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.
For the People Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 302, the Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2988, the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021, and against including protections for noncareer SES political appointees. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 8873, the Presidential Election Reform Act. Lobbied to amend and improve the Safe Federal Workplaces Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 4623, the AGILE Procurement Act of 2022, to avoid creating loopholes to cost accounting rules for federal contractors. Lobbied in support of H.R. 521, the RETIRE Act of 2021, to provide equitable retirement benefits to first responders and law enforcement officers injured on the job. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474, the "Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423, the "Chance to Compete Act." Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521, the "America COMPETES Act." Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied in support for a strong collective bargaining contract with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act" to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the "Time Off to Vote Act" and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8861, the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 eliminating the Congressional review period for D.C. legislation. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Supported Senate letter to president urging appointments for SSAs Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner positions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act" to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res. 275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the "Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act" to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the "Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act" that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for inclusion of the legislations provisions in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers' compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Department's mission, including protecting students' civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee. Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen)- Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the "Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 1302, the companion legislation to H.R. 82. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723 and S. 3071, the "Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust" Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the "Protecting Our Democracy Act" and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the "Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act" to protect veterans' preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
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
2022 · third_quarter · Q3
Lobbied to impress upon lawmakers the impact of cuts, freezes or insufficient COLAs on federal employees' compensation and benefits including requiring employees to pay additional salary towards retirement. Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for the federal workforce for FY 2023 and for fairer locality adjustments. FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) -- Lobbied in support of additional funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). FY 2023 Defense Appropriations (H.R. 8236) -- Lobbied in support of limitations on use of appropriated funds for service contracts unless their planning, programming and budgeting is in compliance with section 2329 of title 10 and related total force management statutes. FY 2023 Military Quality of Life Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 8238) -- Lobbied in support for funding to hire new employees to fill vacancies; provisions to provide adequate funding for VA health and benefits programs and against further contracting out. Lobbied for the inclusion of language to prevent unilateral implementation of collective bargaining agreements. FY 2023 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 8238) -- Lobbied in support of funding for VA healthcare and benefit staff and police officers; lobbied to restrict funding for the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission. FY 2023 Interior and Environment Appropriations (H.R. 8262) -- Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (H.R. 8295) -- Lobbied on contracting out, funding cuts to services such as college aid for students, rural healthcare services, and funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and status of collective bargaining. FY 2023 Appropriations (H.R. 8294) - partial omnibus appropriations for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023; Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023; Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2023; Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2023; Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023; and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023 - lobbied for passage and commented on numerous amendments and provisions. Lobbied for increased Social Security Administration funding and Congressional assistance on the status of collective bargaining. Lobbied to restore adequate funding to the Social Security Administration for field operations and for telework and a review of legal assistant positions in the Office of Hearing Operations. Lobbied on status of reopening offices, downsizing of office space, status of contract in light of Executive Order 14003 to renegotiation portions of contract affected by previous Trump executive orders. Lobbied in support for funding and revitalized infrastructure for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL). Lobbied for full funding and staffing at OSHA and MSHA. FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations (H.R. 8254) -- Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for all federal employees, for parity in locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees and for paid family and medical leave. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256) -- Lobbied in support of AFGE Council of Prison Locals legislative priorities including higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations (H.R. 8294) -- Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees. Lobbied to fully fund authorized rail inspector positions at the Federal Rail Administration and for an upgrade to the GS-13 level for inspectors and for safety equipment for hazardous materials inspectors. FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) -- Lobbied against provisions on contracting out of federal employee jobs and funding cuts to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Lobbied against creation of a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef slaughter plants. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) -- Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in support of full official time rights for federal workers and lobbied in support of good faith bargaining negotiations between AFGE EEOC Council leaders and management specifically related to health and safety provisions related to return to work and adequate telework flexibility. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564 / S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees paid leave to cover all instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act including to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition, care for somebody's own serious health condition, or address circumstances relating to an immediate family member's active-duty. service in the Armed Forces. Lobbied for higher funding levels for the United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Economic Survey, and Bureau of Labor Statistics relocation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 appropriations bills to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Source: Senate LDA
For the People Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
For the People Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Modernizing Veterans’ Health Care Eligibility Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Modernizing Veterans’ Health Care Eligibility Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the "For the 99.5% Act." Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied for H.R. 7502, the Babies Over Billionaires Act to make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share of taxes to fund federal education and health programs. Lobbied in support of $3.6 trillion in new tax revenues outlined in President Biden's Made in America Tax Plan to finance the important investments included in the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan.
Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the "For the 99.5% Act." Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied for H.R. 7502, the "Babies Over Billionaires Act" to make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share of taxes to fund federal education and health programs. Lobbied in support of new tax revenues in the Inflation Reduction Act.
Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the "For the 99.5% Act." Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied for H.R. 7502, the Babies Over Billionaires Act to make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share of taxes to fund federal education and health programs. Lobbied in support of $3.6 trillion in new tax revenues outlined in President Biden's Made in America Tax Plan to finance the important investments included in the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan.
FASTER Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Provided written and oral testimony and responded to questions for the record for House Homeland Security Hearing: "On the Frontlines in Turbulent Times: Workforce Perspectives on the State of Transportation Security." Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided comments at markup of H.R. 6827 to accelerate computed technology for TSA screening. Lobbied in support of the Security Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Provided background on legislation to establish a temperature check pilot in airports to combat the spread of disease. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 202 l" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied against confirmation of William Valdez to serve as Undersecretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Securitys Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
FASTER Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Provided written and oral testimony and responded to questions for the record for House Homeland Security Hearing: "On the Frontlines in Turbulent Times: Workforce Perspectives on the State of Transportation Security." Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided comments at markup of H.R. 6827 to accelerate computed technology for TSA screening. Lobbied in support of the Security Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Provided background on legislation to establish a temperature check pilot in airports to combat the spread of disease. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 202 l" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied against confirmation of William Valdez to serve as Undersecretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Securitys Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
FASTER Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) -- Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for passage of S. 2293, the "Civilian Reservist Emergency Workforce Act of 2021" to grant certain employee rights to FEMA reservist employees. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6856, the Securing Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against S. 4769, the "Registered Traveler Act of 2021 that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 2021" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of 2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Safe Line Speeds in COVID–19 Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act."
Safe Line Speeds in COVID–19 Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act."
Safe Line Speeds in COVID–19 Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COYID-19 Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations bill, H.R. 8239 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Safe Line Speeds in COVID–19 Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COYID-19 Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations bill, H.R. 8239 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Safe Line Speeds in COVID–19 Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COYID-19 Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations bill, H.R. 8239 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Safe Line Speeds in COVID–19 Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act."
Security Screening During COVID-19 Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Provided written and oral testimony and responded to questions for the record for House Homeland Security Hearing: "On the Frontlines in Turbulent Times: Workforce Perspectives on the State of Transportation Security." Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided comments at markup of H.R. 6827 to accelerate computed technology for TSA screening. Lobbied in support of the Security Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Provided background on legislation to establish a temperature check pilot in airports to combat the spread of disease. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 202 l" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied against confirmation of William Valdez to serve as Undersecretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Securitys Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Security Screening During COVID-19 Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) -- Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for passage of S. 2293, the "Civilian Reservist Emergency Workforce Act of 2021" to grant certain employee rights to FEMA reservist employees. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6856, the Securing Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against S. 4769, the "Registered Traveler Act of 2021 that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 2021" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of 2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Security Screening During COVID-19 Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Provided written and oral testimony and responded to questions for the record for House Homeland Security Hearing: "On the Frontlines in Turbulent Times: Workforce Perspectives on the State of Transportation Security." Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided comments at markup of H.R. 6827 to accelerate computed technology for TSA screening. Lobbied in support of the Security Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Provided background on legislation to establish a temperature check pilot in airports to combat the spread of disease. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 202 l" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied against confirmation of William Valdez to serve as Undersecretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Securitys Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Transportation Security Preparedness Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Provided written and oral testimony and responded to questions for the record for House Homeland Security Hearing: "On the Frontlines in Turbulent Times: Workforce Perspectives on the State of Transportation Security." Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided comments at markup of H.R. 6827 to accelerate computed technology for TSA screening. Lobbied in support of the Security Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Provided background on legislation to establish a temperature check pilot in airports to combat the spread of disease. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 202 l" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied against confirmation of William Valdez to serve as Undersecretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Securitys Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Transportation Security Preparedness Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Provided written and oral testimony and responded to questions for the record for House Homeland Security Hearing: "On the Frontlines in Turbulent Times: Workforce Perspectives on the State of Transportation Security." Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided comments at markup of H.R. 6827 to accelerate computed technology for TSA screening. Lobbied in support of the Security Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Provided background on legislation to establish a temperature check pilot in airports to combat the spread of disease. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 202 l" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied against confirmation of William Valdez to serve as Undersecretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Securitys Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Transportation Security Preparedness Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) -- Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for passage of S. 2293, the "Civilian Reservist Emergency Workforce Act of 2021" to grant certain employee rights to FEMA reservist employees. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6856, the Securing Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against S. 4769, the "Registered Traveler Act of 2021 that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 2021" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of 2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
VA Employee Fairness Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
VA Employee Fairness Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
VA Employee Fairness Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for changes to the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that improperly authorizes an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied for changes prior to the introduction of H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act to remove provisions that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsel's authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight of the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increased use of Market Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the "Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022", a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the "National Defense Authorization Act", substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the "Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023" and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support new legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: (Add Apostrophe after Veterans for both committees) Letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a Legislative Hearing on July 13, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on July 19, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on July 27, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on September 21, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on September 21, 2022. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its amended version. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, Performance Pay, Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees, and changes for protections for former federal employees in relation to IG investigations. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act Lobbied in support of S. 3372, To amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 3548, the Veterans Hearing Benefits Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of S. 4141, A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs as Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 4308, the Veterans Marriage Recognition Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8888, the Food Security for All Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2800, the Working to Integrate Networks Guaranteeing Member Access Now Act or the WINGMAN Act. Lobbied for changes to and supported H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6823, the Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Service for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2022 as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8260, the Faster Payments to Veterans Survivors Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5776, the Serving Our LGBTQ Veterans Act. Lobbied for in support of and for technical changes to H.R. 8003, the Restore Veterans Dignity Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the amended version of H.R. 8313, the House Every Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to the amended version of H.R. 291 the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Made comments on H.R. 6647, a bill to make certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program, and for other purposes. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7188, the Modernizing Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Benefit Questionnaires Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3373, the "Honoring the PACT Act." Lobbied against SA 5185 (Blackburn) to S. 3373. Lobbied against SA 5186 (Toomey) to S. 373.
Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 302, the Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2988, the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021, and against including protections for noncareer SES political appointees. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 8873, the Presidential Election Reform Act. Lobbied to amend and improve the Safe Federal Workplaces Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 4623, the AGILE Procurement Act of 2022, to avoid creating loopholes to cost accounting rules for federal contractors. Lobbied in support of H.R. 521, the RETIRE Act of 2021, to provide equitable retirement benefits to first responders and law enforcement officers injured on the job. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474, the "Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423, the "Chance to Compete Act." Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521, the "America COMPETES Act." Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied in support for a strong collective bargaining contract with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act" to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the "Time Off to Vote Act" and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8861, the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 eliminating the Congressional review period for D.C. legislation. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Supported Senate letter to president urging appointments for SSAs Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner positions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act" to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res. 275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the "Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act" to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the "Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act" that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for inclusion of the legislations provisions in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers' compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Department's mission, including protecting students' civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee. Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen)- Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the "Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 1302, the companion legislation to H.R. 82. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723 and S. 3071, the "Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust" Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the "Protecting Our Democracy Act" and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the "Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act" to protect veterans' preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256) Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of language to end augmentation of corrections workers, hire more correctional officers, and phase out the use of private prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 72, Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3151 and S. 1721, Erics Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the One America Many Voices Act. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7489, the Time Off to Vote Act requiring employers, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 CJS Appropriations bill, H.R. 8256, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256) Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of language to end augmentation of corrections workers, hire more correctional officers, and phase out the use of private prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 72, Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3151 and S. 1721, Erics Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the One America Many Voices Act. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7489, the Time Off to Vote Act requiring employers, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 CJS Appropriations bill, H.R. 8256, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Defense Appropriations Lobbied on the following issues H.R. 8236, the Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Appropriations Act: 1.Supported retaining section 8012 language that clearly prohibits using appropriated funds to arbitrarily constrain the DoD civilian workforce to Full Time Equivalent personnel caps, End Strength, or maximum number of employees. Provision also prohibits arbitrary reductions of the programmed civilian full-time equivalents projected over the Future Years Defense Program years absent an appropriate analysis of the impacts on readiness, lethality, stress on the force, operational effectiveness, military force structure, workload and fully burdened costs. Opposed Administration proposal from the Presidents Budget to strike this provision and replace with a section 8008 that would permit the Department of Defense to constrain the civilian workforce to arbitrary personnel caps and arbitrarily reduce it for any reason. 2.Supported inclusion in section 8012 additional language prohibiting use of appropriated funds for term or temporary hiring for enduring functions. 3.Supported inclusion of language in the FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill that mandates compliance with contract service planning, programming, and budgeting statutory requirements and Total Force Management statutory limitations on privatization (including compliance with the public-private competition moratorium). National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Lobbied on the following issues for H.R. 7900, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023 NDAA) both in the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee Members based on Member Requests proposals for Amendments for committee and subcommittee markup on the following issues (Senate bill number not assigned yet). 1.Inclusion of language in the FY 2023 NDAA that would strengthen total force management within the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution system of the DoD: a.By reviving the Enterprise Contractor Manpower Reporting Application process for collecting fully burdened cost data from contractors; b.By ensuring near- and long-term strategic readiness includes data analytics for identifying DoD civilian contributions to readiness, leveraging Center for Naval Analysis study previously asked for in the Fiscal Year 2020 NDAA. c.By strengthening and clarifying statutory framework to ensure program and budget reviews challenge, compete, and prioritize contract services requirements instead of the default practice of cutting the DoD civilian workforce. 2.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA to repeal the remaining arbitrary personnel caps on headquarters functions in sections 143, 155, 194, 7014, 8014 and 9014 of title 10. 3.Continuation of the public-private competition moratorium on OMB Circular A-76. Inclusion of language strengthening implementation of section 815 of the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA depending on the Departments implementation of those provisions to enforce compliance with existing statutory restrictions on converting civilian positions to contract performance and to ensure the Department is complying with statutory requirements to consider civilian employees for performance of closely associated with inherently governmental and critical functions. 4.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA that continues the prohibition of another round of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC). 5.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA encouraging the DoD to hire civilian backfills when converting military medical structure to operational requirements in the Military Medical Treatment Facilities. 6.