Loading…
How to read the money
Income and expense are whole-filing amounts associated with this lobbyist, not personal compensation or an allocated share.
No topic inference: each bill number appears in source LDA issue text assigned to this lobbyist.
An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations.
An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Specific issues are shown only where the LDA source assigned them to this lobbyist. Targets apply to the associated filing.
AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO via AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
2025 · second_quarter · Q2
Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied Congress on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. Lobbied Congress in support of the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, H.R. 1995/S. 905. Lobbied Congress in support of the Federal Firefighters Families First Act (H.R. 759). Lobbied is support of U.S. Code Title 10, Section 129a, General policy for total force management. Lobbied in support of incentives and policies in support of domestic shipbuilding. Lobbied in support of the Department of Defenses right to repair military equipment by requiring DOD agencies to only enter procurement contractors if the contractor agrees to provide fair and reasonable access to repair materials. Lobbied opposing efforts to privatize Department of Defense commissary services. Lobbied opposing Reductions in Force (RIFs) to civilian Department of Defense employees. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions.
Source: Senate LDA
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Protecting Taxpayers’ Wallets Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Protecting Taxpayers’ Wallets Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Veterans Claims Education Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Veterans Claims Education Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
Protect Veteran Jobs Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Protect Veteran Jobs Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Veteran Appeals Transparency Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
Veteran Appeals Transparency Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
MERIT Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
MERIT Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied against H.R. 1968, the Continuing Resolution that was enacted on March 14 2025. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts.
START Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
START Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Protect Our Probationary Employees Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Protect Our Probationary Employees Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Securing American Agriculture Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied Congress on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. Lobbied Congress in support of the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, H.R. 1995/S. 905. Lobbied Congress in support of the Federal Firefighters Families First Act (H.R. 759). Lobbied is support of U.S. Code Title 10, Section 129a, General policy for total force management. Lobbied in support of incentives and policies in support of domestic shipbuilding. Lobbied in support of the Department of Defenses right to repair military equipment by requiring DOD agencies to only enter procurement contractors if the contractor agrees to provide fair and reasonable access to repair materials. Lobbied opposing efforts to privatize Department of Defense commissary services. Lobbied opposing Reductions in Force (RIFs) to civilian Department of Defense employees. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions.
Securing American Agriculture Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied Congress in support of the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, H.R. 1995/S. 905. Lobbied Congress in support of the Federal Firefighters Families First Act (H.R. 759). Lobbied in support of incentives and policies in support of domestic shipbuilding. Lobbied opposing Reductions in Force (RIFs) to civilian Department of Defense employees. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions.
Rights for the TSA Workforce Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Rights for the TSA Workforce Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Review Every Veterans Claim Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Review Every Veterans Claim Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
Paycheck Protection Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Paycheck Protection Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
Board of Veterans’ Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
COST of Relocations Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
COST of Relocations Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Protect America's Workforce Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied Congress on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. Lobbied Congress in support of the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, H.R. 1995/S. 905. Lobbied Congress in support of the Federal Firefighters Families First Act (H.R. 759). Lobbied is support of U.S. Code Title 10, Section 129a, General policy for total force management. Lobbied in support of incentives and policies in support of domestic shipbuilding. Lobbied in support of the Department of Defenses right to repair military equipment by requiring DOD agencies to only enter procurement contractors if the contractor agrees to provide fair and reasonable access to repair materials. Lobbied opposing efforts to privatize Department of Defense commissary services. Lobbied opposing Reductions in Force (RIFs) to civilian Department of Defense employees. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions.
Protect America's Workforce Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied Congress in support of the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, H.R. 1995/S. 905. Lobbied Congress in support of the Federal Firefighters Families First Act (H.R. 759). Lobbied in support of incentives and policies in support of domestic shipbuilding. Lobbied opposing Reductions in Force (RIFs) to civilian Department of Defense employees. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions.
Protect America's Workforce Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Protect America's Workforce Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Protect America's Workforce Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
No Tax Breaks for Union Busting (NTBUB) Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
SERVICE Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
VA Employee Fairness Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, and Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2026
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Rural Veterans’ Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Rescissions Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
GUARD Veterans’ Health Care Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
SHOW UP Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
SHOW UP Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Equal COLA Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
Equal COLA Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Equal COLA Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Equal COLA Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Saving the Civil Service Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Saving the Civil Service Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
FAIR Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
FAIR Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
FAIR Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
FAIR Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Washington, D.C. Admission Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Washington, D.C. Admission Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
VA CPE Modernization Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
VA CPE Modernization Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Veterans Law Judge Experience Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Federal Firefighters Families First Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied Congress in support of the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, H.R. 1995/S. 905. Lobbied Congress in support of the Federal Firefighters Families First Act (H.R. 759). Lobbied in support of incentives and policies in support of domestic shipbuilding. Lobbied opposing Reductions in Force (RIFs) to civilian Department of Defense employees. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions.
Federal Firefighters Families First Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Federal Firefighters Families First Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Federal Firefighters Families First Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied Congress on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. Lobbied Congress in support of the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, H.R. 1995/S. 905. Lobbied Congress in support of the Federal Firefighters Families First Act (H.R. 759). Lobbied is support of U.S. Code Title 10, Section 129a, General policy for total force management. Lobbied in support of incentives and policies in support of domestic shipbuilding. Lobbied in support of the Department of Defenses right to repair military equipment by requiring DOD agencies to only enter procurement contractors if the contractor agrees to provide fair and reasonable access to repair materials. Lobbied opposing efforts to privatize Department of Defense commissary services. Lobbied opposing Reductions in Force (RIFs) to civilian Department of Defense employees. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions.
Protecting VA Employees Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Protecting VA Employees Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
SKILL Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
SKILL Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Putting Veterans First Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Putting Veterans First Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
District of Columbia Local Funds Act, 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
District of Columbia Local Funds Act, 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
FAIR Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
FAIR Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
FAIR Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
FAIR Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Saving the Civil Service Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Saving the Civil Service Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Paycheck Protection Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
GUARD Veterans’ Health Care Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
Veterans’ Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Washington, D.C. Admission Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Washington, D.C. Admission Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Protecting Taxpayers’ Wallets Act of 2025
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Shadow Wolves Improvement Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Equal COLA Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
Equal COLA Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations.
Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act
Filing targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), General Services Administration (GSA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Navy, Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Marines, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Voice of America
AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO via AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
2025 · first_quarter · Q1
Lobbied against H.R. 1968, the Continuing Resolution that was enacted on March 14 2025. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts.
Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.
Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied Congress in support of the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, H.R. 1995/S. 905. Lobbied Congress in support of the Federal Firefighters Families First Act (H.R. 759). Lobbied in support of incentives and policies in support of domestic shipbuilding. Lobbied opposing Reductions in Force (RIFs) to civilian Department of Defense employees. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions.
Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.
Filing targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), General Services Administration (GSA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Navy, Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Marines, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Voice of America
AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO via AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
2024 · fourth_quarter · Q4
Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for a 7.4% increase in federal by for 2025 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, H.R. 8773. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of Income Rates) Act, H.R. 7127 and S. 3688 to provide a 7.4% increase to federal employees pay in 2025. Lobbied for a minimum of parity in the 2025 pay between military and civilian employees to provide at least a 4.5% pay raise. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2025 budget request to continue GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied in support of the Fund the TSA Act," H.R. 3394. Lobbied in support of the TSA Commuting Fairness Act, H.R. 8662. Lobbied in support of the Rights for the "TSA Workforce Act," H.R. 8370 / S. 4334 to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of additional security measures for scheduled charter flights so they are fully subject to TSA screening. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. 3029, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied against FY 2025 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets. Lobbied for changes to S. 3015, the Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Lobbied for changes to S. 4043, the Telework Transparency Act of 2024 to prevent arbitrary office space reductions and/or telework restrictions. Lobbied against a proposed Romney amendment to S. 4043 to impose remote surveillance on teleworking federal employees. Lobbied against the Perry amendment to the NDAA bill (H.R. 8070) to question to role of official time by ordering a biased reporting its use in the federal workplace. Lobbied against a proposed Scott amendment to the NDAA bill (H.R. 8070) to curtail collective bargaining rights for dual status technicians employed by the Defense Department. Lobbied against H.R 4848, the Censorship Accountability Act, which would expose federal employees performing their lawful duties to personal civil liability over purported intrusions into the First Amendment. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023, hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service, provision which was enacted in the NDAA. Lobbied for changes to OPMs proposed governmentwide cybersecurity workforce proposal to preserve title 5 provisions, protect collective bargaining rights, and avoid pay banding systems that are associated with arbitrary or discriminatory treatment. Lobbied against H.R. 9594 the Protect Taxpayers Wallets Act which would effectively end official time for federal unions. Lobbied against H.R. 8314 the No Foreign Election Interference Act which would have interfered with the functioning of union political action committees. Lobbied against S. 4321 the No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act which may have punished federal healthcare providers who provided reproductive care. Lobbied against S. 4667 the Risky Research Review Act which would impose criminal penalties and other sanctions on federal workers reviewing or performing medical research. Lobbied in favor of S. 131 to improve federal workers ability to access workers compensation benefits in case of work-related injury. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD
Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25 NDAA) (H.R. 5009 / Public Law 118-159): Lobbied in support of a pay raise for Fiscal Year 2025 for Defense Department civil service employees. Lobbied in support of maintaining minimal staffing requirements for Department of Defense firefighters at military installations. Lobbied in support of ending the five-year limit for overseas Defense Department civil service positions. Lobbied in support of increasing military leave accrual and accumulation for federal civil service employees who are in the National Guard or military reserves. Lobbied in support of making reforms to improve Department of Defense child care centers. Lobbied against an amendment to establish a fiscal commission as part of the FY25 National Defense Authorization act. Lobbied against an amendment that would prohibit the payment of annuities to Defense Department civilian employees convicted of certain offenses. Lobbied against proposals in the House and Senate NDAA to expand the Department of Defenses direct hire authority for vacant civil service positions. Lobbied against proposals in the House and Senate NDAA to limit or eliminate offices of diversity, equity, and accessibility (DEIA) in the Department of Defense. Lobbied against proposals to restrict the authority of federal agencies to maintain alternative workplace arrangements. FY25 Department of Defense Appropriations (H.R. 8774 / S. 4921): Lobbied for passage of H.R. 10545 (Public Law 118-158), the American Relief Act, to continue to fund the federal government, including the U.S. Department of Defense, through March 14, 2025.
