Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act

Animal health and wellbeing Legislation related to the use of antibiotics in animal feed and water, particularly if those antibiotics are used in human medicine -- HR 1150, HR820, S 895, S 1256 Legislation/regulatory attempts to change how antibiotic use data is reported to FDA, particularly its use in feed -- HR 1150, HR820, S 895, S 1256 Animal rights -- legislative/regulatory attempts to change how farmers and ranchers husband food producing animals Issues related to labeling of food foods for "humaneness" Legislative initiatives to restrict federal food purchases to farmers meeting animal welfare requirements, including restrictions on confinement housing Private company welfare standards imposed on farmers and rnachers

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)

On behalf of 61 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of H.R. 1150, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015; and in support of House passage. We must work to create a context where people can live with their deepest differences. The recent turmoil in Syria, Iraq and Ukraine-including the alarming spike in incidents of violence and persecution of Christians, Muslim communities, and other religious minorities-offers the latest examples of what happens if we do not. The purpose of the bill is to update the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) and improve the capacity of the U.S. government to advance religious freedom globally by giving the Administration and State Department new political tools to better counter violent extremism and sectarian violence, growing anti-Semitism and restriction on religious minorities (e.g., a tier system for IRF reports on countries of particular concern and a special watch list, annual actions on countries with severe IRF abuses, authority to sanction individuals responsible for committing severe violations of IRF or materially supporting terrorism or violent extremism, and the ability to designate non-state actors as part of the Country of Particular Concern list and a range of sanctions targeting individual members of such groups); expanding diplomatic training, counter-terrorism coordination, and foreign assistance efforts; and reauthorizing the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through 2021. With the passage and implementation of H.R. 1150, a strengthened IRFA and a stronger IRF policy-as integrated into U.S. foreign policy and national security-the United States will send a clear and urgent message regarding the inherent dignity of every human being, as well as our common global security in the fight against persecution and religious extremism, and terrorism. Doing so is consistent with the best of our values, practically protecting our interests as a result. On May 16, 2016, H.R. 1150 passed out of the House by voice vote. On behalf of 64 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of S. 2878, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act; and in support of a swift markup of either S. 2878 or H.R. 1150 in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. We believe S. 2878 strengthens IRFA at a critical time when assaults on religious freedom around the world are systemic and growing. In fact, the current state of international religious freedom is one of deepening crisis-according to the Pew Research Centers latest annual study on global restrictions on religion, 77% of the worlds population live in countries with a high or very high overall level of restriction on religion in 2013, up from 76% in 2012 and 68% in 2007. The Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act would: Give the Administration and the State Department new political tools, strengthen the standing of the International Religious Freedom Office and the Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom by making clear that the Ambassador reports directly to the Secretary of State. Clarify the Ambassador-at-Larges role in distributing project grants to protect religious freedom globally. Create a Special Watch List and automatic downgrade to a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) for states on the list for three straight years. Clarify that CPC designations will occur annually. Require designation of non-state actors as Entities of Particular Concern. Direct the President to focus sanctions on individuals who carry out or order religious restrictions. Set a floor at 25 full-time employees in the International Religious Freedom Office. Require curriculum for training all Foreign Service Officers in the strategic value of international religious freedom. Prioritize IRF programming for groups that seek to strengthen investigations, reporting, and monitoring of religious freedom violations, including genocide. This legislation is the companion bill to the amended text of H.R. 1150, which passed out of the House by voice vote on May 16. The passage and implementation of S. 2878 will result in a strengthened IRFA, as well the integration of this foundational human right into U.S. foreign policy and national security strategies. In so doing, the United States will send a clear and urgent message regarding the inherent dignity of every human being, while advancing global security in the fight against persecution, religious extremism and terrorism. This legislation is consistent with the best of our values, and has the added benefit of practically protecting our national interests as well. On behalf of 28 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to express our continuing deep concern about rising restrictions on religion in the Republic of Kazakhstan; and urge U.S. government leaders to engage Kazakh President Nazarbayev and leaders of his government regarding the 2011 Religion Law and related amendments to the Criminal Code and Administrative Code, and urge them to amend the 2011 Religion Law and related articles in these Codes in order to bring them into conformity with international human rights standards, Kazakhstans international commitments, and its own Constitution. Related to this, shared the Kazakhstan report of the UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, which recommends reforms to