LEIF OVESON

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 5003 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on FY2027 appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to the following: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband loan and grant programs funding and funding for administrative expenses.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program; Community Connect Program; Distance Learning and Telemedicine Program; and reauthorization of the Farm Bill.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 98 - Rural Broadband Protection Act - all sections. S. 187 - ALIGN Act - all sections. S. 674 - Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. S. 1642 - ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2023 - all sections. S. 1651 - Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers - all sections. H.R. 574 - ALIGN Act - all sections. H.R. 1870 - SPEED for BEAD Act - all sections. H.R. 1873 - Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections H.R. 2399 - Rural Broadband Protection Act - all sections. H.R. 3119 - ReConnecting Rural America Act of 2023 - all sections. H.R. 4032 - Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act - all sections. Legislation to reform the Universal Service Fund contribution system. Legislation to require the Federal Communications Commission to study and report on the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund through contributions from edge providers. Legislation to make permanent the allowance for depreciation and amortization for determining income limitations on the tax deductions for business interest. Legislative, regulatory issues, and an amicus brief related to the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband permitting applications. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the Broadband, Equity, Access & Deployment Program. Legislation to streamline the deployment of telecommunications or broadband service facilities in public rights- of-way and the rights-of-way of railroad carriers. Regulatory issues related to interagency communication between the FCC, USDA, NTIA, and Treasury.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislation related to an exemption of certain Securities Exchange Act shareholder registration thresholds for certain Universal Service Fund recipients.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislation related to broadband technical assistance for USDA broadband programs.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 98 - Rural Broadband Protection Act - all sections. S. 187 - ALIGN Act - all sections. S. 438 - Cyber PIVOTT Act - all sections. S. 559 - AIMM Act - all sections. S. 674 - Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. S. 1261 - CONNECT for Health Act - all sections. H.R. 574 - ALIGN Act - all sections. H.R. 1347 - AIMM Act - all sections. H.R. 1579 - Broadband Buildout Accountability Act - all sections. H.R. 1870 - SPEED for BEAD Act - all sections. H.R. 1873 - Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections H.R. 2399 - Rural Broadband Protection Act - all sections. Legislation to reform the Universal Service Fund contribution system. Legislation to require the Federal Communications Commission to study and report on the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund through contributions from edge providers. Legislation to make permanent the allowance for depreciation and amortization for determining income limitations on the tax deductions for business interest. Legislative, regulatory issues, and an amicus brief related to the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband permitting applications. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the Broadband, Equity, Access & Deployment Program. Regulatory issues related to interagency communication between the FCC, USDA, NTIA, and Treasury.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislation related to an exemption of certain Securities Exchange Act shareholder registration thresholds for certain Universal Service Fund recipients.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislation related to broadband technical assistance for USDA broadband programs.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Draft legislation to allow a trade association to solicit contributions from members without the approval of the member corporation - all sections.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on FY2025 appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to the following: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband loan and grant programs funding and funding for administrative expenses. USDA ReConnect program, including coordination with other rural broadband program rules, priority for providers based on form of organization or commercial status, and deployment of symmetrical service. Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies such as broadband availability mapping, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, as well as policies tied to supply chain issues, The Affordable Connectivity Program, compliance costs of certain rulemakings, and other aspects of rural communications operations. Department of Interior related to coordination with other agencies and staffing for improving securing rights-of-way, permitting and other communications deployment issues. Supporting full funding for the Federal Communications Commissions Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 275 - Rural Broadband Protection Act - all sections. S. 341 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. S. 1245 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections. S. 1642 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections. S. 3242 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. S. 4049 - Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act - all sections. H.R. 889 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. H.R. 3557 - American Broadband Deployment Act - all sections. H.R. 6189 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections. Legislation to reform the Universal Service Fund contribution system. Legislation to require the Federal Communications Commission to study and report on the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund through contributions from edge providers. Legislation to make permanent the allowance for depreciation and amortization for determining income limitations on the tax deductions for business interest. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband permitting applications. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the funding shortfall for the Secure and Trusted Communications Reimbursement Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program. Regulatory issues related to updating the Universal Service Fund, including updating distribution and contribution systems, coordination among programs, and buildout obligations. Regulatory issues related to interagency communication between the FCC, USDA, NTIA, and Treasury.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Draft legislation to allow a trade association to solicit contributions from members without the approval of the member corporation - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 3242 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 4360 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 275 - Rural Broadband Protection Act - all sections. S. 341 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. S. 1245 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections. S. 1642 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections. S. 3242 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. S. 3565 - Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 - all sections. S. 4049 - Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act - all sections. H.R. 889 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. H.R. 1241 - Broadband Incentives for Communities Act - all sections. H.R. 3283 - Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act - all sections. H.R. 3297 - Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act - all sections. H.R.- 3299 - DIGITAL Applications Act - all sections. H.R. 3557 - American Broadband Deployment Act - all sections. H.R. 6189 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections. H.R. 7015 - Creating Access to Rural Employment and Education for Resilience and Success - all sections. H.R. 9340 - Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act - all sections. Legislation to reform the Universal Service Fund contribution system. Legislation to require the Federal Communications Commission to study and report on the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund through contributions from edge providers. Legislation to make permanent the allowance for depreciation and amortization for determining income limitations on the tax deductions for business interest. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to telecommunications workforce. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband permitting applications. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the funding shortfall for the Secure and Trusted Communications Reimbursement Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program. Regulatory issues related to updating the Universal Service Fund, including updating distribution and contribution systems, coordination among programs, and buildout obligations. Regulatory issues related to interagency communication between the FCC, USDA, NTIA, and Treasury. Legislation and regulatory issues related to the FCCs E-Rate Program.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on FY2025 appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to the following: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband loan and grant programs funding and funding for administrative expenses. USDA ReConnect program, including coordination with other rural broadband program rules, priority for providers based on form of organization or commercial status, and deployment of symmetrical service. Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies such as broadband availability mapping, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, as well as policies tied to supply chain issues, The Affordable Connectivity Program, compliance costs of certain rulemakings, and other aspects of rural communications operations. Department of Interior related to coordination with other agencies and staffing for improving securing rights-of-way, permitting and other communications deployment issues. Supporting full funding for the Federal Communications Commissions Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1117 - ALIGN Act - all sections. S. 1232 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. S. 3242 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 2406 - ALIGN Act - all sections. H.R. 2788 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. H.R. 4360 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Draft legislation to allow a trade association to solicit contributions from members without the approval of the member corporation - all sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 130 - Rural Internet Improvement Act - all sections. S. 275 - Rural Broadband Protection Act - all sections. S. 341 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. S. 856 - Funding Affordable Internet with Reliable Contributions Act - all sections. S. 975 - The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. S. 1117 - ALIGN Act - all sections. S. 1245 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections. S. 1642 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections. S. 1939 - FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024- a proposed amendment to fund the Affordable Connectivity Program and Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Program. S. 3242 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. S. 3321 - Lowering Broadband Costs For Consumers Act - all sections. S. 3565 - Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 - all sections. S. 4297 - Spectrum and National Security Act of 2024 - all sections. H.R.815 - Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 889 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. H.R. 1812 - Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. H.R. 2406 - ALIGN Act - all sections. H.R. 3283 - Facilitating DIGITAL Applications Act - all sections. H.R. 3297 - Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act - all sections. H.R.- 3299 - DIGITAL Applications Act - all sections. H.R. 3565 - Spectrum Auction Reauthorization Act - all sections. H.R. 4141 - To provide that certain communications projects are not subject to requirements to prepare certain environmental or historical preservation reviews, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 4227 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 6189 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections. H.R. 6915 - Public Lands Telecommunications Act - all sections. H.R. 6929 - Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 - all sections. Legislation to reform the Universal Service Fund contribution system. Legislation to require the Federal Communications Commission to study and report on the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund through contributions from edge providers. Legislation to make permanent the allowance for depreciation and amortization for determining income limitations on the tax deductions for business interest. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to telecommunications workforce. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband permitting applications. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the funding shortfall for the Secure and Trusted Communications Reimbursement Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC spectrum reauthorization. Regulatory issues related to updating the Universal Service Fund, including updating distribution and contribution systems, coordination among programs, and buildout obligations. Legislation to update USDAs Community Connect Program. Regulatory issues related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Regulatory issues related to interagency communication between the FCC, USDA, NTIA, and Treasury. Regulatory issues related to cybersecurity. Legislation and regulatory issues related to the FCCs E-Rate Program.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Draft legislation to allow a trade association to solicit contributions from members without the approval of the member corporation - all sections.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 130 - Rural Internet Improvement Act - all sections. S. 341 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. S. 856 - Funding Affordable Internet with Reliable Contributions Act - all sections. S. 975 - The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. S. 1117 - ALIGN Act - all sections. S. 1232 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. S. 1245 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections. S. 1642 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections. S. 3321 - Lowering Broadband Costs For Consumers Act - all sections. S. 3242 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. S. 3565 - Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 - all sections. H.R. 889 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. H.R. 1752 - E-BRIDGE Act - all sections. H.R. 1812 - Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. H.R. 2406 - ALIGN Act - all sections. H.R. 2788 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. H.R. 3075 - Veterans Telecommunications Protection Act - all sections. H.R. 3297 - Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act - all sections. H.R. 3565 - Spectrum Auction Reauthorization Act - all sections. H.R. 4141 - To provide that certain communications projects are not subject to requirements to prepare certain environmental or historical preservation reviews, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 4227 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 6189 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections. H.R. 6915 - Public Lands Telecommunications Act - all sections. H.R. 6929 - Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act of 2024 - all sections. H.R. 7015 - Creating Access to Rural Employment and Education for Resilience and Success (CAREERS) Act - all sections. H.R. 7024 - Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 - all sections. Legislation to reform the Universal Service Fund contribution system. Legislation to require the Federal Communications Commission to study and report on the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund through contributions from edge providers. Legislation to make permanent the allowance for depreciation and amortization for determining income limitations on the tax deductions for business interest. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to telecommunications workforce. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband permitting applications. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the funding shortfall for the Secure and Trusted Communications Reimbursement Program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC spectrum reauthorization. Regulatory issues related to updating the Universal Service Fund, including updating distribution and contribution systems, coordination among programs, and buildout obligations. Legislation to update USDAs Community Connect Program. Regulatory issues related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Regulatory issues related to interagency communication between the FCC, USDA, NTIA, and Treasury. Regulatory issues related to cybersecurity. Legislation and regulatory issues related to the FCCs E-Rate Program.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on FY2024 Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to the following: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband loan and grant programs funding and funding for administrative expenses. USDA ReConnect program, including coordination with other rural broadband program rules, priority for providers based on form of organization or commercial status, and deployment of symmetrical service. Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies such as broadband availability mapping, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, as well as policies tied to supply chain issues, The Affordable Connectivity Program, compliance costs of certain rulemakings, and other aspects of rural communications operations. Department of Interior related to coordination with other agencies and staffing for improving securing rights-of-way, permitting and other communications deployment issues. Supporting full funding for the Federal Communications Commissions Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1117 - ALIGN Act - all sections. S. 1232 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. S. 3242 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 2406 - ALIGN Act - all sections. H.R. 2788 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. H.R. 4360 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1117 - ALIGN Act - all sections. S. 1232 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. S. 3242 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 2406 - ALIGN Act - all sections. H.R. 2788 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. H.R. 4360 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislation and regulatory issues related to precision agriculture.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 130 - Rural Internet Improvement Act - all sections. S. 341 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. S. 722 - Tomorrows Workforce Act - all sections. S. 856 - Funding Affordable Internet with Reliable Contributions Act - all sections. S. 975 - The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. S. 1077 - Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act - all sections. S. 1117 - ALIGN Act - all sections. S. 1232 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. S. 1245 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections. S. 1642 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections. S. 2542 - LAST ACRE Act of 2023 - all sections. S. 3321 - Lowering Broadband Costs For Consumers Act - all sections. S. 3242 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 889 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. H.R. 1477 - Tomorrows Workforce Act - all sections. H.R. 1812 - Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. H.R. 2406 - ALIGN Act - all sections. H.R. 2788 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. H.R. 3280 - Timely Replacement Under Secure and Trusted for Early and Dependable Broadband Networks (TRUSTED Broadband) Act - all sections. H.R. 3295 - Barriers and Regulatory Obstacles Avoids Deployment of Broadband Access and Needs Deregulatory Leadership (BROADBAND Leadership) Act - all sections. H.R. 3297 - Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act - all sections. H.R. 3565 - Spectrum Auction Reauthorization Act - all sections. H.R. 4141 - To provide that certain communications projects are not subject to requirements to prepare certain environmental or historical preservation reviews, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 4227 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 6189 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections. H.R. 6534 - Home-Based Telemental Health Care Act - all sections. Draft Bill - Public Lands Telecommunications Act - all sections. Draft Bill - Creating Access to Rural Employment and Education for Resilience and Success Act - all sections. Draft Bill - Broadband RAIL Act - all sections. Legislation to reform the Universal Service Fund contribution system. Legislation to require the Federal Communications Commission to study and report on the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund through contributions from edge providers. Legislation to make permanent the allowance for depreciation and amortization for determining income limitations on the tax deductions for business interest. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to telecommunications workforce. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband permitting applications. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the funding shortfall for the Secure and Trusted Communications Reimbursement Program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC spectrum reauthorization. Regulatory issues related to updating the Universal Service Fund, including updating distribution and contribution systems, coordination among programs, and buildout obligations. Legislation to update USDAs Community Connect Program. Regulatory issues related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Regulatory issues related to interagency communication between the FCC, USDA, NTIA, and Treasury. Legislation and regulatory issues related to utility poles. Regulatory issues related to cybersecurity. Legislation and regulatory issues related to the FCCs E-Rate Program. Legislation related to broadband deployment in right-of-way used by railroads. Legislation to provide broadband workforce development grants.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 130 - Rural Internet Improvement Act - all sections. S. 341 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. S. 722 - Tomorrows Workforce Act - all sections. S. 856 - Funding Affordable Internet with Reliable Contributions Act - all sections. S. 975 - The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. S. 1117 - ALIGN Act - all sections. S. 1232 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. S. 1245 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections. S. 1642 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections. S. 2542 - LAST ACRE Act of 2023 - all sections. H.R. 889 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. H.R. 1477 - Tomorrows Workforce Act - all sections. H.R. 1812 - Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act of 2023 - all sections. H.R. 2406 - ALIGN Act - all sections. H.R. 2788 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. H.R. 3280 - Timely Replacement Under Secure and Trusted for Early and Dependable Broadband Networks (TRUSTED Broadband) Act - all sections. H.R. 3295 - Barriers and Regulatory Obstacles Avoids Deployment of Broadband Access and Needs Deregulatory Leadership (BROADBAND Leadership) Act - all sections. H.R. 3297 - Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act - all sections. H.R. 3298 - Broadband Expansion And Deployment Fee Equity and Efficiency (BEAD FEES) Act - all sections. H.R. 3309 - Standard Fees to Expedite Evaluation and Streamlining (Standard FEES) Act - all sections. H.R. 3557 - American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023 - all sections. H.R. 3964 - Rural Broadband Modernization Act - all sections. H.R. 4141 - To provide that certain communications projects are not subject to requirements to prepare certain environmental or historical preservation reviews, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 4227 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections. Legislation to reform the Universal Service Fund contribution system. Legislation to require the Federal Communications Commission to study and report on the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund through contributions from edge providers. Legislation to make permanent the allowance for depreciation and amortization for determining income limitations on the tax deductions for business interest. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to telecommunications workforce. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband permitting applications. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the funding shortfall for the Secure and Trusted Communications Reimbursement Program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to middle mile funding for broadband service. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC spectrum reauthorization. Regulatory issues related to updating the Universal Service Fund, including updating distribution and contribution systems, coordination among programs, and buildout obligations. Legislation to update USDAs Community Connect Program. Regulatory issues related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Regulatory issues related to interagency communication between the FCC, USDA, NTIA, and Treasury. Legislation and regulatory issues related to utility poles. Regulatory issues related to cybersecurity. Legislation and regulatory issues related to the FCCs E-Rate Program. Regulatory issues related to the Buy America requirements. Legislation related to broadband deployment in right-of-way used by railroads. Legislation to provide broadband workforce development grants. Legislation related to wildfire wireless resiliency.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislation and regulatory issues related to precision agriculture.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R.4360 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. Legislation to permanently extend bonus depreciation.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on FY2024 Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to the following: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband loan and grant programs funding and funding for administrative expenses. USDA ReConnect program, including coordination with other rural broadband program rules, priority for providers based on form of organization or commercial status, and deployment of symmetrical service. Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies such as broadband availability mapping, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, as well as policies tied to supply chain issues, the Affordable Connectivity Program and other aspects of rural communications operations. National Telecommunications and Information Association related to coordination with other federal agencies regarding rural broadband deployment. Department of Interior related to coordination with other agencies and staffing for improving securing rights-of-way, permitting and other communications deployment issues. Supporting full funding for the Federal Communications Commissions Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R.4360 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. Legislation to permanently extend bonus depreciation.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S.2016 - CONNECT for Health Act - all sections.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislation and regulatory issues related to precision agriculture.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 130 - Rural Internet Improvement Act - all sections. S. 341 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. S. 856 - Funding Affordable Internet with Reliable Contributions Act - all sections. S. 975 - The Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. S. 1117 - ALIGN Act - all sections. S. 1232 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. S. 1245 - Defend Our Networks Act - all sections. S. 1642 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 889 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. H.R. 1241 - Broadband Incentives for Communities Act - all sections. H.R. 1812 - Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act of 2023 - all sections. H.R. 2406 - ALIGN Act - all sections. H.R. 2552 - Community Broadband Act - all sections. H.R. 2788 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. H.R. 3279 - The Winning the International Race for Economic Leadership and Expanding Service to Support Leadership (WIRELESS Leadership) Act - all sections. H.R. 3280 - Timely Replacement Under Secure and Trusted for Early and Dependable Broadband Networks (TRUSTED Broadband) Act - all sections. H.R. 3283 - Facilitating the Deployment of Infrastructure with Greater Internet Transactions And Legacy Applications (Facilitation DIGITAL Applications) Act - all sections. H.R. 3287 - Cable Access for Broadband and Local Economic Leadership (CABLE Leadership) Act - all sections. H.R. 3288 - Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment - all sections. H.R. 3289 - Wireless Broadband Competition and Efficient Deployment - all sections. H.R. 3291 - Proportional Reviews for Broadband Deployment - all sections. H.R. 3292 - Brownfields Broadband Deployment - all sections. H.R. 3293 - Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment - all sections. H.R. 3294 - Enhancing Administrative Reviews for Broadband Deployment - all sections. H.R. 3295 - Barriers and Regulatory Obstacles Avoids Deployment of Broadband Access and Needs Deregulatory Leadership (BROADBAND Leadership) Act - all sections. H.R. 3297 - Reducing Barriers for Broadband on Federal Lands Act - all sections. H.R. 3298 - Broadband Expansion And Deployment Fee Equity and Efficiency (BEAD FEES) Act - all sections. H.R. 3299 - Deploying Infrastructure with Greater Internet Transactions And Legacy Applications (DIGITAL Applications) Act - all sections. H.R. 3300 - 5G Using Previously Granted Rulings that Accelerate Deployment Everywhere (5G UPGRADE) Act - all sections. H.R. 3301 - Connecting Communities Post Disaster - all sections. H.R. 3307 - Rural Broadband Permitting Efficiency - all sections. H.R. 3309 - Standard Fees to Expedite Evaluation and Streamlining (Standard FEES) Act - all sections. H.R. 3311 - Coastal Broadband Deployment - all sections. H.R. 3313 - Wireless Resiliency and Flexible Investment - all sections. H.R. 3319 - Broadband Resiliency and Flexible Investment - all sections. H.R. 3323 - Reducing Antiquated Permitting for Infrastructure Deployment (RAPID) Act - all sections. H.R. 3330 - Connecting and Building Lines for Expedited Expansion (CABLE Expansion) Act - all sections. H.R. 3340 - Granting Remaining Applications Not Treated Efficiently or Delayed (GRANTED) - all sections. H.R. 3342 - Streamlining Permitting to Enable Efficient Deployment for Broadband Infrastructure (SPEED for Broadband Infrastructure) Act - all sections. H.R. 3343 - Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking - all sections. H.R. 3353 - Cable Transparency - all sections. H.R. 3557 - American Broadband Deployment Act of 2023 - all sections. H.R. 3964 - Rural Broadband Modernization Act - all sections. H.R. 4227 - ReConnecting Rural America Act - all sections. Legislation to reform the Universal Service Fund contribution system. Legislation to require the Federal Communications Commission to study and report on the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund through contributions from edge providers. Legislation to make permanent the allowance for depreciation and amortization for determining income limitations on the tax deductions for business interest. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to telecommunications workforce. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband permitting applications. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the funding shortfall for the Secure and Trusted Communications Reimbursement Program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to middle mile funding for broadband service. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC spectrum reauthorization. Regulatory issues related to updating the Universal Service Fund, including updating distribution and contribution systems, coordination among programs, and buildout obligations. Legislation to update USDAs Community Connect Program. Regulatory issues related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Regulatory issues related to interagency communication between the FCC, USDA, NTIA, and Treasury. Legislation and regulatory issues related to utility poles. Regulatory issues related to cybersecurity. Legislation and regulatory issues related to the FCCs E-Rate Program. Regulatory issues related to the Buy America requirements. Legislation related to broadband deployment in right-of-way used by railroads. Legislation to provide broadband workforce development grants. Legislation related to wildfire wireless resiliency.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to relieving reporting requirements of the Exchange Act on small, rural broadband providers.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislation that would establish a community partnership application scoring scheme under the ReConnect Program. Legislation and regulatory issues related to precision agriculture.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 130 - Rural Internet Improvement Act - all sections. S. 341 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. S. 513 - Insure Cybersecurity Act - all sections. S. 856 - Funding Affordable Internet with Reliable Contributions Act - all sections. H.R. 889 - The Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. H.R.1812 - Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act of 2023 - all sections. Legislation to reform the Universal Service Fund contribution system. Legislation to require the Federal Communications Commission to study and report on the feasibility of funding the Universal Service Fund through contributions from edge providers. Legislation to make permanent the allowance for depreciation and amortization for determining income limitations on the tax deductions for business interest. Legislation to permanently extend bonus depreciation. Legislation to require a more thorough vetting and verification process for internet service providers seeking to participate in the FCCs high-cost programs. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the constitutionality of the Universal Service Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS telecom/broadband loan and grant programs, including the ReConnect Program and reauthorization of the Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to telecommunications workforce. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband permitting applications. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the funding shortfall for the Secure and Trusted Communications Reimbursement Program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to middle mile funding for broadband service. Legislative and regulatory issues related to patent trolls. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC spectrum reauthorization. Regulatory issues related to updating the Universal Service Fund, including updating distribution and contribution systems, coordination among programs, and buildout obligations. Legislation related to paying tribes for the value of spectrum rights. Legislation to update USDAs Community Connect Program. Legislation to streamline siting process for telecommunications service facilities. Legislation to streamline siting processes for personal wireless service facilities. Legislation to streamline the consideration of requests by State and local governments for modification of certain existing wireless facilities. Regulatory issues related to community broadband networks. Regulatory issues related to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Regulatory issues related to interagency communication between the FCC, USDA, NTIA, and Treasury. Legislation and regulatory issues related to utility poles. Regulatory issues related to cybersecurity. Legislation to streamline long-form Rural Digital Opportunity Fund applications. Legislation and regulatory issues related to the FCCs E-Rate Program. Regulatory issues related to the Buy America requirements.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to FY2022 and FY2023 tied to the following: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband loan and grant programs funding and permitting issues USDA ReConnect program, including coordination with other rural broadband program rules and priority for providers based on form of organization or commercial status Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies such as broadband availability mapping, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, as well as policies tied to supply chain issues and other aspects of rural communications operations National Telecommunications and Information Association related to coordination with other federal agencies regarding rural broadband deployment

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1077 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. S. 1166 - Accelerate Long-Term Investment Growth Now Act - all sections. S. 4689 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. S. 5021 - Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. H.R. 2558 - Accelerate Long-Term Investment Growth Now Act - all sections. H.R. 5371 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act- all sections. H.R. 9445 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 9449 - Broadband Grant Tax Treatment Act - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 2427 - The FAIR Contributions Act - all sections. S. 3236 - Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. S. 4529 - Tribal Connect Act - all sections. S. 4763 - GRID Broadband Act - all sections. H.R. 678 - PHONE Act - all sections. H.R. 1650 - To require the Federal Communications Commission to study the current and projected demands on rural broadband networks associated with services offered by edge providers, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 4374 Broadband Connections for Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 6314 - Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. H.R. 8152 --- American Data Privacy and Protection Act - all sections. H.R. 8575 - FAIR Contributions Act - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF, including contributions, performance testing, coordination among programs, buildout obligations, vetting providers prior to allocating USF support, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, and the FCCs Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio, including the 2023 Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the USDAs ReConnect Program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to supply chain security. Legislative and regulatory issues related to telecommunications workforce. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband permitting applications. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the funding shortfall for the Secure and Trusted Communications Reimbursement Program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to middle mile funding for broadband service.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 4689, ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Legislative and regulatory issues related to Sec. 118 of the IRC.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to FY2022 and FY2023 tied to the following: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband loan and grant programs funding and permitting issues USDA ReConnect program, including coordination with other rural broadband program rules and priority for providers based on form of organization or commercial status Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies such as broadband availability mapping, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, as well as policies tied to supply chain issues and other aspects of rural communications operations National Telecommunications and Information Association related to coordination with other federal agencies regarding rural broadband deployment Regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1077 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. S. 1166 - Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now (ALIGN) Act - all sections. H.R. 2558 - Accelerate Long-term Investment Growth Now (ALIGN) Act - all sections. H.R. 5371 - Permanently Preserving Americas Investment in Manufacturing Act - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Legislative and regulatory issues related to Sec. 118 of the IRC.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1260 - United States Innovation and Competition Act of 2021 - all telecom related sections. S. 2407 - Cyber Incident Notification Act of 2021 - all sections. S. 2427 - The FAIR Contributions Act - all sections. S. 2875 - Cyber Incident Reporting Act of 2021 - all sections. S. 2965 - A bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to study the current and projected demands on rural broadband networks associated with data transmission due to increased network usage - all sections. S. 3236 - Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. S. 3587 - Connect Unserved Americans Act of 2022 - all sections. S. 3600 - Strengthening American Cybersecurity Act of 2022 - all sections. S. 3793 - Technology-Enabled Care in the Home Act - all sections. H.R. 1319 - American Rescue Plan Act - all broadband sections. H.R. 1650 - To require the Federal Communications Commission to study the current and projected demands on rural broadband networks associated with services offered by edge providers, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act - all broadband sections. H.R. 4374 Broadband Connections for Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 4521 - America COMPETES Act of 2022 - all telecom related sections. H.R. 5440 - Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2021 - all sections. H.R. 6314 - Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. H.R. 6982 - Public Lands Telecommunications Act - all sections. H.R. 7060 - Connect Unserved Americans Act of 2022 - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF, including contributions, performance testing, coordination among programs, buildout obligations, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, USACs HUB filing system, and the FCCs Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio, including the 2023 Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the USDAs ReConnect Program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to state and local role in supporting broadband deployment. Legislative and regulatory issues related to supply chain security. Legislative and regulatory issues related to telecommunications workforce. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband permitting applications. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the funding shortfall for the Secure and Trusted Communications Reimbursement Program.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 4502 - Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2022 - all broadband and telecom sections. H.R. 2471 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 - all broadband and telecom sections. Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to FY2022 and FY2023 tied to the following: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband loan and grant programs funding and permitting issues USDA ReConnect program, including coordination with other rural broadband program rules and priority for providers based on form of organization or commercial status Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies such as broadband availability mapping, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, as well as policies tied to supply chain issues and other aspects of rural communications operations National Telecommunications and Information Association related to coordination with other federal agencies regarding rural broadband deployment Regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 6738 - Retirement Tax Credit Parity for Cooperatives and Charities Act - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 2407 - Cyber Incident Notification Act of 2021 - all sections. S. 2427 - The FAIR Contributions Act - all sections. S. 2875 - Cyber Incident Reporting Act of 2021 - all sections. S. 2965 - A bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to study the current and projected demands on rural broadband networks associated with data transmission due to increased network usage - all sections. S. 2979 - NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Development Act - all sections. S. 3236 - Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. H.R. 1042 - Protecting Critical Infrastructure Act - all sections. H.R. 1046 - Federal Broadband Deployment in Unserved Areas Act - all sections. H.R. 1049 - Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act - all sections. H.R. 1058 - Wireless Resiliency and Flexible Investment Act - all sections. H.R. 1218 - Data Mapping to Save Moms Lives Act - all sections. H.R. 1319 - American Rescue Plan Act - all broadband sections. H.R. 1650 - To require the Federal Communications Commission to study the current and projected demands on rural broadband networks associated with services offered by edge providers, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 2489 - Martha Wright Prison Phone Justice Act - all sections. H.R. 2501 - Spectrum Coordination Act - all sections. H.R. 3193 - E-BRIDGE Act - all sections. H.R. 3684 - Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act - all broadband sections. H.R. 3919 - Secure Equipment Act of 2021 - all sections. H.R. 4046 - NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act - all sections. H.R. 4208 - Section 331 Obligation Clarification Act - all sections. H.R. 5028 - Information Sharing and Advanced Communication - all sections. H.R. 5058 - Broadband Incentives for Communities Act - all sections. H.R. 5378 - Spectrum Innovation Act - all sections. H.R. 5400 - Preventing Disruptions to Universal Service Funds Act - all sections. H.R. 5440 - Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act of 2021 - all sections. H.R. 5512 - Rural Broadband Mapping Act - all sections. H.R. 6314 - Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF, including contributions, performance testing, coordination among programs, buildout obligations, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, USACs HUB filing system, and the FCCs Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the USDAs ReConnect Program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to state and local role in supporting broadband deployment. Legislative and regulatory issues related to supply chain security. Legislative and regulatory issues related to telecommunications workforce. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband permitting applications.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Public Law No: 116-260 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 - all broadband sections. H.R. 4502 - Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2022 - all broadband and telecom sections. Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to FY2022 tied to the following: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband loan and grant programs funding and permitting issues USDA ReConnect program, including coordination with other rural broadband program rules Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies such as broadband availability mapping, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, as well as policies tied to supply chain issues and other aspects of rural communications operations National Telecommunications and Information Association related to coordination with other federal agencies regarding rural broadband deployment Regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1113 - Accelerating Rural Broadband Deployment Act - all sections. H.R. 1047 - Rural Broadband Permitting Efficiency Act of 2021 - all sections. H.R. 1049 - Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act - all sections. H.R. 1069 - Streamlining Permitting to Enable Efficient Deployment of Broadband Infrastructure Act of 2021 - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1676 - Rural Broadband Financing Flexibility Act - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Legislative and regulatory issues related to tax breaks and other financial incentives to promote broadband deployment.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Public Law No: 116-136 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - all broadband sections. Public Law No: 116-260 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 - all broadband sections. H.R. 4502 - Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Agriculture, Rural Development, Energy and Water Development, Financial Services and General Government, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2022 - all broadband and telecom sections. Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to FY2022 tied to the following: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband loan and grant programs funding and permitting issues USDA ReConnect program, including coordination with other rural broadband program rules Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies such as broadband availability mapping, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, as well as policies tied to supply chain issues and other aspects of rural communications operations National Telecommunications and Information Association related to coordination with other federal agencies regarding rural broadband deployment Regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 3369 - Broadband for Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 4374 - Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to authorizing all USDA Rural Development programs to support broadband infrastructure deployment.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 978 - A bill to provide for the adjustment or modification by the Secretary of Agriculture of loans for critical rural utility service providers, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 1291 - Reinforcing Utility Restoration After Losses (RURAL) Act - all sections. H.R. 2244 - A bill to provide for the adjustment or modification by the Secretary of Agriculture of loans for critical rural utility service providers, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 4374 - Broadband Internet Connections for Rural America Act - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to authorizing all USDA Rural Development programs to support broadband infrastructure deployment.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Public Law No: 116-130 - Broadband DATA Act - all sections. Public Law No: 116-260 (H.R. 133) - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 - all broadband sections, including Sections 903 (ACCESS BROADBAND Act) and 904 (Broadband Interagency Coordination Act). Draft legislation regarding recent and future reverse auction proceedings at the FCC. Draft legislation to fund broadband deployment through states. S. 120 - Safe Connections Act - all sections. S. 436 - American Broadband Buildout Act - all sections. S. 608 - Keeping Critical Connections Act - all sections. S. 745 - A bill to make high-speed broadband internet service accessible and affordable to all Americans, and for other purposes - all sections. S. 922 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide funding to States for extending broadband service to unserved areas in partnership with broadband service providers, and for other purposes - all sections. S. 979 - A bill to amend the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 to authorize additional funds for the Emergency Broadband Connectivity Fund, to provide grants to States and Tribal Entities to strengthen the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier, to provide for Federal coordination between the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier and the National Accuracy Clearinghouse, and for other purposes - all sections. S. 1260 - United States Innovation and Competition Act - all sections. S. 1506 - Generating Resilient and Energy Efficient Network Communications Act - all sections. S. 1512 - CONNECT for Health Act of 2021 - all sections. S. 1695 - Eliminating Barriers to Rural Internet Development Grant Eligibility Act - all sections. S. 2071 - BRIDGE Act - all sections. H.R. 1319 - American Rescue Plan Act - all broadband sections. H.R. 1650 - To require the Federal Communications Commission to study the current and projected demands on rural broadband networks associated with services offered by edge providers, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 1783 - To make high-speed broadband internet service accessible and affordable to all Americans, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 2398 - Broadband Speed Act - all sections. H.R. 2400 - Community Broadband Mapping Act - all sections. H.R. 2685 - Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act - all sections. H.R. 2903 - CONNECT for Health Act of 2021 - all sections. H.R. 2929 - Rural Broadband Network Advancement Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 3193 - E-BRIDGE Act - all sections. H.R. 3369 - Broadband for Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 3919 - Secure Equipment Act of 2021 - all sections. H.R. 4028 - Information and Communication Technology Strategy Act - all sections. H.R. 4029 - Timely Evaluation of Acquisitions, Mergers, or Transactions with External, Lawful Entities to Clear Owners and Management Act (TEAM TELECOM Act) - all sections. H.R. 4032 - Open RAN Outreach Act - all sections. H.R. 4045 - Future Uses of Technology Upholding Reliable and Enhanced Networks Act (FUTURE Networks Act) - all sections. H.R. 4046 - NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act - all sections. H.R. 4055 - American Cybersecurity Literacy Act - all sections. H.R. 4067 - Communications Security Advisory Act of 2021 - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF, including contributions, performance testing, coordination among programs, buildout obligations, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, USACs HUB filing system, and the FCCs Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the USDAs ReConnect Program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to spectrum allocation. Legislative and regulatory issues related to IP interconnection. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the provision of video service, including retransmission consent reform. Legislative and regulatory issues related to state and local role in supporting broadband deployment. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband deployment and railroad crossings. Legislative and regulatory issues related to supply chain security. Legislative and regulatory issues related to telecommunications workforce. Legislative and regulatory issues related to maintaining broadband access during emergencies.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1676 - Rural Broadband Financing Flexibility Act - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Legislative and regulatory issues related to tax breaks and other financial incentives to promote broadband deployment.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1113 - Accelerating Rural Broadband Deployment Act - all sections. H.R. 1038 - Enhancing Administrative Reviews for Broadband Deployment Act - all sections. H.R. 1047 - Rural Broadband Permitting Efficiency Act of 2021 - all sections. H.R. 1049 - Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act - all sections. H.R. 1051 - BROADBAND Leadership Act - all sections. H.R. 1053 - TRUSTED Broadband Networks Act - all sections. H.R. 1069 - Streamlining Permitting to Enable Efficient Deployment of Broadband Infrastructure Act of 2021 - all sections. H.R. 1525 - DIGITAL Applications Act - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Public Law No: 116-136 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - all sections related to the Paycheck Protection Program.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Public Law No: 116-136 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - all broadband sections. Public Law No: 116-260 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 - all broadband sections. Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to FY2022 tied to the following: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband loan and grant programs funding and permitting issues USDA ReConnect program, including coordination with other rural broadband program rules Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies such as broadband availability mapping, eligible telecommunications carrier designation, as well as policies tied to supply chain issues and other aspects of rural communications operations National Telecommunications and Information Association related to coordination with other federal agencies regarding rural broadband deployment

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 978 - A bill to provide for the adjustment or modification by the Secretary of Agriculture of loans for critical rural utility service providers, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 1291 - Reinforcing Utility Restoration After Losses (RURAL) Act - all sections. H.R. 2244 - A bill to provide for the adjustment or modification by the Secretary of Agriculture of loans for critical rural utility service providers, and for other purposes - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to authorizing all USDA Rural Development programs to support broadband infrastructure deployment.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Public Law No: 116-136 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - all sections related to the Paycheck Protection Program. Legislative and regulatory issues relating to USF Rate-of-Return recipients and Paycheck Protection Program

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1046 - ACCESS BROADBAND Act - all sections. S. 1822 - Broadband DATA Act - all sections. S. 3264 - Bridging the Tribal Digital Divide Act - all sections. S. 3569 - Keeping Critical Connections Act - all sections. S. 4015 - Rural Connectivity Advancement Program (RCAP) Act - all sections. S. 4049 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 - all sections relating to cybersecurity requirements for small businesses. S. 4095 - A bill to provide emergency benefits for broadband service during periods relating to COVID-19, and for other purpose - all sections. S. 4131 - A bill to make high-speed broadband internet service accessible and affordable to all Americans, and for other purposes - all sections. S. 4201 - A bill to direct the Federal Communications Commission to take certain actions to accelerate the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction, and for other purposes - all sections. S. 4472 - Ensuring Network Security Act - all sections. S. 4789 - Eliminate the Digital Divide Act - all sections. H.R. 2 - INVEST in America Act - all broadband sections. H.R. 1289 - The PHONE Act - all sections. H.R. 2929 - Rural Broadband Network Advancement Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 4459 - Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 6394 - Keeping Critical Connections Act - all sections. H.R. 6395 - William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 - all sections relating to cybersecurity requirements for small businesses. H.R. 6723 - Universal Broadband Act - all sections. H.R. 7302 - To make high-speed broadband internet service accessible and affordable to all Americans, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 7680 - Reinforcing Utility Restoration After Losses (RURAL) Act - all sections. H.R. 8368 - Rural Broadband Expansion Act - all sections. H.R. 8650 - Eliminate the Digital Divide Act - all sections. H.R. 8808 - EXTEND Act - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF, including contributions, performance testing, coordination among programs, buildout obligations, and the FCCs Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the USDAs ReConnect Program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to spectrum allocation. Legislative and regulatory issues related to IP interconnection. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the provision of video service, including retransmission consent reform. Legislative and regulatory issues related to state and local role in supporting broadband deployment. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband deployment and railroad crossings. Legislative and regulatory issues related to supply chain security. Legislative and regulatory issues related to telephone access rates.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 4792 - Remove Impediments for a Successful Economic Recovery (RISER) Act - all sections. H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - all sections related to small business. H.R. 6800 - HEROES Act - all sections related to small business. H.R. 6886 - Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 - all sections. H.R. 7010 - Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 - all sections.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 133 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 - all broadband sections. H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - all broadband sections. H.R. 925 - The Heroes Act - all broadband sections. H.R. 6800 - Heroes Act - all broadband sections. H.R. 7854 - LOCAL Act - all sections. Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to FY2021 tied to the following: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband loan and grant programs funding USDA ReConnect program, including coordination with other rural broadband program rules Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies such as broadband availability mapping, as well as policies tied to supply chain issues and other aspects of rural communications operations National Telecommunications and Information Association related to coordination with other federal agencies regarding rural broadband deployment Legislative and regulatory issues related to addressing telecommunications access and affordability during the pandemic emergency

