A Voice for Victims Act of 2015

Lobbying with regard to fiduciary responsibilities of retirement advisors. General lobbying with regard to whistleblower retaliation issues. Lobbying with regard to the Executive Order on Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces; ensures that contractors who are bidding on government contracts abide by employment law and are not able to force employees into arbitration for certain sexual assault and civil rights related claims. S. 852 (A Voice for Victims Act); provides that employment-related arbitration agreements shall not be enforceable with respect to any claim related to a tort arising out of rape. S. 2393 (Foreclosure Relief and Extension for Servicemembers Act of 2015); makes unenforceable any clause of an agreement between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of a dispute arising under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Provides an exception when both parties voluntarily agree to arbitration. Requires any issue as to whether such requirement applies to an arbitration clause to be determined by federal law and the validity or enforceability of an agreement to arbitration to be determined by a court rather than an arbitrator. S. 2331/H.R. 4161 (SCRA Rights Protection Act of 2014); amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require the consent of parties to contracts for the use of arbitration to resolve controversies arising under the contracts and subject to provisions of such Act and to preserve the rights of servicemembers to bring class actions under such Act, and for other purposes.

Client expense: $1,600,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R. 2995/S. 1910 (Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2016); making appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016. H.R. 2509/S. 1224 (Civil Justice Fairness Act); amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exclude from gross income amounts received on account of claims based on certain unlawful discrimination and to allow income averaging for backpay and frontpay awards received on account of such claims. Lobbying with regard to fiduciary responsibilities of retirement advisors. General lobbying with regard to whistleblower retaliation issues. Lobbying with regard to the Executive Order on Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces; ensures that contractors who are bidding on government contracts abide by employment law and are not able to force employees into arbitration for certain sexual assault and civil rights related claims. S. 852 (A Voice for Victims Act); provides that employment-related arbitration agreements shall not be enforceable with respect to any claim related to a tort arising out of rape. S. 2393 (Servicemember Employment Protection Act); makes unenforceable any clause of an agreement between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of a dispute arising under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Provides an exception when both parties voluntarily agree to arbitration. Requires any issue as to whether such requirement applies to an arbitration clause to be determined by federal law and the validity or enforceability of an agreement to arbitration to be determined by a court rather than an arbitrator. S. 1999/H.R. 4068 (SCRA Rights Protection Act of 2014); amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require the consent of parties to contracts for the use of arbitration to resolve controversies arising under the contracts and subject to provisions of such Act and to preserve the rights of servicemembers to bring class actions under such Act, and for other purposes.

Help ensure rationality, fairness and more certainty in the legal system, including securities class action litigation (H.R. 1927); Monitor studies mandated in section 929Z and 929Y of the Dodd/Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; support efforts to require comprehensive study prior to any CFPB Rule re same (Financial Services and General Government Appriations bill); Support access to arbitration and monitor legislation that effectively bans arbitration (S.852, S, 1133, H.R. 2087 and possible amendment to FY 2016 National Defense Authorization Act).