the 2011 Religion Law. The brief summary of this formal report on his mission to Kazakhstan stated: While acknowledging a general appreciation of religious diversity in the country, he noticed adverse attitudes towards some non-traditional religious communities. The State monitors religious activities strictly, with a view to preventing extremism and to combating sects deemed destructive to peoples well-being. Many of the measures adopted for this purpose are not in line with international standards of freedom of religion or belief. Moreover, the mandatory registration of religious communities, in conjunction with tightly knit stipulations, largely hampers free religious practice, which takes place in an atmosphere of legal insecurity. Further, the Special Rapporteurs conclusions include: 66. the 2011 Law on Religious Activity and Religious Associations shows restrictive features that are not in line with international standards of freedom of religion or belief. The most obvious problem concerns the mandatory status of official registration. Failure to obtain this status means that a religious community is deemed illegal, which has far-reaching negative repercussions on the enjoyment of freedom of religion or belief. Moreover, even those communities which are registered suffer to some extent from legal insecurity, inter alia due to the official confinement of permitted religious activities to certain predefined issues and territorial boundaries. In general, the 2011 Law is based on the assumption that the exercise of core aspects of freedom of religion depends on specific acts of Government approval - thereby turning the relationship between freedom and limitations, as generally understood in the framework of human rights, upside down. 67. While Kazakhstan has broadly embraced religious pluralism, members of non-traditional small religious communities, frequently branded as sects, continue to experience suspicion, mistrust and discrimination in society. Moreover, some provisions of the Criminal Code and of the Code on Administrative Offences - both the existing and the new Codes - which are aimed at combating religious hatred or religious extremism - are defined only vaguely, thus creating a climate of legal insecurity, which is further exacerbated by shortcomings in the handling of criminal procedures, long pretrial detention and related problems. Similar problems are associated with the 2005 Law on Countering Extremism. Finally, the Special Rapporteurs recommendations include: (a) The Special Rapporteur recommends that the Government consider amending the relevant provisions of the Constitution to bring them into line with article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (b) The Government should bring its constitutional provisions pertinent to freedom of religion or belief fully into line with article 18 of the Covenant and other relevant international human rights standards. (d) Above all, the Special Rapporteur would like to recommend far-reaching reforms of the 2011 Law on Religious Activity and Religious Associations based on an understanding that registration should be in the service of freedom of religion or belief which, due to its status as a universal human right, inheres in all human beings, prior to - and independent of - any specific acts of administrative approval. The most important consequence would be that registration should be an offer, not a mandatory requirement, for religious community practice. Non-registered communities must be able to operate free from discrimination and free from fear of intimidation. Also shared a recent UN Human Rights Committee decision against Kazakhstan. In the Consideration of the merits section of this decision against Kazakhstan are the following three points: 10.The Human Rights Committee, acting under article 5, paragraph 4, of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, is of the view that the facts before it discloses a violation by the State party of the authors rights under article 18 of the Covenant. 11.In accordance with article 2, paragraph 3 (a), of the Covenant, the State party is under an obligation to provide the author with an effective remedy, including review of his conviction and review of the cancellation of his residence permit. The State party is also under an obligation to prevent similar violations in the future. 12.Bearing in mind that, by becoming a party to the Optional Protocol, the State party has recognized the competence of the Committee to determine whether or not there has been a violation of the Covenant and that, pursuant to article 2 of the Covenant, the State party has undertaken to ensure to all individuals within its territory or subject to its jurisdiction the rights recognized in the Covenant and to provide an effective and enforceable remedy when a violation has been established, the Committee wishes to receive from the State party, within 180 days, information about the measures taken to give effect to the Committees Views. The State party is also requested to publish the present Views, to have them translated into the official languages of the State party, and to have them widely disseminated. Finally, shared an International Religious Freedom Roundtable submission to the UN Human Rights Committee. Provided this submission to the UN Human Rights Committee in connection with its consideration of the second periodic report of Kazakhstan regarding its compliance with the ICCPR on 22 and 23 June 2016. It lays out our concerns related to Kazakhstan and Article 18 - freedom of religion-and our recommendations. The purpose of this submission was to summarize to date the IRF Roundtable engagement with the Kazakh government and interactions with the UN Special Rapporteur regarding religious freedom in Kazakhstan in light of the deteriorating situation, hopeful that a meaningful dialogue might be renewed-one that does not demonize the government or civil society. We believe this dialogue can be helpful in maintaining stability and peace in Kazakhstan while bringing the Religion Law and related articles of the Criminal and Administrative Codes closer to compliance with UN international standards articulated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).