Lobbied the House and Senate in Support of H.R. 10445, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025, that the House and Senate were expected to vote on during the week of December 14 but withdrew. Lobbied in support of H.R. 10545, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025, that Congress passed on December 20 to extend federal spending and avert a government shutdown through March 14, 2025.
VA budget: Lobbied for Congress to provide funding to plug a $15 billion budget shortfall for FY 2024 and FY 2025. Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for the introduction and in support of H.R. 9046, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act including the re-instatement of GS-14 career ladder position and the career path to a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Lobbied for additional training for Board of Veterans Appeals Attorneys. Lobbied in support of ANS to H.R. 1530, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023 and for its introduction in the Senate. Lobbied in support of S. 4046/H.R. 9855, the "VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of and for changes to S. 2679, the Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Development (LEAD) Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. HR modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 7127/S. 3688, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 and 2025 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. VA Quality: Lobbied to amend H.R. 6330, the Veterans Sentinel Act to include data collection and analysis for suicides that happen when veterans are served at non-VA facilities. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied against an amendment to H.R. 8580, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025 forcing VA to apply the same access standards for Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) as for primary care, specialty care, and non-institutional extended care services. Lobbied against amendments to H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that would codify Trump-Era access standards responsible for rapid privatization of the VA, prohibit VA from modifying access standards to allow telehealth to satisfy these access standards and require VA to meet strict timeframes evaluating high-risk veterans for referral to residential treatment and rehabilitative programs without providing any additional funding to staff these new obligations. Lobbied against amendments to H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that would require VA to meet 72-hour evaluation timeframe for evaluating high-risk veterans for residential treatment centers without providing adequate funding or putting equivalent credentialing and quality requirements on private programs. Lobbied against a proposal to create a pilot program under which the Secretary would contract out to fill vacancies at a medical facility with non-department health care providers. Lobbied against a provision in H.R. 9438, the No Wrong Door for Veterans Act, reduces the wait time for VA mental health care from the current 20 day to just 3 days. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 9146, Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, which would require the Secretary to include continuity of care as one of the criteria used to determine when private care would be in the best medical interest (BMI) of a veteran undermining VAs ability to decide when returning a veteran to the VA is the in the best interest of the veteran. Lobbied against the Veterans Mental Health Access Act, which would create a parallel private mental health program that supplants VAs direct care system rather than supplement it when veterans cannot reasonably access VA care. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied for oversight of new VA private contracting program, the Integrated Critical Staffing Program. Lobbied for oversight of VA staffing reductions. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters. Lobbied for better information on scheduling and appointment times for both in-house VA and private care. Lobbied for more information about the costs of VA care. Lobbied against VA raising the ceiling for payment to third party private, Community Care contractors. Lobbied against prohibiting public health care programs from using QALYs to determine price. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act, and urge that it be defeated on the House floor. H.R. 485 would increase already high healthcare costs for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), which covers the vast majority of AFGE members and their families. In additional to FEHBP, the bill would prohibit Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Medicare Part D Plans (PDPs), the VA, and the Defense Health Agency from using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) - a measure that ascertains the value of a drug - to make decisions about a drugs price. Medicare already prohibits the use of QALYs in ways that discriminate against the elderly (such as by valuing the extension of life of an older person as less than extending the life of a younger person). Lobbied against amendments to H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that would: 1) codify Trump-Era access standards responsible for rapid privatization of the VA, prohibits VA from modifying access standards to allow telehealth to satisfy these access standards and requires VA to meet strict timeframes evaluating high-risk veterans for referral to residential treatment and rehabilitative programs without providing any additional funding to staff these new obligations and 2) require VA to meet 72-hour evaluation timeframe for evaluating high-risk veterans for residential treatment centers without providing adequate funding or putting equivalent credentialing and quality requirements on private programs. Lobbied against Amendment to H.R. 8580, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025 forcing VA to apply the same access standards for Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) as for primary care, specialty care, and non-institutional extended care services that would not apply to private RRTP facilities, promoting privatization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 8371, the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act that would allow decisions between a veteran and a doctor to remain final without VA authorization and provisions that would require strict timeframes for placement of high-risk veterans in mental health treatment programs for VA programs but not private programs. Lobbied in support of final passage of S. 141, the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. Statements and Correspondence: Testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health on December 17, 2024 legislative hearing. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the "VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of S. 4046/H.R. 9855, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of 2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure, and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at VA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S. 2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support and for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to S. 2649, the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1315, the HEALTH Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Act, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse‐ patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3176, Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which creates a three-year pilot program allowing veterans to obtain hospital care, medical services, psychological services, and extended care bypassing VA authorization and the need to meet access standards. Lobbied in opposition to H.R.5287, the Veterans Access to Direct Primary Care Act, would establish Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) funded by the VA that veterans could use for private healthcare. Veterans electing these HSAs would be completely barred from accessing VA healthcare services. Lobbied in opposition to the Complete the Mission Act (No bill number). This proposal codifies the Community Care access standards, modifies 38 USC 1703(d)(2) to make veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest and creates a pilot three-year pilot program in at least five locations where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services. AFGE opposes this provision as it would circumvent VAs ability to coordinate care and is unsustainable for the VA in the long term. Lobbied to preserve changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 7765, the VA Security Screening Pilot Program Act Lobbied for the introduction and support of the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7793 the Veterans Appeals Operations Expansion Act of 2024; Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7917, the Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2024; Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7919, the Veterans Claims Quality Improvement Act of 2024. Lobbied or changes to H.R. 7883, the Toxic Exposures Examination Improvement Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7734 the Personnel Integrity in Veterans Affairs Act of 2024 Lobbied in support of H.R. 9046, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act Lobbied in support of H.R. 2971, the Veterans Claims Education Act of 2023 Lobbied for changes to H.R. 8874, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 8879, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 8881, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2024. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024. Lobbied in support of final passage of S. 141, the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. Lobbied against expanding use of Schedule F for VA employees.
Filing targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), General Services Administration (GSA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Navy, Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Marines, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Voice of America
AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO via AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
2024 · third_quarter · Q3
FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 7070 / S. 4638): Lobbied in support of a pay raise for Fiscal Year 2025 for Defense Department civil service employees. Lobbied in support of maintaining minimal staffing requirements for Department of Defense firefighters at military installations. Lobbied in support of ending the five-year limit for overseas Defense Department civil service positions. Lobbied in support of increasing military leave accrual and accumulation for federal civil service employees who are in the National Guard or military reserves. Lobbied in support of making reforms to improve Department of Defense child care centers. Lobbied against an amendment to establish a fiscal commission as part of the FY25 National Defense Authorization act. Lobbied against an amendment that would prohibit the payment of annuities to Defense Department civilian employees convicted of certain offenses. Lobbied against proposals in the House and Senate NDAA to expand the Department of Defenses direct hire authority for vacant civil service positions. Lobbied against proposals in the House and Senate NDAA to limit or eliminate offices of diversity, equity, and accessibility (DEIA) in the Department of Defense. Lobbied against proposals to restrict the authority of federal agencies to maintain alternative workplace arrangements. FY25 Defense Appropriations (H.R. 8774): Lobbied in support of language included in previous Defense Appropriations bill prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent an analysis of the effects of such reduction on workload and military readiness of the armed forces. Lobbied against any proposal to prohibit military exchanges and commissaries from selling Chinese-made products. Lobbied against an amendment authorizing direct hire authority for any position supporting the military mission or posture in the Indo-Pacific region. Lobbied in opposition to an amendment which would have prohibited telework and remote work for certain DoD employees and contractors. Lobbied against an amendment prohibiting funding for Executive Order 14019, relating to Promoting Access to Voting. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to reduce the salaries of various DoD officials. Lobbied against an amendment prohibiting the use of funds to carry out a mask mandate regarding the spread of COVID-19 on military instillations. Lobbied against an amendment to eliminate funding for important diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) programs at the Defense Department. Lobbied in support of amendments to ensure that federal civilian employees who serve in the DC National Guard are treated the same as all other federal civilian employees who serve in the National Guard. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.
Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for a 7.4% increase in federal by for 2025 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, H.R. 8773. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of Income Rates) Act, H.R. 7127 and S. 3688 to provide a 7.4% increase to federal employees pay in 2025. Lobbied for a minimum of parity in the 2025 pay between military and civilian employees to provide at least a 4.5% pay raise. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2025 budget request to continue GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied in support of the Fund the "TSA Act," H.R. 3394. Lobbied in support of the Rights for the "TSA Workforce Act," H.R. 8370 / S. 4334 to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of additional security measures for scheduled charter flights so they are fully subject to TSA screening. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. 3029, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied against FY 2025 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets. Lobbied for changes to S. 3015, the Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Lobbied for changes to S. 4043, the Telework Transparency Act of 2024 to prevent arbitrary office space reductions and/or telework restrictions. Lobbied against a proposed Romney amendment to S. 4043 to impose remote surveillance on teleworking federal employees. Lobbied against the Perry amendment to the NDAA bill (H.R. 8070) to question to role of official time by ordering a biased reporting its use in the federal workplace. Lobbied against a proposed Scott amendment to the NDAA bill (H.R. 8070) to curtail collective bargaining rights for dual status technicians employed by the Defense Department. Lobbied against H.R 4848, the Censorship Accountability Act, which would expose federal employees performing their lawful duties to personal civil liability over purported intrusions into the First Amendment. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023, hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service, provision which was enacted in the NDAA. Lobbied for changes to OPMs proposed governmentwide cybersecurity workforce proposal to preserve title 5 provisions, protect collective bargaining rights, and avoid pay banding systems that are associated with arbitrary or discriminatory treatment. Lobbied against H.R. 9594 the Protect Taxpayers Wallets Act which would effectively end official time for federal unions. Lobbied against H.R. 8314 the No Foreign Election Interference Act which would have interfered with the functioning of union political action committees. Lobbied against S. 4321 the No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act which may have punished federal healthcare providers who provided reproductive care. Lobbied against S. 4667 the Risky Research Review Act which would impose criminal penalties and other sanctions on federal workers reviewing or performing medical research. Lobbied in favor of S. 131 to improve federal workers ability to access workers compensation benefits in case of work-related injury. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD
VA budget: Lobbied for Congress to provide funding to plug a $15 billion budget shortfall for FY 2024 and FY 2025. Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for the introduction and in support of H.R. 9046, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act including the re-instatement of GS-14 career ladder position and the career path to a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Lobbied for additional training for Board of Veterans Appeals Attorneys. Lobbied in support of ANS to H.R. 1530, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023 and for its introduction in the Senate. Lobbied in support of S. 4046/H.R. 9855, the "VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of and for changes to S. 2679, the Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Development (LEAD) Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. HR modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 7127/S. 3688, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 and 2025 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. VA Quality: Lobbied to amend H.R. 6330, the Veterans Sentinel Act to include data collection and analysis for suicides that happen when veterans are served at non-VA facilities. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied against an amendment to H.R. 8580, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025 forcing VA to apply the same access standards for Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) as for primary care, specialty care, and non-institutional extended care services. Lobbied against amendments to H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that would codify Trump-Era access standards responsible for rapid privatization of the VA, prohibit VA from modifying access standards to allow telehealth to satisfy these access standards and require VA to meet strict timeframes evaluating high-risk veterans for referral to residential treatment and rehabilitative programs without providing any additional funding to staff these new obligations. Lobbied against amendments to H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that would require VA to meet 72-hour evaluation timeframe for evaluating high-risk veterans for residential treatment centers without providing adequate funding or putting equivalent credentialing and quality requirements on private programs. Lobbied against a proposal to create a pilot program under which the Secretary would contract out to fill vacancies at a medical facility with non-department health care providers. Lobbied against a provision in H.R. 9438, the No Wrong Door for Veterans Act, reduces the wait time for VA mental health care from the current 20 day to just 3 days. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 9146, Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, which would require the Secretary to include continuity of care as one of the criteria used to determine when private care would be in the best medical interest (BMI) of a veteran undermining VAs ability to decide when returning a veteran to the VA is the in the best interest of the veteran. Lobbied against the Veterans Mental Health Access Act, which would create a parallel private mental health program that supplants VAs direct care system rather than supplement it when veterans cannot reasonably access VA care. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied for oversight of new VA private contracting program, the Integrated Critical Staffing Program. Lobbied for oversight of VA staffing reductions. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters. Lobbied for better information on scheduling and appointment times for both in-house VA and private care. Lobbied for more information about the costs of VA care. Lobbied against VA raising the ceiling for payment to third party private, Community Care contractors. Lobbied against prohibiting public health care programs from using QALYs to determine price. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act, and urge that it be defeated on the House floor. H.R. 485 would increase already high healthcare costs for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), which covers the vast majority of AFGE members and their families. In additional to FEHBP, the bill would prohibit Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Medicare Part D Plans (PDPs), the VA, and the Defense Health Agency from using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) - a measure that ascertains the value of a drug - to make decisions about a drugs price. Medicare already prohibits the use of QALYs in ways that discriminate against the elderly (such as by valuing the extension of life of an older person as less than extending the life of a younger person). Lobbied against amendments to H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that would: 1) codify Trump-Era access standards responsible for rapid privatization of the VA, prohibits VA from modifying access standards to allow telehealth to satisfy these access standards and requires VA to meet strict timeframes evaluating high-risk veterans for referral to residential treatment and rehabilitative programs without providing any additional funding to staff these new obligations and 2) require VA to meet 72-hour evaluation timeframe for evaluating high-risk veterans for residential treatment centers without providing adequate funding or putting equivalent credentialing and quality requirements on private programs. Lobbied against Amendment to H.R. 8580, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025 forcing VA to apply the same access standards for Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) as for primary care, specialty care, and non-institutional extended care services that would not apply to private RRTP facilities, promoting privatization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 8371, the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act that would allow decisions between a veteran and a doctor to remain final without VA authorization and provisions that would require strict timeframes for placement of high-risk veterans in mental health treatment programs for VA programs but not private programs. Statements and Correspondence: Submitted a statement for the record for a September 11, 2024 House Veterans Affairs Committee, Health Subcommittee legislative hearing. Submitted a statement for the record for a September 18, 2024 House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VAs Challenges with Ensuring Quality Contracted Disability Compensation Examinations. Testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs at a July 23, 2024 hearing on Is the Veterans Benefits Administration Properly Processing and Deciding Veterans Claims? Testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs at a July 10, 2024, hearing on Pending Legislation. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the "VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of S. 4046/H.R. 9855, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of 2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure, and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at VA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S. 2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support and for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to S. 2649, the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1315, the HEALTH Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Act, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse‐ patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied to preserve changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 7765, the VA Security Screening Pilot Program Act Lobbied for the introduction and support of the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7793 the Veterans Appeals Operations Expansion Act of 2024; Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7917, the Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2024; Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7919, the Veterans Claims Quality Improvement Act of 2024. Lobbied or changes to H.R. 7883, the Toxic Exposures Examination Improvement Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7734 the Personnel Integrity in Veterans Affairs Act of 2024 Lobbied in support of H.R. 9046, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act Lobbied in support of H.R. 2971, the Veterans Claims Education Act of 2023 Lobbied for changes to H.R. 8874, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 8879, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 8881, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2024. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.
Lobbied the House on the six FY 2025 appropriation bills that the House considered: H.R. 8580, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025: Lobbied against amendments proposed for H.R. 8580 when the House considered the measure that would have arbitrarily reduced the salary of a VA official, encouraged the VA to use untested AI for the purpose of expediting claims, restricted the VAs ability to reduce the risk of firearms violence by veterans, and expanded privatization of VA services. Lobbied in support of amendments that would have enabled the VA to help protect veterans from firearms violence, protected the VAs ability to respond to a future COVID-19 outbreak, improved sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) training for VA nurses, protected the VAs DEI programs, and addressed childcare deficiencies at military installations. H.R. 8752, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025: Lobbied against amendments proposed for H.R. 8752 when the House considered the measure that would have arbitrarily reduced the salaries of various Homeland Security officials, reduced funding for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and blocked enforcement of Executive Order 14019 - Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting. Lobbied in support of amendments proposed for H.R. 8752, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025, that would have restored funding levels for the TSA National Explosive Detection Canine Teams Program. H.R. 8771, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025: Lobbied against amendments proposed to FY 8771 when the House considered it that would have prohibited funding to USAID, arbitrarily reduced the salaries of various officials, and blocked enforcement of Executive Order 14019 - Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting. H.R. 8774, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025: Lobbied against amendments proposed for H.R. 8774 when the House considered the measure that would have arbitrarily reduced the salaries of various Defense Department officials, expanded the Defense Departments direct hire authority, blocked enforcement of Executive Order 14019 - Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting, restricted the Defense Departments authority to take certain health measures on military installations in the event of a future COVID-19 outbreak, prohibited certain telework and remote work for employees and contractors of the DoD. and restricted Defense Department diversity and inclusion programs. Lobbied in support of an amendment that would have prohibited the use of funds to collect payments from members of the District of Columbia National Guard who were federal civilian employees or D.C. employees entitled to leave without loss in pay or time from their civilian employment during mobilization. H.R. 8997, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025: Lobbied against amendments proposed to H.R. 8997 when the House considered it that would have arbitrarily reduced that salaries of various officials whose agencies are funded by the bill, blocked enforcement of Executive Order 14019 - Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting, and reduced funding for various Department of Energy offices and programs. H.R. 8998, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025: Lobbied against amendments proposed to H.R. 8997 when the House considered the measure that would have arbitrarily reduced that salaries of various officials whose agencies are funded by the bill, blocked enforcement of Executive Order 14019 - Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting, and reduced or eliminated funding for offices and programs at agencies covered by the bill. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 9494, the Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2025. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.
