Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014

Monitor legislative and administrative action related to health care policy. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug user fees. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare's 2011 guidance on servicing hospital equipment, including medical imaging equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug safety and drug counterfeiting (track and trace). Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug importation, drug shortages, authorized genetics, and prescription drug advertising. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to federal preemption for prescription drugs. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to point-of-care instruments. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to streamlined pathways to market for breakthrough technologies. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to access to medical supplies. Monitor legislative and administration action related to Tropical Disease Priority Review Voucher Program. Monitor activities related to House Energy and Commerce Committees 21st Century Cures Initiative. H.R. 1150, Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2013. Title II and general provisions in the bill. H.R. 2725, Food and Drug Administration Safety Over Sequestration Act of 2013. H.R. 4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act. Provisions related to imaging and Sec. 213. S. 1256, Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act of 2013. S. 1871, SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Act of 2013. H.R. 4771, Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2014. S. 2012, Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2014. Monitor the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, P.L. 111-148. H.R. 1295, Medical Device Tax Elimination Act. S. 2917, Adding Ebola to the FDA Priority Review Voucher Program Act. H.R. 3969, Preventing Abuse of Cough Treatments Act of 2014 or the PACT Act. S. 644, Preventing Abuse of Cough Treatments Act of 2013 or the PACT Act.

Client expense: $1,240,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), White House Office

Monitor legislative and administrative action related to sustainable growth rate and SGR repeal. Monitor enforcement of Medicares imaging equipment preventative maintenance policy. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare's 2011 guidance on servicing hospital equipment, including medical imaging equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare payment for diabetes testing strips, drug rebates for Medicare Part D, and the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Monitor legislative and administrative action related to CMS Competitive Bidding. S. 1871, SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Act of 2013. H.R. 4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act. Provisions related to imaging and Sec. 213.

Client expense: $1,240,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), White House Office

Determination of 501(c)4 groups; Race track depreciation; H.R.3865; H.R. 4933; S. 1826; S. 2011

Client expense: $223,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Forest Service

H.Con.Res.24 expressing the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the United States economy; Entire Bill. Comprehensive Tax Reform, draft legislation Issues related to taxpayer privacyIssues related to possible consideration of federal transportation legislation Issues related to possible extension of various expiring tax provisions H.R. 3865 Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014; Entire Bill S. 2011 Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014; Entire Bill S. 2260 EXPIRE Act of 2014; Entire Bill

Client expense: $4,340,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Commerce, Dept of (DOC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Intl Trade Administration (ITA), Patent & Trademark Office (PTO), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)

Monitor legislative and administrative action related to health care policy. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug user fees. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare's 2011 guidance on servicing hospital equipment, including medical imaging equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug safety and drug counterfeiting (track and trace). Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug importation, drug shortages, authorized genetics, and prescription drug advertising. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to federal preemption for prescription drugs. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to point-of-care instruments. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to streamlined pathways to market for breakthrough technologies. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to access to medical supplies. Monitor legislative and administration action related to Tropical Disease Priority Review Voucher Program. Monitor activities related to House Energy and Commerce Committees 21st Century Cures Initiative. H.R. 1150, Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2013. Title II and general provisions in the bill. H.R. 2725, Food and Drug Administration Safety Over Sequestration Act of 2013. HR 3204, Drug Quality and Security Act. Provisions related to drug distribution. H.R. 4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act. Provisions related to imaging and Sec. 213. S. 959, Pharmaceutical Quality, Security, and Accountability Act. Provisions related to drug distribution. S. 1256, Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act of 2013. S. 1871, SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Act of 2013. H.R. 1528, Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act of 2014. H.R. 4771, Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2014. S. 2012, Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2014. Monitor the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, P.L. 111-148. H.R. 1295, Medical Device Tax Elimination Act.