Animal health and wellbeing Legislation related to the use of antibiotics in animal feed and water, particularly if those antibiotics are used in human medicine -- HR 1150, HR820, S 895, S 1256 Legislation/regulatory attempts to change how antibiotic use data is reported to FDA, particularly its use in feed -- HR 1150, HR820, S 895, S 1256 Animal rights -- legislative/regulatory attempts to change how farmers and ranchers husband food producing animals Issues related to labeling of food foods for "humaneness" Legislative initiatives to restrict federal food purchases to farmers meeting animal welfare requirements, including restrictions on confinement housing Private company welfare standards imposed on farmers and rnachers

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)

On behalf of 73 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of H. Con. Res. 75, a resolution expressing the sense of Congress that those who commit or support atrocities against Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities, including Yezidis, Turkmen, Sabea-Mandeans, Kaka`e, and Kurds, and who target them specifically for ethnic or religious reasons, are committing, and are hereby declared to be committing, `war crimes', `crimes against humanity', and `genocide'. Since the emergence of the self-proclaimed Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Christians and other religious minorities including Yezidis, Turkmen, Sabea-Mandeans, Kakae, Kurds, and Shia, have been targeted for extermination and forced to flee their homelands. The atrocities perpetrated against these vulnerable groups shock the conscience of civilized humanity. They have been systematically murdered and subjected to grievous bodily harm and psychological harm, including sexual slavery and abuse inflicted in a deliberate and calculated manner. ISIS is committing genocide against religious groups that do not conform to ISISs totalitarian definition of true Islam. The United States government and the global community must universally acknowledge the genocide that is taking place against religious minorities in Iraq and Syria. Without a swift and decisive response from the international community, the lives and ancient cultural heritage of these minorities could be eradicated from the Middle East completely. It is our belief that officially declaring and subsequently halting this genocide and its spread is a matter of vital moral and strategic importance for the United States, the international community, and the overall state of religious freedom around the world. On March 14, 2016, this resolution passed the House on motion to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution. Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 393 - 0. On behalf of 112 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to urge the U.S. government to declare the Islamic States systematic destruction of the ancient religious minority communities in Iraq and Syria including Christians-Assyrians/Chaldeans/Syriacs, Copts, etc.-Yazidis, Shia Muslims, Turkmen (Shia), Shabak and others to be genocide. There is a growing chorus of political and faith leaders, genocide scholars, human rights experts and numerous Iraqi and Syrian, Christian and Yazidi firsthand testimonies recognizing that the most accurate description for the atrocities unfolding at the initiative of the Islamic State is genocide. We believe that without a formal declaration the U.S. Government has abdicated its duty and vow to confront the most heinous of human rights violations, namely genocide. The Administration has a tremendous opportunity to extend American leadership at a crucial time on behalf of the ancient religious and ethnic minority communities who are experiencing the most brutal reality imaginable - genocide. In their most recent report, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq - Human Rights Office stated clearly that ISIL continue to target members of different ethnic and religious communities, expounding further [t]hese acts appear to form part of a systematic and widespread policy that aims to suppress, permanently expel, or destroy many of these communities within ISIL areas of control. On February 4, 2016, the European Parliament adopted a resolution designating the crimes the Islamic State has committed against ethnic and religious minorities as genocide. In the declaration, they remind other signatories of the 1948 U.N. Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide to acknowledge the crimes of the Islamic State and to coordinate with the larger international community. At this critical juncture, a designation of genocide by the United States would strengthen the actions of the international community and further extend American leadership. Time and again the Islamic State has committed crimes with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, the ethnic and religious minority communities of Iraq and Syria. The world is watching and clear moral leadership by the Administration is needed to declare and subsequently stop such atrocities in order to preserve these ancient communities. It is our belief that officially declaring and subsequently halting this genocide is a matter of vital moral and strategic importance for the United States, the international community, and the overall state of religious freedom around the world. On March17, 2016, Secretary of State John Kerry said that the United States has determined that the Islamic State is carrying out genocide against Christians and other religious groups in the Middle East. On behalf of 61 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of H.R. 1150, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015; and in support of a markup in the House Foreign Affairs Committee. We must work to create a context where people can live with their deepest differences. The recent turmoil in Syria, Iraq and Ukraine-including the alarming spike in incidents of violence and persecution of Christians, Muslim communities, and other religious minorities-offers the latest examples of what happens if we do not. The purpose of the bill is to update the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) and improve the capacity of the U.S. government to advance religious freedom globally by giving the Administration and State Department new political tools to better counter violent extremism and sectarian violence, growing anti-Semitism and restriction on religious minorities (e.g., a tier system for IRF reports on countries of particular concern and a special watch list, annual actions on countries with severe IRF abuses, authority to sanction individuals responsible for committing severe violations of IRF or materially supporting terrorism or violent extremism, and the ability to designate non-state actors as part of the Country of Particular Concern list and a range of sanctions targeting individual members of such groups); expanding diplomatic training, counter-terrorism coordination, and foreign assistance efforts; and reauthorizing the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through 2021. With the passage and implementation of H.R. 1150, a strengthened IRFA and a stronger IRF policy-as integrated into U.S. foreign policy and national security-the United States will send a clear and urgent message regarding the inherent dignity of every human being, as well as our common global security in the fight against persecution and religious extremism, and terrorism. Doing so is consistent with the best of our values, practically protecting our interests as a result.

H.R.1150-International Religious Freedom Act.