Filing targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), General Services Administration (GSA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Navy, Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Marines, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Voice of America
AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO via AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
2024 · second_quarter · Q2
Lobbied the House and Senate Appropriations Committees on issues affecting the federal workforce as they began work on the following FY 2025 appropriations bills: Defense Homeland Security Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Agriculture Energy and Water Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD FY25 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations: Lobbied for funds for hiring additional personnel at the Federal Labor Relations Authority in the FY 2025 Financial Services General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of language in the FY 2025 FSGG Appropriations bill to adjusts federal employee pay by at least 4.5%. Lobbied in support of the 7.4% pay raise for federal employees in 2025 proposed in the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act (S. 3688/H.R. 7127). Lobbied in support of section 741 prohibiting public-private competitions pursuant to Office of Management and Budget Circular A-76. Lobbied in support of amending section 737 pertaining to wage grade pay. Lobbied in opposition to any limitation of, reduction of, constraint to, or interference with official time in representing federal employees. Lobbied in support of discretionary funding above the $205 million requested in the Administrations Budget for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). FY25 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations: Opposed amendments offered during House consideration of Military Construction, Veterans Affairs (H.R. 8580) that would have reduced funding from the VA General Administration, implemented VA Privatization, and restricted the VAs ability to take reasonable actions to protect veterans, VA employees, and the public-at-large from firearms violence. FY25 Homeland Security Appropriations: Lobbied for additional funds for pay for Transportation Security Officers in the FY 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8752. Lobbied for additional funds for personnel in the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the FY 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for more resources for personnel who conduct work in refugee, asylum and other humanitarian programs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in the FY 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied against a proposal to eliminate TSO Staffing of Exit Lanes. Lobbied for adequately funding of FEMA to hire more full time Title 5 employees. Lobbied for more funding for nurses at the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC). Lobbied for more funding for the Federal Protective Service to help hire more FPS employees. FY25 Transportation-HUD Appropriations: Lobbied for additional funds for more Rail Safety Inspectors and better pay for inspectors in the Federal Railroad Administration in the FY 2025 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill, H.R. 9028 and in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 1674/S. 576). FY25 Labor-HHS Appropriations (H.R. 9029): Lobbied in support of increased FY25 funding for the Social Security Administration (SSA). Lobbied in support of upgrading SSA legal assistants and customer service representatives positions. Lobbied in support of report language directing SSA to roll back the average call handling time goal at teleservice centers and mandate call waiting time estimates to the public. Lobbied in support of funds to renovate and restore National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) facilities in Bruceton and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Lobbied in support of language stating that the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) user fees collected for leading the national respirator conformity assessment activities, including certification of respirators, will not expire with the fiscal year. Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). FY25 Defense Appropriations (H.R. 8774): Lobbied in support of language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent an analysis of the effects of such reduction on workload and military readiness of the armed forces. Lobbied against any proposal to prohibit military exchanges and commissaries from selling Chinese-made products. Lobbied against an amendment authorizing direct hire authority for any position supporting the military mission or posture in the Indo-Pacific region. Lobbied in opposition to an amendment 315 prohibiting telework and remote work for certain DoD employees and contractors. Lobbied against an amendment prohibiting funding for Executive Order 14019, relating to Promoting Access to Voting. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to reduce the salaries of various DoD officials. Lobbied against an amendment prohibiting the use of funds to carry out a mask mandate regarding the spread of COVID-19 on military instillations. Lobbied against an amendment to eliminate funding for important DEIA programs at the Defense Department. Lobbied in support of amendments to ensure that federal civilian employees who serve in the D. C. National Guard are treated the same as all other federal civilian employees who serve in the National Guard. FY25 Interior Appropriations (H.R. 8998): Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in support of hiring more EPA employees, in support of improving recruitment efforts at the EPA, and in opposition to relocations, consolidation and closure of EPA Facilities. Lobbied in support of increased funding for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). FY25 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 9026): Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for salaries and expenses (S&E) and buildings and facilities (B&F). Lobbied in support of increased funding for BOP Salary Special Pay Table Increase. Lobbied in opposition to the use of augmentation or reassignment at BOP. Lobbied in support of hiring additional correctional officers. Lobbied in support of increasing Unit Officer Staff at High Security Institutions. Lobbied in support of report language to direct the Bureau of Prisons to give nurses full time-and-a-half overtime pay. Lobbied in support of increased funding for staffing at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Lobbied in support of Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) to include report language stating that no funds shall be used to transfer functions of JPATS Las Vegas, Nevada Hub to Kansas City, Missouri. Lobbied in support increased funding for the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). FY25 Energy and Water Appropriations: Lobbied in opposition to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) facilities. Lobbied in support of report language that directs the Army Corps of Engineers to recognize the duty station for crew on a dredge to be the dredges home port and to pay for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals on all dredges when they travel further than 100 miles from the home port. FY25 State-Foreign Operations Appropriations (H.R. 8771): Lobbied in support of report language blocking any funds to implement a reduction in force (RIF) of any USAGM employees. Lobbied against an amendment prohibiting funding for Executive Order 14019, relating to Promoting Access to Voting. Lobbied against an amendment prohibit funding to eliminate USAID funding. FY25 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 9027): Lobbied in support of Fully Funding the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Lobbied in support of directing USDA FSIS to ensure that staffing levels are not reduced. Lobbied in support of fully utilizing travel funds to fill vacant positions across the country by detailing employees to vacant positions. Lobbied in support of Protecting Awards and Expanding Hiring Bonuses for FSIS Employees. Lobbied in support of requiring FSIS to Evaluate Safety Inspectors Pay. Lobbied in support of percent increase over the FY 2024 appropriation of $1.79 billion enacted in early March. The FY 2024 appropriation was only a $44 million increase over ARSs FY 2023 appropriation. Lobbied in support of full funding for the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC). Lobbied in support of full funding for the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied in support of filling vacancies at the Economic Research Service (ERS) and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA).
Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to preserve language in H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement of GS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re- instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Lobbied for additional training for Board of Veterans Appeals Attorneys. Lobbied in support of ANS to H.R. 1530, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023 and for its introduction in the Senate. Lobbied in support of S. 4046 of "VA Employee Fairness Act, and for its reintroduction in the House of Representatives. Lobbied in support of and for changes to S. 2679, the Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Development (LEAD) Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 7765, the VA Security Screening Pilot Program Act VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 7127/S. 3688, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 and 2025 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied for oversight of new VA private contracting program, the Integrated Critical Staffing Program. Lobbied for oversight of VA staffing reductions. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters. Lobbied for better information on scheduling and appointment times for both in-house VA and private care. Lobbied for more information about the costs of VA care. Lobbied against VA raising the ceiling for payment to third party private, Community Care contractors. Lobbied against prohibiting public health care programs from using QALYs to determine price. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act, and urge that it be defeated on the House floor. H.R. 485 would increase already high healthcare costs for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), which covers the vast majority of AFGE members and their families. In additional to FEHBP, the bill would prohibit Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Medicare Part D Plans (PDPs), the VA, and the Defense Health Agency from using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) - a measure that ascertains the value of a drug - to make decisions about a drugs price. Medicare already prohibits the use of QALYs in ways that discriminate against the elderly (such as by valuing the extension of life of an older person as less than extending the life of a younger person). Lobbied against amendments to H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that would: 1) codify Trump-Era access standards responsible for rapid privatization of the VA, prohibits VA from modifying access standards to allow telehealth to satisfy these access standards and requires VA to meet strict timeframes evaluating high-risk veterans for referral to residential treatment and rehabilitative programs without providing any additional funding to staff these new obligations and 2) require VA to meet 72-hour evaluation timeframe for evaluating high-risk veterans for residential treatment centers without providing adequate funding or putting equivalent credentialing and quality requirements on private programs. Lobbied against Amendment to H.R. 8580, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025 forcing VA to apply the same access standards for Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) as for primary care, specialty care, and non-institutional extended care services that would not apply to private RRTP facilities, promoting privatization. Lobbied against provisions In H.R. 8371, the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act that would allow decisions between a veteran and a doctor to remain final without VA authorization and provisions that would require strict timeframes for placement of high-risk veterans in mental health treatment programs for VA programs but not private programs. Statements and Correspondence: Sente a letter to the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for an April 16, 2024 subcommittee markup. Sent a letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a May 1, 2024 full committee markup. Testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations on May 16 at a hearing titled Ensuring VA's Security: How Can Congress Best Support VA's Law Enforcement? Testified before the House Veterans Affairs Committee on June 13, 2024 at hearing titled A Call to Action: Meeting the Needs of the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI/D) Veteran Community. Testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs at a hearing titled Examining Shortcomings with VAs National Work Queue Veterans Benefits Claims Management System. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the "VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of S. 4046, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of 2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure, and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at VA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support and for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to S. 2649, the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1315, the HEALTH Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse‐ patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied to preserve changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 7765, the VA Security Screening Pilot Program Act Lobbied for the introduction and support of the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7793 the Veterans Appeals Operations Expansion Act of 2024; Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7917, the Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2024; Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7919, the Veterans Claims Quality Improvement Act of 2024. Lobbied or changes to H.R. 7883, the Toxic Exposures Examination Improvement Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7734 the Personnel Integrity in Veterans Affairs Act of 2024
Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for a 7.4% increase in federal by for 2025 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, H.R. 8773. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of Income Rates) Act, H.R. 7127 and S. 3688 to provide a 7.4% increase to federal employees pay in 2025. Lobbied for a minimum of parity in the 2025 pay between military and civilian employees to provide at least a 4.5% pay raise. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2025 budget request to continue GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied in support of the Fund the "TSA Act," H.R. 3394. Lobbied in support of the Rights for the "TSA Workforce Act," H.R. 8370 / S. 4334 to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of additional security measures for scheduled charter flights so they are fully subject to TSA screening. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. 3029, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied against FY 2025 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets. Lobbied for changes to S. 3015, the Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Lobbied for changes to S. 4043, the Telework Transparency Act of 2024 to prevent arbitrary office space reductions and/or telework restrictions. Lobbied against the Perry amendment to the NDAA bill (H.R. 8070) to question to role of official time by ordering a biased reporting its use in the federal workplace. Lobbied against a proposed Scott amendment to the NDAA bill (H.R. 8070) to curtail collective bargaining rights for dual status technicians employed by the Defense Department. Lobbied against H.R 4848, the Censorship Accountability Act, which would expose federal employees performing their lawful duties to personal civil liability over purported intrusions into the First Amendment. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023, hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service, provision which was enacted in the NDAA. Lobbied for changes to OPMs proposed governmentwide cybersecurity workforce proposal to preserve title 5 provisions, protect collective bargaining rights, and avoid pay banding systems that are associated with arbitrary or discriminatory treatment. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD
Lobbied against proposals in the Senate and House for the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act to (1) expand the Defense Departments direct hire authority for various vacant civilian positions, (2) direct DoD to issue a misleading report on official time, (3) change the employment status of dual service military technicians, (4) expand Title 5 preference eligibility for DoD civilian positions, and (4) make changes to the Defense Civilian Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration Project. Lobbied in support of restoring language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent the appropriate analysis of the effects of these reductions on Defense Department capabilities. Lobbied in support of language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent an analysis of the effects of such reduction on workload and military readiness of the armed forces. Lobbied against any proposal to prohibit military exchanges and commissaries from selling Chinese-made products. Lobbied against an amendment authorizing direct hire authority for any position supporting the military mission or posture in the Indo-Pacific region. Lobbied in opposition to an amendment 315 prohibiting telework and remote work for certain DoD employees and contractors. Lobbied against an amendment prohibiting funding for Executive Order 14019, relating to Promoting Access to Voting. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to reduce the salaries of various DoD officials. Lobbied against an amendment prohibiting the use of funds to carry out a mask mandate regarding the spread of COVID-19 on military instillations. Lobbied against an amendment to eliminate funding for important DEIA programs at the Defense Department. Lobbied in support of amendments to ensure that federal civilian employees who serve in the D. C. National Guard are treated the same as all other federal civilian employees who serve in the National Guard.