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA encouraging Commissaries to address food insecurity among military families by ending variable pricing and establishing specific pilot programs to provide free produce to eligible military families. 7.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA to improve sustainment planning for major weapon system acquisitions by re-establishing the manpower estimate report process prior to milestone B and C decision on the appropriate mix between Active Component and Reserve Component military. civilian employees, host nation and contract support for operating, training and maintaining major weapon systems. This became section 804. 8.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA terminating authority for alternative compensation frameworks by repealing authority for the Acquisition Demo project which has been documented as discriminatory to women and minorities. 9.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA prohibiting the misuse of term and temporary hiring authorities for enduring missions. 10.Inclusion in the FY2023 NDAA H.R. 903, The Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2021, as reported in the House Homeland Security Committee. 11.Inclusion of H.R. 962 and S. 1888, The Law Enforcement Equity Act, in the FY2023 NDAA. 12.Inclusion of H.R. 2499 and S. 1116, The Federal Firefighters Fairness Act, in the FY20223 NDAA. 13.Inclusion of H.R. 6967 and S. 3423, Chance to Compete Act of 2022, in the FY2023 NDAA. 14.Inclusion of directive report language in the FY2023 NDAA requesting an Administrative Conference of United States review of the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness from a due process perspective of DoD and government security clearance determinations, as well as a Federally Funded Research and Development demographic survey on whether security clearance adjudications within DoD and other federal agencies have been applied in a discriminatory manner against protected Civil Rights categories and in favor of certain hate groups. 15.Consideration of the adverse effects of limited access to technical data in the organic industrial base and limits to governmental access to certified cost and pricing data under the Truth in Negotiations Act resulting from recent expansions of commercial items and services definitions through the NDADA to sole source procurements that have contributed to escalating sustainment costs and cybersecurity risks for DoD weapon systems. 16.Inclusion of H.R. 3086 and S. 1561, the Locality Pay Equity Act of 2021, in the FY2023 NDAA. Provided input to Rep. Norcross staff on potential floor amendment that would request a GAO review addressing this issue in the shipyards. Recommended expanding amendment to include depots, arsenals and Defense Logistics Agency sites. 17.Inclusion of H.R. 8007 and S. 4374, Stop Price Gauging the Military Act, in the FY2023 NDAA. 18.Clarification of the calculation of deport workload carryover calculations in Readiness subcommittee mark. This became section 367. 19.Opposed inclusion of Rep. Green (R-TN) language prohibiting Commissaries and Exchanges from selling Chinese-manufactured goods because of its impact on 40K Non-Appropriated Fund workers when no such restriction was being proposed for private sector competitors. This became section 631. 20.Clarification of the increase of minimum capital investment in depots from 6 percent to 8 percent in section 363. 21.Opposed inclusion of Air Force proposal entitled, Improvement to use of Cyber and Information Technology Workforce for Enterprise Information Technology, a proposal essentially to exempt the Cyber and IT workforce from the public-private competition moratorium and the underlying requirement to perform public-private competitions. 22.Discussed with Senator Shaheen staff the possibility of language that would help DoD civilian employees and their families, along with military, to take leave to get abortions. 23.Supported Amendment Number 5 proposed by Rep. Norton (D-D.C.) and Rep. Brown (D.-MD) to give the Mayor of the District of Columbia the same authority over the National Guard (NG) that the governors of states and territories have. 24.Supported Amendment Number 11 proposed by Rep. Brownley (D-CA) that would allow FAA Air Traffic Controllers to work at Contract Tower facilities without losing federal retirement benefits. 25.Supported Amendment Number 23 proposed by Rep. Cicilline (D-RI) that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate productivity expectations for readjustment counselors of Vet Centers, including by gaining feedback from counselors that must be audited annually for five years by the Government Accountability Office. This amendment would also require the VA to develop and implement a staffing model for Vet Centers, standardize position description responsibilities, and award grants to address food insecurity among veterans and family members of veterans who receive services through Vet Centers or other VA facilities. 26.Supported Amendment Number 28 proposed by Rep. Kilmer (D-WA) that would remove the 180 day waiting period for hiring retired members of Armed Forces into military health system positions. 27.Supported Amendment Number 113 proposed by Rep. Correa (D-CA) that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit an annual report on women veterans access to gender specific services under arrangements entered into by the VA with non-VA medical providers for the provision of hospital care or medical services. 28.Opposed the following amendments proposed by Rep. Gaetz (R-FL), such as amendment number 2 that combating extremism in the ranks should not be a priority of the Department of Defense; amendment number 3 disparaging the Secretary of Defense; amendment number 7 that would weaken compliance of military members with the vaccine mandate; amendment number 8 that would impede DoD from making PCS moves when the reason for the PCS move is a military members disagreement with state or local law. 29.Opposed the amendment number 9 proposed by Rep. Van Duyne (R-TX) that would permanently suspend the vaccine mandate for DoD contractors. AFGE sent the following letters to Congress and the Department of Defense in connection with FY2023 NDAA: 1.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, on Defense Appropriation Member Request Priorities dated April 26, 2022. 2.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Financial Services General Government Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Financial Services General Government Subcommittee, on FSGG Appropriation Member Request Priorities dated April 26, 2022. Two issues related to carrying forward section 741 language continuing the government-wide public-private competition moratorium and proposing new language prohibiting the use of appropriated funds to interfere with collective bargaining agreements. 3.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, copied to Office of Management and Budget and Secretary of Defense, and dated May 23, 2022, strongly opposing Administration proposal to replace section 8012 with section 8008, reinstituting arbitrary personnel caps. Interviewed on Federal News Network about letter and provided interview to Congress, DoD and OMB. 4.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to Defense Business Board dated May 27, 2022, on Upgrading DoD Civilian Talent Management. Letter copied to Congress. 5.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Armed Services Committee pertaining to FY2023 NDAA markup dated June 12, 2022. 6.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Rules Committee on H.R. 7900 Amendments dated July, 2022. Other NDAA related activities: Provided several questions for record to SASC Personnel Subcommittee Hearing on April 27, 2022, regarding military and civilian workforce programs in the Department of Defense. The questions for record were submitted by Senator Tillis related to the USD (P&R) total force management responsibilities and how increased use of the civilian workforce could reduce stress on the militarys high demand low density military occupational specialties when insufficient accessions were occurring resulting in military end strength reductions. The questions for record on the Departments plans to program and budget for services contracts and implement standard total force management guidelines to improve compliance with statutory privatization limitations were submitted by Senator Warren. There were later re-packaged for HAC-D Defense Budget Hearing to counter Ranking Member Calverts suggestion that the civilian workforce should be proportionately reduced with military end strength reductions. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Federal Firefighters Fairness Act of 2022
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Defense Appropriations Lobbied on the following issues H.R. 8236, the Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Appropriations Act: 1.Supported retaining section 8012 language that clearly prohibits using appropriated funds to arbitrarily constrain the DoD civilian workforce to Full Time Equivalent personnel caps, End Strength, or maximum number of employees. Provision also prohibits arbitrary reductions of the programmed civilian full-time equivalents projected over the Future Years Defense Program years absent an appropriate analysis of the impacts on readiness, lethality, stress on the force, operational effectiveness, military force structure, workload and fully burdened costs. Opposed Administration proposal from the Presidents Budget to strike this provision and replace with a section 8008 that would permit the Department of Defense to constrain the civilian workforce to arbitrary personnel caps and arbitrarily reduce it for any reason. 2.Supported inclusion in section 8012 additional language prohibiting use of appropriated funds for term or temporary hiring for enduring functions. 3.Supported inclusion of language in the FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill that mandates compliance with contract service planning, programming, and budgeting statutory requirements and Total Force Management statutory limitations on privatization (including compliance with the public-private competition moratorium). National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Lobbied on the following issues for H.R. 7900, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023 NDAA) both in the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee Members based on Member Requests proposals for Amendments for committee and subcommittee markup on the following issues (Senate bill number not assigned yet). 1.Inclusion of language in the FY 2023 NDAA that would strengthen total force management within the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution system of the DoD: a.By reviving the Enterprise Contractor Manpower Reporting Application process for collecting fully burdened cost data from contractors; b.By ensuring near- and long-term strategic readiness includes data analytics for identifying DoD civilian contributions to readiness, leveraging Center for Naval Analysis study previously asked for in the Fiscal Year 2020 NDAA. c.By strengthening and clarifying statutory framework to ensure program and budget reviews challenge, compete, and prioritize contract services requirements instead of the default practice of cutting the DoD civilian workforce. 2.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA to repeal the remaining arbitrary personnel caps on headquarters functions in sections 143, 155, 194, 7014, 8014 and 9014 of title 10. 3.Continuation of the public-private competition moratorium on OMB Circular A-76. Inclusion of language strengthening implementation of section 815 of the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA depending on the Departments implementation of those provisions to enforce compliance with existing statutory restrictions on converting civilian positions to contract performance and to ensure the Department is complying with statutory requirements to consider civilian employees for performance of closely associated with inherently governmental and critical functions. 4.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA that continues the prohibition of another round of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC). 5.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA encouraging the DoD to hire civilian backfills when converting military medical structure to operational requirements in the Military Medical Treatment Facilities. 6.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA encouraging Commissaries to address food insecurity among military families by ending variable pricing and establishing specific pilot programs to provide free produce to eligible military families. 7.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA to improve sustainment planning for major weapon system acquisitions by re-establishing the manpower estimate report process prior to milestone B and C decision on the appropriate mix between Active Component and Reserve Component military. civilian employees, host nation and contract support for operating, training and maintaining major weapon systems. This became section 804. 8.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA terminating authority for alternative compensation frameworks by repealing authority for the Acquisition Demo project which has been documented as discriminatory to women and minorities. 9.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA prohibiting the misuse of term and temporary hiring authorities for enduring missions. 10.Inclusion in the FY2023 NDAA H.R. 903, The Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2021, as reported in the House Homeland Security Committee. 11.Inclusion of H.R. 962 and S. 1888, The Law Enforcement Equity Act, in the FY2023 NDAA. 12.Inclusion of H.R. 2499 and S. 1116, The Federal Firefighters Fairness Act, in the FY20223 NDAA. 13.Inclusion of H.R. 6967 and S. 3423, Chance to Compete Act of 2022, in the FY2023 NDAA. 14.Inclusion of directive report language in the FY2023 NDAA requesting an Administrative Conference of United States review of the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness from a due process perspective of DoD and government security clearance determinations, as well as a Federally Funded Research and Development demographic survey on whether security clearance adjudications within DoD and other federal agencies have been applied in a discriminatory manner against protected Civil Rights categories and in favor of certain hate groups. 15.Consideration of the adverse effects of limited access to technical data in the organic industrial base and limits to governmental access to certified cost and pricing data under the Truth in Negotiations Act resulting from recent expansions of commercial items and services definitions through the NDADA to sole source procurements that have contributed to escalating sustainment costs and cybersecurity risks for DoD weapon systems. 16.Inclusion of H.R. 3086 and S. 1561, the Locality Pay Equity Act of 2021, in the FY2023 NDAA. Provided input to Rep. Norcross staff on potential floor amendment that would request a GAO review addressing this issue in the shipyards. Recommended expanding amendment to include depots, arsenals and Defense Logistics Agency sites. 17.Inclusion of H.R. 8007 and S. 4374, Stop Price Gauging the Military Act, in the FY2023 NDAA. 18.Clarification of the calculation of deport workload carryover calculations in Readiness subcommittee mark. This became section 367. 19.Opposed inclusion of Rep. Green (R-TN) language prohibiting Commissaries and Exchanges from selling Chinese-manufactured goods because of its impact on 40K Non-Appropriated Fund workers when no such restriction was being proposed for private sector competitors. This became section 631. 20.Clarification of the increase of minimum capital investment in depots from 6 percent to 8 percent in section 363. 21.Opposed inclusion of Air Force proposal entitled, Improvement to use of Cyber and Information Technology Workforce for Enterprise Information Technology, a proposal essentially to exempt the Cyber and IT workforce from the public-private competition moratorium and the underlying requirement to perform public-private competitions. 22.Discussed with Senator Shaheen staff the possibility of language that would help DoD civilian employees and their families, along with military, to take leave to get abortions. 23.Supported Amendment Number 5 proposed by Rep. Norton (D-D.C.) and Rep. Brown (D.-MD) to give the Mayor of the District of Columbia the same authority over the National Guard (NG) that the governors of states and territories have. 24.Supported Amendment Number 11 proposed by Rep. Brownley (D-CA) that would allow FAA Air Traffic Controllers to work at Contract Tower facilities without losing federal retirement benefits. 25.Supported Amendment Number 23 proposed by Rep. Cicilline (D-RI) that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate productivity expectations for readjustment counselors of Vet Centers, including by gaining feedback from counselors that must be audited annually for five years by the Government Accountability Office. This amendment would also require the VA to develop and implement a staffing model for Vet Centers, standardize position description responsibilities, and award grants to address food insecurity among veterans and family members of veterans who receive services through Vet Centers or other VA facilities. 26.Supported Amendment Number 28 proposed by Rep. Kilmer (D-WA) that would remove the 180 day waiting period for hiring retired members of Armed Forces into military health system positions. 27.Supported Amendment Number 113 proposed by Rep. Correa (D-CA) that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit an annual report on women veterans access to gender specific services under arrangements entered into by the VA with non-VA medical providers for the provision of hospital care or medical services. 28.Opposed the following amendments proposed by Rep. Gaetz (R-FL), such as amendment number 2 that combating extremism in the ranks should not be a priority of the Department of Defense; amendment number 3 disparaging the Secretary of Defense; amendment number 7 that would weaken compliance of military members with the vaccine mandate; amendment number 8 that would impede DoD from making PCS moves when the reason for the PCS move is a military members disagreement with state or local law. 29.Opposed the amendment number 9 proposed by Rep. Van Duyne (R-TX) that would permanently suspend the vaccine mandate for DoD contractors. AFGE sent the following letters to Congress and the Department of Defense in connection with FY2023 NDAA: 1.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, on Defense Appropriation Member Request Priorities dated April 26, 2022. 2.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Financial Services General Government Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Financial Services General Government Subcommittee, on FSGG Appropriation Member Request Priorities dated April 26, 2022. Two issues related to carrying forward section 741 language continuing the government-wide public-private competition moratorium and proposing new language prohibiting the use of appropriated funds to interfere with collective bargaining agreements. 3.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, copied to Office of Management and Budget and Secretary of Defense, and dated May 23, 2022, strongly opposing Administration proposal to replace section 8012 with section 8008, reinstituting arbitrary personnel caps. Interviewed on Federal News Network about letter and provided interview to Congress, DoD and OMB. 4.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to Defense Business Board dated May 27, 2022, on Upgrading DoD Civilian Talent Management. Letter copied to Congress. 5.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Armed Services Committee pertaining to FY2023 NDAA markup dated June 12, 2022. 6.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Rules Committee on H.R. 7900 Amendments dated July, 2022. Other NDAA related activities: Provided several questions for record to SASC Personnel Subcommittee Hearing on April 27, 2022, regarding military and civilian workforce programs in the Department of Defense. The questions for record were submitted by Senator Tillis related to the USD (P&R) total force management responsibilities and how increased use of the civilian workforce could reduce stress on the militarys high demand low density military occupational specialties when insufficient accessions were occurring resulting in military end strength reductions. The questions for record on the Departments plans to program and budget for services contracts and implement standard total force management guidelines to improve compliance with statutory privatization limitations were submitted by Senator Warren. There were later re-packaged for HAC-D Defense Budget Hearing to counter Ranking Member Calverts suggestion that the civilian workforce should be proportionately reduced with military end strength reductions. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Provided written and oral testimony and responded to questions for the record for House Homeland Security Hearing: "On the Frontlines in Turbulent Times: Workforce Perspectives on the State of Transportation Security." Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided comments at markup of H.R. 6827 to accelerate computed technology for TSA screening. Lobbied in support of the Security Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Provided background on legislation to establish a temperature check pilot in airports to combat the spread of disease. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 202 l" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied against confirmation of William Valdez to serve as Undersecretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Securitys Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) -- Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for passage of S. 2293, the "Civilian Reservist Emergency Workforce Act of 2021" to grant certain employee rights to FEMA reservist employees. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6856, the Securing Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against S. 4769, the "Registered Traveler Act of 2021 that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 2021" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of 2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Provided written and oral testimony and responded to questions for the record for House Homeland Security Hearing: "On the Frontlines in Turbulent Times: Workforce Perspectives on the State of Transportation Security." Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided comments at markup of H.R. 6827 to accelerate computed technology for TSA screening. Lobbied in support of the Security Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Provided background on legislation to establish a temperature check pilot in airports to combat the spread of disease. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 202 l" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied against confirmation of William Valdez to serve as Undersecretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Securitys Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 302, the Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2988, the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021, and against including protections for noncareer SES political appointees. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 8873, the Presidential Election Reform Act. Lobbied to amend and improve the Safe Federal Workplaces Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 4623, the AGILE Procurement Act of 2022, to avoid creating loopholes to cost accounting rules for federal contractors. Lobbied in support of H.R. 521, the RETIRE Act of 2021, to provide equitable retirement benefits to first responders and law enforcement officers injured on the job. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474, the "Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423, the "Chance to Compete Act." Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521, the "America COMPETES Act." Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied in support for a strong collective bargaining contract with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act" to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the "Time Off to Vote Act" and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8861, the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 eliminating the Congressional review period for D.C. legislation. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Supported Senate letter to president urging appointments for SSAs Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner positions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act" to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res. 275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the "Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act" to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the "Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act" that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for inclusion of the legislations provisions in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers' compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Department's mission, including protecting students' civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee. Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen)- Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the "Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 1302, the companion legislation to H.R. 82. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723 and S. 3071, the "Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust" Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the "Protecting Our Democracy Act" and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the "Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act" to protect veterans' preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
WINGMAN Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for changes to the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that improperly authorizes an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied for changes prior to the introduction of H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act to remove provisions that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsel's authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight of the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increased use of Market Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the "Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022", a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the "National Defense Authorization Act", substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the "Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023" and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support new legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: (Add Apostrophe after Veterans for both committees) Letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a Legislative Hearing on July 13, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on July 19, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on July 27, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on September 21, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on September 21, 2022. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its amended version. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, Performance Pay, Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees, and changes for protections for former federal employees in relation to IG investigations. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act Lobbied in support of S. 3372, To amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 3548, the Veterans Hearing Benefits Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of S. 4141, A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs as Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 4308, the Veterans Marriage Recognition Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8888, the Food Security for All Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2800, the Working to Integrate Networks Guaranteeing Member Access Now Act or the WINGMAN Act. Lobbied for changes to and supported H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6823, the Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Service for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2022 as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8260, the Faster Payments to Veterans Survivors Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5776, the Serving Our LGBTQ Veterans Act. Lobbied for in support of and for technical changes to H.R. 8003, the Restore Veterans Dignity Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the amended version of H.R. 8313, the House Every Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to the amended version of H.R. 291 the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Made comments on H.R. 6647, a bill to make certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program, and for other purposes. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7188, the Modernizing Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Benefit Questionnaires Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3373, the "Honoring the PACT Act." Lobbied against SA 5185 (Blackburn) to S. 3373. Lobbied against SA 5186 (Toomey) to S. 373.
