .15 percent of their extramural budget for grant programs for American universities, and creates the State Startup Business Report. NSBA is monitoring. S. 2114 - Berry Amendment Extension Act Requires that any items purchased by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directly related to national security interests are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the US, except with regard to issues of necessary quality and quantity. NSBA supported. S. 2172 Fairness in Women-Owned Small Business Contracting Act of 2012 Bill would eliminate the cap on women entrepreneurs and allow women-owned businesses to receive sole source contracts, among other things. NSBA is monitoring. S. 2231 The Small Business Lending Enhancement Act Bill would amend the Federal Credit Union Act to advance the ability of credit unions to promote small business growth and economic development opportunities. NSBA is monitoring. S. 2237 Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act of 2012 Bill is designed to give small businesses a 10-percent income tax credit on new payroll for hiring new workers or increasing employee wages and will allow businesses to fully deduct the cost of significant investments made this year. The $26 billion in tax cuts would be temporary and apply only to 2012 wages and investments. NSBA is monitoring. S.2242 Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2012 Bill to repeal the estate tax. The effective date is the date of enactment, and the bill retains step-up basis. NSBA supported. S. 2337 Plain Writing Act for Regulations for 2012 Bill would reform the regulatory process to require the use of clear and concise language in all new government regulations. NSBA supported. S.2343 Stop the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike Act of 2012 A bill to extend the current lower interest rates on federal student loans. The measure would pay for the interest rate extension by ending an exemption that allows high-income earners who run S-Corps to shield some of their income from payroll taxes. NSBA opposed the pay-for in this bill. S. 3194 Small Business Common Application Act Bill would require a 12-member executive committee to review the feasibility of a common (or single) application for small businesses to use when applying for federal funding opportunities. NSBA is monitoring. S. 3275 Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) Parity Act Bill would allow MLPs to invest in renewable energy projects. NSBA is monitoring. Proposed Small Business Prompt Payments Act Bill would require OMB and SBA to consult with the FAR Counsel and propose new rules, if necessary, to accelerate payments to small business suppliers and subcontractors. NSBA supported. Proposed Fraudulent Misuse of Patent Reexaminations / Post Grant Reviews Bill Bill would close the integrity loophole in the patent reexamination and post grant review process. NSBA supported. Proposed AIA Technical Corrections Bill Bill would make technical corrections to certain provisions of the America Invents Act (AIA). NSBA is monitoring this legislation. EEOC - NSBA opposes efforts to treat educational attainment requirements as discrimination. NSBA opposes efforts to limit employer criminal background checks. DOC / NOAA Fishery Management Plan for Regulating Offshore Marine Aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexico This plan would establish rules concerning a permitting process for offshore aquaculture in the Gulf of Mexicos EEZ. NSBA opposes this plan.
2012 · second_quarter · Apparel/Clothing Industry/Textiles
See next page Berry Amendment/Federal Prison Industries/Military Apparel Procurement Comments and discussions on Berry Amendment, Federal Prison Industries, and Ability One programs. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R.1.) Discussions with Members of Congress, DoD, USTR, TSA, and DHS about implementation of Berry and procurement issues, including reverse auctions and Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) procurement procedures. Berry Amendment Extension Act (HR 679) Department of Defense Textile and Apparel Procurement Fairness Act (HR 2312) American Shoes for American Servicemembers Act (HR 2955) Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2011 (H.R. 3634) Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act of 2011 (HR 2008) Miscellaneous Trade (MTBs in separate section) Discussions with Congress and Administration officials, including USTR and Commerce on pending FTAs with Korea, Panama, and Colombia, and on pending Anti-Counterfeit Trade Agreement. Discussions with Congress on AGOA and CAFTA-DR fixes. Discussion with ITC, Customs, USTR, and Commerce on implementation of various trade agreements and trade initiatives, such as performance outerwear, footwear, travel goods, Morocco, Andean, Peru, Colombia, Oman, Panama, Haiti, AGOA, CAFTA-DR, Honduras, Thailand, Singapore, NAFTA, Jordan, Bahrain, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Doha Round, FTZs, and Korea. Discussion with White House, USTR, and Commerce on trade barriers in Mexico, Argentina, and Brazil. Discussions with USTR, Commerce, Department of Labor, ITC, State, USDA, and various Congressional office on Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Free Trade Agreement Discussion with Customs on First Sale, 10 plus 2, 9801, CAFTA-DR documentation, FTZs, textile outsoles, and related initiatives. Discussion with USDA and CBP on Lacey Act. Discussions with USTR, Commerce, and USDA on foreign trade practices, including labeling, cotton, market access, and intellectual property rights (IPR). Discussion with Commerce, USTR, and Congressional staff on China, Vietnam, and trade remedy laws, including proposals for prospective trade remedy systems. Issues related to footwear and clothing freight rates vis-a-vis NMFTA CCSB Discussions relating to China trade practices and currency issues with Commerce, USTR, ITC, US/China Economic and Security Review Commission. Issues relating to ocean shipping capacity and prices. Implementation of conflict minerals reporting requirements with the SEC Affordable Footwear Act of 2011 (S. 1069/HR 2697) SAVE Act (H.R. 2387/S. 1244) United States Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation Act (S. 704/HR. 2071) Genuine American Flag Act (HR 474) ON TIME Act (HR 526) To extend the Andean Trade Preference Act, and for other purposes. (HR 622) Andean Trade Preference Extension Act of 2011 (S. 380) Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (HR 639) Free and Fair Trade Act of 2011 (HR 913/S 433) Trade Extenders Act of 2011 (S. 308) Creating American Jobs through Exports Act of 2011 (S. 98) Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (S. 328) Trade Enforcement Priorities Act (S. 708) A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should immediately approve the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, and the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. (S. Res 20) Freight FOCUS Act of 2011 (HR 1122) Focusing Resources, Economic Investment, and Guidance To Help Transportation Act of 2011 (HR 1338/S. 371) (continued on next page) Misc Trade (cont'd) Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012 (H.R. 4348). Discussion with Congress on establishment of Freight policy and high-level freight coordination office. Discussions on MTB reform possibilities with Congress. Legislation to fix the wool trust fund. A bill to extend the temporary duty suspensions on certain cotton shirting fabrics, and for other purposes. Discussions with Congress on making travel goods eligible for benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. Discussions with Congress on renewal of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposed changes to the Hours of Service (HoS) rules. Pilot Program on NAFTA Long-Haul Trucking Provisions Clean Ports Act of 2011 (H.R. 572/S. 2011) Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2011 (HR 2754) To amend the African Growth and Opportunity Act to extend the third country fabric program, and for other purposes (HR 2493) To extend the Generalized System of Preferences, and for other purposes (HR 2832) Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2011 (S. 1619) Burma sanctions renewal legislation (HJ Res 66/S.J.Res 17/HJ Res 79/HR 2608) Comments to USDA on cotton fee increases. United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (HR 3078/S. 1641) United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (HR 3079/S. 1643) United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (HR 3080/S. 1642) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2011 (HR 3312) Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2011 (S. 1683) Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act (S. 2029) Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 1547) Cantwell-Graham Amendment (Amendment 1836) to JOBs Act (HR 3606) on ExIm Bank funding. Securing American Jobs Through Exports Act of 2011 (HR 2072) Comments on potential changes for de minimis and informal entry with respect to Customs. Comments to Customs on Scanning Comments to Congress on improving access to credit and financing, including ExIm Bank reauthorization and SBA funding. Comments to FMC on Containerized Cargo Diversion Asia-South Pacific Trade Preferences Act (S. 1443) American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012 (HR 7) Trade agency reorganization Increasing American Jobs Through Greater Exports to Africa Act of 2012 (S. 2215/HR 4221) Product Safety Discussions with CPSC and various Congressional offices on implementation of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Monitoring issues relating to apparel and footwear safety and product labeling. H.R. 272 A bill to amend the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act to exempt ordinary books and paper-based printed material from the lead limit in such Act Kids Just Want to Ride Act (HR 412) Children's Sports Athletic Equipment Safety Act (S. 601/HR 1127) Consumer Recall Protection Act of 2011 (S. 330) Enhancing CPSC Authority and Discretion Act of 2011 (HR 1939) Amendment prohibits the use of funds to implement a searchable public consumer safety database which is described in the Consumer Product Safety Act of 2008 (HR Amdt 159 to HR 1) Common Sense in Consumer Product Safety Act of 2011 (S. 69) (continued on next page) Product Safety (cont'd) Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act of 2011 (HR 2401) Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S. 847) Consumer Product Safety Flexibility Act of 2011 (S 1448) To provide the Consumer Product Safety Commission with greater authority and discretion in enforcing the consumer product safety laws, and for other purposes. (HR 2715) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 (HR 2434) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 (S. 1573) Comments to CPSC on regulatory review Privacy related legislation, including Do Not Track Me Online Act (HR 654) Labor Discussion of WRAP program and with various legislative branch and executive branch officials. Discussions (including filed comments) with Departments of Labor and State in conjunction with Child/Forced labor list, Uzbek cotton, Better Work programs, Guatemala labor cases, Bangladesh, and other labor initiatives and reports. Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act (H.R. 2587) Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act of 2011 (S. 1100), and related bills, including appropriations bills containing related amendments. Issues relating to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) pending regulations on the ability of employers to use criminal background checks in employment decisions. Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act (H.R. 3094). NLRB issues in Fiscal Year 2013 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agency Appropriations Bill Discussions with Labor, USTR, Commerce on CAFTA-DR labor petitions and Haiti HOPE II labor report. Small Business Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011 (HR 4) (and related bills). Issues relating to changes or implementation of the Lobby Disclosure Act, including Administration policies relating to advisory committees and ethics rules. SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 493) The Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2011 (HR 1439) American Textile Technology Innovation and Research for Exportation (ATTIRE) Act (HR 2275) Discussions with Administration on textile research projects. Issues relating to debt limit. JOBs Act (HR 3606) Small Business Tax Cut Act (HR 9) Regulatory Accountability Act of 2011 (HR 3010) Comments with FTC on textile and wool labeling rules. Main Street Fairness Act of 2011 (S.1452) Marketplace Equity Act of 2011 (HR 3179) Marketplace Fairness Act (S. 1839) Comments to Deficit Reduction Select Committee IPR Issues relating to ICANN/GTLDS Discussions on rogue websites, design piracy, information sharing, and other IPR initiatives with Congressional and Administration officials. Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011 (PROTECT IP Act), S.968 Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act. (HR 2511) Stop Online Piracy Act (H.R. 3261) Discussions with Customs on information sharing. (continued on next page) Other Provisions relating to implementation of new rules on interchange fees in Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 (HR 4173/S. 3217). Debit Interchange Fee Study Act of 2011 (S. 575/H.R. 1081) DISCLOSE 2012 Act (S. 2219)
2012 · second_quarter · Law Enforcement/Crime/Criminal Justice
Federal Prison Industries related issues generally and the provisions for such in the following pieces of specific legislation: All FY 2013 Appropriations Bills; HR 2312, Department of Defense Textile and Apparel Procurement Fairness Act; HR 3634, Federal Prison Industry Competition in Contracting Act; HR 4310, the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act; S 2169/HR 4730, Federal Prisons Accountability Act of 2012;
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $50,000
Government targets: Bureau of Prisons (BOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
2012 · first_quarter · Small Business
H.R. 9 - The Small Business Tax Cut Act Bill will allow businesses with fewer than 500 employees to take a tax deduction equal to 20 percent-for one year-of their active business income. This deduction also would apply to pass-through entities, which compose the majority of small businesses. NSBA is monitoring this legislation. H.R. 25 Fair Tax Act of 2011 Legislation to abolish the Internal Revenue Service and enact a national retail sales tax. NSBA supported. H.R. 679 - Berry Amendment Extension Act This bill would require that any items purchased by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directly related to national security interests are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the US, except with regard to issues of necessary quality and quantity. NSBA supported H.R. 880 - Equity for Our Nations Self-Employed Act of 2011 The bill would allow self-employed individuals to fully-deduct the cost of their health insurance, thus eliminating the self-employed tax on health care. NSBA supported. H.R. 942 American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2011 Bill would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the research credit through 2012 and to increase and make permanent the alternative simplified research credit. NSBA supported. H.R. 1070 Small Company Capital Formation Act of 2011 Bill would provide a Regulation A ceiling increase from $5 million to $50 million. NSBA supported. H.R.1081 Consumers Payment System Protection Act Bill would delay the implementation of the Durbin swipe-fee reform amendment to the Dodd-Frank Act. NSBA opposed. H.R. 1137 Small Business