Monitor legislative and administrative action related to sustainable growth rate and SGR repeal. Monitor enforcement of Medicares imaging equipment preventative maintenance policy. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare's 2011 guidance on servicing hospital equipment, including medical imaging equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare payment for diabetes testing strips, drug rebates for Medicare Part D, and the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). Monitor legislative and administrative action related to CMS Competitive Bidding. S. 1871, SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Act of 2013. HR 3204, Drug Quality and Security Act. Provisions related to drug distribution. H.R. 4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act. Provisions related to imaging and Sec. 213.

Client expense: $1,450,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), White House Office

Monitor legislative and administrative action related to health care policy. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug user fees. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to sustainable growth rate and SGR repeal. Issues of tranparency on the CMS preventative maintenance directive for medical equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare's 2011 guidance on servicing hospital equipment, including medical imaging equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug safety and drug counterfeiting (track and trace). Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug importation, drug shortages, authorized genetics, and prescription drug advertising. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to federal preemption for prescription drugs. H.R. 1150, Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2013. Title II and general provisions in the bill. H.R. 2725, Food and Drug Administration Safety Over Sequestration Act of 2013. HR 3204, Drug Quality and Security Act. Provisions related to drug distribution. H.R. 4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act. Provisions related to imaging and Sec. 213. S. 959, Pharmaceutical Quality, Security, and Accountability Act. Provisions related to drug distribution. S. 1256, Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act of 2013. S. 1871, SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Act of 2013. H.R. 1528, Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act of 2014. H.R. 4771, Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2014. S. 2012, Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2014. Monitor the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, P.L. 111-148. H.R. 1295, Medical Device Tax Elimination Act.

Monitor legislative and administrative action related to sustainable growth rate and SGR repeal. Issues of tranparency on the CMS preventative maintenance directive for medical equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare's 2011 guidance on servicing hospital equipment, including medical imaging equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare payment for diabetes testing strips, drug rebates for Medicare Part D, and the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). S. 1871, SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Act of 2013. HR 3204, Drug Quality and Security Act. Provisions related to drug distribution. H.R. 4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act. Provisions related to imaging and Sec. 213.

Client expense: $1,360,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), White House Office

Monitor legislative and administrative action related to health care policy. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug user fees. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to sustainable growth rate and SGR repeal. Issues of transparency on the CMS preventative maintenance directive for medical equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare's 2011 guidance on servicing hospital equipment, including medical imaging equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug safety and drug counterfeiting (track and trace). Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug importation, drug shortages, authorized genetics, and prescription drug advertising. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. oMonitor legislative and administrative action related to federal preemption for prescription drugs. H.R. 1150, Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2013. Title II and general provisions in the bill. H.R. 2725, Food and Drug Administration Safety Over Sequestration Act of 2013. HR 3204, Drug Quality and Security Act. Provisions related to drug distribution. H.R. 4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act. Provisions related to imaging and Sec. 213. S. 959, Pharmaceutical Quality, Security, and Accountability Act. Provisions related to drug distribution. S. 1256, Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act of 2013. S. 1871, SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Act of 2013. Monitor the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, P.L. 111-148.

Client expense: $2,080,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Monitor legislative and administrative action related to sustainable growth rate and SGR repeal. Issues of transparency on the CMS preventative maintenance directive for medical equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare's 2011 guidance on servicing hospital equipment, including medical imaging equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare payment for diabetes testing strips, drug rebates for Medicare Part D, and the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). S. 1871, SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Act of 2013. HR 3204, Drug Quality and Security Act. Provisions related to drug distribution. H.R. 4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act. Provisions related to imaging and Sec. 213.