Client expense: $80,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

On behalf of 112 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to urge support and the swift passage of S. 1798, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Reauthorization Act of 2015. We believe S. 1798 strengthens USCIRFs mandate and the tools at its disposal, while providing a much-needed six-year authorization at a critical time when assaults on religious freedom around the world are systemic and growing. In fact, the current state of international religious freedom is one of deepening crisis-according to the Pew Research Centers latest annual study on global restrictions on religion, 77% of the worlds population live in countries with a high or very high overall level of restriction on religion in 2013, up from 76% in 2012 and 68% in 2007. This bill passed the House by voice vote on October 6, 2015, and was signed by the President on October 16. It became Public Law No: 114-071. On behalf of 145 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to express our grave concern for religious minorities, among them Yezidis, Christians and Shia Muslims, at the hands of the Islamic State; and to urge U.S. government leaders to formally declare the systematic destruction of these ancient communities a genocide. Mounting evidence indisputably shows the Islamic States ongoing genocidal campaign in the Middle East through its attempts to create a global caliphate devoid of religious freedom and diversity. For more than a year, the news headlines have been replete with stories of almost unimaginable human suffering caused by the Islamic State. Religious minorities in these lands, among them the ancient Christian, Yezidi and Shia Muslim communities, have suffered grave injustices: displacement, forced conversion, kidnapping, rape and death. Furthermore, the intent to commit genocide can be clearly seen in the Islamic States ideology, as outlined in its propaganda, which calls for the eradication or subjugation of those who do not conform to the groups ideology. In Iraq, this has manifested most blatantly in the insurgencys treatment of religious and ethnic minorities, members of whom have been killed, tortured, kidnapped, raped, enslaved, brainwashed, forcibly converted and/or driven from their ancient homelands. Under the Islamic State, religious minorities now face an existential crisis and live on the edge of extinction in the lands that many have inhabited since antiquity. These communities will continue on a trajectory of tragic and precipitous decline into eventual non-existence without swift moral leadership on behalf of the administration and the international community. It is our belief that officially declaring and subsequently halting this genocide and its spread is a matter of vital moral and strategic importance for the United States, the international community, and the overall state of religious freedom around the world. Perhaps equally as important, such a declaration will give a stronger voice to the long-suffering victims while furthering and sharpening ideological engagement against those currently at the forefront of this campaign. On behalf of 73 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of H. Con. Res. 75, a resolution expressing the sense of Congress that those who commit or support atrocities against Christians and other ethnic and religious minorities, including Yezidis, Turkmen, Sabea-Mandeans, Kaka`e, and Kurds, and who target them specifically for ethnic or religious reasons, are committing, and are hereby declared to be committing, `war crimes', `crimes against humanity', and `genocide'. Since the emergence of the self-proclaimed Islamic State in Iraq and Syria, Christians and other religious minorities including Yezidis, Turkmen, Sabea-Mandeans, Kakae, Kurds, and Shia, have been targeted for extermination and forced to flee their homelands. The atrocities perpetrated against these vulnerable groups shock the conscience of civilized humanity. They have been systematically murdered and subjected to grievous bodily harm and psychological harm, including sexual slavery and abuse inflicted in a deliberate and calculated manner. ISIS is committing genocide against religious groups that do not conform to ISISs totalitarian definition of true Islam. The United States government and the global community must universally acknowledge the genocide that is taking place against religious minorities in Iraq and Syria. Without a swift and decisive response from the international community, the lives and ancient cultural heritage of these minorities could be eradicated from the Middle East completely. It is our belief that officially declaring and subsequently halting this genocide and its spread is a matter of vital moral and strategic importance for the United States, the international community, and the overall state of religious freedom around the world. Client was one of 27 organizations and individuals who signed a multi-faith letter, which was used in contacts to support an Atrocity Accountability Provision (Provision) during negotiations on the FY16 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill (section 7047(b) of S.1725, the Senate reported version of the FY16 State, Foreign Operations bill). The United States has long been a champion of accountability and justice for perpetrators of atrocity crimes, including in Nazi Germany, the former