Credit Card Act of 2011 Bill would amend the Truth in Lending Act to provide coverage for credit cards issued to small businesses. NSBA supported. H.R. 1259 Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2011 Bill to repeal the estate tax. The effective date is the date of enactment, and the bill retains step-up basis. NSBA supported. H.R. 1418 - Small Business Lending Enhancement Act of 2011 Bill would increase the cap for credit union lending from 12.25 percent to 27.5 percent of total assets of the credit union. NSBA supported. H.R. 1663 Small Business Encouragement Act Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow small business employers whose gross receipts in the preceding taxable year did not exceed $20 million, or who did not employ more than 100 full time employees, a work opportunity tax credit for hiring unemployed individuals as full-time employees during 2012 and 2013. NSBA opposed. H.R. 1697 Communities First Act Bill would provide community bank regulatory relief. NSBA supported. H.R. 1812 Small Business Growth Act Legislation would establish a federal contracting pilot program for mid-sized businesses. NSBA opposed. H.R. 1827 Home Office Deduction Simplification Act Bill would allow home-based businesses to take a standard $1,500 deduction for home office expenses. NSBA supported. H.R. 2072 Securing American Jobs Through Exports Act of 2011 The bill reauthorizes the U.S. Export-Import Bank. It also would gradually increase the banks exposure cap from $100 billion to $160 billion; use a portion of its surplus to update information technology systems; establish clear guidelines on the content of goods and services for which it would provide financing; and require the bank to report to Congress if its default rate exceeded 2 percent. NSBA supported. H.R. 2312 - Department of Defense Textile and Apparel Procurement Fairness Act Among other things, prohibits DoD from purchasing more than 5 percent of any one textile or apparel product from the Federal Prison Industries (FPI). NSBA supported. H.R. 2501, H.R. 1113 Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 Would make unemployed a protected class for discrimination law purposes. NSBA opposed. H.R. 2885 Legal Workforce Act This bill would make the use of E-Verify Mandatory for all employers. NSBA opposed. H.R. 2930 Entrepreneur Access to Capital Act Bill would create a crowdfunding exemption from SEC registration requirements. NSBA supported. H.R. 2940 Access to Capital for Job Creators Bill would provide for general solicitation and general advertising for accredited investors. NSBA supported. H. R. 2941 Startup Expansion and Investment Act Bill would address Sarbanes Oxley internal control reporting for small entities. NSBA supported. H.R. 3012 - Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act Would eliminate the per-country numerical cap on the number of employment-based immigrant visas and increase the per-country numerical limitation for family-sponsored immigrant visas from 7 percent to 15 percent annually. NSBA is monitoring. H.R. 3476 AGREE Act Bill would address Sarbanes Oxley internal control reporting for small entities. NSBA supported. H.R. 3606 Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (JOBS Act) Signed into law by President Obama on April 5, 2012. This bill will delay compliance with or provide exemptions for certain registration and reporting requirements of U.S. securities laws, and also creates a crowdfunding exemption, preempting state blue sky laws. NSBA supported. H.R. 3630 Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2011 The bill extends the existing 2011 payroll tax holiday for one year, through 2012, at a 4.2 percent rate. NSBA supported. H.R. 3634 - Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act Require the Federal Prison Industries (FPI) to compete for government contracts, requires FPI to provide a detailed analysis of the probable impact on the private sector, prohibit FPI from selling products commercially, and require agencies to research private sector products based on price, quality, and time of delivery, among other things. NSBA is monitoring this legislation. H.R. 3786 Plain Regulations Act of 2012 This bill would reform the regulatory process to require the use of clear and concise language in all new government regulations. NSBA supported. H.R. 3850 - Government Efficiency Through Small Business Contracting Act of 2012 Raise the government-wide small business contracting goal from 23% to 25%, the small business subcontracting goal from 35.9% to 40%, and also prevent senior officials from receiving bonuses in subsequent years where their respective agencies failed to meet the established small business contracting goals. NSBA supported. H.R. 3851 - Small Business Advocate (SBAA) This bill would enhance the role of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) by elevating the OSDBU Director to a Senior Executive Service position and would prohibit them from holding another position at the same time. NSBA supported. H.R. 3877 1099K Overreach Prevention Act Legislation would repeal the 1099-K reporting requirement on Schedule-C filers. Bill will statutorily remove burdensome reporting requirement by preventing the IRS from requiring new calculations by businesses on their tax returns based on the 1099-K reports. NSBA supported. H.R. 3893 - Subcontracting Transparency And Reliability (STAR) Act of 2012 Ensure that small businesses are the ones actually benefiting from the contracts set aside on their behalf. It would also allow more small businesses to partner and compete for federal contracts. NSBA supported. H.R. 3980 - Small Business Opportunity Act of 2012 Enhance the role of small-business advocates in the federal acquisition and procurement processes, create small-business contracting classes, and ensure that small business concerns are properly utilized in all applicable federal procurement and acquisition planning processes. NSBA supported. H.R. 3985 - Building Better Business Partnerships Act of 2012 This bill would allow the SBA to oversee all civilian mentor protege programs, improve small-businesses ability to win and perform on government contracts. NSBA supported. H.R. 3987 - Small Business Protection Act of 2012 Would ensure that the size standards assigned to each industry group are appropriate for each NAICS code and do not make it more difficult for small-business to compete for federal contracting opportunities. NSBA supported. H.R. 4032 - Help Entrepreneurs Create American Jobs Act Amends Section 195 of the Internal Revenue Code to increase the allowable deduction for business start-up expenses from $5,000 to $10,000, extending the 2010 temporary increase in the maximum deduction for start-up expenditures for ten years. NSBA supported. H.R. 4081 - Contractor Opportunity Protection (COP) Act of 2012 Protects small business contractors from unfair contract bundling by allowing the SBA (or a third party group if the SBA declined to appeal a decision via a GAO protest) to appeal an agencys decision to bundle contracts, clarifies statutory limits on contract bundling, and requires publication of bundling justification to increase transparency. NSBA supported. H.R. 4118 - Small Business Procurement Improvement Act of 2012 Requires federal agencies to include small business concerns in multiple award contracts, carry out a program to increase small business participation in multiple award contracts, and provide the SBA with representation on the Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council. NSBA supported. H.R. 4121 - Early Stage Small Business Contracting Act of 2012 Requires SBA administrator to create and carry out a program to provide improved access to federal contract opportunities for early-stage small business concerns. NSBA supported. H.R. 4191 - Credit Union Small Business Lending Act Establishes a separate process by which credit unions participating