Filing targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), General Services Administration (GSA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Navy, Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Marines, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Voice of America
AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO via AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
2024 · first_quarter · Q1
Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for a 7.4% increase in federal by for 2025 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates) Act, H.R. 7127, and S. 3688 to provide an 7.4% increase in federal employees' pay in 2025. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the Fund the TSA Act, H.R. 3394, and for full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of additional security measures for scheduled charter flights so they are fully subject to TSA screening. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. 3029, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied against FY 2024 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets. Lobbied for changes to S. 3015, the Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Lobbied for changes to S. 4043, the Telework Transparency Act of 2024 to prevent arbitrary office space reductions and/or telework restrictions. Lobbied against H.R 4848, the Censorship Accountability Act, which would expose federal employees performing their lawful duties to personal civil liability over purported intrusions into the First Amendment. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023, hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service, provision which was enacted in the NDAA. Lobbied for changes to OPMs proposed governmentwide cybersecurity workforce proposal to preserve title 5 provisions, protect collective bargaining rights, and avoid pay banding systems that are associated with arbitrary or discriminatory treatment. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD
AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO via AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
2023 · fourth_quarter · 4A
Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates) Act, H.R. 536 and S. 124 to provide an 8.7% increase in federal employees' pay in 2024. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. ____, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act Lobbied against FY 2024 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets Lobbied for changes to Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023 hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO via AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
2023 · fourth_quarter · 4A
Pursued requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Opposed measures to cut federal employees pay and benefits in appropriations and the continuing resolution and against a government shutdown. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for funds for hiring additional personnel at the Federal Labor Relations Authority in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for pay for Transportation Security Officers in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for personnel in the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for personnel who conduct work in refugee, asylum and other humanitarian programs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services be funded through appropriated funds rather than through fees for other CIS services in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for more Railroad Safety Inspectors and better pay for existing inspectors at the Federal Railroad Administration in the FY 2024 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill and in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 1674/S. 576). Lobbied to restore budget and personnel cuts at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, funded through the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5525, the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024, legislation to implement arbitrary and harmful across-the-board cuts to most federal agencies and establish a fiscal commission that would likely recommend deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the federal civil service, and any number of other essential programs and services. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to implement the Holman Rule to reduce salaries of several federal officers to $1, cut DEIA programs in federal agencies, reduce health and safety protections including mask mandates, and amendments to cut funding for several agencies to several appropriations bills: H.R. 4820, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4367, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2024 H.R. 4665, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 Lobbied in support of SA 1092 to the bill H.R. 4366 in the Senate Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5779, Fiscal Commission Act of 2023 and any other efforts to create a commission charged with cutting or eliminating benefits for federal employees. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO via AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
2023 · third_quarter · 3A
Lobbied on the following issues in the H.R. 2670 Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Authorization in the House and S. 2226 Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate: Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit military commissaries and exchanges from selling Chinese-made good. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to H.R. 2670 that would undermine the Defense Departments authority to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the civilian workforce. Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit official time from being authorized for Department of Defense employees. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would direct the Defense Department to establish a safety performance rating system for prospective contractors based on their record of worker health and safety violations. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would lower the mandatory disclosure threshold for contractors to provide certified cost and pricing information from $2,000,000 to $750,000. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would reform and increase pay for federal wildland firefighters. Lobbied for defeat of amendment offered to S. 2226 that would limit the authority of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to make decisions about its investment offerings. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to S. 2226 that would restrict the use of official time by Defense Department employees engaged in workplace representation. Sent numerous letters to Members of Congress expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 2670 and S. 2226. Provided analysis and feedback to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on provisions in S. 2226 and H.R. 2670 affecting DoD civilian employees. Provided input to a House inquiry concerning proposed changes to the Navys Fleet Readiness Centers aircraft maintenance protocols that would affect civilian employees. Lobbied the House of Representatives on H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024 that the House adopted in September: Lobbied against amendments that would prohibit telework for Defense Department civilian employees, reduce the salaries of senior Defense Department officers, and prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Lobbied in support of an amendment that would restore language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent the appropriate analysis of the effects of these reductions on Defense Department capabilities. Sent numerous letters to House members expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 4365 Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO via AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
2023 · fourth_quarter · 4A
Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to preserve language in H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement of GS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Lobbied for additional training for Board of Veterans Appeals Attorneys. Lobbied in support of ANS to H.R. 1530, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TB!), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the introduction of H.R. 6538, the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023. Lobbied for the introduction of "VA Employee Fairness Act" subsequent to the passage of the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023. Lobbied in support of and for changes to S. 2679, the Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Development (LEAD) Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act., which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied for oversight of new VA private contracting program, the Integrated Critical Staffing Program. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters. Lobbied for better information on scheduling and appointment times for both in-house VA and private care. Lobbied for more information about the costs of VA care. Statements and Correspondence: Provided a Statement for the Record for a October 25, 2023 Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing titled VA Accountability and Transparency: A Cornerstone of Quality Care and Benefits for Veterans. Testified at a November 29, 2023, House Veterans Affairs Committee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee titled Examining the VA Appeals Process: Ensuring High-Quality Decision-Making for Veterans Claims on Appeal. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the "VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure, and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at YA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of YA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support and for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to S. 2649, the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1315, the HEALTH Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied to preserve changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes.
AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO via AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
2023 · fourth_quarter · Q4
Pursued requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills and CRs: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD Opposed measures to cut federal employees pay and benefits in appropriations and the continuing resolution and against a government shutdown. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for funds for hiring additional personnel at the Federal Labor Relations Authority in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for pay for Transportation Security Officers in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for personnel in the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for personnel who conduct work in refugee, asylum and other humanitarian programs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services be funded through appropriated funds rather than through fees for other CIS services in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for more Railroad Safety Inspectors and better pay for existing inspectors at the Federal Railroad Administration in the FY 2024 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill and in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 1674/S. 576). Lobbied to restore budget and personnel cuts at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, funded through the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional Social Security Administration (SSA) funding in the FY 2024 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of full-year appropriations for FY24 and for short-term continuing appropriations that to not include arbitrary and harmful across-the-board cuts to federal agencies, establish a fiscal commission that would likely recommend deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the federal civil service, and any number of other essential programs and services. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5779, H.R. Fiscal Commission Act of 2023; S. 3262, the Fiscal Stability Act of 2023; and H.R. 710, the Sustainable Budget Act and any other efforts to create a commission charged with cutting or eliminating benefits for federal employees. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to implement the Holman Rule to reduce salaries of several federal officers to $1, cut DEIA programs in federal agencies, reduce health and safety protections including mask mandates, and amendments to cut funding for several agencies to several appropriations bills: H.R. 4820, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4367, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2024. H.R. 4665, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4664, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024. Lobbied in support of SA 1092 to the bill H.R. 4366 in the Senate. Lobbied in opposition to an amendment to H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024, to prohibit regular telework and remote work for Defense Department civilian employees and contractors. Lobbied in support of an amendment to H.R. 4365 to restore language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent an analysis of the effects of such reduction on workload and military readiness of the armed forces. Lobbied in opposition to an amendment to H.R. 4664 that would prohibit funds from being used to finalize, implement, or enforce the proposed OPM rule that would prohibit a future administration from transforming thousands of merit-based positions in the Executive Branch into partisan appointments and undermine the merit-based civil service system.
AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO via AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
2023 · third_quarter · Q3
Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates) Act, H.R. 536 and S. 124 to provide an 8.7% increase in federal employees' pay in 2024. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. ____, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act Lobbied against FY 2024 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets Lobbied for changes to Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023 hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO via AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
2023 · second_quarter · Q2
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) AFGE lobbied on the following issues in the Defense Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2024: 1.Carrying forward section 8012 of Pub. L. 117-328, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 Division C (Dec. 29, 2022) without alteration in opposition to proposal of House Appropriations Committee Defense Subcommittee Chair Ken Calvert (R-CA41) to establish an arbitrary backfill ratio based on attrition to reduce Department of Defense (DoD) civilian workforce. 2.Adding a new provision that would require that contract services comply with budgetary requirements of section 4506 of title 10 to produce funding tables for contracted services in the same appropriations for which funding tables are currently displayed in the Defense Appropriation for DoD civilian employees. AFGE also provided questions for the record to House and Senate Appropriations Committee Defense Subcommittees on total force management, DoD civilian hiring and talent management, and the Defense Health Activity reorganization. Lobbied on the following issues in the Financial Services General Government Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2024: 1.Carrying forward section 741 from of Pub. L. 117-328, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 Division E (Dec. 29, 2022) that would prohibit public-private competitions pursuant to OMB Circular A-76. 2.Modifying section 737 from Pub. L. 117-328, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Division E (Dec. 29, 2022) by raising the cap on Wage Grade pay increases so that hourly workers get the prevailing rates they are meant to receive while maintaining the floor so that every Wage Grade employee gets at least the average General Schedule raise in the locality where they work. Lobbied on the following issues in the H.R. 2670 Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Authorization in the House and the yet to be numbered Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate: 1.Proposed markup amendment to strengthen total force management through amendment of section 129a of title 10. The proposal would amend subsection (b) to clarify the process for documenting DoD civilian workforce sizing decisions. The proposal further amends subsection (c) clarifying responsibilities of the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness). The proposal amends subsection (d) to improve the completeness of the contractor inventory. The proposal would add a new subsection (f) that would require the Department of Defense to brief Congress in each budget submission with specific data analytics linking the DoD civilian workforce to readiness, lethality and stress on the force metrics. The proposal would add a new subsection (g) that would require service contracts be subjected to the same workload validation and prioritization requirements currently applied to military and civilian force structure; and finally, the proposal would add a new subsection (h) that would require funding tables for services contracts similar to the funding tables in each National Defense Authorization Act and Defense Appropriation for the DoD civilian workforce. 2.Proposed consideration of a floor amendment for H.R. 1322 and S. 1888, the Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act, currently re-introduced as H.R. 1322, after its markup in the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. 3.Proposed converting Department of Defense Non-Appropriated Fund Child Care workforce to appropriated fund and raising their pay; commented on a Department of the Army proposal that would allow Non-Appropriated Fund personnel to take on more than one job. 4.Proposed a scholarship program for the medical workforce similar to section 1535 of the H.R. 1776, the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 5.Lobbied for a repeal or waiver of section 865 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) pertaining to the presumptions on Research, Development, Test and Evaluation expenditures by the government versus the private sector for weapon systems relevant to negotiations for access to intellectual property. 6.Lobbied for repeal or waiver of the definition of commercial item in section 103 and 103a of title 41 for sole-source non-competitive procurements of weapon systems. 7.Lobbied for ceasing use of arbitrary time limits on depot carryover. 8.Lobbied for the Department of Defense to use Section 1108, Eligibility of Department of Defense employees in time-limited appointments to compete for permanent appointments to convert term appointments to permanent positions in the ammunition plants, Anniston Army depot and throughout the organic defense industrial base. 9.Lobbied for the Department of Defense to improve its compliance with sections 2464 (core logistics rule), 2466 (50-50 rule) and 2476 (capitol investment requirements for depots) of title 10. 10.Lobbied for the Department of Defense to support amendment of section 737 of the Financial Services General Government (FSGG) appropriation by raising the cap on Wage Grade pay while retaining the floor to improve recruitment and retention of Department of Defense civilian workforce within the organic industrial base. 11.Lobbied the Department of Defense and Congress to increase its use of the organic industrial base to address ammunition, missile, artillery, armored vehicle shortfalls in Ukraine and replenish shortages needed to deter China and other threats to national security. 12.Lobbied Congress and the Department of Defense for repeal or amendment of section 1595 of title 10 to afford faculty at the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) worker protections under title 5. Additionally lobbied to modify section 1595 of title 10 to require strategic human capital risk assessments by restricting the use of annual renewable term appointments for enduring functions of the Future Years Defense. Requested a study to determine whether DLIFLC was handicapped in the program and budget process by having the Army as its Executive Agent; proposed additional funds and Full Time Equivalents to retain Pashtu faculty to avoid under-execution. 13.Lobbied Congress against the DoD legislative proposal, Application of Acquisition Demonstration Project to Department of Air Force Employees Assigned to Support United States Strategic Command and United States Space Command Enterprises; further lobbied Congress to discontinue the Acquisition Demonstration pay-for-performance system. 14.Lobbied Congress to support the DoD legislative proposal for One Year Extension of Temporary Authority to Grant Allowances, Benefits and Gratuities to Civilian Personnel on Official Duty in a Combat Zone. 15.Lobbied Congress to support the DoD legislative proposal for One year extension of Authority to Waive Annual Limitation on Premium Pay and Aggregate Limitations on Pay for Federal Civilian Employees working Overseas. 16.Lobbied to place limitations on the DoD legislative proposal for Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense, amending section 9905 of title 5 related to (1) support operations positions, and (2) positions in support of public safety, law enforcement, and first response. 17.Lobbied against the DoD legislative proposal, Improvements to Use of Cyber and Information Technology Workforce for Enterprise Information Technology, unless conditions laid out in the Strengthening Force Management amendment proposal are enacted and implemented. 18.Lobbied in support of the DoD legislative proposal, Removal of Washington Headquarters Service Direct Support From Personnel Limitation on the Office of the Secretary of Defense. 19.Lobbied to retain limitations on the DoD legislative proposal for Consolidation of Direct Hire Authorities for Candidates with Specified Degrees at Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratories. 20.Lobbied on the DoD legislative proposal for Authority to Provide for Increased Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay for Civilian Employees of the Department of Defense. 21.Provided general arguments against direct hire authority proposals of the Department of Defense and with respect to the Cyber Excepted Service. 22.Lobbied against an Air Force proposal to provide authority for Department of Defense Service Secretaries to establish classification, qualification and pay setting standards for occupations designated as Mission Critical Occupational Series. 23.Lobbied the Defense Business Board on civilian talent management and on behalf of AFGE Local 1263 relating to faculty at Defense Language Institute. 24.Commented on a proposed amendment from Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) that would establish a temporary Cyber Reserve pilot program, limited to 50 personnel, to urge public disclosure of conflicts of interest. Also expressed concerns with an alternative Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) markup amendment that would establish a permanent government-wide Digital Reserve run out of the General Services Administration. 25.Lobbied against privatization of Navy and Air Force lodging. 26.Lobbied against renewal of a proposal to restrict Military Exchanges from selling goods with any component parts manufactured in China. 27.Lobbied for supplementing the Non-Appropriated Fund workforce with Appropriated Funds in response to inflationary impacts. 28.Lobbied against amendment that would limit the investments in the Thrift Savings Plan that would limit investment in issuers where 50 percent or more of their revenue came from countries listed as National Security risks. 29.Lobbied against amendment that targeted the Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Director for reduction through a manpower study targeting the DoD civilian workforce, 30.Lobbied against amendment that proposed eliminating the Director Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation. 31.Lobbied against Navy proposals to privatize Department of Defense civilian employees currently supporting Program Executive Officer for Nuclear-Powered General Purpose Attack Submarines program. In addition, AFGE legislative staff: 1.Provided questions for the record to Senate Armed Services Committee and House Armed Services Committee hearings related to the Cyber Excepted Service, Artificial Intelligence, Commercial Technologies, Contract Services, Total Force Management, Talent Management, Hiring Reform, Competitive Service, Stealth Privatization, Child Development Centers and Child Care Workforce, Defense Health Activity Reorganization, and the 4th Estate. 2.Provided input to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) discrediting a 2013 McKinsey Study claiming $125 billion in savings from cutting 4th estate DoD organizations that was resurrected during an April 26, 2023, House hearing. GAO will be responding to question for the record on that study. 3.Provided input to the Congressional Budget Office concerning covering all services contracts in Future Years Defense Program analyses. AFGE sent letters to Congress and the Department of Defense opposing proposed DoD civilian workforce reductions, improving civilian talent management, opposing improper use of term and temporary hiring, and supporting the organic industrial base.
Pursued requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills and CRs: Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD Opposed measures to cut federal employees pay and benefits in appropriations and the continuing resolution and against a government shutdown. Lobbied for a 7.4% in federal by for 2025 in the FY 2025 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for funds for hiring additional personnel at the Federal Labor Relations Authority in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for pay for Transportation Security Officers in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for personnel in the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for more resources for personnel who conduct work in refugee, asylum and other humanitarian programs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for more Railroad Safety Inspectors and better pay for existing inspectors at the Federal Railroad Administration in the FY 2024 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill and in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 1674/S. 576). Lobbied for additional Social Security Administration (SSA) funding in the FY 2024 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of full-year appropriations for FY24 and for short-term continuing appropriations that do not include arbitrary and harmful across-the-board cuts to federal agencies, establish a fiscal commission that would likely recommend deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the federal civil service, and any number of other essential programs and services. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5779, H.R. Fiscal Commission Act of 2023; S. 3262, the Fiscal Stability Act of 2023; and H.R. 710, the Sustainable Budget Act and any other efforts to create a commission charged with cutting or eliminating benefits for federal employees. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 6276, the Use It Act of 2023 and pointed out its detrimental effects on morale, recruitment and retention of employees. Commented on legislation in development in the Senate to incorporate similar building occupancy and utilization assessments. Lobbied in support of language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent an analysis of the effects of such reduction on workload and military readiness of the armed forces. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2882, an FY 2024 minibus appropriations bill, to fund federal agencies, secure pay increases for Transportation Security Officers, and other purposes.
Lobbied in support of language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts to restore language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent the appropriate analysis of the effects of these reductions on Defense Department capabilities. The language was not included in the package of FY24 appropriations bills that was enacted in March. Arranged meetings between AFGE members employed by Army, Navy, and Marine Corps fire departments and DoD fire chiefs to discuss labor-management issues.
Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to preserve language in H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement of GS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Lobbied for additional training for Board of Veterans Appeals Attorneys. Lobbied in support of ANS to H.R. 1530, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023 and for its introduction in the Senate. Lobbied in support S. 4046 of "VA Employee Fairness Act, and for its reintroduction in the House of Representatives. Lobbied in support of and for changes to S. 2679, the Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Development (LEAD) Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 7765, the VA Security Screening Pilot Program Act VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 7127/S. 3688, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied for oversight of new VA private contracting program, the Integrated Critical Staffing Program. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters. Lobbied for better information on scheduling and appointment times for both in-house VA and private care. Lobbied for more information about the costs of VA care. Lobbied against VA raising the ceiling for payment to third party private, Community Care contractors. Lobbied against prohibiting public health care programs from using QALYs to determine price. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act, and urge that it be defeated on the House floor. H.R. 485 would increase already high healthcare costs for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), which covers the vast majority of AFGE members and their families. In additional to FEHBP, the bill would prohibit Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Medicare Part D Plans (PDPs), the VA, and the Defense Health Agency from using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) - a measure that ascertains the value of a drug - to make decisions about a drugs price. Medicare already prohibits the use of QALYs in ways that discriminate against the elderly (such as by valuing the extension of life of an older person as less than extending the life of a younger person). Statements and Correspondence: Testified at a March 21, 2024, House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Hearing on Pending Legislation Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the "VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of S. 4046, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of 2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure, and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at YA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support and for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to S. 2649, the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1315, the HEALTH Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse‐ patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied to preserve changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 7765, the VA Security Screening Pilot Program Act
Filing targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), General Services Administration (GSA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Navy, Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Marines, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Voice of America
Pursued requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Opposed measures to cut federal employees pay and benefits in appropriations and the continuing resolution and against a government shutdown. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for funds for hiring additional personnel at the Federal Labor Relations Authority in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for pay for Transportation Security Officers in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for personnel in the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for personnel who conduct work in refugee, asylum and other humanitarian programs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services be funded through appropriated funds rather than through fees for other CIS services in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for more Railroad Safety Inspectors and better pay for existing inspectors at the Federal Railroad Administration in the FY 2024 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill and in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 1674/S. 576). Lobbied to restore budget and personnel cuts at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, funded through the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5525, the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024, legislation to implement arbitrary and harmful across-the-board cuts to most federal agencies and establish a fiscal commission that would likely recommend deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the federal civil service, and any number of other essential programs and services. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to implement the Holman Rule to reduce salaries of several federal officers to $1, cut DEIA programs in federal agencies, reduce health and safety protections including mask mandates, and amendments to cut funding for several agencies to several appropriations bills: H.R. 4820, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4367, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2024 H.R. 4665, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 Lobbied in support of SA 1092 to the bill H.R. 4366 in the Senate Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5779, Fiscal Commission Act of 2023 and any other efforts to create a commission charged with cutting or eliminating benefits for federal employees. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
Lobbied on the following issues in the H.R. 2670 Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Authorization in the House and S. 2226 Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate: Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit military commissaries and exchanges from selling Chinese-made good. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to H.R. 2670 that would undermine the Defense Departments authority to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the civilian workforce. Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit official time from being authorized for Department of Defense employees. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would direct the Defense Department to establish a safety performance rating system for prospective contractors based on their record of worker health and safety violations. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would lower the mandatory disclosure threshold for contractors to provide certified cost and pricing information from $2,000,000 to $750,000. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would reform and increase pay for federal wildland firefighters. Lobbied for defeat of amendment offered to S. 2226 that would limit the authority of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to make decisions about its investment offerings. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to S. 2226 that would restrict the use of official time by Defense Department employees engaged in workplace representation. Sent numerous letters to Members of Congress expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 2670 and S. 2226. Provided analysis and feedback to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on provisions in S. 2226 and H.R. 2670 affecting DoD civilian employees. Provided input to a House inquiry concerning proposed changes to the Navys Fleet Readiness Centers aircraft maintenance protocols that would affect civilian employees. Lobbied the House of Representatives on H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024 that the House adopted in September: Lobbied against amendments that would prohibit telework for Defense Department civilian employees, reduce the salaries of senior Defense Department officers, and prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Lobbied in support of an amendment that would restore language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent the appropriate analysis of the effects of these reductions on Defense Department capabilities. Sent numerous letters to House members expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 4365 Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement ofGS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TB!), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied to amend 38 USC 7422. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act. , which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: Statements and Correspondence: Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 12, 2023, legislative hearing. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health for its July 18, 2023 markup. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 19, 2023, markup. Sent a joint union letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for its July 26, 2023, markup. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee July 26, 2023 hearing titled Implementing the PACT Act: One Year Later. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee July 26, 2023 hearing titled VA Disability Exams: Are Veterans Receiving Quality Services? Specific Legislation: Lobbied for reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at YA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of YA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the "VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act." Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
Filing targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), General Services Administration (GSA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Navy, Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Marines, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Voice of America
Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates) Act, H.R. 536 and S. 124 to provide an 8.7% increase in federal employees' pay in 2024. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. ____, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act Lobbied against FY 2024 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets Lobbied for changes to Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023 hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement ofGS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TB!), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied to amend 38 USC 7422. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act. , which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: Statements and Correspondence: Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 12, 2023, legislative hearing. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health for its July 18, 2023 markup. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 19, 2023, markup. Sent a joint union letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for its July 26, 2023, markup. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee July 26, 2023 hearing titled Implementing the PACT Act: One Year Later. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee July 26, 2023 hearing titled VA Disability Exams: Are Veterans Receiving Quality Services? Specific Legislation: Lobbied for reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at YA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of YA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the "VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act." Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
Lobbied on the following issues in the H.R. 2670 Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Authorization in the House and S. 2226 Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate: Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit military commissaries and exchanges from selling Chinese-made good. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to H.R. 2670 that would undermine the Defense Departments authority to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the civilian workforce. Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit official time from being authorized for Department of Defense employees. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would direct the Defense Department to establish a safety performance rating system for prospective contractors based on their record of worker health and safety violations. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would lower the mandatory disclosure threshold for contractors to provide certified cost and pricing information from $2,000,000 to $750,000. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would reform and increase pay for federal wildland firefighters. Lobbied for defeat of amendment offered to S. 2226 that would limit the authority of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to make decisions about its investment offerings. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to S. 2226 that would restrict the use of official time by Defense Department employees engaged in workplace representation. Sent numerous letters to Members of Congress expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 2670 and S. 2226. Provided analysis and feedback to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on provisions in S. 2226 and H.R. 2670 affecting DoD civilian employees. Provided input to a House inquiry concerning proposed changes to the Navys Fleet Readiness Centers aircraft maintenance protocols that would affect civilian employees. Lobbied the House of Representatives on H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024 that the House adopted in September: Lobbied against amendments that would prohibit telework for Defense Department civilian employees, reduce the salaries of senior Defense Department officers, and prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Lobbied in support of an amendment that would restore language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent the appropriate analysis of the effects of these reductions on Defense Department capabilities. Sent numerous letters to House members expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 4365 Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
Filing targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), General Services Administration (GSA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Navy, Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Marines, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Voice of America
Pursued requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Opposed measures to cut federal employees pay and benefits in appropriations and the continuing resolution and against a government shutdown. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for funds for hiring additional personnel at the Federal Labor Relations Authority in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for pay for Transportation Security Officers in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for personnel in the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for personnel who conduct work in refugee, asylum and other humanitarian programs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services be funded through appropriated funds rather than through fees for other CIS services in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for more Railroad Safety Inspectors and better pay for existing inspectors at the Federal Railroad Administration in the FY 2024 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill and in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 1674/S. 576). Lobbied to restore budget and personnel cuts at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, funded through the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5525, the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024, legislation to implement arbitrary and harmful across-the-board cuts to most federal agencies and establish a fiscal commission that would likely recommend deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the federal civil service, and any number of other essential programs and services. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to implement the Holman Rule to reduce salaries of several federal officers to $1, cut DEIA programs in federal agencies, reduce health and safety protections including mask mandates, and amendments to cut funding for several agencies to several appropriations bills: H.R. 4820, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4367, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2024 H.R. 4665, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 Lobbied in support of SA 1092 to the bill H.R. 4366 in the Senate Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5779, Fiscal Commission Act of 2023 and any other efforts to create a commission charged with cutting or eliminating benefits for federal employees. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement ofGS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TB!), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied to amend 38 USC 7422. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act. , which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: Statements and Correspondence: Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 12, 2023, legislative hearing. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health for its July 18, 2023 markup. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 19, 2023, markup. Sent a joint union letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for its July 26, 2023, markup. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee July 26, 2023 hearing titled Implementing the PACT Act: One Year Later. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee July 26, 2023 hearing titled VA Disability Exams: Are Veterans Receiving Quality Services? Specific Legislation: Lobbied for reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at YA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of YA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the "VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act." Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates) Act, H.R. 536 and S. 124 to provide an 8.7% increase in federal employees' pay in 2024. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. ____, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act Lobbied against FY 2024 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets Lobbied for changes to Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023 hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
Filing targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), General Services Administration (GSA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Navy, Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Marines, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Voice of America
Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates) Act, H.R. 536, and S. 124 to provide an 8.7% increase in federal employees' pay in 2024. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. 3029, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied against FY 2024 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets. Lobbied for changes to S. 3015, the Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023, hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service, provision which was enacted in the NDAA. Lobbied for changes to OPMs proposed governmentwide cybersecurity workforce proposal to preserve title 5 provisions, protect collective bargaining rights, and avoid pay banding systems that are associated with arbitrary or discriminatory treatment. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD
Lobbied on the following issues in the H.R. 2670 Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Authorization in the House, S. 2226 Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate, and the FY24 NDAA conference report enacted in December 2023: Lobbied for removal of a provision in H.R. 2670 that would prohibit military commissaries and exchanges from selling Chinese-made good. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 2670 that would undermine the Defense Departments authority to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the civilian workforce. Sent numerous letters to Members of Congress expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 2670 and S. 2226. Provided analysis and feedback to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on provisions in S. 2226 and H.R. 2670 affecting DoD civilian employees. Provided input to a House inquiry concerning proposed changes to the Navys Fleet Readiness Centers aircraft maintenance protocols that would affect civilian employees. DoD Appropriations: Lobbied against amendments made in order during House debate of H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024, proposing to (1) prohibit regular telework and remote work for Defense Department civilian employees and contractors; (2) strip the Defense Department of its authority to set policy as it pertains to the prevention of COVID-19; (3) invoke the so-called Holman Rule to either reduce the annual salaries of various DoD officials; and (4) reverse important strides the Defense Department has made in recent years to recruit and retain a diverse civilian workforce. Lobbied in favor of a provision to retain language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent a rigorous analysis of the effects of these reductions on workload.