VA COST SAVINGS Enhancements Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
VA COST SAVINGS Enhancements Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
VA COST SAVINGS Enhancements Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for changes to the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that improperly authorizes an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied for changes prior to the introduction of H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act to remove provisions that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsel's authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight of the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increased use of Market Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the "Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022", a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the "National Defense Authorization Act", substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the "Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023" and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support new legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: (Add Apostrophe after Veterans for both committees) Letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a Legislative Hearing on July 13, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on July 19, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on July 27, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on September 21, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on September 21, 2022. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its amended version. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, Performance Pay, Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees, and changes for protections for former federal employees in relation to IG investigations. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act Lobbied in support of S. 3372, To amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 3548, the Veterans Hearing Benefits Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of S. 4141, A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs as Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 4308, the Veterans Marriage Recognition Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8888, the Food Security for All Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2800, the Working to Integrate Networks Guaranteeing Member Access Now Act or the WINGMAN Act. Lobbied for changes to and supported H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6823, the Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Service for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2022 as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8260, the Faster Payments to Veterans Survivors Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5776, the Serving Our LGBTQ Veterans Act. Lobbied for in support of and for technical changes to H.R. 8003, the Restore Veterans Dignity Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the amended version of H.R. 8313, the House Every Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to the amended version of H.R. 291 the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Made comments on H.R. 6647, a bill to make certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program, and for other purposes. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7188, the Modernizing Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Benefit Questionnaires Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3373, the "Honoring the PACT Act." Lobbied against SA 5185 (Blackburn) to S. 3373. Lobbied against SA 5186 (Toomey) to S. 373.
Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 302, the Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2988, the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021, and against including protections for noncareer SES political appointees. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 8873, the Presidential Election Reform Act. Lobbied to amend and improve the Safe Federal Workplaces Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 4623, the AGILE Procurement Act of 2022, to avoid creating loopholes to cost accounting rules for federal contractors. Lobbied in support of H.R. 521, the RETIRE Act of 2021, to provide equitable retirement benefits to first responders and law enforcement officers injured on the job. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474, the "Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423, the "Chance to Compete Act." Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521, the "America COMPETES Act." Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied in support for a strong collective bargaining contract with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act" to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the "Time Off to Vote Act" and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8861, the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 eliminating the Congressional review period for D.C. legislation. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Supported Senate letter to president urging appointments for SSAs Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner positions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act" to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res. 275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the "Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act" to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the "Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act" that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for inclusion of the legislations provisions in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers' compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Department's mission, including protecting students' civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee. Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen)- Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the "Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 1302, the companion legislation to H.R. 82. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723 and S. 3071, the "Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust" Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the "Protecting Our Democracy Act" and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the "Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act" to protect veterans' preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the "For the 99.5% Act." Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied for H.R. 7502, the Babies Over Billionaires Act to make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share of taxes to fund federal education and health programs. Lobbied in support of $3.6 trillion in new tax revenues outlined in President Biden's Made in America Tax Plan to finance the important investments included in the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan.
Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the "For the 99.5% Act." Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied for H.R. 7502, the "Babies Over Billionaires Act" to make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share of taxes to fund federal education and health programs. Lobbied in support of new tax revenues in the Inflation Reduction Act.
Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the "For the 99.5% Act." Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied for H.R. 7502, the Babies Over Billionaires Act to make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share of taxes to fund federal education and health programs. Lobbied in support of $3.6 trillion in new tax revenues outlined in President Biden's Made in America Tax Plan to finance the important investments included in the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan.
PPSA Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 302, the Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2988, the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021, and against including protections for noncareer SES political appointees. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 8873, the Presidential Election Reform Act. Lobbied to amend and improve the Safe Federal Workplaces Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 4623, the AGILE Procurement Act of 2022, to avoid creating loopholes to cost accounting rules for federal contractors. Lobbied in support of H.R. 521, the RETIRE Act of 2021, to provide equitable retirement benefits to first responders and law enforcement officers injured on the job. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474, the "Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423, the "Chance to Compete Act." Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521, the "America COMPETES Act." Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied in support for a strong collective bargaining contract with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act" to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the "Time Off to Vote Act" and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8861, the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 eliminating the Congressional review period for D.C. legislation. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Supported Senate letter to president urging appointments for SSAs Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner positions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act" to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res. 275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the "Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act" to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the "Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act" that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for inclusion of the legislations provisions in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers' compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Department's mission, including protecting students' civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee. Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen)- Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the "Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 1302, the companion legislation to H.R. 82. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723 and S. 3071, the "Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust" Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the "Protecting Our Democracy Act" and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the "Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act" to protect veterans' preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Equal COLA Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Equal COLA Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Equal COLA Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Equal COLA Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for changes to the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that improperly authorizes an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied for changes prior to the introduction of H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act to remove provisions that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsel's authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight of the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increased use of Market Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the "Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022", a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the "National Defense Authorization Act", substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the "Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023" and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support new legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: (Add Apostrophe after Veterans for both committees) Letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a Legislative Hearing on July 13, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on July 19, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on July 27, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on September 21, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on September 21, 2022. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its amended version. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, Performance Pay, Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees, and changes for protections for former federal employees in relation to IG investigations. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act Lobbied in support of S. 3372, To amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 3548, the Veterans Hearing Benefits Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of S. 4141, A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs as Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 4308, the Veterans Marriage Recognition Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8888, the Food Security for All Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2800, the Working to Integrate Networks Guaranteeing Member Access Now Act or the WINGMAN Act. Lobbied for changes to and supported H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6823, the Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Service for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2022 as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8260, the Faster Payments to Veterans Survivors Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5776, the Serving Our LGBTQ Veterans Act. Lobbied for in support of and for technical changes to H.R. 8003, the Restore Veterans Dignity Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the amended version of H.R. 8313, the House Every Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to the amended version of H.R. 291 the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Made comments on H.R. 6647, a bill to make certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program, and for other purposes. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7188, the Modernizing Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Benefit Questionnaires Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3373, the "Honoring the PACT Act." Lobbied against SA 5185 (Blackburn) to S. 3373. Lobbied against SA 5186 (Toomey) to S. 373.
Equal COLA Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 302, the Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2988, the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021, and against including protections for noncareer SES political appointees. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 8873, the Presidential Election Reform Act. Lobbied to amend and improve the Safe Federal Workplaces Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 4623, the AGILE Procurement Act of 2022, to avoid creating loopholes to cost accounting rules for federal contractors. Lobbied in support of H.R. 521, the RETIRE Act of 2021, to provide equitable retirement benefits to first responders and law enforcement officers injured on the job. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474, the "Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423, the "Chance to Compete Act." Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521, the "America COMPETES Act." Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied in support for a strong collective bargaining contract with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act" to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the "Time Off to Vote Act" and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8861, the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 eliminating the Congressional review period for D.C. legislation. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Supported Senate letter to president urging appointments for SSAs Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner positions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act" to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res. 275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the "Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act" to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the "Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act" that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for inclusion of the legislations provisions in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers' compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Department's mission, including protecting students' civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee. Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen)- Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the "Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 1302, the companion legislation to H.R. 82. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723 and S. 3071, the "Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust" Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the "Protecting Our Democracy Act" and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the "Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act" to protect veterans' preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Equal COLA Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Locality Pay Equity Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Defense Appropriations Lobbied on the following issues H.R. 8236, the Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Appropriations Act: 1.Supported retaining section 8012 language that clearly prohibits using appropriated funds to arbitrarily constrain the DoD civilian workforce to Full Time Equivalent personnel caps, End Strength, or maximum number of employees. Provision also prohibits arbitrary reductions of the programmed civilian full-time equivalents projected over the Future Years Defense Program years absent an appropriate analysis of the impacts on readiness, lethality, stress on the force, operational effectiveness, military force structure, workload and fully burdened costs. Opposed Administration proposal from the Presidents Budget to strike this provision and replace with a section 8008 that would permit the Department of Defense to constrain the civilian workforce to arbitrary personnel caps and arbitrarily reduce it for any reason. 2.Supported inclusion in section 8012 additional language prohibiting use of appropriated funds for term or temporary hiring for enduring functions. 3.Supported inclusion of language in the FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill that mandates compliance with contract service planning, programming, and budgeting statutory requirements and Total Force Management statutory limitations on privatization (including compliance with the public-private competition moratorium). National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Lobbied on the following issues for H.R. 7900, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023 NDAA) both in the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee Members based on Member Requests proposals for Amendments for committee and subcommittee markup on the following issues (Senate bill number not assigned yet). 1.Inclusion of language in the FY 2023 NDAA that would strengthen total force management within the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution system of the DoD: a.By reviving the Enterprise Contractor Manpower Reporting Application process for collecting fully burdened cost data from contractors; b.By ensuring near- and long-term strategic readiness includes data analytics for identifying DoD civilian contributions to readiness, leveraging Center for Naval Analysis study previously asked for in the Fiscal Year 2020 NDAA. c.By strengthening and clarifying statutory framework to ensure program and budget reviews challenge, compete, and prioritize contract services requirements instead of the default practice of cutting the DoD civilian workforce. 2.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA to repeal the remaining arbitrary personnel caps on headquarters functions in sections 143, 155, 194, 7014, 8014 and 9014 of title 10. 3.Continuation of the public-private competition moratorium on OMB Circular A-76. Inclusion of language strengthening implementation of section 815 of the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA depending on the Departments implementation of those provisions to enforce compliance with existing statutory restrictions on converting civilian positions to contract performance and to ensure the Department is complying with statutory requirements to consider civilian employees for performance of closely associated with inherently governmental and critical functions. 4.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA that continues the prohibition of another round of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC). 5.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA encouraging the DoD to hire civilian backfills when converting military medical structure to operational requirements in the Military Medical Treatment Facilities. 6.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA encouraging Commissaries to address food insecurity among military families by ending variable pricing and establishing specific pilot programs to provide free produce to eligible military families. 7.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA to improve sustainment planning for major weapon system acquisitions by re-establishing the manpower estimate report process prior to milestone B and C decision on the appropriate mix between Active Component and Reserve Component military. civilian employees, host nation and contract support for operating, training and maintaining major weapon systems. This became section 804. 8.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA terminating authority for alternative compensation frameworks by repealing authority for the Acquisition Demo project which has been documented as discriminatory to women and minorities. 9.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA prohibiting the misuse of term and temporary hiring authorities for enduring missions. 10.Inclusion in the FY2023 NDAA H.R. 903, The Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2021, as reported in the House Homeland Security Committee. 11.Inclusion of H.R. 962 and S. 1888, The Law Enforcement Equity Act, in the FY2023 NDAA. 12.Inclusion of H.R. 2499 and S. 1116, The Federal Firefighters Fairness Act, in the FY20223 NDAA. 13.Inclusion of H.R. 6967 and S. 3423, Chance to Compete Act of 2022, in the FY2023 NDAA. 14.Inclusion of directive report language in the FY2023 NDAA requesting an Administrative Conference of United States review of the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness from a due process perspective of DoD and government security clearance determinations, as well as a Federally Funded Research and Development demographic survey on whether security clearance adjudications within DoD and other federal agencies have been applied in a discriminatory manner against protected Civil Rights categories and in favor of certain hate groups. 15.Consideration of the adverse effects of limited access to technical data in the organic industrial base and limits to governmental access to certified cost and pricing data under the Truth in Negotiations Act resulting from recent expansions of commercial items and services definitions through the NDADA to sole source procurements that have contributed to escalating sustainment costs and cybersecurity risks for DoD weapon systems. 16.Inclusion of H.R. 3086 and S. 1561, the Locality Pay Equity Act of 2021, in the FY2023 NDAA. Provided input to Rep. Norcross staff on potential floor amendment that would request a GAO review addressing this issue in the shipyards. Recommended expanding amendment to include depots, arsenals and Defense Logistics Agency sites. 17.Inclusion of H.R. 8007 and S. 4374, Stop Price Gauging the Military Act, in the FY2023 NDAA. 18.Clarification of the calculation of deport workload carryover calculations in Readiness subcommittee mark. This became section 367. 