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $60,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R. 2087/S. 1133 (Arbitration Fairness Act); prohibits mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration in consumer contracts. General lobbying with regard to the enforceability of mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration provisions in employment and consumer contracts, including financial consumer contracts and servicemember contracts for consumer products. S.__/H.R.__ (Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 07-17-2015; relating to the use of arbitration agreements to resolve disputes involving nursing home cases and nursing home contracts. General lobbying with regard to the ability of consumers and injured parties to bring class actions, including limitations on the ability to bring class actions involving the securities industry. S.__/H.R.__ (Civil Legal Access to Strong Safeguards); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 07-17-2015; amends the Class Action Fairness Act to ensure that consumers and injured parties in a class action are treated fairly and equally. S. 1999/H.R. 4068 (SCRA Rights Protection Act of 2014); amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require the consent of parties to contracts for the use of arbitration to resolve controversies arising under the contracts and subject to provisions of such Act and to preserve the rights of servicemembers to bring class actions under such Act, and for other purposes. H.R. 1910 (Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act); requires foreign manufacturers of products imported into the United States to establish registered agents in the United States who are authorized to accept service of process against such manufacturers, and for other purposes. General Lobbying with regard to the preemption of states causes of action involving medical device and drug manufacturers. General lobbying with regard to asbestos exposure and related health and environmental issues. S. 357/H.R. 526 (Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act); amends Title 11 of the United States Code to require the public disclosure by trusts established under Section 524(g) of such Title, of quarterly reports that contain detailed information regarding the receipt and disposition of claims for injuries based on exposure to asbestos, and the filing of such reports with the Executive Office for United States Trustees. H.R. 1199 (Innocent Sellers Fairness Act); prevents undue disruption of interstate commerce by limiting civil actions brought against persons whose only role with regard to a product in the stream of commerce is as a lawful seller of the product. General lobbying with regard to alternative litigation funding. H.R. 54 (Frank Lautenberg Memorial Secure Chemical Facilities Act)/S. 697 (Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act)/S.725 (Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemical Protection Act); amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to reauthorize and modernize that Act, and for other purposes. H.R. 2576 (TSCA Modernization Act); provides for the safe and efficient flow of chemicals in interstate and foreign commerce; specific interest in provisions that would preempt state-based causes of action. General lobbying with regard to the ongoing development of a proposed TAFT-TTIP trade agreement, specific interest in effect the trade agreement would have on state-based causes of action. S. 1900/H.R. 3830 (Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act); establishes Congressional trade negotiating objectives and enhanced consultation requirements for trade negotiations, provides for consideration of trade agreements, and for other purposes. S. 2171 (Location Privacy Protection Act); specific interest in limitations on liability and preemption of state-based causes of action. S. 2393 (Servicemember Employment Protection Act); makes unenforceable any clause of an agreement between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of a dispute arising under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Provides an exception when both parties voluntarily agree to arbitration. Requires any issue as to whether such requirement applies to an arbitration clause to be determined by federal law and the validity or enforceability of an agreement to arbitration to be determined by a court rather than an arbitrator. H.R. 1098 (Investor Choice Act of 2015); amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to revise the authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to prohibit, or impose conditions or limitations on the use of agreements that require customers or clients of any broker, dealer, or municipal securities dealer to arbitrate any future dispute between then arising under the federal securities laws, related rules and regulations, or the rules of a self-regulatory organization if it finds that prohibition, imposition of conditions, or limitations are in the public interest and for the protection of investors. General lobbying with regard to warranties of Energy Star-rated products and ability of consumers to bring a class action against manufacturers of Energy Star-rated products. H.R. 504/S. 1038 (Energy Star Program Integrity Act); clarifies that no express or implied warranty is provided by reason of a disclosure relating to voluntary participation in the Energy Star program. H.R. 4921; provides for the revision of certification requirements for the labeling of certain electronic products under the Energy Star program. S. 544/H.R. 1040 (Secret Science Reform Act of 2015); prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency from proposing, finalizing, or disseminating regulations or assessments based upon science that is not transparent or reproducible. S. 2615; establishes criminal penalties for failing to inform and warn of serious dangers. H.R. 4 (Jobs for America Act); revises Federal law to improve the conditions necessary for economic growth and job creation. General lobbying regarding altering CFPB's operational structure and rulemaking authority. General lobbying on aviation safety. General lobbying on consumer protection provisions related to servicemember contracts for consumer products. S. 852 (A Voice for Victims Act); provides that employment-related arbitration agreements shall not be enforceable with respect to any claim related to a tort arising out of rape. H.R. 2030/S. 700 (READ Act); amends the Asbestos Information Act of 1988 to establish a public database of asbestos-containing products, to require public disclosure of information pertaining to the manufacture, processing, distribution, and use of asbestos-containing products in the United States. H.R. 1195 (Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Advisory Boards Act); amends the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010 to establish advisory boards. Lobbying with regard to updating generic drug labeling responsibilities. H.R. 3020/S. 1695 (Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016); making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016. Lobbying with regard to mandatory arbitration clauses in nursing home residency contracts.

Help ensure rationality, fairness and more certainty in the legal system, including securities class action litigation; Monitor legal reform amendments to S.Con.Res.11 (No. 587, 925, 325, 1079); Monitor studies mandated in section 929Z and 929Y of the Dodd/Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act; Support access to arbitration and monitor legislation that effectively bans arbitration (S.852).