Pursued requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills and CRs: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD Opposed measures to cut federal employees pay and benefits in appropriations and the continuing resolution and against a government shutdown. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for funds for hiring additional personnel at the Federal Labor Relations Authority in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for pay for Transportation Security Officers in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for personnel in the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for personnel who conduct work in refugee, asylum and other humanitarian programs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services be funded through appropriated funds rather than through fees for other CIS services in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for more Railroad Safety Inspectors and better pay for existing inspectors at the Federal Railroad Administration in the FY 2024 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill and in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 1674/S. 576). Lobbied to restore budget and personnel cuts at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, funded through the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional Social Security Administration (SSA) funding in the FY 2024 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of full-year appropriations for FY24 and for short-term continuing appropriations that to not include arbitrary and harmful across-the-board cuts to federal agencies, establish a fiscal commission that would likely recommend deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the federal civil service, and any number of other essential programs and services. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5779, H.R. Fiscal Commission Act of 2023; S. 3262, the Fiscal Stability Act of 2023; and H.R. 710, the Sustainable Budget Act and any other efforts to create a commission charged with cutting or eliminating benefits for federal employees. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to implement the Holman Rule to reduce salaries of several federal officers to $1, cut DEIA programs in federal agencies, reduce health and safety protections including mask mandates, and amendments to cut funding for several agencies to several appropriations bills: H.R. 4820, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4367, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2024. H.R. 4665, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4664, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024. Lobbied in support of SA 1092 to the bill H.R. 4366 in the Senate. Lobbied in opposition to an amendment to H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024, to prohibit regular telework and remote work for Defense Department civilian employees and contractors. Lobbied in support of an amendment to H.R. 4365 to restore language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent an analysis of the effects of such reduction on workload and military readiness of the armed forces. Lobbied in opposition to an amendment to H.R. 4664 that would prohibit funds from being used to finalize, implement, or enforce the proposed OPM rule that would prohibit a future administration from transforming thousands of merit-based positions in the Executive Branch into partisan appointments and undermine the merit-based civil service system.
Filing targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), General Services Administration (GSA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Navy, Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Marines, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Voice of America
Lobbied on the following issues in the H.R. 2670 Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Authorization in the House, S. 2226 Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate, and the FY24 NDAA conference report enacted in December 2023: Lobbied for removal of a provision in H.R. 2670 that would prohibit military commissaries and exchanges from selling Chinese-made good. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 2670 that would undermine the Defense Departments authority to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the civilian workforce. Sent numerous letters to Members of Congress expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 2670 and S. 2226. Provided analysis and feedback to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on provisions in S. 2226 and H.R. 2670 affecting DoD civilian employees. Provided input to a House inquiry concerning proposed changes to the Navys Fleet Readiness Centers aircraft maintenance protocols that would affect civilian employees.
Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates) Act, H.R. 536, and S. 124 to provide an 8.7% increase in federal employees' pay in 2024. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. 3029, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied against FY 2024 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets. Lobbied for changes to S. 3015, the Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023, hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service, provision which was enacted in the NDAA. Lobbied for changes to OPMs proposed governmentwide cybersecurity workforce proposal to preserve title 5 provisions, protect collective bargaining rights, and avoid pay banding systems that are associated with arbitrary or discriminatory treatment. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD
Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to preserve language in H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement of GS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Lobbied for additional training for Board of Veterans Appeals Attorneys. Lobbied in support of ANS to H.R. 1530, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TB!), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the introduction of H.R. 6538, the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023. Lobbied for the introduction of "VA Employee Fairness Act" subsequent to the passage of the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023. Lobbied in support of and for changes to S. 2679, the Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Development (LEAD) Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act., which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied for oversight of new VA private contracting program, the Integrated Critical Staffing Program. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters. Lobbied for better information on scheduling and appointment times for both in-house VA and private care. Lobbied for more information about the costs of VA care. Statements and Correspondence: Provided a Statement for the Record for a October 25, 2023 Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing titled VA Accountability and Transparency: A Cornerstone of Quality Care and Benefits for Veterans. Testified at a November 29, 2023, House Veterans Affairs Committee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee titled Examining the VA Appeals Process: Ensuring High-Quality Decision-Making for Veterans Claims on Appeal. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the "VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure, and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at YA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of YA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support and for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to S. 2649, the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1315, the HEALTH Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied to preserve changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes.
Filing targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), General Services Administration (GSA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Navy, Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Marines, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Voice of America
Pursued requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Opposed measures to cut federal employees pay and benefits in appropriations and the continuing resolution and against a government shutdown. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for funds for hiring additional personnel at the Federal Labor Relations Authority in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for pay for Transportation Security Officers in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for personnel in the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for personnel who conduct work in refugee, asylum and other humanitarian programs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services be funded through appropriated funds rather than through fees for other CIS services in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for more Railroad Safety Inspectors and better pay for existing inspectors at the Federal Railroad Administration in the FY 2024 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill and in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 1674/S. 576). Lobbied to restore budget and personnel cuts at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, funded through the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5525, the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024, legislation to implement arbitrary and harmful across-the-board cuts to most federal agencies and establish a fiscal commission that would likely recommend deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the federal civil service, and any number of other essential programs and services. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to implement the Holman Rule to reduce salaries of several federal officers to $1, cut DEIA programs in federal agencies, reduce health and safety protections including mask mandates, and amendments to cut funding for several agencies to several appropriations bills: H.R. 4820, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4367, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2024 H.R. 4665, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 Lobbied in support of SA 1092 to the bill H.R. 4366 in the Senate Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5779, Fiscal Commission Act of 2023 and any other efforts to create a commission charged with cutting or eliminating benefits for federal employees. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
Lobbied on the following issues in the H.R. 2670 Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Authorization in the House and S. 2226 Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate: Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit military commissaries and exchanges from selling Chinese-made good. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to H.R. 2670 that would undermine the Defense Departments authority to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the civilian workforce. Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit official time from being authorized for Department of Defense employees. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would direct the Defense Department to establish a safety performance rating system for prospective contractors based on their record of worker health and safety violations. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would lower the mandatory disclosure threshold for contractors to provide certified cost and pricing information from $2,000,000 to $750,000. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would reform and increase pay for federal wildland firefighters. Lobbied for defeat of amendment offered to S. 2226 that would limit the authority of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to make decisions about its investment offerings. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to S. 2226 that would restrict the use of official time by Defense Department employees engaged in workplace representation. Sent numerous letters to Members of Congress expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 2670 and S. 2226. Provided analysis and feedback to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on provisions in S. 2226 and H.R. 2670 affecting DoD civilian employees. Provided input to a House inquiry concerning proposed changes to the Navys Fleet Readiness Centers aircraft maintenance protocols that would affect civilian employees. Lobbied the House of Representatives on H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024 that the House adopted in September: Lobbied against amendments that would prohibit telework for Defense Department civilian employees, reduce the salaries of senior Defense Department officers, and prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Lobbied in support of an amendment that would restore language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent the appropriate analysis of the effects of these reductions on Defense Department capabilities. Sent numerous letters to House members expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 4365 Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement ofGS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TB!), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied to amend 38 USC 7422. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act. , which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: Statements and Correspondence: Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 12, 2023, legislative hearing. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health for its July 18, 2023 markup. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 19, 2023, markup. Sent a joint union letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for its July 26, 2023, markup. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee July 26, 2023 hearing titled Implementing the PACT Act: One Year Later. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee July 26, 2023 hearing titled VA Disability Exams: Are Veterans Receiving Quality Services? Specific Legislation: Lobbied for reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at YA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of YA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the "VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act." Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.
Filing targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), General Services Administration (GSA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Navy, Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Marines, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Voice of America
Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the SHOW UP Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of Income Rates) Act, H.R. 536 and S. 124 to provide an 8.7% increase in federal employees pay in 2024. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bill including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD
Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement of GS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied to amend 38 USC 7422. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act. VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VAs authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VAs own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied against H.R. 3520, the Veteran Improvement Act, S 1315, Veterans HEALTH Act of 2023, and the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act (not introduced as of 7-14-23), which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VAs own healthcare. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: Sent a letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for an April 28, 2023, Committee Markup. Provided a Statement for the Record for the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Reviewing VAs Implementation of the PACT Act on May 16, 2023. Submitted Testimony on behalf of MJ Burke, First Executive Vice President, National VA Council, AFGE who testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee joint subcommittees on Health and Oversight and Investigation hearing, VHA Recruitment and Retention: Is Bureaucracy Holding Back a Quality Workforce? on May 17, 2023. Submitted Testimony on behalf of AFGE Member David Bump, who testified on behalf of AFGE at a House Veterans Affairs Committee joint subcommittees on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and Technology Modernization hearing titled From Months to Hours: The Future of VA Benefits Claim Processing on June 6, 2023. Sent a Letter to the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees calling for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals on May 22, 2023. Sent a letter to Senate Veterans Affairs Committee commenting on bills under consideration at the July 12, 2023, legislative hearing. Sent a letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Health Subcommittee commenting on bills under consideration at the June 21, 2023, legislative hearing. Specific Legislation: Lobbied for reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at VA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the "VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act." Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 366, Korean American VALOR Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the VA Medical Center Security Report Act. Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act, which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act, which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Acc, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act, which would set minimum nurse-patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including VA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Brown staffing ratio bill. Same day scheduling bill.
Filing targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Air Force, Dept of, Army, Dept of (Corps of Engineers), Army, Dept of (Other), Bureau of Citizenship & Immigration Services (BCIS), Commerce, Dept of (DOC), Defense Commissary Agency, Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), Defense Finance & Accounting Service (DFAS), Defense, Dept of (DOD), Education, Dept of, Energy, Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), General Services Administration (GSA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), Homeland Security, Dept of (DHS), Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD), Interior, Dept of (DOI), Justice, Dept of (DOJ), Labor, Dept of (DOL), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Navy, Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Office of Personnel Management (OPM), SENATE, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Transportation, Dept of (DOT), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), U.S. Customs & Border Protection, U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Marines, Veterans Affairs, Dept of (VA), Voice of America