Yugoslavia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Cambodia. The passage of this Provision will further solidify American leadership on the rule of law and human rights, and, of particular interest to us, will allow the U.S. to promote accountability and justice in conflict situations involving religious persecution. The International Criminal Court (ICC or Court) is the worlds only permanent international tribunal mandated to investigate and prosecute atrocity crimes. The ICCs governing statute specifically includes religious persecution as a punishable offense within the three core atrocity crimes that the Court prosecutes - genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes - and religious freedom abuses are implicated in six of the eight country situations currently before the Court. In light of the ICCs mandate to prosecute perpetrators of religious persecution, and as a result of the recognition that the Court serves to protect core religious values, including justice, bearing witness, redress, and protecting the vulnerable, many faith-based organizations from diverse cultural, social, and political backgrounds support the work and mission of the ICC. Moreover, the U.S. has been broadly supportive of all of the ICCs cases, as they are consistent with U.S. national interests. The Provision fills a gap in U.S. law that hampers Americas ability to provide the full array of professional, logistical, and similar resources to ICC cases. Current law permits the U.S. to provide only limited, in-kind support to the ICC on a case-by-case basis, provided such support is already paid for by another non-ICC related appropriation - which, unfortunately, is a rare occurrence. This means that the U.S. cannot appropriate new funds or allocate existing funds to finance American support of ICC cases, even when such support has been determined to be in the American interests. This results in the U.S. being unable to provide the ICC with particular expertise and resources needed to bring to justice perpetrators of atrocities, including the most egregious abuses of international religious freedom. This limitation should be of serious concern to the United States because, in many cases, the ICC is the only mechanism available to hold individuals accountable for their commission of religiously-motivated atrocities. Indeed, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom recently recommended that the U.S. push for a United Nations Security Council Resolution that refers ISIS atrocities to the ICC. The Provision would fill this gap by enabling the U.S. to provide to the ICC the same type of critical support that it provided to the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda tribunals. On behalf of 61 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of H.R. 1150, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015. We must work to create a context where people can live with their deepest differences. The recent turmoil in Syria, Iraq and Ukraine-including the alarming spike in incidents of violence and persecution of Christians, Muslim communities, and other religious minorities-offers the latest examples of what happens if we do not. The purpose of the bill is to update the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) and improve the capacity of the U.S. government to advance religious freedom globally by giving the Administration and State Department new political tools to better counter violent extremism and sectarian violence, growing anti-Semitism and restriction on religious minorities (e.g., a tier system for IRF reports on countries of particular concern and a special watch list, annual actions on countries with severe IRF abuses, authority to sanction individuals responsible for committing severe violations of IRF or materially supporting terrorism or violent extremism, and the ability to designate non-state actors as part of the Country of Particular Concern list and a range of sanctions targeting individual members of such groups); expanding diplomatic training, counter-terrorism coordination, and foreign assistance efforts; and reauthorizing the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through 2021. With the passage and implementation of H.R. 1150, a strengthened IRFA and a stronger IRF policy-as integrated into U.S. foreign policy and national security-the United States will send a clear and urgent message regarding the inherent dignity of every human being, as well as our common global security in the fight against persecution and religious extremism, and terrorism. Doing so is consistent with the best of our values, practically protecting our interests as a result. On behalf of 28 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to promote the idea of a public briefing event to engage leaders of the Kazakhstan government and discuss deep concerns about the 2011 Law on Religious Activity and Religious Associations in light of the recent Report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief on his Mission to Kazakhstan. Certain provisions of the 2011 Religion Law are inconsistent with both Kazakhstans Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The Special Rapporteur made several substantive, reasonable and fair recommendations to bring the Constitution and Kazakh law fully into line with Article 18 of the ICCPR and other relevant international human rights standards. The Kazakh government could be urged to make these changes to the law.