Client expense: $2,080,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.Con.Res.24 expressing the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the United States economy; Entire Bill. Comprehensive Tax Reform, draft legislation Issues related to taxpayer privacyIssues related to possible consideration of federal transportation legislation Issues related to possible extension of various expiring tax provisions H.R. 3865 Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014; Entire Bill S. 2011 Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014; Entire Bill S. 2260 EXPIRE Act of 2014; Entire Bill

Client expense: $4,030,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Commerce, Dept of (DOC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Intl Trade Administration (ITA), Patent & Trademark Office (PTO), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)

Contacts in support of legislation to block proposed IRS regulations restricting First Amendment rights of 501(c)(4) organizations, including H.R. 3865/S. 2011 ("STOP the IRS Act"); H.R. 3865 approved by the House of Representatives on February 26, 2014, 243-176. NRLC submitted public comment to IRS in opposition to the proposed changes, February 26, 2014.

Client expense: $106,475 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Determination of 501 (c)(4) groups; Race Track Depreciation: H.R. 3865; H.R. 4933; S. 1826; S. 2011

Client expense: $223,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Highway Administration (FHA), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Natl Park Service (NPS), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Research & Special Programs Administration, SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Forest Service

Monitor legislative and administrative action related to sustainable growth rate and SGR repeal. Issues of tranparency on the CMS preventative maintenance directive for medical equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare's 2011 guidance on servicing hospital equipment, including medical imaging equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare payment for diabetes testing strips, drug rebates for Medicare Part D, and the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). S. 1871, SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Act of 2013. HR 3204, Drug Quality and Security Act. Provisions related to drug distribution. H.R. 4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act. Provisions related to imaging and Sec. 213.

Client expense: $1,340,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, State, Dept of (DOS), U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), White House Office

Monitor legislative and administrative action related to health care policy. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug user fees. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to sustainable growth rate and SGR repeal. Issues of tranparency on the CMS preventative maintenance directive for medical equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare's 2011 guidance on servicing hospital equipment, including medical imaging equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug safety and drug counterfeiting (track and trace). Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug importation, drug shortages, authorized genetics, and prescription drug advertising. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to federal preemption for prescription drugs. H.R. 1150, Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2013. Title II and general provisions in the bill. H.R. 2725, Food and Drug Administration Safety Over Sequestration Act of 2013. HR 3204, Drug Quality and Security Act. Provisions related to drug distribution. H.R. 4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act. Provisions related to imaging and Sec. 213. S. 959, Pharmaceutical Quality, Security, and Accountability Act. Provisions related to drug distribution. S. 1256, Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act of 2013. S. 1871, SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Act of 2013. H.R. 1528, Veterinary Medicine Mobility Act of 2014. H.R. 4771, Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2014. S. 2012, Designer Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 2014. Monitor the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, P.L. 111-148. H.R. 1295, Medical Device Tax Elimination Act.

Determination of 501 (c)(4) groups; Race Track depreciation; H.R. 3865; H.R. 4933; S. 1826; S. 2011

Client expense: $223,391 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Highway Administration (FHA), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Natl Park Service (NPS), Research & Special Programs Administration, SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Forest Service

Contacts in support of legislation to block proposed IRS regulations restricting First Amendment rights of 501(c)(4) organizations, including H.R. 3865/S. 2011 ("STOP the IRS Act"); H.R. 3865 approved by the House of Representatives on February 26, 2014, 243-176. NRLC submitted public comment to IRS in opposition to the proposed changes, February 26, 2014. Contacts in opposition to confirmation of Ronnie L. White as USDJ, Eastern District of Missouri. Contacts in opposition to confirmation (continued)of David Barron to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit (cloture vote May 21, 2014, confirmed May 22, 2014).