19.Opposed inclusion of Rep. Green (R-TN) language prohibiting Commissaries and Exchanges from selling Chinese-manufactured goods because of its impact on 40K Non-Appropriated Fund workers when no such restriction was being proposed for private sector competitors. This became section 631. 20.Clarification of the increase of minimum capital investment in depots from 6 percent to 8 percent in section 363. 21.Opposed inclusion of Air Force proposal entitled, Improvement to use of Cyber and Information Technology Workforce for Enterprise Information Technology, a proposal essentially to exempt the Cyber and IT workforce from the public-private competition moratorium and the underlying requirement to perform public-private competitions. 22.Discussed with Senator Shaheen staff the possibility of language that would help DoD civilian employees and their families, along with military, to take leave to get abortions. 23.Supported Amendment Number 5 proposed by Rep. Norton (D-D.C.) and Rep. Brown (D.-MD) to give the Mayor of the District of Columbia the same authority over the National Guard (NG) that the governors of states and territories have. 24.Supported Amendment Number 11 proposed by Rep. Brownley (D-CA) that would allow FAA Air Traffic Controllers to work at Contract Tower facilities without losing federal retirement benefits. 25.Supported Amendment Number 23 proposed by Rep. Cicilline (D-RI) that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate productivity expectations for readjustment counselors of Vet Centers, including by gaining feedback from counselors that must be audited annually for five years by the Government Accountability Office. This amendment would also require the VA to develop and implement a staffing model for Vet Centers, standardize position description responsibilities, and award grants to address food insecurity among veterans and family members of veterans who receive services through Vet Centers or other VA facilities. 26.Supported Amendment Number 28 proposed by Rep. Kilmer (D-WA) that would remove the 180 day waiting period for hiring retired members of Armed Forces into military health system positions. 27.Supported Amendment Number 113 proposed by Rep. Correa (D-CA) that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit an annual report on women veterans access to gender specific services under arrangements entered into by the VA with non-VA medical providers for the provision of hospital care or medical services. 28.Opposed the following amendments proposed by Rep. Gaetz (R-FL), such as amendment number 2 that combating extremism in the ranks should not be a priority of the Department of Defense; amendment number 3 disparaging the Secretary of Defense; amendment number 7 that would weaken compliance of military members with the vaccine mandate; amendment number 8 that would impede DoD from making PCS moves when the reason for the PCS move is a military members disagreement with state or local law. 29.Opposed the amendment number 9 proposed by Rep. Van Duyne (R-TX) that would permanently suspend the vaccine mandate for DoD contractors. AFGE sent the following letters to Congress and the Department of Defense in connection with FY2023 NDAA: 1.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, on Defense Appropriation Member Request Priorities dated April 26, 2022. 2.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Financial Services General Government Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Financial Services General Government Subcommittee, on FSGG Appropriation Member Request Priorities dated April 26, 2022. Two issues related to carrying forward section 741 language continuing the government-wide public-private competition moratorium and proposing new language prohibiting the use of appropriated funds to interfere with collective bargaining agreements. 3.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, copied to Office of Management and Budget and Secretary of Defense, and dated May 23, 2022, strongly opposing Administration proposal to replace section 8012 with section 8008, reinstituting arbitrary personnel caps. Interviewed on Federal News Network about letter and provided interview to Congress, DoD and OMB. 4.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to Defense Business Board dated May 27, 2022, on Upgrading DoD Civilian Talent Management. Letter copied to Congress. 5.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Armed Services Committee pertaining to FY2023 NDAA markup dated June 12, 2022. 6.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Rules Committee on H.R. 7900 Amendments dated July, 2022. Other NDAA related activities: Provided several questions for record to SASC Personnel Subcommittee Hearing on April 27, 2022, regarding military and civilian workforce programs in the Department of Defense. The questions for record were submitted by Senator Tillis related to the USD (P&R) total force management responsibilities and how increased use of the civilian workforce could reduce stress on the militarys high demand low density military occupational specialties when insufficient accessions were occurring resulting in military end strength reductions. The questions for record on the Departments plans to program and budget for services contracts and implement standard total force management guidelines to improve compliance with statutory privatization limitations were submitted by Senator Warren. There were later re-packaged for HAC-D Defense Budget Hearing to counter Ranking Member Calverts suggestion that the civilian workforce should be proportionately reduced with military end strength reductions. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Locality Pay Equity Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Defense Appropriations Lobbied on the following issues H.R. 8236, the Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Appropriations Act: 1.Supported retaining section 8012 language that clearly prohibits using appropriated funds to arbitrarily constrain the DoD civilian workforce to Full Time Equivalent personnel caps, End Strength, or maximum number of employees. Provision also prohibits arbitrary reductions of the programmed civilian full-time equivalents projected over the Future Years Defense Program years absent an appropriate analysis of the impacts on readiness, lethality, stress on the force, operational effectiveness, military force structure, workload and fully burdened costs. Opposed Administration proposal from the Presidents Budget to strike this provision and replace with a section 8008 that would permit the Department of Defense to constrain the civilian workforce to arbitrary personnel caps and arbitrarily reduce it for any reason. 2.Supported inclusion in section 8012 additional language prohibiting use of appropriated funds for term or temporary hiring for enduring functions. 3.Supported inclusion of language in the FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill that mandates compliance with contract service planning, programming, and budgeting statutory requirements and Total Force Management statutory limitations on privatization (including compliance with the public-private competition moratorium). National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Lobbied on the following issues for H.R. 7900, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023 NDAA) both in the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee Members based on Member Requests proposals for Amendments for committee and subcommittee markup on the following issues (Senate bill number not assigned yet). 1.Inclusion of language in the FY 2023 NDAA that would strengthen total force management within the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution system of the DoD: a.By reviving the Enterprise Contractor Manpower Reporting Application process for collecting fully burdened cost data from contractors; b.By ensuring near- and long-term strategic readiness includes data analytics for identifying DoD civilian contributions to readiness, leveraging Center for Naval Analysis study previously asked for in the Fiscal Year 2020 NDAA. c.By strengthening and clarifying statutory framework to ensure program and budget reviews challenge, compete, and prioritize contract services requirements instead of the default practice of cutting the DoD civilian workforce. 2.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA to repeal the remaining arbitrary personnel caps on headquarters functions in sections 143, 155, 194, 7014, 8014 and 9014 of title 10. 3.Continuation of the public-private competition moratorium on OMB Circular A-76. Inclusion of language strengthening implementation of section 815 of the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA depending on the Departments implementation of those provisions to enforce compliance with existing statutory restrictions on converting civilian positions to contract performance and to ensure the Department is complying with statutory requirements to consider civilian employees for performance of closely associated with inherently governmental and critical functions. 4.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA that continues the prohibition of another round of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC). 5.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA encouraging the DoD to hire civilian backfills when converting military medical structure to operational requirements in the Military Medical Treatment Facilities. 6.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA encouraging Commissaries to address food insecurity among military families by ending variable pricing and establishing specific pilot programs to provide free produce to eligible military families. 7.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA to improve sustainment planning for major weapon system acquisitions by re-establishing the manpower estimate report process prior to milestone B and C decision on the appropriate mix between Active Component and Reserve Component military. civilian employees, host nation and contract support for operating, training and maintaining major weapon systems. This became section 804. 8.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA terminating authority for alternative compensation frameworks by repealing authority for the Acquisition Demo project which has been documented as discriminatory to women and minorities. 9.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA prohibiting the misuse of term and temporary hiring authorities for enduring missions. 10.Inclusion in the FY2023 NDAA H.R. 903, The Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2021, as reported in the House Homeland Security Committee. 11.Inclusion of H.R. 962 and S. 1888, The Law Enforcement Equity Act, in the FY2023 NDAA. 12.Inclusion of H.R. 2499 and S. 1116, The Federal Firefighters Fairness Act, in the FY20223 NDAA. 13.Inclusion of H.R. 6967 and S. 3423, Chance to Compete Act of 2022, in the FY2023 NDAA. 14.Inclusion of directive report language in the FY2023 NDAA requesting an Administrative Conference of United States review of the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness from a due process perspective of DoD and government security clearance determinations, as well as a Federally Funded Research and Development demographic survey on whether security clearance adjudications within DoD and other federal agencies have been applied in a discriminatory manner against protected Civil Rights categories and in favor of certain hate groups. 15.Consideration of the adverse effects of limited access to technical data in the organic industrial base and limits to governmental access to certified cost and pricing data under the Truth in Negotiations Act resulting from recent expansions of commercial items and services definitions through the NDADA to sole source procurements that have contributed to escalating sustainment costs and cybersecurity risks for DoD weapon systems. 16.Inclusion of H.R. 3086 and S. 1561, the Locality Pay Equity Act of 2021, in the FY2023 NDAA. Provided input to Rep. Norcross staff on potential floor amendment that would request a GAO review addressing this issue in the shipyards. Recommended expanding amendment to include depots, arsenals and Defense Logistics Agency sites. 17.Inclusion of H.R. 8007 and S. 4374, Stop Price Gauging the Military Act, in the FY2023 NDAA. 18.Clarification of the calculation of deport workload carryover calculations in Readiness subcommittee mark. This became section 367. 19.Opposed inclusion of Rep. Green (R-TN) language prohibiting Commissaries and Exchanges from selling Chinese-manufactured goods because of its impact on 40K Non-Appropriated Fund workers when no such restriction was being proposed for private sector competitors. This became section 631. 20.Clarification of the increase of minimum capital investment in depots from 6 percent to 8 percent in section 363. 21.Opposed inclusion of Air Force proposal entitled, Improvement to use of Cyber and Information Technology Workforce for Enterprise Information Technology, a proposal essentially to exempt the Cyber and IT workforce from the public-private competition moratorium and the underlying requirement to perform public-private competitions. 22.Discussed with Senator Shaheen staff the possibility of language that would help DoD civilian employees and their families, along with military, to take leave to get abortions. 23.Supported Amendment Number 5 proposed by Rep. Norton (D-D.C.) and Rep. Brown (D.-MD) to give the Mayor of the District of Columbia the same authority over the National Guard (NG) that the governors of states and territories have. 24.Supported Amendment Number 11 proposed by Rep. Brownley (D-CA) that would allow FAA Air Traffic Controllers to work at Contract Tower facilities without losing federal retirement benefits. 25.Supported Amendment Number 23 proposed by Rep. Cicilline (D-RI) that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate productivity expectations for readjustment counselors of Vet Centers, including by gaining feedback from counselors that must be audited annually for five years by the Government Accountability Office. This amendment would also require the VA to develop and implement a staffing model for Vet Centers, standardize position description responsibilities, and award grants to address food insecurity among veterans and family members of veterans who receive services through Vet Centers or other VA facilities. 26.Supported Amendment Number 28 proposed by Rep. Kilmer (D-WA) that would remove the 180 day waiting period for hiring retired members of Armed Forces into military health system positions. 27.Supported Amendment Number 113 proposed by Rep. Correa (D-CA) that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit an annual report on women veterans access to gender specific services under arrangements entered into by the VA with non-VA medical providers for the provision of hospital care or medical services. 28.Opposed the following amendments proposed by Rep. Gaetz (R-FL), such as amendment number 2 that combating extremism in the ranks should not be a priority of the Department of Defense; amendment number 3 disparaging the Secretary of Defense; amendment number 7 that would weaken compliance of military members with the vaccine mandate; amendment number 8 that would impede DoD from making PCS moves when the reason for the PCS move is a military members disagreement with state or local law. 29.Opposed the amendment number 9 proposed by Rep. Van Duyne (R-TX) that would permanently suspend the vaccine mandate for DoD contractors. AFGE sent the following letters to Congress and the Department of Defense in connection with FY2023 NDAA: 1.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, on Defense Appropriation Member Request Priorities dated April 26, 2022. 2.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Financial Services General Government Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Financial Services General Government Subcommittee, on FSGG Appropriation Member Request Priorities dated April 26, 2022. Two issues related to carrying forward section 741 language continuing the government-wide public-private competition moratorium and proposing new language prohibiting the use of appropriated funds to interfere with collective bargaining agreements. 3.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, copied to Office of Management and Budget and Secretary of Defense, and dated May 23, 2022, strongly opposing Administration proposal to replace section 8012 with section 8008, reinstituting arbitrary personnel caps. Interviewed on Federal News Network about letter and provided interview to Congress, DoD and OMB. 4.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to Defense Business Board dated May 27, 2022, on Upgrading DoD Civilian Talent Management. Letter copied to Congress. 5.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Armed Services Committee pertaining to FY2023 NDAA markup dated June 12, 2022. 6.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Rules Committee on H.R. 7900 Amendments dated July, 2022. Other NDAA related activities: Provided several questions for record to SASC Personnel Subcommittee Hearing on April 27, 2022, regarding military and civilian workforce programs in the Department of Defense. The questions for record were submitted by Senator Tillis related to the USD (P&R) total force management responsibilities and how increased use of the civilian workforce could reduce stress on the militarys high demand low density military occupational specialties when insufficient accessions were occurring resulting in military end strength reductions. The questions for record on the Departments plans to program and budget for services contracts and implement standard total force management guidelines to improve compliance with statutory privatization limitations were submitted by Senator Warren. There were later re-packaged for HAC-D Defense Budget Hearing to counter Ranking Member Calverts suggestion that the civilian workforce should be proportionately reduced with military end strength reductions. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Eric’s Law
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256) Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of language to end augmentation of corrections workers, hire more correctional officers, and phase out the use of private prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 72, Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3151 and S. 1721, Erics Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the One America Many Voices Act. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7489, the Time Off to Vote Act requiring employers, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 CJS Appropriations bill, H.R. 8256, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Eric’s Law
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256) Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of language to end augmentation of corrections workers, hire more correctional officers, and phase out the use of private prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 72, Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3151 and S. 1721, Erics Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the One America Many Voices Act. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7489, the Time Off to Vote Act requiring employers, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 CJS Appropriations bill, H.R. 8256, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Eric’s Law
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in opposition of augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied in support of time and a half true overtime for BOP nurses. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256) -- Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 72, Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3151 and S. 1721, Eric's Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the One America Many Voices Act. Lobbied in opposition to unilateral return to in person work for employees at the Small Business Administration. Lobbied in support of full multilingual opportunities and adequate compensation for employees at the Small Business Administration. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7489, the "Time Off to Vote Act" requiring employers, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 CJS Appropriations bill, H.R. 8256, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
VA CPE Modernization Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
VA CPE Modernization Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for changes to the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that improperly authorizes an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied for changes prior to the introduction of H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act to remove provisions that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsel's authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight of the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increased use of Market Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the "Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022", a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the "National Defense Authorization Act", substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the "Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023" and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support new legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: (Add Apostrophe after Veterans for both committees) Letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a Legislative Hearing on July 13, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on July 19, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on July 27, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on September 21, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on September 21, 2022. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its amended version. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, Performance Pay, Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees, and changes for protections for former federal employees in relation to IG investigations. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act Lobbied in support of S. 3372, To amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 3548, the Veterans Hearing Benefits Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of S. 4141, A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs as Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 4308, the Veterans Marriage Recognition Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8888, the Food Security for All Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2800, the Working to Integrate Networks Guaranteeing Member Access Now Act or the WINGMAN Act. Lobbied for changes to and supported H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6823, the Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Service for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2022 as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8260, the Faster Payments to Veterans Survivors Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5776, the Serving Our LGBTQ Veterans Act. Lobbied for in support of and for technical changes to H.R. 8003, the Restore Veterans Dignity Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the amended version of H.R. 8313, the House Every Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to the amended version of H.R. 291 the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Made comments on H.R. 6647, a bill to make certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program, and for other purposes. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7188, the Modernizing Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Benefit Questionnaires Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3373, the "Honoring the PACT Act." Lobbied against SA 5185 (Blackburn) to S. 3373. Lobbied against SA 5186 (Toomey) to S. 373.