in the 7(a) loan program may receive approvals and repurchases regarding loan guarantees under that program, creates a credit union outreach program, and authorizes the SBA Administrator to simplify the application process for credit union participation. NSBA is monitoring this legislation. H.R. 4203 - Womens Procurement Program Improvement Act of 2012 This bill would expand contracting opportunities for women-owned small business concerns. NSBA supported. H.R. 4196 Bonus Depreciation Bill extends 100 percent bonus depreciation through the rest of this year. Bonus depreciation allows businesses of all sizes to immediately expense the cost of property purchased and placed into service. NSBA supported. H.R. 4206 - Contracting Oversight for Small Business Jobs Act of 2012 Addresses contracting fraud by helping small businesses comply with complicated contracting and size rules, and providing a safe harbor for small businesses making a good faith effort to comply with those rules. NSBA supported. S. 13 Fair Tax Act of 2011 Legislation to abolish the Internal Revenue Service and enact a national retail sales tax on the use or consumption in the United States of taxable property or services. It sets the sales tax rate at 23 percent in 2011, with adjustments to the rate in subsequent years. NSBA supported. S. 474 Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act Bill would reform the regulatory process and ensure that job creation by small businesses is considered during the Federal legislative and rulemaking process. NSBA supported. S. 509 The Small Business Lending Enhancement Act Bill would amend the Federal Credit Union Act to advance the ability of credit unions to promote small business growth and economic development opportunities. NSBA supported. S.727 Bipartisan Tax Fairness and Simplification Act of 2011 Comprehensive tax reform legislation with provisions consolidating tax brackets for individuals and businesses while at the same time lowering federal tax obligations, in part through a single, flat 24 percent corporate rate. NSBA is monitoring this legislation. S. 1289 Taxpayer Advocacy and Government Accountability Promotion Act Bill targets noncompliant tax filers with provisions to improve tax forms and tax administration and decrease tax avoidance by contractors, as a way to reduce the tax gap. NSBA is monitoring the legislation. S. 1471 -- Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011 Would make unemployed a protected class for discrimination law purposes. NSBA opposed. S. 1544 Small Company Capital Formation Act of 2011 Bill would provide a Regulation A ceiling increase from $5 million to $50 million. NSBA supported. S. 1547 Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2011 The bill amends the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945 to extend the termination of functions date for the Export-Import Bank of the United States to September 30, 2015. NSBA supported. S. 1590 - Fairness for Small Businesses in Federal Contracting Act of 2011 Requires the SBA and Federal Acquisition Regulatory Council to replace the North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) with a new small business size classification system. NSBA is monitoring this legislation. S. 1600 Communities First Act Bill would provide community bank regulatory relief. NSBA supported. S. 1791 Democratizing Access to Capital Act of 2011 Bill would create a crowdfunding exemption from SEC registration requirements. NSBA supported. S. 1831 Access to Capital for Job Creators Act of 2011 Bill would provide for general solicitation and general advertising for accredited investors. NSBA supported. S. 1866 AGREE Act Bill would address Sarbanes Oxley internal control reporting for small entities. NSBA supported. S. 1965 Startup Act Provides capital gains and income tax incentives to incentivize entrepreneurs and facilitate the growth of new start-ups, creates a new STEM visa for up to foreign students and establishes a new category of visas for immigrant entrepreneurs, requires a cost-benefit analysis of all proposed federal regulations with an economic impact of $100 million or more, requires certain federal agencies to redirect .15 percent of their extramural budget for grant programs for American universities, and creates the State Startup Business Report. NSBA is monitoring this legislation. S. 1970 Capital Raising Online While Deterring Fraud and Unethical Non-Disclosure Act of 2011 Bill would create a crowdfunding exemption from SEC registration requirements. NSBA supported. S. 2114 - Berry Amendment Extension Act Requires that any items purchased by the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directly related to national security interests are grown, reprocessed, reused, or produced in the US, except with regard to issues of necessary quality and quantity. NSBA supported. S. 2190 Capital Raising Online While Deterring Fraud and Unethical Non-Disclosure Act (CROWDFUND Act) of 2012 Bill would create a crowdfunding exemption from SEC registration requirements. NSBA supported. S. 2231 The Small Business Lending Enhancement Act Bill would amend the Federal Credit Union Act to advance the ability of credit unions to promote small business growth and economic development opportunities. NSBA is monitoring this legislation. S. 2237 Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act of 2012 Bill is designed to give small businesses a 10-percent income tax credit on new payroll for hiring new workers or increasing employee wages and will allow businesses to fully deduct the cost of significant investments made this year. The $26 billion in tax cuts would be temporary and apply only to 2012 wages and investments. NSBA is monitoring this legislation. S.2242 Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2012 Bill to repeal the estate tax. The effective date is the date of enactment, and the bill retains step-up basis. NSBA supported. S.J. Res. 36 and H.J. Res. 103 would disapprove under the Congressional Review Act the union elections rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board. NSBA supported. EEOC - NSBA opposes efforts to treat educational attainment requirements as discrimination. NSBA opposes efforts to limit employer criminal background checks.
2012 · first_quarter · Law Enforcement/Crime/Criminal Justice
Federal Prison Industries related issues generally and the following specific legislation: HR 2312, HR 3634, HR 4310, the FY 2013 National Defense Authorization Act and all FY 2013 Appropriations Bills.
Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $40,000
Government targets: Bureau of Prisons (BOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE
2012 · first_quarter · Apparel/Clothing Industry/Textiles
See attached sheet Berry Amendment/Federal Prison Industries/Military Apparel Procurement Comments and discussions on Berry Amendment, Federal Prison Industries, and Ability One programs. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R.1.) Discussions with Members of Congress, DoD, USTR, TSA, and DHS about implementation of Berry and procurement issues, including reverse auctions and Low Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) procurement procedures. Berry Amendment Extension Act (HR 679) Department of Defense Textile and Apparel Procurement Fairness Act (HR 2312) American Shoes for American Servicemembers Act (HR 2955) Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2011 (H.R. 3634) Miscellaneous Trade Discussions with Congress and Administration officials, including USTR and Commerce on pending FTAs with Korea, Panama, and Colombia, and on pending Anti-Counterfeit Trade Agreement. Discussion with ITC, Customs, USTR, and Commerce on implementation of various trade agreements and trade initiatives, such as performance outerwear, footwear, travel goods, Morocco, Andean, Peru, Colombia, Oman, Panama, Haiti, AGOA, CAFTA-DR, Honduras, Thailand, Singapore, NAFTA, Jordan, Bahrain, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Doha Round, FTZs, and Korea. Discussions with USTR, Commerce, Department of Labor, ITC, State, USDA, and various Congressional office on Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Free Trade Agreement Discussion with Customs on First Sale, 10 plus 2, 9801, CAFTA-DR documentation, FTZs, and related initiatives. Discussion with USDA and CBP on Lacey Act. Discussions with USTR, Commerce, and USDA on foreign trade practices, including labeling, cotton, market access, and intellectual property rights (IPR). Discussion with Commerce, USTR, and Congressional staff on China, Vietnam, and trade remedy laws, including proposals for prospective trade remedy systems. Issues related to footwear and clothing freight rates vis-a-vis NMFTA CCSB Discussions relating to China trade practices and currency issues with Commerce, USTR, ITC, US/China Economic and Security Review Commission. Issues relating to ocean shipping capacity and prices. Implementation of conflict minerals reporting requirements with the SEC Affordable Footwear Act of 2011 (S. 1069/HR 2697) SAVE Act (H.R. 2387/S. 1244) United States Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation Act (S. 704/HR. 2071) Genuine American Flag Act (HR 474) ON TIME Act (HR 526) To extend the Andean Trade Preference Act, and for other purposes. (HR 622) Andean Trade Preference Extension Act of 2011 (S. 380) Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (HR 639) Free and Fair Trade Act of 2011 (HR 913/S 433) Trade Extenders Act of 2011 (S. 308) Creating American Jobs through Exports Act of 2011 (S. 98) Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (S. 328) Trade Enforcement Priorities Act (S. 708) A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should immediately approve the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, and the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. (S. Res 20) Freight FOCUS Act of 2011 (HR 1122) Focusing Resources, Economic Investment, and Guidance To Help Transportation Act of 2011 (HR 1338/S. 371) Discussions on MTB reform possibilities with Congress. Ex-Im Reauthorization, H.R. 2072 Legislation to fix the wool trust fund. A bill to extend the temporary duty suspensions on certain cotton shirting fabrics, and for other purposes. Misc Trade Continued Discussions with Congress on making travel goods eligible for benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. Discussions with Congress on renewal of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposed changes to the Hours of Service (HoS) rules Pilot Program on NAFTA Long-Haul Trucking Provisions Clean Ports Act of 2011 (H.R. 572/S. 2011) Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2011 (HR 2754) To amend the African Growth and Opportunity Act to extend the third country fabric program, and for other purposes (HR 2493) To extend the Generalized System of Preferences, and for other purposes (HR 2832) Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2011 (S. 1619) Burma sanctions renewal legislation (HJ Res 66/S.J.Res 17/HJ Res 79/HR 2608) Comments to USDA on cotton fee increases. United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (HR 3078/S. 1641) United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (HR 3079/S. 1643) United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (HR 3080/S. 1642) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2011 (HR 3312) Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2011 (S. 1683) Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act (S. 2029) Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 1547) Cantwell-Graham Amendment (Amendment 1836) to JOBs Act (HR 3606) on ExIm Bank funding. Comments on potential changes for de minimis and informal entry with respect to Customs. Comments to Customs on Scanning Comments to Congress on improving access to credit and financing, including ExIm Bank reauthorization and SBA funding. Comments to FMC on Containerized Cargo Diversion Asia-South Pacific Trade Preferences Act (S. 1443) American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012 (HR 7) Trade agency reorganization Increasing American Jobs Through Greater Exports to Africa Act of 2012 (S. 2215/HR 4221) Product Safety Discussions with CPSC and various Congressional offices on implementation of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Monitoring issues relating to apparel and footwear safety and product labeling. H.R. 272 A bill to amend the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act to exempt ordinary books and paper-based printed material from the lead limit in such Act Kids Just Want to Ride Act (HR 412) Children's Sports Athletic Equipment Safety Act (S. 601/HR 1127) Consumer Recall Protection Act of 2011 (S. 330) Enhancing CPSC Authority and Discretion Act of 2011 (HR 1939) Amendment prohibits the use of funds to implement a searchable public consumer safety database which is described in the Consumer Product Safety Act of 2008 (HR Amdt 159 to HR 1) Common Sense in Consumer Product Safety Act of 2011 (S. 69) Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act of 2011 (HR 2401) "Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S. 847) "Consumer Product Safety Flexibility Act of 2011 (S 1448) "To provide the Consumer Product Safety Commission with greater authority and discretion in enforcing the consumer product safety laws, and for other purposes. (HR 2715) "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 (HR 2434) "Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 (S. 1573) "Comments to CPSC on regulatory review Other Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011 (HR 4) (and related bills). Discussion of WRAP program and with various legislative branch and executive branch officials. Discussions (including filed comments) with Departments of Labor and State in conjunction with Child/Forced labor list, Uzbek cotton, Better Work programs, Guatemala labor cases, Bangladesh, and other labor initiatives and reports. Issues relating to ICANN/GTLDS Privacy related legislation, including Do Not Track Me Online Act (HR 654) Provisions relating to implementation of new rules on interchange fees in Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 (HR 4173/S. 3217). Issues relating to changes or implementation of the Lobby Disclosure Act, including Administration policies relating to advisory committees and ethics rules. SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 493) Discussions on rogue websites, design piracy, information sharing, and other IPR initiatives with Congressional and Administration officials. Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011 (PROTECT IP Act), S.968 The Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2011 (HR 1439) Debit Interchange Fee Study Act of 2011 (S. 575/H.R. 1081) American Textile Technology Innovation and Research for Exportation (ATTIRE) Act (HR 2275) Issues relating to debt limit. Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act of 2011 (S. 1100), and related bills, including appropriations bills containing related amendments. Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act. (HR 2511) Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act (H.R. 2587) Issues relating to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) pending regulations on the ability of employers to use criminal background checks in employment decisions. Stop Online Piracy Act (H.R. 3261) Main Street Fairness Act of 2011 (S.1452) Marketplace Equity Act of 2011 (HR 3179) Marketplace Fairness Act (S. 1839) Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act (H.R. 3094). Comments to Deficit Reduction Select Committee Regulatory Accountability Act of 2011 (HR 3010) Comments with FTC on textile and wool labeling rules. JOBs Act (HR 3606) Small Business Tax Cut Act (HR 9)
2011 · fourth_quarter · Apparel/Clothing Industry/Textiles