Animal rights; "Humaneness" labeling; Animal health/new animal drugs; HR 1150, S. 895, S. 1256, HR 820 as well as guidance for industry (GFI 213/209) and other issues relating to end the use of certain antibiotics in animal feed if those antibiotics are used in human medicine. Monitor and counsel on issues related to contemplated or proposed/introduced federal legislation, including HR 1150, S. 1256, HR 820 & S. 895 and regulation related to restrictions on how, where and by who animal drugs may be used on farms and ranches, particularly in feed. Issues relating to efforts to require the federal government to purchase meat, dairy and poultry products only from farmers meeting certain animal welfare requirements, including a restriction on confinement housing. Issues related to the labeling of foods for humaneness. Private company welfare programs.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA), White House Office

On behalf of 61 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of H.R. 1150, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015. We must work to create a context where people can live with their deepest differences. The recent turmoil in Syria, Iraq and Ukraine-including the alarming spike in incidents of violence and persecution of Christians, Muslim communities, and other religious minorities-offers the latest examples of what happens if we do not. The purpose of the bill is to update the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) and improve the capacity of the U.S. government to advance religious freedom globally by giving the Administration and State Department new political tools to better counter violent extremism and sectarian violence, growing anti-Semitism and restriction on religious minorities (e.g., a tier system for IRF reports on countries of particular concern and a special watch list, annual actions on countries with severe IRF abuses, authority to sanction individuals responsible for committing severe violations of IRF or materially supporting terrorism or violent extremism, and the ability to designate non-state actors as part of the Country of Particular Concern list and a range of sanctions targeting individual members of such groups); expanding diplomatic training, counter-terrorism coordination, and foreign assistance efforts; and reauthorizing the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through 2021. With the passage and implementation of H.R. 1150, a strengthened IRFA and a stronger IRF policy-as integrated into U.S. foreign policy and national security-the United States will send a clear and urgent message regarding the inherent dignity of every human being, as well as our common global security in the fight against persecution and religious extremism, and terrorism. Doing so is consistent with the best of our values, practically protecting our interests as a result. On behalf of 112 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to urge support and the swift passage of S. 1798, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Reauthorization Act of 2015. We believe S. 1798 strengthens USCIRFs mandate and the tools at its disposal, while providing a much-needed six-year authorization at a critical time when assaults on religious freedom around the world are systemic and growing. In fact, the current state of international religious freedom is one of deepening crisis-according to the Pew Research Centers latest annual study on global restrictions on religion, 77% of the worlds population live in countries with a high or very high overall level of restriction on religion in 2013, up from 76% in 2012 and 68% in 2007. At the same time, made contacts against S. 1860, the Further Independence of Religion for Security and Tolerance Freedom Act of 2015. We believe S. 1798 is better suited to advance freedom of religion or belief. While S. 1860 includes significant refugee-related provisions that many of us support, some of these provisions are part of an ongoing debate which is unlikely to be resolved prior to the rapidly-approaching expiration of USCIRFs current authorization. As such, we believe consideration of such provisions should be delinked from the current reauthorization process. Additionally, many of the USCIRF-related provisions in S. 1860 are deeply concerning and could potentially undermine USCIRFs vital work. On behalf of 112 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to urge support and the swift passage of S. 2078, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Reauthorization Act of 2015. S. 2078 reauthorizes the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through FY2019. S. 2078 passed the Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. On behalf of 34 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to urge support and the swift passage of H. Res. 290, which calls for the global repeal of blasphemy laws. These laws punish expression deemed blasphemous (contemptuous of God or sacred things), defamatory of religion, or insulting to religion or religious symbols, figures, or feelings. Not only do they threaten the individual right to the freedoms of religion and expression, they also violate international standards, including Article 18 of the International Declaration of Human Rights, which affirms that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. These bans also inappropriately position governments as arbiters of truth or religious rightness as they empower officials to enforce particular religious views against individuals and minorities. H. Res. 290 calls on the President and the State Department to prioritize the repeal of blasphemy laws. On behalf of 28 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to urge the United States government to engage leaders of the Kazakhstan government and express deep concerns about the 2011 Law on Religious Activity and Religious Associations in light of the recent Report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief on his Mission to Kazakhstan. Certain provisions of the 2011 Religion Law are inconsistent with both Kazakhstans Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The Special Rapporteur made several substantive, reasonable and fair recommendations to bring the Constitution and Kazakh law fully into line with Article 18 of the ICCPR and other relevant international human rights standards. The U.S. government could urge the Kazakh government to make these changes to the law.

Religious liberty issues, generally H.R.1150, Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015, International religious liberty issues

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $30,000

Government targets: Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Animal rights; "Humaneness" labeling; Animal health/new animal drugs; HR 1150, S. 895, S. 1256, HR 820 as well as guidance for industry (GFI 213/209) and other issues relating to end the use of certain antibiotics in animal feed if those antibiotics are used in human medicine. Monitor and counsel on issues related to contemplated or proposed/introduced federal legislation, including HR 1150, S. 1256, HR 820 & S. 895 and regulation related to restrictions on how, where and by who animal drugs may be used on farms and ranches, particularly in feed. Issues relating to efforts to require the federal government to purchase meat, dairy and poultry products only from farmers meeting certain animal welfare requirements, including a restriction on confinement housing. Issues related to the labeling of foods for humaneness. Private company welfare programs.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA), White House Office