VA CPE Modernization Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Equal Employment for All Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Equal Employment for All Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Honoring our PACT Act of 2022
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Honoring our PACT Act of 2022
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 302, the Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2988, the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021, and against including protections for noncareer SES political appointees. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 8873, the Presidential Election Reform Act. Lobbied to amend and improve the Safe Federal Workplaces Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 4623, the AGILE Procurement Act of 2022, to avoid creating loopholes to cost accounting rules for federal contractors. Lobbied in support of H.R. 521, the RETIRE Act of 2021, to provide equitable retirement benefits to first responders and law enforcement officers injured on the job. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474, the "Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423, the "Chance to Compete Act." Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521, the "America COMPETES Act." Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied in support for a strong collective bargaining contract with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act" to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the "Time Off to Vote Act" and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8861, the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 eliminating the Congressional review period for D.C. legislation. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Supported Senate letter to president urging appointments for SSAs Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner positions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act" to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res. 275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the "Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act" to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the "Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act" that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for inclusion of the legislations provisions in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers' compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Department's mission, including protecting students' civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee. Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen)- Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the "Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 1302, the companion legislation to H.R. 82. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723 and S. 3071, the "Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust" Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the "Protecting Our Democracy Act" and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the "Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act" to protect veterans' preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for changes to the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that improperly authorizes an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied for changes prior to the introduction of H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act to remove provisions that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsel's authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight of the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increased use of Market Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the "Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022", a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the "National Defense Authorization Act", substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the "Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023" and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support new legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: (Add Apostrophe after Veterans for both committees) Letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a Legislative Hearing on July 13, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on July 19, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on July 27, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on September 21, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on September 21, 2022. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its amended version. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, Performance Pay, Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees, and changes for protections for former federal employees in relation to IG investigations. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act Lobbied in support of S. 3372, To amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 3548, the Veterans Hearing Benefits Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of S. 4141, A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs as Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 4308, the Veterans Marriage Recognition Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8888, the Food Security for All Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2800, the Working to Integrate Networks Guaranteeing Member Access Now Act or the WINGMAN Act. Lobbied for changes to and supported H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6823, the Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Service for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2022 as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8260, the Faster Payments to Veterans Survivors Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5776, the Serving Our LGBTQ Veterans Act. Lobbied for in support of and for technical changes to H.R. 8003, the Restore Veterans Dignity Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the amended version of H.R. 8313, the House Every Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to the amended version of H.R. 291 the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Made comments on H.R. 6647, a bill to make certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program, and for other purposes. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7188, the Modernizing Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Benefit Questionnaires Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3373, the "Honoring the PACT Act." Lobbied against SA 5185 (Blackburn) to S. 3373. Lobbied against SA 5186 (Toomey) to S. 373.
First Responder Fair RETIRE Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 302, the Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2988, the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021, and against including protections for noncareer SES political appointees. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 8873, the Presidential Election Reform Act. Lobbied to amend and improve the Safe Federal Workplaces Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 4623, the AGILE Procurement Act of 2022, to avoid creating loopholes to cost accounting rules for federal contractors. Lobbied in support of H.R. 521, the RETIRE Act of 2021, to provide equitable retirement benefits to first responders and law enforcement officers injured on the job. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474, the "Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423, the "Chance to Compete Act." Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521, the "America COMPETES Act." Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied in support for a strong collective bargaining contract with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act" to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the "Time Off to Vote Act" and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8861, the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 eliminating the Congressional review period for D.C. legislation. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Supported Senate letter to president urging appointments for SSAs Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner positions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act" to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res. 275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the "Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act" to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the "Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act" that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for inclusion of the legislations provisions in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers' compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Department's mission, including protecting students' civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee. Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen)- Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the "Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 1302, the companion legislation to H.R. 82. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723 and S. 3071, the "Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust" Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the "Protecting Our Democracy Act" and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the "Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act" to protect veterans' preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Protecting Our Democracy Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Protecting Our Democracy Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Protecting Our Democracy Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 302, the Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2988, the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021, and against including protections for noncareer SES political appointees. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 8873, the Presidential Election Reform Act. Lobbied to amend and improve the Safe Federal Workplaces Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 4623, the AGILE Procurement Act of 2022, to avoid creating loopholes to cost accounting rules for federal contractors. Lobbied in support of H.R. 521, the RETIRE Act of 2021, to provide equitable retirement benefits to first responders and law enforcement officers injured on the job. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474, the "Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423, the "Chance to Compete Act." Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521, the "America COMPETES Act." Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied in support for a strong collective bargaining contract with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act" to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the "Time Off to Vote Act" and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8861, the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 eliminating the Congressional review period for D.C. legislation. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Supported Senate letter to president urging appointments for SSAs Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner positions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act" to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res. 275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the "Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act" to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the "Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act" that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for inclusion of the legislations provisions in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers' compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Department's mission, including protecting students' civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee. Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen)- Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the "Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 1302, the companion legislation to H.R. 82. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723 and S. 3071, the "Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust" Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the "Protecting Our Democracy Act" and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the "Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act" to protect veterans' preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 302, the Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2988, the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021, and against including protections for noncareer SES political appointees. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 8873, the Presidential Election Reform Act. Lobbied to amend and improve the Safe Federal Workplaces Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 4623, the AGILE Procurement Act of 2022, to avoid creating loopholes to cost accounting rules for federal contractors. Lobbied in support of H.R. 521, the RETIRE Act of 2021, to provide equitable retirement benefits to first responders and law enforcement officers injured on the job. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474, the "Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423, the "Chance to Compete Act." Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521, the "America COMPETES Act." Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied in support for a strong collective bargaining contract with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act" to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the "Time Off to Vote Act" and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8861, the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 eliminating the Congressional review period for D.C. legislation. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Supported Senate letter to president urging appointments for SSAs Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner positions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act" to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res. 275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the "Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act" to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the "Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act" that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for inclusion of the legislations provisions in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers' compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Department's mission, including protecting students' civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee. Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen)- Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the "Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 1302, the companion legislation to H.R. 82. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723 and S. 3071, the "Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust" Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the "Protecting Our Democracy Act" and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the "Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act" to protect veterans' preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied to impress upon lawmakers the impact of cuts, freezes or insufficient COLAs on federal employees' compensation and benefits including requiring employees to pay additional salary towards retirement. Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for the federal workforce for FY 2023 and for fairer locality adjustments. FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) -- Lobbied in support of additional funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). FY 2023 Defense Appropriations (H.R. 8236) -- Lobbied in support of limitations on use of appropriated funds for service contracts unless their planning, programming and budgeting is in compliance with section 2329 of title 10 and related total force management statutes. FY 2023 Military Quality of Life Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 8238) -- Lobbied in support for funding to hire new employees to fill vacancies; provisions to provide adequate funding for VA health and benefits programs and against further contracting out. Lobbied for the inclusion of language to prevent unilateral implementation of collective bargaining agreements. FY 2023 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 8238) -- Lobbied in support of funding for VA healthcare and benefit staff and police officers; lobbied to restrict funding for the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission. FY 2023 Interior and Environment Appropriations (H.R. 8262) -- Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (H.R. 8295) -- Lobbied on contracting out, funding cuts to services such as college aid for students, rural healthcare services, and funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and status of collective bargaining. FY 2023 Appropriations (H.R. 8294) - partial omnibus appropriations for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023; Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023; Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2023; Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2023; Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023; and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023 - lobbied for passage and commented on numerous amendments and provisions. Lobbied for increased Social Security Administration funding and Congressional assistance on the status of collective bargaining. Lobbied to restore adequate funding to the Social Security Administration for field operations and for telework and a review of legal assistant positions in the Office of Hearing Operations. Lobbied on status of reopening offices, downsizing of office space, status of contract in light of Executive Order 14003 to renegotiation portions of contract affected by previous Trump executive orders. Lobbied in support for funding and revitalized infrastructure for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL). Lobbied for full funding and staffing at OSHA and MSHA. FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations (H.R. 8254) -- Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for all federal employees, for parity in locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees and for paid family and medical leave. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256) -- Lobbied in support of AFGE Council of Prison Locals legislative priorities including higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations (H.R. 8294) -- Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees. Lobbied to fully fund authorized rail inspector positions at the Federal Rail Administration and for an upgrade to the GS-13 level for inspectors and for safety equipment for hazardous materials inspectors. FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) -- Lobbied against provisions on contracting out of federal employee jobs and funding cuts to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Lobbied against creation of a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef slaughter plants. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) -- Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in support of full official time rights for federal workers and lobbied in support of good faith bargaining negotiations between AFGE EEOC Council leaders and management specifically related to health and safety provisions related to return to work and adequate telework flexibility. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564 / S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees paid leave to cover all instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act including to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition, care for somebody's own serious health condition, or address circumstances relating to an immediate family member's active-duty. service in the Armed Forces. Lobbied for higher funding levels for the United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Economic Survey, and Bureau of Labor Statistics relocation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 appropriations bills to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Requested Senate assistance on treatment of labor union and recognized bargaining unit employees at the Export-Import Bank. Lobbied for confirmation of Ernest DuBester to serve as Chair, Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); for Kirk Rumsfeld to serve as General Counsel of FLRA and for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied in support of passage of H.R. 8466, the Chai Suthammanont Healthy Federal Workplaces of 2022 to better protect the federal workforce in the face of the current Covid- 19 Pandemic and future pandemics. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied in support of extending the COVID presumption of workers compensation for FECA from the year 2030 to allow all eligible recipients to receive the benefit for longer. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564/S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" Lobbied in support of COVlD-19 health and safety protections for workers and good faith negotiations between labor and management related to return to in-person work for a number of agency employees including at EPA and EEOC. Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied in support of adequate health and safety protections and good faith negotiations between labor and management for Bureau of Labor Statistics employees relocating from Washington, DC to Suitland, Maryland. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees.
Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied to impress upon lawmakers the impact of cuts, freezes or insufficient COLAs on federal employees' compensation and benefits including requiring employees to pay additional salary towards retirement. Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for the federal workforce for FY 2023 and for fairer locality adjustments. FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) --Lobbied in support of additional funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). FY 2023 Defense Appropriations (H.R. 8236) --Lobbied in support of limitations on use of appropriated funds for service contracts unless their planning, programming and budgeting is in compliance with section 2329 of title 10 and related total force management statutes. FY 2023 Military Quality of Life/Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 8238)-Lobbied in support for funding to hire new employees to fill vacancies; provisions to provide adequate funding for VA health and benefits programs and against further contracting out. Lobbied for the inclusion of language to prevent unilateral implementation of collective bargaining agreements. FY 2023 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations, H.R. 8238,- Lobbied in support of funding for VA healthcare and benefit staff and police officers; lobbied to restrict funding for the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission. FY 2023 Interior and Environment Appropriations (H.R. 8262) --Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (H.R. 8295)-Lobbied on contracting out, funding cuts to services such as college aid for students, rural healthcare services, and funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied for increased Social Security Administration funding and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied to restore adequate funding to the Social Security Administration for field operations and for telework and a review of legal assistant positions in the Office of Hearing Operations. Lobbied on status of reopening offices, downsizing of office space, status of contract in light of Executive Order 14003 to renegotiation portions of contract affected by previous Trump executive orders. Lobbied in support for funding and revitalized infrastructure for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL). Lobbied for full funding and staffing at OSHA and MSHA. FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations (H.R. 8254) -Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for all federal employees, for parity in locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees and for paid family and medical leave. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256)--Lobbied in support of AFGE Council of Prison Locals legislative priorities including higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations (H.R. 8294) --Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees. Lobbied to fully fund authorized rail inspector positions at the Federal Rail Administration and for an upgrade to the GS-13 level for inspectors and for safety equipment for hazardous materials inspectors. FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) --Lobbied against provisions on contracting out of federal employee jobs and funding cuts to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Lobbied against creation of a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef slaughter plants. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in support of full official time rights for federal workers and lobbied in support of good faith bargaining negotiations between AFGE EEOC Council leaders and management specifically related to health and safety provisions related to return to work and adequate telework flexibility. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564 / S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees paid leave to cover all instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act including to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition, care for somebodys own serious health condition, or address circumstances relating to an immediate family member's active-duty service in the Armed Forces. Lobbied for higher funding levels for the United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Economic Survey, and Bureau of Labor Statistics relocation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 appropriations bills to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied to impress upon lawmakers the impact of cuts, freezes or insufficient COLAs on federal employees' compensation and benefits including requiring employees to pay additional salary towards retirement. Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for the federal workforce for FY 2023 and for fairer locality adjustments. FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) --Lobbied in support of additional funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). FY 2023 Defense Appropriations (H.R. 8236) --Lobbied in support of limitations on use of appropriated funds for service contracts unless their planning, programming and budgeting is in compliance with section 2329 of title 10 and related total force management statutes. FY 2023 Military Quality of Life/Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 8238)-Lobbied in support for funding to hire new employees to fill vacancies; provisions to provide adequate funding for VA health and benefits programs and against further contracting out. Lobbied for the inclusion of language to prevent unilateral implementation of collective bargaining agreements. FY 2023 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations, H.R. 8238,- Lobbied in support of funding for VA healthcare and benefit staff and police officers; lobbied to restrict funding for the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission. FY 2023 Interior and Environment Appropriations (H.R. 8262) --Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (H.R. 8295)-Lobbied on contracting out, funding cuts to services such as college aid for students, rural healthcare services, and funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied for increased Social Security Administration funding and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied to restore adequate funding to the Social Security Administration for field operations and for telework and a review of legal assistant positions in the Office of Hearing Operations. Lobbied on status of reopening offices, downsizing of office space, status of contract in light of Executive Order 14003 to renegotiation portions of contract affected by previous Trump executive orders. Lobbied in support for funding and revitalized infrastructure for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL). Lobbied for full funding and staffing at OSHA and MSHA. FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations (H.R. 8254) -Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for all federal employees, for parity in locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees and for paid family and medical leave. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256)--Lobbied in support of AFGE Council of Prison Locals legislative priorities including higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations (H.R. 8294) --Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees. Lobbied to fully fund authorized rail inspector positions at the Federal Rail Administration and for an upgrade to the GS-13 level for inspectors and for safety equipment for hazardous materials inspectors. FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) --Lobbied against provisions on contracting out of federal employee jobs and funding cuts to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Lobbied against creation of a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef slaughter plants. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in support of full official time rights for federal workers and lobbied in support of good faith bargaining negotiations between AFGE EEOC Council leaders and management specifically related to health and safety provisions related to return to work and adequate telework flexibility. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564 / S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees paid leave to cover all instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act including to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition, care for somebodys own serious health condition, or address circumstances relating to an immediate family member's active-duty service in the Armed Forces. Lobbied for higher funding levels for the United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Economic Survey, and Bureau of Labor Statistics relocation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 appropriations bills to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Requested Senate assistance on treatment of labor union and recognized bargaining unit employees at the Export-Import Bank. Lobbied for confirmation of Ernest DuBester to serve as Chair, Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); for Susan Tsui Grundmann to serve as a member of FLRA; for Kirk Rumsfeld to serve as General Counsel of FLRA and for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the Chai Suthammanont Act of 2022 to better protect the federal workforce in the face of the current Covid-19 Pandemic and future pandemics. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied in support of extending the COVID presumption of workers compensation for FECA from the year 2030 to allow all eligible recipients to receive the benefit for longer. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564/S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" Lobbied in support of COVID-19 health and safety protections for workers and good faith negotiations between labor and management related to return to in-person work for a number of agency employees including at EPA and EEOC. Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied in support of adequate health and safety protections and good faith negotiations between labor and management for Bureau of Labor Statistics employees relocating from Washington, DC to Suitland, Maryland. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education.
Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Requested Senate assistance on treatment of labor union and recognized bargaining unit employees at the Export-Import Bank. Lobbied for confirmation of Ernest DuBester to serve as Chair, Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); for Susan Tsui Grundmann to serve as a member of FLRA; for Kirk Rumsfeld to serve as General Counsel of FLRA and for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the Chai Suthammanont Act of 2022 to better protect the federal workforce in the face of the current Covid-19 Pandemic and future pandemics. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied in support of extending the COVID presumption of workers compensation for FECA from the year 2030 to allow all eligible recipients to receive the benefit for longer. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564/S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" Lobbied in support of COVID-19 health and safety protections for workers and good faith negotiations between labor and management related to return to in-person work for a number of agency employees including at EPA and EEOC. Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied in support of adequate health and safety protections and good faith negotiations between labor and management for Bureau of Labor Statistics employees relocating from Washington, DC to Suitland, Maryland. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education.
Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 302, the Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2988, the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021, and against including protections for noncareer SES political appointees. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 8873, the Presidential Election Reform Act. Lobbied to amend and improve the Safe Federal Workplaces Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 4623, the AGILE Procurement Act of 2022, to avoid creating loopholes to cost accounting rules for federal contractors. Lobbied in support of H.R. 521, the RETIRE Act of 2021, to provide equitable retirement benefits to first responders and law enforcement officers injured on the job. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474, the "Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423, the "Chance to Compete Act." Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521, the "America COMPETES Act." Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied in support for a strong collective bargaining contract with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act" to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the "Time Off to Vote Act" and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8861, the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 eliminating the Congressional review period for D.C. legislation. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Supported Senate letter to president urging appointments for SSAs Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner positions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act" to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res. 275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the "Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act" to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the "Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act" that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for inclusion of the legislations provisions in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers' compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Department's mission, including protecting students' civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee. Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen)- Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the "Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 1302, the companion legislation to H.R. 82. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723 and S. 3071, the "Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust" Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the "Protecting Our Democracy Act" and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the "Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act" to protect veterans' preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Serving Our LGBTQ Veterans Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for changes to the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that improperly authorizes an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied for changes prior to the introduction of H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act to remove provisions that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsel's authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight of the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increased use of Market Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the "Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022", a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the "National Defense Authorization Act", substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the "Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023" and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support new legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: (Add Apostrophe after Veterans for both committees) Letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a Legislative Hearing on July 13, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on July 19, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on July 27, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on September 21, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on September 21, 2022. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its amended version. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, Performance Pay, Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees, and changes for protections for former federal employees in relation to IG investigations. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act Lobbied in support of S. 3372, To amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 3548, the Veterans Hearing Benefits Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of S. 4141, A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs as Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 4308, the Veterans Marriage Recognition Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8888, the Food Security for All Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2800, the Working to Integrate Networks Guaranteeing Member Access Now Act or the WINGMAN Act. Lobbied for changes to and supported H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6823, the Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Service for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2022 as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8260, the Faster Payments to Veterans Survivors Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5776, the Serving Our LGBTQ Veterans Act. Lobbied for in support of and for technical changes to H.R. 8003, the Restore Veterans Dignity Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the amended version of H.R. 8313, the House Every Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to the amended version of H.R. 291 the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Made comments on H.R. 6647, a bill to make certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program, and for other purposes. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7188, the Modernizing Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Benefit Questionnaires Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3373, the "Honoring the PACT Act." Lobbied against SA 5185 (Blackburn) to S. 3373. Lobbied against SA 5186 (Toomey) to S. 373.
Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 302, the Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2988, the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021, and against including protections for noncareer SES political appointees. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 8873, the Presidential Election Reform Act. Lobbied to amend and improve the Safe Federal Workplaces Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 4623, the AGILE Procurement Act of 2022, to avoid creating loopholes to cost accounting rules for federal contractors. Lobbied in support of H.R. 521, the RETIRE Act of 2021, to provide equitable retirement benefits to first responders and law enforcement officers injured on the job. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474, the "Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423, the "Chance to Compete Act." Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521, the "America COMPETES Act." Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied in support for a strong collective bargaining contract with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act" to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the "Time Off to Vote Act" and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8861, the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 eliminating the Congressional review period for D.C. legislation. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Supported Senate letter to president urging appointments for SSAs Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner positions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act" to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res. 275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the "Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act" to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the "Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act" that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for inclusion of the legislations provisions in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers' compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Department's mission, including protecting students' civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee. Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen)- Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the "Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 1302, the companion legislation to H.R. 82. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723 and S. 3071, the "Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust" Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the "Protecting Our Democracy Act" and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the "Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act" to protect veterans' preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021
Client: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES AFL-CIO · Firm: AMERICAN FED OF GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES, AFL-CIO
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Requested Senate assistance on treatment of labor union and recognized bargaining unit employees at the Export-Import Bank. Lobbied for confirmation of Ernest DuBester to serve as Chair, Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); for Kirk Rumsfeld to serve as General Counsel of FLRA and for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied in support of passage of H.R. 8466, the Chai Suthammanont Healthy Federal Workplaces of 2022 to better protect the federal workforce in the face of the current Covid- 19 Pandemic and future pandemics. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied in support of extending the COVID presumption of workers compensation for FECA from the year 2030 to allow all eligible recipients to receive the benefit for longer. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564/S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" Lobbied in support of COVlD-19 health and safety protections for workers and good faith negotiations between labor and management related to return to in-person work for a number of agency employees including at EPA and EEOC. Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied in support of adequate health and safety protections and good faith negotiations between labor and management for Bureau of Labor Statistics employees relocating from Washington, DC to Suitland, Maryland. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees.
Defense Appropriations Lobbied on the following issues in H.R. 8236, the Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Appropriations Act: 1. Supported retaining section 8012 language that clearly prohibits using appropriated funds to arbitrarily constrain the DoD civilian workforce to Full Time Equivalent personnel caps, End Strength, or maximum number of employees. Provision also prohibits arbitrary reductions of the programmed civilian full-time equivalents projected over the Future Years Defense Program years absent an appropriate analysis of the impacts on readiness, lethality, stress on the force, operational effectiveness, military force structure, workload and fully burdened costs. Opposed Administration proposal from the President's Budget to strike this provision and replace with a section 8008 that would permit the Department of Defense to constrain the civilian workforce to arbitrary personnel caps and arbitrarily reduce it for any reason. 2.Supported inclusion in section 8012 additional language prohibiting use of appropriated funds for term or temporary hiring for "enduring functions." 3.Supported inclusion of language in the FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill that mandates compliance with contract service planning, programming, and budgeting statutory requirements and Total Force Management statutory limitations on privatization (including compliance with the public-private competition moratorium). 4.Supported provision added by HAC-D that protects the ability of Department of Defense personnel to obtain abortions. 5.Verified that continuing resolution carried forward existing Omnibus FY2022 appropriation riders, such as section 8012. 6.Provided input on impact on Defense-related issues in the House Mini-bus appropriations amendments review for FY2023. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 1.Lobbied to strike S. 4543, Section 1107, Modification of the effective date of repeal of two-year probationary period for employees. 2.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 5705, Limitation on exception of competitive service requirements. 3.Lobbied to clarify H.R. 7900, Section 1533, Comprehensive review of Cyber Excepted Service and S. 4543, Section 1114, Report on Cyber Excepted Service. 4.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Title LVIII, Subtitle B, Rights of the TSA Workforce Act of 2022, that includes sections 5931 that would enhance the security operations of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and stability of the transportation security workforce. 5.Lobbied against S. 4542, Section 1112, Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Pilot, and H.R. 7900, Section 1112, National Digital Reserve Corps. 6.Lobbied against H.R. 7900 section 631, Prohibition on sale of Chinese goods in commissary stores and military exchanges. 7.Lobbied against H.R. 7900 section 2814, Privatization of Navy and Air Force transient housing. 8.Lobbied to make adjustments to the Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide Funding tables in H.R. 7900 addressed in the July 12, 2022, Statement of Administration Policy to prevent the use of a Reduction in Force in certain Defense Agencies and Field Activities. Further lobbied to make reductions to contract services accounts working in headquarters but mis-reported in non-headquarters program elements. 9.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900 Section 804, Life cycle management and product support. 10.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 367, Clarification of calculation for certain workload carryover of Department of Army. 11.Lobbied to clarify H.R. 7900 Section 831, Key experiences and enhanced pay authority for acquisition workforce excellence, to ensure that participation in public-private talent exchanges remains voluntary. 12.Lobbied to clarify H.R. 7900, section 802 and S. 4542 Section 822 on Data requirements for commercial item pricing not based on adequate price competition. 13.Lobbied to support S. 4542, Section 827, Progress payment incentive pilot. 14.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Title LXII, District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule reflected in Sections 6251 through 6255. 15.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900 Section 5907, Presumption of cause of disability or death due to employment in fire protection activities. 16.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900 Section 5107, Elimination of Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission. 17.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 609E, Pay for DoD and Coast Guard childcare providers: studies; adjustment. 18.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 1107, Inflation bonus pay for certain Department of Defense civilian employees. 19.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 1109, GAO study on Federal Wage System parity with local prevailing wage rate. 20.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 5127, Competitive pay for health care providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs. 21.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 868, Prohibition on contracting with employers that violated the National Labor Relations Act; as well as Section 5817, Prohibition on contracting with persons with willful or repeated violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. 22.Lobbied to strike S. 4543, Section 525, Prohibition on considering State laws and regulations when determining individual duty assignments. 23.Lobbied to repudiate the directive report language in S. 4543 that suggests DoD should not continue its efforts to root out extremism in the ranks. Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 1036, Report on threat posed by domestic terrorists and Section 5814, Interagency report on extremist activity. 24.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 780, Limitation On Realignment or Reduction of Military Medical Manning End Strength; Certification Requirement and Other Reforms. 25.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 387, National Standards For Federal Fire Protection At Military Installations. 26.Lobbied to include in S. 4543, The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2023, S. 1888 The Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act. 27.Lobbied about the issue of compliance with existing title 10 total force management provisions enacted in prior National Defense Authorization Acts since 2017. 28.Lobbied in support of the $750 million increase in the Defense Commissary Agency Working Capital (DeCA) appropriation in H.R. 7900. AFGE sent the following letters to Congress se in connection with FY2023 NDAA: 1.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee on Pre-Conference issues dated August 18, 2022. 2.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee on Pre-Conference issues dated September 16, 2022.
Lobbied for full implementation of the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, authorized in 2020. Lobbied for more stable funding for USCIS that does not rely on fees for non-fee elements of the agencys mission. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security appropriations bill, H.R. 8257, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in opposition of augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied in support of time and a half true overtime for BOP nurses. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256) -- Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 72, Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3151 and S. 1721, Eric's Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the One America Many Voices Act. Lobbied in opposition to unilateral return to in person work for employees at the Small Business Administration. Lobbied in support of full multilingual opportunities and adequate compensation for employees at the Small Business Administration. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7489, the "Time Off to Vote Act" requiring employers, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 CJS Appropriations bill, H.R. 8256, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) -- Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for passage of S. 2293, the "Civilian Reservist Emergency Workforce Act of 2021" to grant certain employee rights to FEMA reservist employees. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6856, the Securing Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against S. 4769, the "Registered Traveler Act of 2021 that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 2021" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of 2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COYID-19 Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations bill, H.R. 8239 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, particularly with any effects of postal reform legislation. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees' right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees' ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services.
FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act."
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 302, the Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2988, the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021, and against including protections for noncareer SES political appointees. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 8873, the Presidential Election Reform Act. Lobbied to amend and improve the Safe Federal Workplaces Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 4623, the AGILE Procurement Act of 2022, to avoid creating loopholes to cost accounting rules for federal contractors. Lobbied in support of H.R. 521, the RETIRE Act of 2021, to provide equitable retirement benefits to first responders and law enforcement officers injured on the job. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474, the "Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423, the "Chance to Compete Act." Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521, the "America COMPETES Act." Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied in support for a strong collective bargaining contract with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act" to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the "Time Off to Vote Act" and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8861, the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 eliminating the Congressional review period for D.C. legislation. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Supported Senate letter to president urging appointments for SSAs Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner positions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act" to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res. 275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the "Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act" to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the "Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act" that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for inclusion of the legislations provisions in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers' compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Department's mission, including protecting students' civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee. Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen)- Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the "Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 1302, the companion legislation to H.R. 82. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723 and S. 3071, the "Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust" Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the "Protecting Our Democracy Act" and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the "Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act" to protect veterans' preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the "For the 99.5% Act." Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied for H.R. 7502, the "Babies Over Billionaires Act" to make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share of taxes to fund federal education and health programs. Lobbied in support of new tax revenues in the Inflation Reduction Act.