Client expense: $79,421 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.Con.Res.24 expressing the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the United States economy; Entire Bill. Comprehensive Tax Reform, draft legislation Issues related to taxpayer privacyIssues related to possible consideration of federal transportation legislation Issues related to possible extension of various expiring tax provisions H.R. 3865 Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014; Entire Bill S. 2011 Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014; Entire Bill S. 2260 EXPIRE Act of 2014; Entire Bill

Client expense: $2,730,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Commerce, Dept of (DOC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Intl Trade Administration (ITA), Patent & Trademark Office (PTO), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)

Monitor legislative and administrative action related to health care policy. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug user fees. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to sustainable growth rate and SGR repeal. Issues of tranparency on the CMS preventative maintenance directive for medical equipment.Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare's 2011 guidance on servicing hospital equipment, including medical imaging equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug safety and drug counterfeiting (track and trace). Monitor legislative and administrative action related to drug importation, drug shortages, authorized genetics, and prescription drug advertising. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to the 340B Drug Pricing Program. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to federal preemption for prescription drugs. H.R. 1150, Preservation of Antibiotics for Medical Treatment Act of 2013. Title II and general provisions in the bill. H.R. 2725, Food and Drug Administration Safety Over Sequestration Act of 2013. HR 3204, Drug Quality and Security Act. Provisions related to drug distribution. H.R. 4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act. Provisions related to imaging and Sec. 213. S. 959, Pharmaceutical Quality, Security, and Accountability Act. Provisions related to drug distribution. S. 1256, Preventing Antibiotic Resistance Act of 2013. S. 1871, SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Act of 2013. Monitor the implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, P.L. 111-148.

Client expense: $2,040,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Monitor legislative and administrative action related to sustainable growth rate and SGR repeal. Issues of tranparency on the CMS preventative maintenance directive for medical equipment. Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare's 2011 guidance on servicing hospital equipment, including medical imaging equipment.Monitor legislative and administrative action related to Medicare payment for diabetes testing strips, drug rebates for Medicare Part D, and the Independent Payment Advisory Board (IPAB). S. 1871, SGR Repeal and Medicare Beneficiary Access Act of 2013. HR 3204, Drug Quality and Security Act. Provisions related to drug distribution. H.R. 4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act. Provisions related to imaging and Sec. 213.

Client expense: $2,040,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Determination of 501 (c)(4) groups; Race Track depreciation; H.R. 3865; S. 2011

Client expense: $223,391 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Transportation Statistics, Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Federal Highway Administration (FHA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Natl Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Natl Park Service (NPS), Research & Special Programs Administration, SENATE, Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Forest Service