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

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R. 1844/S. 878 (Arbitration Fairness Act); prohibits mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration in consumer contracts. General lobbying with regard to the enforceability of mandatory, pre-dispute arbitration provisions in employment and consumer contracts, including financial consumer contracts and servicemember contracts for consumer products. S.__/H.R.__ (Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 04-17-2015; relating to the use of arbitration agreements to resolve disputes involving nursing home cases and nursing home contracts. General lobbying with regard to the ability of consumers and injured parties to bring class actions, including limitations on the ability to bring class actions involving the securities industry. S.__/H.R.__ (Civil Legal Access to Strong Safeguards); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 04-17-2015; amends the Class Action Fairness Act to ensure that consumers and injured parties in a class action are treated fairly and equally. S. 1999/H.R. 4068 (SCRA Rights Protection Act of 2014); amends the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to require the consent of parties to contracts for the use of arbitration to resolve controversies arising under the contracts and subject to provisions of such Act and to preserve the rights of servicemembers to bring class actions under such Act, and for other purposes. H.R. 1910 (Foreign Manufacturers Legal Accountability Act); requires foreign manufacturers of products imported into the United States to establish registered agents in the United States who are authorized to accept service of process against such manufacturers, and for other purposes. General Lobbying with regard to the preemption of states causes of action involving medical device and drug manufacturers. General lobbying with regard to asbestos exposure and related health and environmental issues. S. 357/H.R. 526 (Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act); amends Title 11 of the United States Code to require the public disclosure by trusts established under Section 524(g) of such Title, of quarterly reports that contain detailed information regarding the receipt and disposition of claims for injuries based on exposure to asbestos, and the filing of such reports with the Executive Office for United States Trustees. H.R. 1199 (Innocent Sellers Fairness Act); prevents undue disruption of interstate commerce by limiting civil actions brought against persons whose only role with regard to a product in the stream of commerce is as a lawful seller of the product. General lobbying with regard to alternative litigation funding. H.R. 54 (Frank Lautenberg Memorial Secure Chemical Facilities Act)/S. 697 (Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act)/S.725 (Alan Reinstein and Trevor Schaefer Toxic Chemical Protection Act); amends the Toxic Substances Control Act to reauthorize and modernize that Act, and for other purposes. H.R.__ (TSCA Modernization Act); draft legislation not formally introduced as of 04-17-2015; provides for the safe and efficient flow of chemicals in interstate and foreign commerce; specific interest in provisions that would preempt state-based causes of action. General lobbying with regard to the ongoing development of a proposed TAFT-TTIP trade agreement, specific interest in effect the trade agreement would have on state-based causes of action. S. 1900/H.R. 3830 (Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act); establishes Congressional trade negotiating objectives and enhanced consultation requirements for trade negotiations, provides for consideration of trade agreements, and for other purposes. S. 2171 (Location Privacy Protection Act); specific interest in limitations on liability and preemption of state-based causes of action. S. 2393 (Servicemember Employment Protection Act); makes unenforceable any clause of an agreement between an employer and employee requiring arbitration of a dispute arising under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Provides an exception when both parties voluntarily agree to arbitration. Requires any issue as to whether such requirement applies to an arbitration clause to be determined by federal law and the validity or enforceability of an agreement to arbitration to be determined by a court rather than an arbitrator. H.R. 1098 (Investor Choice Act of 2015); amends the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 to revise the authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to prohibit, or impose conditions or limitations on the use of agreements that require customers or clients of any broker, dealer, or municipal securities dealer to arbitrate any future dispute between then arising under the federal securities laws, related rules and regulations, or the rules of a self-regulatory organization if it finds that prohibition, imposition of conditions, or limitations are in the public interest and for the protection of investors. General lobbying with regard to warranties of Energy Star-rated products and ability of consumers to bring a class action against manufacturers of Energy Star-rated products. H.R. 504 (Energy Star Program Integrity Act); clarifies that no express or implied warranty is provided by reason of a disclosure relating to voluntary participation in the Energy Star program. H.R. 4921; provides for the revision of certification requirements for the labeling of certain electronic products under the Energy Star program. S. 544/H.R. 1040 (Secret Science Reform Act of 2015); prohibits the Environmental Protection Agency from proposing, finalizing, or disseminating regulations or assessments based upon science that is not transparent or reproducible. H.R. 4800 (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015); specific interest related to report language concerning FDA generic drug labeling approval process. S. 2615; establishes criminal penalties for failing to inform and warn of serious dangers. H.R. 4 (Jobs for America Act); revises Federal law to improve the conditions necessary for economic growth and job creation. General lobbying regarding altering CFPB's operational structure and rulemaking authority. General lobbying on aviation safety. General lobbying on consumer protection provisions related to servicemember contracts for consumer products. S. 852 (A Voice for Victims Act); provides that employment-related arbitration agreements shall not be enforceable with respect to any claim related to a tort arising out of rape.