FY 2023 Foreign Operations Appropriations (H.R. 8282) --lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees. Lobbied to prevent a Reduction in Force (RIF) at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied to remove workers at State Department who have a record of radical and racist views. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in the FY 2023 State, Foreign Operations appropriations bill, H.R. 8282 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Lobbied for changes to 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 Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for changes to the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that improperly authorizes an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied for changes prior to the introduction of H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act to remove provisions that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsel's authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight of the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increased use of Market Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the "Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022", a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the "National Defense Authorization Act", substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the "Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023" and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support new legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: (Add Apostrophe after Veterans for both committees) Letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a Legislative Hearing on July 13, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on July 19, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on July 27, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on September 21, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on September 21, 2022. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its amended version. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, Performance Pay, Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees, and changes for protections for former federal employees in relation to IG investigations. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act Lobbied in support of S. 3372, To amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 3548, the Veterans Hearing Benefits Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of S. 4141, A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs as Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 4308, the Veterans Marriage Recognition Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8888, the Food Security for All Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2800, the Working to Integrate Networks Guaranteeing Member Access Now Act or the WINGMAN Act. Lobbied for changes to and supported H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6823, the Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Service for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2022 as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8260, the Faster Payments to Veterans Survivors Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5776, the Serving Our LGBTQ Veterans Act. Lobbied for in support of and for technical changes to H.R. 8003, the Restore Veterans Dignity Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the amended version of H.R. 8313, the House Every Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to the amended version of H.R. 291 the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Made comments on H.R. 6647, a bill to make certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program, and for other purposes. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7188, the Modernizing Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Benefit Questionnaires Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3373, the "Honoring the PACT Act." Lobbied against SA 5185 (Blackburn) to S. 3373. Lobbied against SA 5186 (Toomey) to S. 373.
Lobbied in support of a strong collective bargaining agreement with full rights and protections for EPA workers. FY 2023 Interior and Environmental Appropriations (H.R. 8262) -- Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of Interior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) -- Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in opposition to the NOAA Commissioned Officers Corps initiative to bypass competitive hiring.
FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations, H.R. 8294 - Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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
2022 · second_quarter · 2A
Lobbied for full implementation of the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, authorized in 2020. Lobbied for more stable funding for USCIS that does not rely on fees for non-fee elements of the agencys mission. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security appropriations bill, H.R. 8257, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Provided written and oral testimony and responded to questions for the record for House Homeland Security Hearing: "On the Frontlines in Turbulent Times: Workforce Perspectives on the State of Transportation Security." Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided comments at markup of H.R. 6827 to accelerate computed technology for TSA screening. Lobbied in support of the Security Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Provided background on legislation to establish a temperature check pilot in airports to combat the spread of disease. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 202 l" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied against confirmation of William Valdez to serve as Undersecretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Securitys Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Defense Appropriations Lobbied on the following issues H.R. 8236, the Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Appropriations Act: 1.Supported retaining section 8012 language that clearly prohibits using appropriated funds to arbitrarily constrain the DoD civilian workforce to Full Time Equivalent personnel caps, End Strength, or maximum number of employees. Provision also prohibits arbitrary reductions of the programmed civilian full-time equivalents projected over the Future Years Defense Program years absent an appropriate analysis of the impacts on readiness, lethality, stress on the force, operational effectiveness, military force structure, workload and fully burdened costs. Opposed Administration proposal from the Presidents Budget to strike this provision and replace with a section 8008 that would permit the Department of Defense to constrain the civilian workforce to arbitrary personnel caps and arbitrarily reduce it for any reason. 2.Supported inclusion in section 8012 additional language prohibiting use of appropriated funds for term or temporary hiring for enduring functions. 3.Supported inclusion of language in the FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill that mandates compliance with contract service planning, programming, and budgeting statutory requirements and Total Force Management statutory limitations on privatization (including compliance with the public-private competition moratorium). National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Lobbied on the following issues for H.R. 7900, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023 NDAA) both in the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee Members based on Member Requests proposals for Amendments for committee and subcommittee markup on the following issues (Senate bill number not assigned yet). 1.Inclusion of language in the FY 2023 NDAA that would strengthen total force management within the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution system of the DoD: a.By reviving the Enterprise Contractor Manpower Reporting Application process for collecting fully burdened cost data from contractors; b.By ensuring near- and long-term strategic readiness includes data analytics for identifying DoD civilian contributions to readiness, leveraging Center for Naval Analysis study previously asked for in the Fiscal Year 2020 NDAA. c.By strengthening and clarifying statutory framework to ensure program and budget reviews challenge, compete, and prioritize contract services requirements instead of the default practice of cutting the DoD civilian workforce. 2.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA to repeal the remaining arbitrary personnel caps on headquarters functions in sections 143, 155, 194, 7014, 8014 and 9014 of title 10. 3.Continuation of the public-private competition moratorium on OMB Circular A-76. Inclusion of language strengthening implementation of section 815 of the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA depending on the Departments implementation of those provisions to enforce compliance with existing statutory restrictions on converting civilian positions to contract performance and to ensure the Department is complying with statutory requirements to consider civilian employees for performance of closely associated with inherently governmental and critical functions. 4.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA that continues the prohibition of another round of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC). 5.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA encouraging the DoD to hire civilian backfills when converting military medical structure to operational requirements in the Military Medical Treatment Facilities. 6.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA encouraging Commissaries to address food insecurity among military families by ending variable pricing and establishing specific pilot programs to provide free produce to eligible military families. 7.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA to improve sustainment planning for major weapon system acquisitions by re-establishing the manpower estimate report process prior to milestone B and C decision on the appropriate mix between Active Component and Reserve Component military. civilian employees, host nation and contract support for operating, training and maintaining major weapon systems. This became section 804. 8.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA terminating authority for alternative compensation frameworks by repealing authority for the Acquisition Demo project which has been documented as discriminatory to women and minorities. 9.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA prohibiting the misuse of term and temporary hiring authorities for enduring missions. 10.Inclusion in the FY2023 NDAA H.R. 903, The Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2021, as reported in the House Homeland Security Committee. 11.Inclusion of H.R. 962 and S. 1888, The Law Enforcement Equity Act, in the FY2023 NDAA. 12.Inclusion of H.R. 2499 and S. 1116, The Federal Firefighters Fairness Act, in the FY20223 NDAA. 13.Inclusion of H.R. 6967 and S. 3423, Chance to Compete Act of 2022, in the FY2023 NDAA. 14.Inclusion of directive report language in the FY2023 NDAA requesting an Administrative Conference of United States review of the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness from a due process perspective of DoD and government security clearance determinations, as well as a Federally Funded Research and Development demographic survey on whether security clearance adjudications within DoD and other federal agencies have been applied in a discriminatory manner against protected Civil Rights categories and in favor of certain hate groups. 15.Consideration of the adverse effects of limited access to technical data in the organic industrial base and limits to governmental access to certified cost and pricing data under the Truth in Negotiations Act resulting from recent expansions of commercial items and services definitions through the NDADA to sole source procurements that have contributed to escalating sustainment costs and cybersecurity risks for DoD weapon systems. 16.Inclusion of H.R. 3086 and S. 1561, the Locality Pay Equity Act of 2021, in the FY2023 NDAA. Provided input to Rep. Norcross staff on potential floor amendment that would request a GAO review addressing this issue in the shipyards. Recommended expanding amendment to include depots, arsenals and Defense Logistics Agency sites. 17.Inclusion of H.R. 8007 and S. 4374, Stop Price Gauging the Military Act, in the FY2023 NDAA. 18.Clarification of the calculation of deport workload carryover calculations in Readiness subcommittee mark. This became section 367. 19.Opposed inclusion of Rep. Green (R-TN) language prohibiting Commissaries and Exchanges from selling Chinese-manufactured goods because of its impact on 40K Non-Appropriated Fund workers when no such restriction was being proposed for private sector competitors. This became section 631. 20.Clarification of the increase of minimum capital investment in depots from 6 percent to 8 percent in section 363. 21.Opposed inclusion of Air Force proposal entitled, Improvement to use of Cyber and Information Technology Workforce for Enterprise Information Technology, a proposal essentially to exempt the Cyber and IT workforce from the public-private competition moratorium and the underlying requirement to perform public-private competitions. 22.Discussed with Senator Shaheen staff the possibility of language that would help DoD civilian employees and their families, along with military, to take leave to get abortions. 23.Supported Amendment Number 5 proposed by Rep. Norton (D-D.C.) and Rep. Brown (D.-MD) to give the Mayor of the District of Columbia the same authority over the National Guard (NG) that the governors of states and territories have. 24.Supported Amendment Number 11 proposed by Rep. Brownley (D-CA) that would allow FAA Air Traffic Controllers to work at Contract Tower facilities without losing federal retirement benefits. 25.Supported Amendment Number 23 proposed by Rep. Cicilline (D-RI) that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate productivity expectations for readjustment counselors of Vet Centers, including by gaining feedback from counselors that must be audited annually for five years by the Government Accountability Office. This amendment would also require the VA to develop and implement a staffing model for Vet Centers, standardize position description responsibilities, and award grants to address food insecurity among veterans and family members of veterans who receive services through Vet Centers or other VA facilities. 26.Supported Amendment Number 28 proposed by Rep. Kilmer (D-WA) that would remove the 180 day waiting period for hiring retired members of Armed Forces into military health system positions. 27.Supported Amendment Number 113 proposed by Rep. Correa (D-CA) that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit an annual report on women veterans access to gender specific services under arrangements entered into by the VA with non-VA medical providers for the provision of hospital care or medical services. 28.Opposed the following amendments proposed by Rep. Gaetz (R-FL), such as amendment number 2 that combating extremism in the ranks should not be a priority of the Department of Defense; amendment number 3 disparaging the Secretary of Defense; amendment number 7 that would weaken compliance of military members with the vaccine mandate; amendment number 8 that would impede DoD from making PCS moves when the reason for the PCS move is a military members disagreement with state or local law. 29.Opposed the amendment number 9 proposed by Rep. Van Duyne (R-TX) that would permanently suspend the vaccine mandate for DoD contractors. AFGE sent the following letters to Congress and the Department of Defense in connection with FY2023 NDAA: 1.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, on Defense Appropriation Member Request Priorities dated April 26, 2022. 2.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Financial Services General Government Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Financial Services General Government Subcommittee, on FSGG Appropriation Member Request Priorities dated April 26, 2022. Two issues related to carrying forward section 741 language continuing the government-wide public-private competition moratorium and proposing new language prohibiting the use of appropriated funds to interfere with collective bargaining agreements. 3.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, copied to Office of Management and Budget and Secretary of Defense, and dated May 23, 2022, strongly opposing Administration proposal to replace section 8012 with section 8008, reinstituting arbitrary personnel caps. Interviewed on Federal News Network about letter and provided interview to Congress, DoD and OMB. 4.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to Defense Business Board dated May 27, 2022, on Upgrading DoD Civilian Talent Management. Letter copied to Congress. 5.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Armed Services Committee pertaining to FY2023 NDAA markup dated June 12, 2022. 6.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Rules Committee on H.R. 7900 Amendments dated July, 2022. Other NDAA related activities: Provided several questions for record to SASC Personnel Subcommittee Hearing on April 27, 2022, regarding military and civilian workforce programs in the Department of Defense. The questions for record were submitted by Senator Tillis related to the USD (P&R) total force management responsibilities and how increased use of the civilian workforce could reduce stress on the militarys high demand low density military occupational specialties when insufficient accessions were occurring resulting in military end strength reductions. The questions for record on the Departments plans to program and budget for services contracts and implement standard total force management guidelines to improve compliance with statutory privatization limitations were submitted by Senator Warren. There were later re-packaged for HAC-D Defense Budget Hearing to counter Ranking Member Calverts suggestion that the civilian workforce should be proportionately reduced with military end strength reductions. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations, H.R. 8294 - Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Requested Senate assistance on treatment of labor union and recognized bargaining unit employees at the Export-Import Bank. Lobbied for confirmation of Ernest DuBester to serve as Chair, Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); for Susan Tsui Grundmann to serve as a member of FLRA; for Kirk Rumsfeld to serve as General Counsel of FLRA and for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the Chai Suthammanont Act of 2022 to better protect the federal workforce in the face of the current Covid-19 Pandemic and future pandemics. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied in support of extending the COVID presumption of workers compensation for FECA from the year 2030 to allow all eligible recipients to receive the benefit for longer. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564/S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" Lobbied in support of COVID-19 health and safety protections for workers and good faith negotiations between labor and management related to return to in-person work for a number of agency employees including at EPA and EEOC. Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied in support of adequate health and safety protections and good faith negotiations between labor and management for Bureau of Labor Statistics employees relocating from Washington, DC to Suitland, Maryland. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education.
FY 2023 Foreign Operations Appropriations (H.R. 8282) --lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in the FY 2023 State, Foreign Operations appropriations bill, H.R. 8282 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the "For the 99.5% Act." Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied for H.R. 7502, the Babies Over Billionaires Act to make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share of taxes to fund federal education and health programs. Lobbied in support of $3.6 trillion in new tax revenues outlined in President Biden's Made in America Tax Plan to finance the important investments included in the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan.
FY 2023 Interior and Environmental Appropriations (H.R. 8262) -- Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of Interior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied to address direct hire and employee rights concerns in CARES Act and USICA.
Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, particularly with any effects of postal reform legislation. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services.
Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COYID-19 Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations bill, H.R. 8239 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Lobbied to impress upon lawmakers the impact of cuts, freezes or insufficient COLAs on federal employees' compensation and benefits including requiring employees to pay additional salary towards retirement. Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for the federal workforce for FY 2023 and for fairer locality adjustments. FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) --Lobbied in support of additional funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). FY 2023 Defense Appropriations (H.R. 8236) --Lobbied in support of limitations on use of appropriated funds for service contracts unless their planning, programming and budgeting is in compliance with section 2329 of title 10 and related total force management statutes. FY 2023 Military Quality of Life/Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 8238)-Lobbied in support for funding to hire new employees to fill vacancies; provisions to provide adequate funding for VA health and benefits programs and against further contracting out. Lobbied for the inclusion of language to prevent unilateral implementation of collective bargaining agreements. FY 2023 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations, H.R. 8238,- Lobbied in support of funding for VA healthcare and benefit staff and police officers; lobbied to restrict funding for the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission. FY 2023 Interior and Environment Appropriations (H.R. 8262) --Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (H.R. 8295)-Lobbied on contracting out, funding cuts to services such as college aid for students, rural healthcare services, and funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied for increased Social Security Administration funding and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied to restore adequate funding to the Social Security Administration for field operations and for telework and a review of legal assistant positions in the Office of Hearing Operations. Lobbied on status of reopening offices, downsizing of office space, status of contract in light of Executive Order 14003 to renegotiation portions of contract affected by previous Trump executive orders. Lobbied in support for funding and revitalized infrastructure for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL). Lobbied for full funding and staffing at OSHA and MSHA. FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations (H.R. 8254) -Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for all federal employees, for parity in locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees and for paid family and medical leave. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256)--Lobbied in support of AFGE Council of Prison Locals legislative priorities including higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations (H.R. 8294) --Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees. Lobbied to fully fund authorized rail inspector positions at the Federal Rail Administration and for an upgrade to the GS-13 level for inspectors and for safety equipment for hazardous materials inspectors. FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) --Lobbied against provisions on contracting out of federal employee jobs and funding cuts to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Lobbied against creation of a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef slaughter plants. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in support of full official time rights for federal workers and lobbied in support of good faith bargaining negotiations between AFGE EEOC Council leaders and management specifically related to health and safety provisions related to return to work and adequate telework flexibility. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564 / S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees paid leave to cover all instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act including to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition, care for somebodys own serious health condition, or address circumstances relating to an immediate family member's active-duty service in the Armed Forces. Lobbied for higher funding levels for the United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Economic Survey, and Bureau of Labor Statistics relocation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 appropriations bills to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act."