On behalf of 61 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of H.R. 1150, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015. We must work to create a context where people can live with their deepest differences. The recent turmoil in Syria, Iraq and Ukraine-including the alarming spike in incidents of violence and persecution of Christians, Muslim communities, and other religious minorities-offers the latest examples of what happens if we do not. The purpose of the bill is to update the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) and improve the capacity of the U.S. government to advance religious freedom globally by giving the Administration and State Department new political tools to better counter violent extremism and sectarian violence, growing anti-Semitism and restriction on religious minorities (e.g., a tier system for IRF reports on countries of particular concern and a special watch list, annual actions on countries with severe IRF abuses, authority to sanction individuals responsible for committing severe violations of IRF or materially supporting terrorism or violent extremism, and the ability to designate non-state actors as part of the Country of Particular Concern list and a range of sanctions targeting individual members of such groups); expanding diplomatic training, counter-terrorism coordination, and foreign assistance efforts; and reauthorizing the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through 2021. With the passage and implementation of H.R. 1150, a strengthened IRFA and a stronger IRF policy-as integrated into U.S. foreign policy and national security-the United States will send a clear and urgent message regarding the inherent dignity of every human being, as well as our common global security in the fight against persecution and religious extremism, and terrorism. Doing so is consistent with the best of our values, practically protecting our interests as a result. On behalf of 81 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of H.R. 2037, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom Reauthorization Act of 2015. Religious freedom is a principle upon which our country was founded, and protecting it is essential to promoting a more just and free world and also a significant factor of our national security and related global interests. This bill is best suited to advance freedom of religion or belief by, among other provisions, maintaining USCIRFs independence and non-partisan staff, which we believe will protect the Commissions structure and mandate established by Congress in the International Religious Freedom Act (IRFA). The most effective way to ensure the continuity of USCIRFs essential mandate to protect religious freedom worldwide is to pass HR 2037 before the Commissions current authorization expires on September 30, 2015. On behalf of 54 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of the bipartisan, bicameral congressional letter sent to the President requesting that he move swiftly to fill the vacant post of Special Envoy for Religious Minorities in the Middle East and South Central Asia. The news headlines have been dominated recently with stories of almost unimaginable human suffering at the hands of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). Religious minorities in these lands, among them the ancient Christian and Yezidi communities, have suffered grave injustices: displacement, forced conversion, kidnapping, rape and death. The Islamic State's murderous reach has extended beyond Iraq and Syria. Last summer Congress passed, with broad bipartisan support, legislation to create a Special Envoy for Religious Minorities in the Middle East and South Central Asia. The breadth of support for the legislation underscores the urgency of the perils facing these communities. In the seven months since the legislation became law discrimination, repression and outright violence against religious minorities has only escalated. We respectfully requested that the President swiftly fill the position. Doing so would signal to beleaguered communities in the Middle East, and beyond, that America stands with them. On behalf of 27 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of H.R. 624, the Global Magnitsky Human Rights countability Act. The passage of H.R. 624 will demonstrate Americas commitment to protecting human rights-including religious freedom-worldwide. It will also send a strong message to the worlds worst human rights violators. It is a powerful tool to sanction and publicly name foreign individuals who commit gross violations-including extrajudicial killings, torture, enforced disappearances, and prolonged, arbitrary detention, or significant corruption-of internationally recognized human rights and freedoms in other countries. Religious freedom is written into the bill as the first example of a human right and freedom to be prioritized during implementation. The bill globalizes the Russia-specific Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012 (H.R. 6156), part of what became Public Law 112-208, which passed the House 365-43 and the Senate 92-4. It requires and authorizes the President to: Impose sanctions in the form of visa bans or revocations, and U.S. property transaction freezes, on foreign persons who he/she determines have committed gross violations of internationally recognized human rights and/or significant corruption in foreign countries; Publicly report the names of the persons he/she has sanctioned, and the sanctions applied (if the President classifies the name of an individual, he/she must still publicly report the country of citizenship); Respond in writing to written requests from the Chair and Ranking Member of an appropriate Congressional committee about foreign perpetrators who meet the criteria for sanctioning, no later than 120 days after receiving such requests; and Consider credible information from other countries and nongovernmental organizations. On behalf of 16 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts in support of legislation that will permanently extend the Special Immigrant Non-Minister portion of the Religious Worker Visa Program (RWVP). Unless Congress acts by September 30, 2015, the RWVP will expire, leaving religious denominations and organizations with no way to bring in, where necessary, permanent religious workers to staff their religious institutions and attend the urgent needs of the communities they serve. The Special Immigrant Non-Minister portion of the RWVP became law in 1990. Originally enacted with a sunset provision, it has enjoyed broad, bipartisan support in Congress and has been reauthorized seven times since then. Under this important program, a maximum of 5,000 visas each year are available for religious workers employed by a broad range of religious denominations and organizations. Religious communities throughout the United States that participate in the program have found these visas vital to carrying out their work. Some religious workers provide critical services in areas including religious education and care for vulnerable populations such as the elderly, immigrants, refugees, the homeless and hungry, abused and neglected children, and families at risk. Others work in areas as diverse as performing missionary work, designing and building temples, producing religious publications, sustaining prison ministries, and training health care professionals to provide religiously appropriate health care. On behalf of 28 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to urge the United States government to engage leaders of the Kazakhstan government and express deep concerns about the 2011 Law on Religious Activity and Religious Associations in light of the recent Report of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief on his Mission to Kazakhstan. Certain provisions of the 2011 Religion Law are inconsistent with both Kazakhstans Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). The Special Rapporteur made several substantive, reasonable and fair recommendations to bring the Constitution and Kazakh law fully into line with Article 18 of the ICCPR and other relevant international human rights standards. The U.S. government could urge the Kazakh government to make these changes to the law. On behalf of 15 organizations and individuals, including the client, who signed a multi-faith letter, made contacts to urge the United States Government to call for the release of the Bahrain 13, and to support all Bahrainis rights to Freedom of Religion by pressing the Bahraini Government to investigate the allegations of degrading treatment of the Bahrain 13 and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Called attention to the continued detention and mistreatment of the Bahrain 13, a group of the most prominent Bahraini leaders arrested for peacefully protesting the Bahrainis government violation of its citizens human rights and religious freedoms. The Bahrain 13 includes prominent peaceful activists, human rights defenders, religious and political leaders, many of whom are also religious clerics. The Bahrain 13 are representative of the systemic crisis of religious discrimination in Bahrain, particularly at Jaw Prison. Their religious identity proves to be a vulnerability in the eyes of Jaw Prison guards who use it to degrade and humiliate them. Prison guards have committed multiple acts of religious persecution against the Bahrain 13, including shaving the heads and beards of the Shia Clerics and disrupting certain aspects of Shia prayer rituals.