See attached Berry Amendment/Federal Prison Industries/Military Apparel Procurement Comments and discussions on Berry Amendment, Federal Prison Industries, and Ability One programs. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R.1.) Discussions with DoD, USTR, TSA, and DHS about implementation of Berry. Berry Amendment Extension Act (HR 679) Department of Defense Textile and Apparel Procurement Fairness Act (HR 2312) American Shoes for American Servicebanmembers Act (HR 2955) Federal Prison Industries Competition in Contracting Act of 2011 (H.R. 3634) Miscellaneous Trade Discussions with Congress and Administration officials, including USTR and Commerce on pending FTAs with Korea, Panama, and Colombia, and on pending Anti-Counterfeit Trade Agreement. Discussion with ITC, Customs, USTR, and Commerce on implementation of various trade agreements and trade initiatives, such as performance outerwear, footwear, travel goods, Morocco, Andean, Peru, Colombia, Oman, Panama, Haiti, AGOA, CAFTA-DR, Honduras, Thailand, Singapore, NAFTA, Jordan, Bahrain, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Doha Round, and Korea. Discussions with USTR, Commerce, Department of Labor, ITC, State, USDA, and various Congressional office on Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Free Trade Agreement Discussion with Customs on First Sale, 10 plus 2, 9801, and proposal on Uniform Rules of Origin, and related initiatives. Discussion with USDA and CBP on Lacey Act. Discussions with USTR, Commerce, and USDA on foreign trade practices, including labeling, cotton, market access, and intellectual property rights (IPR). Discussion with Commerce, USTR, and Congressional staff on China, Vietnam, Customs proposal on Uniform Rules of Origin, and trade remedy laws, including proposals for prospective trade remedy systems. Issues related to footwear and clothing freight rates vis-a-vis NMFTA CCSB Discussions relating to China trade practices and currency issues with Commerce, USTR, ITC, US/China Economic and Security Review Commission. Issues relating to ocean shipping capacity and prices. Implementation of conflict minerals reporting requirements with the SEC Affordable Footwear Act of 2011 (S. 1069/HR 2697) SAVE Act (H.R. 2387/S. 1244) United States Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation Act (S. 704/HR. 2071) Genuine American Flag Act (HR 474) ON TIME Act (HR 526) To extend the Andean Trade Preference Act, and for other purposes. (HR 622) Andean Trade Preference Extension Act of 2011 (S. 380) Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (HR 639) Free and Fair Trade Act of 2011 (HR 913/S 433) Trade Extenders Act of 2011 (S. 308) Creating American Jobs through Exports Act of 2011 (S. 98) Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (S. 328) Trade Enforcement Priorities Act (S. 708) A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should immediately approve the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, and the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. (S. Res 20) Freight FOCUS Act of 2011 (HR 1122) Focusing Resources, Economic Investment, and Guidance To Help Transportation Act of 2011 (HR 1338/S. 371) Discussions on MTB reform possibilities with Congress. Ex-Im Reauthorization, H.R. 2072 Legislation to fix the wool trust fund. Trade continued A bill to extend the temporary duty suspensions on certain cotton shirting fabrics, and for other purposes. Discussions with Congress on making travel goods eligible for benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. Discussions with Congress on renewal of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposed changes to the Hours of Service (HoS) rules Pilot Program on NAFTA Long-Haul Trucking Provisions Clean Ports Act of 2011 (H.R. 572) Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2011 (HR 2754) To amend the African Growth and Opportunity Act to extend the third country fabric program, and for other purposes (HR 2493) To extend the Generalized System of Preferences, and for other purposes (HR 2832) Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2011 (S. 1619) Burma sanctions renewal legislation (HJ Res 66/S.J.Res 17/HJ Res 79/HR 2608) Comments to USDA on cotton fee increases. United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (HR 3078/S. 1641) United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act (HR 3079/S. 1643) United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (HR 3080/S. 1642) Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards Act of 2011 (HR 3312) Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2011 (S. 1683) Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade Act (S. 2029) Export-Import Bank Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 1547) Comments on potential changes for de minimis and informal with respect to Customs. Comments to Customs on Scanning Comments to Congress on improving access to credit and financing, including ExIm Bank reauthorization and SBA funding. Comments to FMC on Containerized Cargo Diversion Product Safety Discussions with CPSC and various Congressional offices on implementation of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Monitoring issues relating to apparel and footwear safety and product labeling. H.R. 272 A bill to amend the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act to exempt ordinary books and paper-based printed material from the lead limit in such Act Kids Just Want to Ride Act (HR 412) Children's Sports Athletic Equipment Safety Act (S. 601/HR 1127) Consumer Recall Protection Act of 2011 (S. 330) Enhancing CPSC Authority and Discretion Act of 2011 (HR 1939) Amendment prohibits the use of funds to implement a searchable public consumer safety database which is described in the Consumer Product Safety Act of 2008 (HR Amdt 159 to HR 1) Common Sense in Consumer Product Safety Act of 2011 (S. 69) Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act of 2011 (HR 2401) Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S. 847) Consumer Product Safety Flexibility Act of 2011 (S 1448) To provide the Consumer Product Safety Commission with greater authority and discretion in enforcing the consumer product safety laws, and for other purposes. (HR 2715) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 (HR 2434) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 (S. 1573) Comments to CPSC on regulatory review Other Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011 (HR 4) (and related bills). Discussion of WRAP program and with various legislative branch and executive branch officials. Discussions (including filed comments) with Departments of Labor and State in conjunction with Child/Forced labor list, Uzbek cotton, Better Work programs, Guatemala labor cases, Bangladesh, and other labor initiatives and reports. Issues relating to ICANN/GTLDS Privacy related legislation, including Do Not Track Me Online Act (HR 654) Provisions relating to implementation of new rules on interchange fees in Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 (HR 4173/S. 3217). Issues relating to changes or implementation of the Lobby Disclosure Act, including Administration policies relating to advisory committees and ethics rules. SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 493) Discussions on rogue websites, design piracy, information sharing, and other IPR initiatives with Congressional and Administration officials. Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011 (PROTECT IP Act), S.968 The Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2011 (HR 1439) Debit Interchange Fee Study Act of 2011 (S. 575/H.R. 1081) American Textile Technology Innovation and Research for Exportation (ATTIRE) Act (HR 2275) Issues relating to debt limit. Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act of 2011 (S. 1100), and related bills, including appropriations bills containing related amendments. Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act. (HR 2511) Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act (H.R. 2587) Issues relating to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) pending regulations on the ability of employers to use criminal background checks in employment decisions. Stop Online Piracy Act (H.R. 3261) Main Street Fairness Act of 2011 (S.1452) Marketplace Equity Act of 2011 (HR 3179) Marketplace Fairness Act (S. 1839) Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act (H.R. 3094). Comments to Deficit Reduction Select Committee Regulatory Accountability Act of 2011 (HR 3010)