Lobbied Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256) Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of language to end augmentation of corrections workers, hire more correctional officers, and phase out the use of private prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 72, Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3151 and S. 1721, Erics Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the One America Many Voices Act. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7489, the Time Off to Vote Act requiring employers, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 CJS Appropriations bill, H.R. 8256, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
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
2022 · second_quarter · Q2
FY 2023 Foreign Operations Appropriations (H.R. 8282) --lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in the FY 2023 State, Foreign Operations appropriations bill, H.R. 8282 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Defense Appropriations Lobbied on the following issues H.R. 8236, the Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Appropriations Act: 1.Supported retaining section 8012 language that clearly prohibits using appropriated funds to arbitrarily constrain the DoD civilian workforce to Full Time Equivalent personnel caps, End Strength, or maximum number of employees. Provision also prohibits arbitrary reductions of the programmed civilian full-time equivalents projected over the Future Years Defense Program years absent an appropriate analysis of the impacts on readiness, lethality, stress on the force, operational effectiveness, military force structure, workload and fully burdened costs. Opposed Administration proposal from the Presidents Budget to strike this provision and replace with a section 8008 that would permit the Department of Defense to constrain the civilian workforce to arbitrary personnel caps and arbitrarily reduce it for any reason. 2.Supported inclusion in section 8012 additional language prohibiting use of appropriated funds for term or temporary hiring for enduring functions. 3.Supported inclusion of language in the FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill that mandates compliance with contract service planning, programming, and budgeting statutory requirements and Total Force Management statutory limitations on privatization (including compliance with the public-private competition moratorium). National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Lobbied on the following issues for H.R. 7900, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023 NDAA) both in the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee Members based on Member Requests proposals for Amendments for committee and subcommittee markup on the following issues (Senate bill number not assigned yet). 1.Inclusion of language in the FY 2023 NDAA that would strengthen total force management within the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution system of the DoD: a.By reviving the Enterprise Contractor Manpower Reporting Application process for collecting fully burdened cost data from contractors; b.By ensuring near- and long-term strategic readiness includes data analytics for identifying DoD civilian contributions to readiness, leveraging Center for Naval Analysis study previously asked for in the Fiscal Year 2020 NDAA. c.By strengthening and clarifying statutory framework to ensure program and budget reviews challenge, compete, and prioritize contract services requirements instead of the default practice of cutting the DoD civilian workforce. 2.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA to repeal the remaining arbitrary personnel caps on headquarters functions in sections 143, 155, 194, 7014, 8014 and 9014 of title 10. 3.Continuation of the public-private competition moratorium on OMB Circular A-76. Inclusion of language strengthening implementation of section 815 of the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA depending on the Departments implementation of those provisions to enforce compliance with existing statutory restrictions on converting civilian positions to contract performance and to ensure the Department is complying with statutory requirements to consider civilian employees for performance of closely associated with inherently governmental and critical functions. 4.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA that continues the prohibition of another round of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC). 5.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA encouraging the DoD to hire civilian backfills when converting military medical structure to operational requirements in the Military Medical Treatment Facilities. 6.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA encouraging Commissaries to address food insecurity among military families by ending variable pricing and establishing specific pilot programs to provide free produce to eligible military families. 7.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA to improve sustainment planning for major weapon system acquisitions by re-establishing the manpower estimate report process prior to milestone B and C decision on the appropriate mix between Active Component and Reserve Component military. civilian employees, host nation and contract support for operating, training and maintaining major weapon systems. This became section 804. 8.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA terminating authority for alternative compensation frameworks by repealing authority for the Acquisition Demo project which has been documented as discriminatory to women and minorities. 9.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA prohibiting the misuse of term and temporary hiring authorities for enduring missions. 10.Inclusion in the FY2023 NDAA H.R. 903, The Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2021, as reported in the House Homeland Security Committee. 11.Inclusion of H.R. 962 and S. 1888, The Law Enforcement Equity Act, in the FY2023 NDAA. 12.Inclusion of H.R. 2499 and S. 1116, The Federal Firefighters Fairness Act, in the FY20223 NDAA. 13.Inclusion of H.R. 6967 and S. 3423, Chance to Compete Act of 2022, in the FY2023 NDAA. 14.Inclusion of directive report language in the FY2023 NDAA requesting an Administrative Conference of United States review of the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness from a due process perspective of DoD and government security clearance determinations, as well as a Federally Funded Research and Development demographic survey on whether security clearance adjudications within DoD and other federal agencies have been applied in a discriminatory manner against protected Civil Rights categories and in favor of certain hate groups. 15.Consideration of the adverse effects of limited access to technical data in the organic industrial base and limits to governmental access to certified cost and pricing data under the Truth in Negotiations Act resulting from recent expansions of commercial items and services definitions through the NDADA to sole source procurements that have contributed to escalating sustainment costs and cybersecurity risks for DoD weapon systems. 16.Inclusion of H.R. 3086 and S. 1561, the Locality Pay Equity Act of 2021, in the FY2023 NDAA. Provided input to Rep. Norcross staff on potential floor amendment that would request a GAO review addressing this issue in the shipyards. Recommended expanding amendment to include depots, arsenals and Defense Logistics Agency sites. 17.Inclusion of H.R. 8007 and S. 4374, Stop Price Gauging the Military Act, in the FY2023 NDAA. 18.Clarification of the calculation of deport workload carryover calculations in Readiness subcommittee mark. This became section 367. 19.Opposed inclusion of Rep. Green (R-TN) language prohibiting Commissaries and Exchanges from selling Chinese-manufactured goods because of its impact on 40K Non-Appropriated Fund workers when no such restriction was being proposed for private sector competitors. This became section 631. 20.Clarification of the increase of minimum capital investment in depots from 6 percent to 8 percent in section 363. 21.Opposed inclusion of Air Force proposal entitled, Improvement to use of Cyber and Information Technology Workforce for Enterprise Information Technology, a proposal essentially to exempt the Cyber and IT workforce from the public-private competition moratorium and the underlying requirement to perform public-private competitions. 22.Discussed with Senator Shaheen staff the possibility of language that would help DoD civilian employees and their families, along with military, to take leave to get abortions. 23.Supported Amendment Number 5 proposed by Rep. Norton (D-D.C.) and Rep. Brown (D.-MD) to give the Mayor of the District of Columbia the same authority over the National Guard (NG) that the governors of states and territories have. 24.Supported Amendment Number 11 proposed by Rep. Brownley (D-CA) that would allow FAA Air Traffic Controllers to work at Contract Tower facilities without losing federal retirement benefits. 25.Supported Amendment Number 23 proposed by Rep. Cicilline (D-RI) that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate productivity expectations for readjustment counselors of Vet Centers, including by gaining feedback from counselors that must be audited annually for five years by the Government Accountability Office. This amendment would also require the VA to develop and implement a staffing model for Vet Centers, standardize position description responsibilities, and award grants to address food insecurity among veterans and family members of veterans who receive services through Vet Centers or other VA facilities. 26.Supported Amendment Number 28 proposed by Rep. Kilmer (D-WA) that would remove the 180 day waiting period for hiring retired members of Armed Forces into military health system positions. 27.Supported Amendment Number 113 proposed by Rep. Correa (D-CA) that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit an annual report on women veterans access to gender specific services under arrangements entered into by the VA with non-VA medical providers for the provision of hospital care or medical services. 28.Opposed the following amendments proposed by Rep. Gaetz (R-FL), such as amendment number 2 that combating extremism in the ranks should not be a priority of the Department of Defense; amendment number 3 disparaging the Secretary of Defense; amendment number 7 that would weaken compliance of military members with the vaccine mandate; amendment number 8 that would impede DoD from making PCS moves when the reason for the PCS move is a military members disagreement with state or local law. 29.Opposed the amendment number 9 proposed by Rep. Van Duyne (R-TX) that would permanently suspend the vaccine mandate for DoD contractors. AFGE sent the following letters to Congress and the Department of Defense in connection with FY2023 NDAA: 1.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, on Defense Appropriation Member Request Priorities dated April 26, 2022. 2.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Financial Services General Government Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Financial Services General Government Subcommittee, on FSGG Appropriation Member Request Priorities dated April 26, 2022. Two issues related to carrying forward section 741 language continuing the government-wide public-private competition moratorium and proposing new language prohibiting the use of appropriated funds to interfere with collective bargaining agreements. 3.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, copied to Office of Management and Budget and Secretary of Defense, and dated May 23, 2022, strongly opposing Administration proposal to replace section 8012 with section 8008, reinstituting arbitrary personnel caps. Interviewed on Federal News Network about letter and provided interview to Congress, DoD and OMB. 4.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to Defense Business Board dated May 27, 2022, on Upgrading DoD Civilian Talent Management. Letter copied to Congress. 5.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Armed Services Committee pertaining to FY2023 NDAA markup dated June 12, 2022. 6.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Rules Committee on H.R. 7900 Amendments dated July, 2022. Other NDAA related activities: Provided several questions for record to SASC Personnel Subcommittee Hearing on April 27, 2022, regarding military and civilian workforce programs in the Department of Defense. The questions for record were submitted by Senator Tillis related to the USD (P&R) total force management responsibilities and how increased use of the civilian workforce could reduce stress on the militarys high demand low density military occupational specialties when insufficient accessions were occurring resulting in military end strength reductions. The questions for record on the Departments plans to program and budget for services contracts and implement standard total force management guidelines to improve compliance with statutory privatization limitations were submitted by Senator Warren. There were later re-packaged for HAC-D Defense Budget Hearing to counter Ranking Member Calverts suggestion that the civilian workforce should be proportionately reduced with military end strength reductions. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COYID-19 Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations bill, H.R. 8239 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.
Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, particularly with any effects of postal reform legislation. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services.
Requested Senate assistance on treatment of labor union and recognized bargaining unit employees at the Export-Import Bank. Lobbied for confirmation of Ernest DuBester to serve as Chair, Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); for Susan Tsui Grundmann to serve as a member of FLRA; for Kirk Rumsfeld to serve as General Counsel of FLRA and for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the Chai Suthammanont Act of 2022 to better protect the federal workforce in the face of the current Covid-19 Pandemic and future pandemics. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied in support of extending the COVID presumption of workers compensation for FECA from the year 2030 to allow all eligible recipients to receive the benefit for longer. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564/S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" Lobbied in support of COVID-19 health and safety protections for workers and good faith negotiations between labor and management related to return to in-person work for a number of agency employees including at EPA and EEOC. Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied in support of adequate health and safety protections and good faith negotiations between labor and management for Bureau of Labor Statistics employees relocating from Washington, DC to Suitland, Maryland. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education.
FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations, H.R. 8294 - Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
FY 2023 Interior and Environmental Appropriations (H.R. 8262) -- Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of Interior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied to address direct hire and employee rights concerns in CARES Act and USICA.
FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act."
Lobbied to impress upon lawmakers the impact of cuts, freezes or insufficient COLAs on federal employees' compensation and benefits including requiring employees to pay additional salary towards retirement. Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for the federal workforce for FY 2023 and for fairer locality adjustments. FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) --Lobbied in support of additional funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). FY 2023 Defense Appropriations (H.R. 8236) --Lobbied in support of limitations on use of appropriated funds for service contracts unless their planning, programming and budgeting is in compliance with section 2329 of title 10 and related total force management statutes. FY 2023 Military Quality of Life/Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 8238)-Lobbied in support for funding to hire new employees to fill vacancies; provisions to provide adequate funding for VA health and benefits programs and against further contracting out. Lobbied for the inclusion of language to prevent unilateral implementation of collective bargaining agreements. FY 2023 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations, H.R. 8238,- Lobbied in support of funding for VA healthcare and benefit staff and police officers; lobbied to restrict funding for the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission. FY 2023 Interior and Environment Appropriations (H.R. 8262) --Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (H.R. 8295)-Lobbied on contracting out, funding cuts to services such as college aid for students, rural healthcare services, and funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied for increased Social Security Administration funding and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied to restore adequate funding to the Social Security Administration for field operations and for telework and a review of legal assistant positions in the Office of Hearing Operations. Lobbied on status of reopening offices, downsizing of office space, status of contract in light of Executive Order 14003 to renegotiation portions of contract affected by previous Trump executive orders. Lobbied in support for funding and revitalized infrastructure for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL). Lobbied for full funding and staffing at OSHA and MSHA. FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations (H.R. 8254) -Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for all federal employees, for parity in locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees and for paid family and medical leave. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256)--Lobbied in support of AFGE Council of Prison Locals legislative priorities including higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations (H.R. 8294) --Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees. Lobbied to fully fund authorized rail inspector positions at the Federal Rail Administration and for an upgrade to the GS-13 level for inspectors and for safety equipment for hazardous materials inspectors. FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) --Lobbied against provisions on contracting out of federal employee jobs and funding cuts to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Lobbied against creation of a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef slaughter plants. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in support of full official time rights for federal workers and lobbied in support of good faith bargaining negotiations between AFGE EEOC Council leaders and management specifically related to health and safety provisions related to return to work and adequate telework flexibility. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564 / S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees paid leave to cover all instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act including to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition, care for somebodys own serious health condition, or address circumstances relating to an immediate family member's active-duty service in the Armed Forces. Lobbied for higher funding levels for the United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Economic Survey, and Bureau of Labor Statistics relocation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 appropriations bills to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Lobbied for full implementation of the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, authorized in 2020. Lobbied for more stable funding for USCIS that does not rely on fees for non-fee elements of the agencys mission. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security appropriations bill, H.R. 8257, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Lobbied for changes to 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 and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. 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 (or will likely soon be 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 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 introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: 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. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Provided written and oral testimony and responded to questions for the record for House Homeland Security Hearing: "On the Frontlines in Turbulent Times: Workforce Perspectives on the State of Transportation Security." Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided comments at markup of H.R. 6827 to accelerate computed technology for TSA screening. Lobbied in support of the Security Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Provided background on legislation to establish a temperature check pilot in airports to combat the spread of disease. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 202 l" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied against confirmation of William Valdez to serve as Undersecretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Securitys Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the "For the 99.5% Act." Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied for H.R. 7502, the Babies Over Billionaires Act to make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share of taxes to fund federal education and health programs. Lobbied in support of $3.6 trillion in new tax revenues outlined in President Biden's Made in America Tax Plan to finance the important investments included in the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan.
Lobbied Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256) Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of language to end augmentation of corrections workers, hire more correctional officers, and phase out the use of private prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 72, Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3151 and S. 1721, Erics Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the One America Many Voices Act. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7489, the Time Off to Vote Act requiring employers, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 CJS Appropriations bill, H.R. 8256, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.
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