Jumpstart Our Business Startup Act (JOBS Act): SBE Council continues to push for full implementation of the law (signed by President Obama on April 5, 2012) by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), such as Title III (crowdfunding regs) that align with the intent of Congress and President Obama. SBE Council filed comments on proposed regulations regarding Title III, and responds to inquiries from Congress about the progress of rulemakings.Tax Reform and Relief: SBE Council continues to advocate for fundamental reform of the tax system, providing input to U.S. House and Senate members on specific proposals and principles for reform. Specifically we have commented and provided feedback on House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp's plan. SBE Council continues to push for lower tax rates for entrepreneurs (individual rates) and corporate entities, encouraging U.S. startup activity, elimination of capital gains and death taxes, simplicity, making permanent certain important features (like Section 179 expensing and business expensing) and pointing out various legitimate business expenses that should remain deductible (i.e.: interest on debt), and against LIFO repeal. SBE Council continues to advocate for small business friendly tax reform working with our members and with coalition partners. SBE Council is pushing for a two-year extension of 2013 expiring tax provisions as a bridge to tax system overhaul. Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) and Health Care Reform: SBE Council continues to advocate and comment on the proposed rules and regulations of Health and Human Services (HHS), and educate about potential problems with implementation of the law (ie: health care exchanges, mandates, etc.) that will raise costs and increase complexity for entrepreneurs. SBE Council supports repealing key provisions in the Affordable Care Act like the employer mandate, ACA tax increases (medical devices, individual tax hikes, the health insurance tax) and restrictions placed on HSAs. Specific legislation SBE Council is supporting includes: Medical FSA Improvement Act (H.R. 1634); H.R. 45 - legislation to repeal ACA (supported passage); American Jobs Protection Act, (H.R. 903), (S. 399); Save American Workers Act (HR 2575 - suported passage); Special IG for Monitoring the ACA (HR 4158); Suspending the Individual Mandate Penalty (H.R. 4118- supported House passage); and legislation to lift the cap on HSAs in the ACA (passed and signed by President Obama). Regulatory Reform: SBE Council continues to support reforms to improve transparency and accountability of the regulatory system for small businesses. Specific legislation includes: National Regulatory Budget Act (S.2153); Sunshine and Regulatory Decrees and Settlement Act (HR 1493, S.714); Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act (HR 899); Achieving Less Excess in Regulation and Regulatory Transparency Act (HR 2804); All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act (HR 2804); Consumer Financial Freedom and Washington Accountability Act (HR 3193); Secret Science Reform Act (HR 4012 - also testified before U.S. House on this issue/legislation). SBE Council is also active on citing concerns and providing written testimony to Congress on President Obama's Climate Action Plan, EPA's forthcoming Ozone and Power Plant rules. SBE Council also provided comments in support of EPA's proposal to reduce the ethanol blend for renewable fuel standards. Immigration Reform: SBE Council continues to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform specifically focusing on increasing high-tech, high-skill visas and adding low-skill and entrepreneur visas. We continue to oppose e-verify for small employers, and to express concern with e-verify and other general provisions in the Senate-passed bill (S.744) that burden small businesses or make it costly and impractical to utilize visas for business workforce needs. Affordable Energy: SBE Council continues to support greater exploration and development of domestic energy resources, as well as construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. SBE Council opposes proposals and efforts to restrict liquefied natural gas exports, and is active support legislative effort to expedite approval of Keystone and applications for LNG permits. Specific legislation SBE Council supports, includes: Electricity Security and Affordability Act (HR 3826, S.1905); Preventing Government Waste and Protecting Coal Mining Jobs in America Act (HR 2824); Responsibly & Professionally Invigorating Development Act (HR 2641). SBE Council also opposes tax increases on the energy sector that will hurt small businesses in the industry and raise prices for small business consumers. Global Trade Expansion: SBE Council continues to support expanding trade accords with nations to open markets for entrepreneurs and the U.S. business sector. SBE Council is monitoring and supporting efforts to accelerate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and supports a new U.S.-EU trade accord. We are also supporting strong intellectual property (IP) provisions in these agreeements. SBE Council continues to advocate for streamlined and less costly processes for small businesses that operate in global markets, whether that be importing or exporting. Specific pieces of legislation SBE Council is supporting include: State Trade Coordination Act (H.R. 1926); Trade for Small Business and Jobs Act (H.R. 1916); Export Coordination Act (H.R. 1909). SBE Council also supports giving President Obama "trade promotion authority" and supports the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act (HR 3830, S.1900).Telecommunications, Technology & IP: SBE Council continues to urge the federal government to release additional spectrum to accommodate the explosion in mobile device and wireless usage. With respect to auctions, SBE Council believes an open, market-based auction will yield better results for the private sector, small businesses, the federal government (in terms of revenues), investment and job creation. SBE Council also supports efforts to accelerate our nation to next generation high-speed internet protocol (IP) broadband networks and continues to voice our support to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for moving forward quickly on their plan. SBE Council is supporting efforts to "remake" and "retool" the mission of the FCC to ensure it regulates based on 21st century technologies and the rapid change in innovation and in the economy. Government Reform & Efficiency, Protection of Taxpayer Resources, Free Speech in America: SBE Council continues to support legislative initiatives that work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government and how it uses tax dollars. Specific legislation includes: FOIA Oversight and Implementation Act (HR 1211- supported House passage); Taxpayer Transparency Act (HR 3308 - supported House passage, S.1921); Taxpayer Right to Know Act (H.R. S.2113); Taxpayer Transparency and Efficiency Audit Act (H.R. 2530); Protecting Taxpayers from Intrusive IRS Requests Act (H.R. 2531). SBE Council also submitted comments to the IRS about proposed 501c4 rules and legislation that would slow agency rulemaking on this specific issue - Stop Targeting of Political Belief by the IRS Act (H.R. 3865, S.2011). Capital Access: Specific legislative measures include: Small Business Capital Access and Jobs Protection Act (H.R. 1105) and a bill that would ease SEC red tape, and lower costs for purchasing or selling a business (H.R. 2274 - supported House passage, S. 1923).