2011 · third_quarter · Apparel/Clothing Industry/Textiles
Please see attached Berry Amendment/Federal Prison Industries/Military Apparel Procurement Comments and discussions on Berry Amendment, Federal Prison Industries, and Ability One programs. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R.1.) Discussions with DoD, USTR, TSA, and DHS about implementation of Berry. Berry Amendment Extension Act (HR 679) Department of Defense Textile and Apparel Procurement Fairness Act (HR 2312) American Shoes for American Servicemembers Act (HR 2955) Miscellaneous Trade Discussions with Congress and Administration officials, including USTR and Commerce on pending FTAs with Korea, Panama, and Colombia, and on pending Anti-Counterfeit Trade Agreement. Discussion with ITC, Customs, USTR, and Commerce on implementation of various trade agreements and trade initiatives, such as performance outerwear, footwear, travel goods, Morocco, Andean, Peru, Colombia, Oman, Panama, Haiti, AGOA, CAFTA-DR, Honduras, Thailand, Singapore, NAFTA, Jordan, Bahrain, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Doha Round, and Korea. Discussions with USTR, Commerce, Department of Labor, ITC, State, USDA, and various Congressional office on Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Free Trade Agreement Discussion with Customs on First Sale, 10 plus 2, 9801, and proposal on Uniform Rules of Origin, and related initiatives. Discussion with USDA and CBP on Lacey Act. Discussions with USTR, Commerce, and USDA on foreign trade practices, including labeling, cotton, market access, and intellectual property rights (IPR). Discussion with Commerce, USTR, and Congressional staff on China, Vietnam, Customs proposal on Uniform Rules of Origin, and trade remedy laws, including proposals for prospective trade remedy systems. Issues related to footwear and clothing freight rates vis-a-vis NMFTA CCSB Discussions relating to China trade practices and currency issues with Commerce, USTR, ITC, US/China Economic and Security Review Commission. Issues relating to ocean shipping capacity and prices. Implementation of conflict minerals reporting requirements with the SEC Affordable Footwear Act of 2011 (S. 1069/HR 2697) SAVE Act (H.R. 2387/S. 1244) United States Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation Act (S. 704/HR. 2071) Genuine American Flag Act (HR 474) ON TIME Act (HR 526) To extend the Andean Trade Preference Act, and for other purposes. (HR 622) Andean Trade Preference Extension Act of 2011 (S. 380) Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (HR 639) Free and Fair Trade Act of 2011 (HR 913/S 433) Trade Extenders Act of 2011 (S. 308) Creating American Jobs through Exports Act of 2011 (S. 98) Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (S. 328) Trade Enforcement Priorities Act (S. 708) A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should immediately approve the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, and the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. (S. Res 20) Freight FOCUS Act of 2011 (HR 1122) Focusing Resources, Economic Investment, and Guidance To Help Transportation Act of 2011 (HR 1338/S. 371) Discussions on MTB reform possibilities with Congress. Ex-Im Reauthorization, H.R. 2072 Cont'd... Trade cont'd. Legislation to fix the wool trust fund. A bill to extend the temporary duty suspensions on certain cotton shirting fabrics, and for other purposes. Discussions with Congress on making travel goods eligible for benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. Discussions with Congress on renewal of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposed changes to the Hours of Service (HoS) rules Pilot Program on NAFTA Long-Haul Trucking Provisions Clean Ports Act of 2011 (H.R. 572) Textile Enforcement and Security Act of 2011 (HR 2754) To amend the African Growth and Opportunity Act to extend the third country fabric program, and for other purposes (HR 2493) To extend the Generalized System of Preferences, and for other purposes (HR 2832) Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2011 (S. 1619) Burma sanctions renewal legislation (HJ Res 66/S.J.Res 17/HJ Res 79/HR 2608) Comments to USDA on cotton fee increases. Product Safety Discussions with CPSC and various Congressional offices on implementation of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). Monitoring issues relating to apparel and footwear safety and product labeling. H.R. 272 A bill to amend the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act to exempt ordinary books and paper-based printed material from the lead limit in such Act Kids Just Want to Ride Act (HR 412) Children's Sports Athletic Equipment Safety Act (S. 601/HR 1127) Consumer Recall Protection Act of 2011 (S. 330) Enhancing CPSC Authority and Discretion Act of 2011 (HR 1939) Amendment prohibits the use of funds to implement a searchable public consumer safety database which is described in the Consumer Product Safety Act of 2008 (HR Amdt 159 to HR 1) Common Sense in Consumer Product Safety Act of 2011 (S. 69) Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act of 2011 (HR 2401) Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S. 847) Consumer Product Safety Flexibility Act of 2011 (S 1448) To provide the Consumer Product Safety Commission with greater authority and discretion in enforcing the consumer product safety laws, and for other purposes. (HR 2715) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 (HR 2434) Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 (S. 1573) Cont'd... Other Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011 (HR 4) (and related bills). Discussion of WRAP program and with various legislative branch and executive branch officials. Discussions (including filed comments) with Departments of Labor and State in conjunction with Child/Forced labor list, Uzbek cotton, Better Work programs, Guatemala labor cases, Bangladesh, and other labor initiatives and reports. Issues relating to ICANN Privacy related legislation, including Do Not Track Me Online Act (HR 654) Provisions relating to implementation of new rules on interchange fees in Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 (HR 4173/S. 3217). Issues relating to changes or implementation of the Lobby Disclosure Act, including Administration policies relating to advisory committees. SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 493) Discussions on rogue websites, design piracy, information sharing, and other IPR initiatives with Congressional and Administration officials. Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011 (PROTECT IP Act), S.968 The Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2011 (HR 1439) Debit Interchange Fee Study Act of 2011 (S. 575/H.R. 1081) American Textile Technology Innovation and Research for Exportation (ATTIRE) Act (HR 2275) Issues relating to debt limit. Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act of 2011 (S. 1100), and related bills, including appropriations bills containing related amendments. Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act. (HR 2511) Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act (H.R. 2587) Issues relating to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) pending regulations on the ability of employers to use criminal background checks in employment decisions.