Legislation pertaining to antimicrobial use; H.R. 820, H.R. 1150, S. 895. Issues related to veterinary drug compounding.

Client expense: $90,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Religious liberty issues, generally H.R.1150, Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015, International religious liberty issues

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $40,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Animal rights; "Humaneness" labeling; Animal health/new animal drugs; HR 1150, S. 895, S. 1256, HR 820 as well as guidance for industry (GFI 213/209) and other issues relating to end the use of certain antibiotics in animal feed if those antibiotics are used in human medicine. Monitor and counsel on issues related to contemplated or proposed/introduced federal legislation, including HR 1150, S. 1256, HR 820 & S. 895 and regulation related to restrictions on how, where and by who animal drugs may be used on farms and ranches, particularly in feed. Issues relating to efforts to require the federal government to purchase meat, dairy and poultry products only from farmers meeting certain animal welfare requirements, including a restriction on confinement housing. Issues related to the labeling of foods for humaneness.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA), White House Office

Legislation pertaining to antimicrobial use; H.R. 820, H.R. 1150, S. 895; S. 1256; H.R. 1258 Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act. Fairness to Pet Owners Act; issues related to veterinary drug compounding.

Client expense: $220,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Made contacts to support the inclusion of this language in this year's House Budget resolution report: International Religious Freedom. The United States should promote freedom of religion or belief around the world, given the importance of religious freedom to human rights, economic development, stability, and democracy. The independent U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom [USCIRF] has provided important oversight and recommendations in this regard, including redirecting and conditioning aid. It calls for budget justifications to take into account the findings and recommendations of USCIRF. Additionally, the Office of International Religious Freedom continues to serve as an important voice on these issues in the State Department and should be supported. Made contacts in support of legislative language that will establish a spending-neutral reserve fund relating to supporting religious freedom, including promotion of freedom of religion (including belief) around the world, given the importance of religious freedom to human rights, economic development, stability, and democracy. Made contacts in support of legislative language that will allow for refugee designation for people whose resettlement in the U.S. is justified by humanitarian concerns, which would cover religious minorities that are being persecuted in the occupied territories of Ukraine. The Lautenberg Amendment covers Ukrainian religious minorities (Ukrainian Catholic and Autocephalous churches). But under State Department rules, only first degree relatives in the U.S. can petition for family members (parents, kids, siblings, grandparents). This is very helpful, but not every persecuted person has first degree relatives in the U.S. Made contacts in support of H.R. 1150, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015. The purpose of the bill is to update the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 (IRFA) and improve the capacity of the U.S. government to advance religious freedom globally by giving the Administration and State Department new political tools to better counter violent extremism and sectarian violence, growing anti-Semitism and restriction on religious minorities (e.g., a tier system for IRF reports on countries of particular concern and a special watch list, annual actions on countries with severe IRF abuses, authority to sanction individuals responsible for committing severe violations of IRF or materially supporting terrorism or violent extremism, and the ability to designate non-state actors as part of the Country of Particular Concern list and a range of sanctions targeting individual members of such groups); expanding diplomatic training, counter-terrorism coordination, and foreign assistance efforts; and reauthorizing the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) through 2021.

Religious liberty issues, generally H.R.1150, Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act of 2015, International religious liberty issues

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $30,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Animal rights; "Humaneness" labeling; Animal health/new animal drugs; Farm Bill 2014; HR 1150, S. 895, S. 1256, HR 820 as well as guidance for industry (GFI 213/209) and other issues relating to end the use of certain antibiotics in animal feed if those antibiotics are used in human medicine. Monitor and counsel on issues related to contemplated or proposed/introduced federal legislation, including HR 1150, S. 1256, HR 820 & S. 895 and regulation related to restrictions on how, where and by who animal drugs may be used on farms and ranches, particularly in feed. Issues relating to efforts to require the federal government to purchase meat, dairy and poultry products only from farmers meeting certain animal welfare requirements, including a restriction on confinement housing. Issues related to the reauthorization of the Animal Drug User Fee Act - P.L. 113-14. Issues related to the labeling of foods for humaneness.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA), White House Office