Universal Service and Intercarrier Compensation Reform -- WTA continued sharing information with policymakers about how the Federal Communications Commission's 2011 USF/ICC Transformation Order is affecting rural local exchange carriers (RLECs) and their abilities to use universal service funds to invest in advanced networks to provide better broadband and extending it further into their service territories. WTA has also advocated for policymakers to begin to address USF Contribution Reform -- the mechanism by which consumers contribute to the Universal Service Fund. WTA also focused its attention on a provision within the 2011 Transformation Order which requires the FCC to conduct a survey of urban telephone rates as a means of setting the "floor" for such rates in rural areas. The association continued focusing its efforts on promoting the Data Only Broadband Plan which would help increase broadband take-rates in rural communities. The Plan also meets the requirements in the Communications Act which calls for reasonably comparable rates and services between urban and rural communities. Evolution of the Public Switch Network (PSTN) to Internet Protocol (IP) -- WTA continued sharing with policymakers stories and anecdotes about how RLECs continue to incorporate more IP technology into their networks as a way to maximize limited resources and to provide additional services to their customers. E-Rate Modernization -- WTA supports modernizing the E-Rate program and has offered many key suggestions to reforming the program. In particular, WTA continued advocating against using E-Rate funds to build new networks when existing infrastructure can be leveraged to expand and meet the broadband needs of schools and libraries. Communications Act Update -- WTA commented on the House Energy and Commerce's Communications and Technology's Subcommittee's White Papers regarding updating the Communications Act of 1934 (as amended). WTA shared its comments and thoughts with the Members of that Subcommittee and others interested in communications matters. Call Completion -- WTA lobbied in support of S. 2125, Public Safety and Economic Security Communications Act of 2104. The legislation would require all voice calls to be terminated regardless of whether they were destined for urban or rural areas. Specifically, it requires an intermediate provider that offers the capability to transmit certain voice communications and signaling information from one destination to another, and that charges a rate to any other entity (including an affiliated entity) for the transmission, to: (1) register with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and (2) comply with service quality standards to be established by the FCC.

H.Con.Res.24 expressing the sense of Congress that a carbon tax would be detrimental to the United States economy; Entire Bill. Comprehensive Tax Reform, draft legislationIssues related to taxpayer privacy Issues related to possible consideration of federal transportation legislation Issues related to possible extension of various expiring tax provisions H.R. 3865 Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014 S. 2011 Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014

Client expense: $2,700,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Commerce, Dept of (DOC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Intl Trade Administration (ITA), Patent & Trademark Office (PTO), SENATE, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR)

Contacts in support of legislation to block proposed IRS regulations restricting First Amendment rights of 501(c)(4) organizations, including H.R. 3865/S. 2011 ("STOP the IRS Act"); H.R. 3865 approved by the House of Representatives on February 26, 2014, 243-176. NRLC submitted public comment to IRS in opposition to the proposed changes, February 26, 2014. Contacts in opposition to confirmation of Ronnie L. White as USDJ, Eastern District of Missouri.