2011 · second_quarter · Apparel/Clothing Industry/Textiles
See attachments Miscellaneous Trade Discussions with Congress and Administration officials, including USTR and Commerce on pending FTAs with Korea, Panama, and Colombia, and on pending Anti-Counterfeit Trade Agreement. Discussion with ITC, Customs, USTR, Commerce, and Congress on implementation of various trade agreements and trade initiatives, such as performance outerwear, footwear, travel goods, Morocco, Andean, Peru, Colombia, Oman, Panama, Haiti, AGOA, CAFTA-DR, Honduras, Thailand, Singapore, NAFTA, Jordan, Bahrain, Dominican Republic, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Doha Round, and Korea. Discussions with USTR, Commerce, Department of Labor, ITC, State, USDA, and various Congressional office on Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Free Trade Agreement Discussion with Customs and Congress on First Sale, 10 plus 2, 9801, and proposal on Uniform Rules of Origin, and related initiatives. Discussion with USDA and CBP on Lacey Act. Discussions with USTR, Commerce, and USDA on foreign trade practices, including labeling, cotton, market access, and intellectual property rights (IPR). Discussion with Commerce, USTR, and Congressional staff on China, Vietnam, Customs proposal on Uniform Rules of Origin, and trade remedy laws, including proposals for prospective trade remedy systems. Issues related to footwear and clothing freight rates vis-a-vis NMFTA CCSB Discussions relating to China trade practices and currency issues with Commerce, USTR, ITC, US/China Economic and Security Review Commission. Issues relating to ocean shipping capacity and prices. Implementation of conflict minerals reporting requirements with the SEC Affordable Footwear Act of 2011 (S. 1069) SAVE Act (H.R. 2387/S. 1244) United States Optimal Use of Trade to Develop Outerwear and Outdoor Recreation Act (S. 704/HR. 2071) Genuine American Flag Act (HR 474) ON TIME Act (HR 526) To extend the Andean Trade Preference Act, and for other purposes. (HR 622) Andean Trade Preference Extension Act of 2011 (S. 380) Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (HR 639) Free and Fair Trade Act of 2011 (HR 913/S 433) Trade Extenders Act of 2011 (S. 308) Creating American Jobs through Exports Act of 2011 (S. 98) Currency Reform for Fair Trade Act (S. 328) Trade Enforcement Priorities Act (S. 708) A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that the United States should immediately approve the United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement, the United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement, and the United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement. (S. Res 20) Freight FOCUS Act of 2011 (HR 1122) Focusing Resources, Economic Investment, and Guidance To Help Transportation Act of 2011 (HR 1338/S. 371) Discussions on MTB reform possibilities with Congress. Ex-Im Reauthorization, H.R. 2072 Legislation to fix the wool trust fund. A bill to extend the temporary duty suspensions on certain cotton shirting fabrics, and for other purposes. Discussions with Congress on making travel goods eligible for benefits under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program. Discussions with Congress on renewal of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposed changes to the Hours of Service (HoS) rules Pilot Program on NAFTA Long-Haul Trucking Provisions Clean Ports Act of 2011 (H.R. 572) Berry Amendment/Federal Prison Industries/Military Apparel Procurement Comments and discussions on Berry Amendment, Federal Prison Industries, and Ability One programs. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (H.R.1.) Discussions with DoD, USTR, TSA, and DHS about implementation of Berry. Berry Amendment Extension Act (HR 679) Department of Defense Textile and Apparel Procurement Fairness Act (HR 2312) Product Safety Discussions with CPSC and various Congressional offices on implementation of Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) Monitoring issues relating to apparel and footwear safety and product labeling. H.R. 272 A bill to amend the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act to exempt ordinary books and paper-based printed material from the lead limit in such Act Kids Just Want to Ride Act (HR 412) Children's Sports Athletic Equipment Safety Act (S. 601/HR 1127) Consumer Recall Protection Act of 2011 (S. 330) Enhancing CPSC Authority and Discretion Act of 2011 (HR 1939) Amendment prohibits the use of funds to implement a searchable public consumer safety database which is described in the Consumer Product Safety Act of 2008 (HR Amdt 159 to HR 1) Common Sense in Consumer Product Safety Act of 2011 (S. 69) Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act of 2011 (HR 2401) Safe Chemicals Act of 2011 (S. 847) Other Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011 (HR 4) (and related bills). Discussion of WRAP program and with various legislative branch and executive branch officials. Discussions with Departments of Labor and State in conjunction with Child/Forced labor list, Uzbek cotton, Better Work programs, Guatemala labor cases, and other labor initiatives and reports. Issues relating to ICANN Privacy related legislation, including Do Not Track Me Online Act (HR 654) Provisions relating to implementation of new rules on interchange fees in Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 (HR 4173/S. 3217). Issues relating to changes or implementation of the Lobby Disclosure Act, including Administration policies relating to advisory committees. SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 (S. 493) Discussions on rogue websites, design piracy, information sharing, and other IPR initiatives with Congressional and Administration officials. Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011 (PROTECT IP Act), S.968 The Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2011 (HR 1439) Debit Interchange Fee Study Act of 2011 (S. 575/H.R. 1081) American Textile Technology Innovation and Research for Exportation (ATTIRE) Act (HR 2275) Issues relating to debt limit. Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act of 2011 (S. 1100), and related bills, including appropriations bills containing related amendments.
| Democratic |
| NC |
| Michael H. Michaud | Democratic | ME |
Client expense: $55,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), Federal Reserve System, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Natl Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Small Business Administration (SBA), Treasury, Dept of, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), White House Office
Client expense: $185,766 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Defense Logistics Agency, Defense, Dept of (DOD), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), Federal Maritime Commission, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Government Accountability Office (GAO), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Intl Trade Administration (ITA), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Economic Council (NEC), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Natl Security Council (NSC), Navy, Dept of, Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of the Vice President of the United States, Overseas Private Investment Corp (OPIC), President of the U.S., SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), State, Dept of (DOS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), Treasury, Dept of, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Vice President of the U.S., White House Office
Client expense: $55,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), Federal Reserve System, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Small Business Administration (SBA), Treasury, Dept of, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), White House Office
Client expense: $182,735 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Defense Logistics Agency, Defense, Dept of (DOD), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB), Federal Maritime Commission, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Government Accountability Office (GAO), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Intl Trade Administration (ITA), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Economic Council (NEC), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Natl Security Council (NSC), Navy, Dept of, Office of the Vice President of the United States, Overseas Private Investment Corp (OPIC), President of the U.S., SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Small Business Administration (SBA), State, Dept of (DOS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), Treasury, Dept of, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Copyright Office, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), U.S. Marines, U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Vice President of the U.S., White House Office
Client expense: $182,735 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Defense Logistics Agency, Defense, Dept of (DOD), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB), Federal Maritime Commission, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Government Accountability Office (GAO), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Intl Trade Administration (ITA), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Economic Council (NEC), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Natl Security Council (NSC), Navy, Dept of, Office of the Vice President of the United States, Overseas Private Investment Corp (OPIC), President of the U.S., SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Small Business Administration (SBA), State, Dept of (DOS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), Treasury, Dept of, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Copyright Office, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Vice President of the U.S., White House Office
Client expense: $182,735 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Other), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Defense Logistics Agency, Defense, Dept of (DOD), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Federal Maritime Commission, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Government Accountability Office (GAO), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Intl Trade Administration (ITA), Joint Chiefs of Staff, Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Economic Council (NEC), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Natl Security Council (NSC), Navy, Dept of, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of the Vice President of the United States, Overseas Private Investment Corp (OPIC), Patent & Trademark Office (PTO), President of the U.S., SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), State, Dept of (DOS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), Treasury, Dept of, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Copyright Office, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), U.S. Marines, U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Vice President of the U.S., White House Office
Client expense: $159,000 · Firm income: Not reported
Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Prisons (BOP), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Defense Logistics Agency, Defense, Dept of (DOD), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), Federal Maritime Commission, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Federal Reserve System, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Government Accountability Office (GAO), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Intl Trade Administration (ITA), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Economic Council (NEC), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Natl Security Council (NSC), Navy, Dept of, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Office of the Vice President of the United States, Overseas Private Investment Corp (OPIC), President of the U.S., SENATE, Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), State, Dept of (DOS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), Treasury, Dept of, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Vice President of the U.S.