Client expense: $106,119 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Health care regulatory matters; Medicare & Medicaid advantage; general issues. * S. 2011, Medicare SGR Repeal and Beneficiary Access Improvement Act of 2014, 101, 103, 401; * HR 4015, SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014, 2, 4; * HR 4302, Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014, 101, 107; * Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Calendar Year (C4) 2015 for Medicare Advantage (MA) Capitation Rates, Parts C & D Payment Policies & 2015 Call Letter

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

Government targets: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), SENATE

Medicare Physician Payments - (S. 2011, H.R. 4302) Supported legislation to permanently repeal the sustainable growth rate formula. Opposed use of hospital payments as an offset. Supported inclusion of additional delays for two-midnight rule. Opposed efforts to include extension of sequestration Medicare payment cuts to hospitals as an offset for legislation to extend unemployment insurance, legislation to increase the debt ceiling and legislation to change COLA adjustments for military retirees.Hospital Two-Midnight Rule - Advocated for correcting policy and delaying implementation of CMS' two-midnight rule for hospital admissions. Supported legislation (S. 2082) to delay implementation of the rule, and develop new payment methodology for short inpatient admissions. Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program - Supported legislation (H.R. 4188) to make changes to the Medicare hospital readmissions reduction program.

Client expense: $35,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Food & Drug Administration (FDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), SENATE

Advocacy in support of the benefits of breastfeeding including: 1.) H.R. 1941 / S. 934, the Supporting Working Moms Act of 2013; 2.) The U.S. Surgeon General's 2011 Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding; 3.) Provisions related to breastfeeding in P.L. 111-148, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA);4.) Promotion of the month of August being National Breastfeeding Month.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $10,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Oppose EPA's 2011 proposed order withdrawing the food uses for the fumigant sulfuryl fluoride (SF); Support passage of FARMM Bill, H.R. 2642; Support inclusion of language exempting lawful pesticide applications from Clean Water Act permitting requirements; Support passage of HR 1496, Pest Free Food Supply Act; Support HR 3001, 21st Century Pest Management Records Act

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

USF/ICC Reform -- WTA lobbied members of the Small Business Committees in the House of Representatives and the Senate regarding the impacts that the FCC's 2011 USF/ICC Transformation Order are having on small rural local exchange carriers (RLECs) abilities to grow and expand their business opportunities while also meeting their customers' broadband needs. In many instances, these RLECs are the largest business providers, and employers, in their regions.

Client expense: $85,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Federal Communications Commission (FCC), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Universal Service and Intercarrier Compensation Reform -- WTA continued its lobbying efforts focusing on how provisions in the Federal Communications Commission's 2011 Transformation Order are adversely affecting rural local exchange carriers' (RLECs) inabilities to build out and modernize their networks to meet their customers' current and future broadband needs. As part of our lobbying WTA has shared numerous proposals that would provide RLECs with more certainty and predictability to meet their customer's broadband requirements. Rate of Return Represcription -- WTA has lobbied against an FCC staff report that would lower the current authorized interstate rate of return for ILECs. WTA has demonstrated how this would negatively affect small carriers' abilities to obtain reasonable financing to modernize their networks. USF Support for Data-Only Broadband -- WTA has discussed allowing support for Data-Only Broadband as a way to increase broadband adoption in rural areas and also as a way to make broadband more affordable for consumers living in these communities. Evolution of the Public Switched Telecommunications Network (PSTN) from TDM to an Internet Protocol-based Network -- WTA continued discussing how RLECs' current TDM networks are transitioning to ones that are more IP-based. Rural Call Completion -- WTA continued it lobbying efforts to have Congress and the FCC resolve this national problem (i.e., calls originating outside of rural areas and not being terminated/completed in rural calling areas). USF Contributions Reform -- WTA continued to stress the need for Congress and the FCC to address the contributions-side of USF reform (e.g., the way individuals contribute into the Universal Service Fund), especially since the FCC has already addressed the distribution mechanism in the 2011 USF/ICC Transformation Order. WTA lobbied on the benefits that reform would bring and why it is important to do so. E-Rate Modernization -- WTA lobbied in support of reforming the E-Rate program in ways that better use the limited E-Rate funds and that leverage existing infrastructure to enhance the delivery of broadband services. WTA argued for restrictions on duplicative infrastructure construction where pre-exising federal programs and recipients of support are in the process of providing broadband to community anchor institutions. WTA also discussed the difficulty of setting unnecessarily high service speed goals that are not tethered to current or near-term needs.

Advocacy in support of the benefits of breastfeeding including: 1.) H.R. 1941 / S. 934, the Supporting Working Moms Act of 2013; 2.) The U.S. Surgeon General's 2011 Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding; 3.) Provisions related to breastfeeding in P.L. 111-148, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $10,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Advocacy in support of the benefits of breastfeeding including: 1.) H.R. 2758 / S. 1463, The Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2011; 2.) The U.S. Surgeon General's 2011 Call to Action to Support Breastfeeding; 3.) Provisions related to breastfeeding in P.L. 111-148, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $10,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Universal Service and Intercarrier Compensation Reform -- WTA lobbied on the effects the Federal Communications Commission's 2011 Transformation Order is having on rural local exchange carriers (RLECs) and their abilities to continue to build out and modernize their networks to meet their consumers' telecommunications and broadband needs. Our efforts have also focused on proposed fixes to provisions within the 2011 Order that would provide RLECs with more certainty and predictability to allow them to obtain public (Rural Utilities Service) and private financing to extend broadband in rural areas. USF Support for Data-Only Broadband -- WTA lobbied on the reasons why RLECs should be able to seek USF support for data-only or "standalone" broadband. We also discussed why this would be helpful to expanding broadband availability and making broadband more affordable for consumers. USF Contributions Reform -- WTA lobbied on the need for the FCC to address how individuals contribute into the Universal Service Fund. We lobbied on the benefits that reform would bring and why it is important to do so. Evolution of the Public Switched Telecommunications Network from TDM-to-Internet Protocol (IP) -- WTA discussed how RLECs have been transitioning their current Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) networks to ones that are becoming more IP-based. We also shared specific experiences that RLECs are having with this transition. Rural Call Completion -- WTA lobbied on the problems RLECs and their customers are experiencing as a result of originating carriers' calls outside of rural areas not being completed in RLEC areas. WTA lobbied for the FCC to act swiftly to address this national problem.

Client expense: $55,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Universal Service and Intercarrier Compensation Reform -- WTA lobbied on the effects the Federal Communications Commission's 2011 Transformation Order is having on rural local exchange carriers (RLECs) and their abilities to continue to build out and modernize their networks to meet their consumers' telecommunications and broadband needs. Our efforts have also focused on proposed fixes to provisions within the 2011 Order that would provide RLECs with more certainty and predictability to allow them to obtain public (Rural Utilities Service) and private financing to extend broadband in rural areas. USF Contributions Reform -- WTA lobbied on the need for the FCC to address how individuals contribute into the Universal Service Fund. We lobbied on the benefits that reform would bring and why it is important to do so. Rural Call Completion -- WTA lobbied on the problems RLECs and their customers are experiencing as a result of originating carriers' calls outside of rural areas not being completed in RLEC areas. WTA lobbied for the FCC to act swiftly to address this national problem.

Client expense: $55,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Universal Service and Intercarrier Compensation -- WTA lobbied on the near-term and long-term effects the FCC's 2011 USF-ICC Transformation Order is having on rural telcos abilities to build communications networks in rural areas that are capable of delivering voice communications and broadband. Specifically, we have been discussing provisions contained within the FCC's 6th Order on Reconsideration. WTA also lobbied on the how the Order is affecting rural telco's abilities to repay their Dept. of Agriculture' Rural Utilities Service loans. Through the Transformation Order, the FCC modified how USF funds are distributed; it has not addressed contributions reform, or the system by which all Americans contribute into the Universal Service Fund. WTA has been lobbying on the need to reform the contributions mechanism and the benefits associated with doing so. Rural Call Completion -- WTA lobbied on the problems rural telecommunications carriers and the customers are experience as a result of originating carriers' call not being completed in rural areas. WTA lobbied for the FCC to act swiftly to address this national problem.

Client expense: $45,000 · Firm income: Not reported