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - all sections related to small business, insurance and retirement plans. H.R. 6800 - HEROES Act - all sections related to small business, insurance and retirement plans.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 4152 - A bill to provide for the adjustment or modification by the Secretary of Agriculture of loans for critical rural utility service providers, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 7483 - To provide for the adjustment or modification by the Secretary of Agriculture of loans for critical rural utility service providers, and for other purposes - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to authorizing all USDA Rural Development programs to support broadband infrastructure deployment.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - all sections related to small business, insurance and retirement plans. H.R. 6800 - HEROES Act - all sections related to small business, insurance and retirement plans.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 4152 - A bill to provide for the adjustment or modification by the Secretary of Agriculture of loans for critical rural utility service providers, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 7483 - To provide for the adjustment or modification by the Secretary of Agriculture of loans for critical rural utility service providers, and for other purposes - all sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - all retirement sections. H.R. 6800 - HEROES Act - all retirement sections. H.R. 8083 - Preserving Employee Retirement Savings Act of 2020 - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 4792 - Remove Impediments for a Successful Economic Recovery (RISER) Act - all sections. H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - all sections related to small business. H.R. 6800 - HEROES Act - all sections related to small business. H.R. 6886 - Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 - all sections. H.R. 7010 - Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 - all sections.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1822 - Broadband DATA Act - all sections. S. 2012 - Restoring Local Control Over Public Infrastructure Act - all sections. S. 3569 - Keeping Critical Connections Act - all sections. S. 3648 - E-BRIDGE Act - all sections. S. 4015 - Rural Connectivity Advancement Program (RCAP) Act - all sections. S. 4021 - Accelerating Broadband Connectivity (ABC) Act of 2020 - all sections. S. 4049 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 - all sections relating to cybersecurity requirements for small businesses. S. 4095 - A bill to provide emergency benefits for broadband service during periods relating to COVID-19, and for other purpose - all sections. S. 4113 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide grants to States and Indian Tribes to deploy affordable, high-speed broadband to unserved and underserved areas - all sections. S. 4131 - A bill to make high-speed broadband internet service accessible and affordable to all Americans, and for other purposes - all sections. S. 4201 - A bill to direct the Federal Communications Commission to take certain actions to accelerate the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction, and for other purposes - all sections. S. 4291 - DEPLOY Broadband Act - all sections. S. 4472 - Ensuring Network Security Act - all sections. S. 4789 - Eliminate the Digital Divide Act - all sections. H.R. 2 - INVEST in America Act - all broadband sections. H.R. 451 - Don't Break Up the T-Band Act of 2020 - all sections. H.R. 530 - Accelerating Broadband Development by Empowering Local Communities Act - all sections. H.R. 2929 - Rural Broadband Network Advancement Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 4459 - Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 6394 - Keeping Critical Connections Act - all sections. H.R. 6395 - William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 - all sections relating to cybersecurity requirements for small businesses. H.R. 6491 - E-BRIDGE Act - all sections. H.R. 6723 - Universal Broadband Act - all sections. H.R. 7022 - To direct the Federal Communications Commission to take certain actions to accelerate the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction - all sections. H.R. 7160 - Expanding Opportunities for Broadband Deployment Act - all sections. H.R. 7302 - To make high-speed broadband internet service accessible and affordable to all Americans, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 7359 - To accelerate rural broadband deployment - all sections. H.R. 7447 - To direct the Federal Communications Commission to take certain actions to accelerate the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 7494 - Broadband Adoption and Opportunity Act - all sections. H.R. 7680 - Reinforcing Utility Restoration After Losses (RURAL) Act - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF, including contributions, performance testing, coordination among programs, buildout obligations, and the FCCs Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the USDAs ReConnect Program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to IP interconnection. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to state and local role in supporting broadband deployment. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband deployment and railroad crossings. Legislative and regulatory issues related to robocalls. Legislative and regulatory issues related to supply chain security. Legislative and regulatory issues related to consumer data privacy.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - all retirement sections. H.R. 6800 - HEROES Act - all retirement sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - all sections related to small business. H.R. 6800 - HEROES Act - all sections related to small business. H.R.6886 - Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 - all sections. H.R.7010 - Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - all sections related to small busines, insurance and retirement plans. H.R. 6800 - HEROES Act - all sections related to small busines, insurance and retirement plans.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1625 - United States 5G Leadership Act of 2019 - all sections. S. 1822 - Broadband DATA Act - all sections. S. 3045 - Cybersecurity Vulnerability Identification and Notification Act of 2019 - all sections. S. 3569 - Keeping Critical Connections Act - all sections. S. 3648 - E-BRIDGE Act - all sections. S. 3663 - COVID-19 Consumer Data Protection Act - all sections. S. 4015 - Rural Connectivity Advancement Program (RCAP) Act - all sections. S. 4021 - Accelerating Broadband Connectivity (ABC) Act of 2020 - all sections. S. 4095 - A bill to provide emergency benefits for broadband service during periods relating to COVID-19, and for other purpose - all sections. S. 4113 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to provide grants to States and Indian Tribes to deploy affordable, high-speed broadband to unserved and underserved areas - all sections. S. 4131 - A bill to make high-speed broadband internet service accessible and affordable to all Americans, and for other purposes - all sections. S. 4201 - A bill to direct the Federal Communications Commission to take certain actions to accelerate the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 2, INVEST in America Act - all broadband sections. H.R. 2929 - Rural Broadband Network Advancement Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 4229 - Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act - all sections. H.R. 4459 - Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 5680 - Cybersecurity Vulnerability Identification and Notification Act of 2020 - all sections. H.R. 6394 - Keeping Critical Connections Act - all sections. H.R. 6456 - Serving Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 6491 - E-BRIDGE Act - all sections. H.R. 6723 - Universal Broadband act - all sections. H.R. 7022 - To direct the Federal Communications Commission to take certain actions to accelerate the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction - all sections. H.R. 7160 - Expanding Opportunities for Broadband Deployment Act - all sections. H.R. 7302 - To make high-speed broadband internet service accessible and affordable to all Americans, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 7359 - To accelerate rural broadband deployment - all sections. H.R. 7447 - To direct the Federal Communications Commission to take certain actions to accelerate the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund Phase I auction, and for other purposes - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF, including contributions, performance testing, coordination among programs, buildout obligations, and the FCCs Rural Digital Opportunity Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the USDAs ReConnect Program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS providing emergency bridge loans to rural utilities. Legislative and regulatory issues related to IP interconnection. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband deployment and railroad crossings. Legislative and regulatory issues related to robocalls. Legislative and regulatory issues related to supply chain security. Legislative and regulatory issues related to consumer data privacy.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - all sections related to insurance plans. H.R. 6800 - HEROES Act - all sections related to insurance plans.

The association monitors agriculture policy as it relates to agencies that have jurisdiction over programs and funding for rural telecommunications, primarily the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 4152 - A bill to provide for the adjustment or modification by the Secretary of Agriculture of loans for critical rural utility service providers, and for other purposes - all sections. H.R. 7483 - To provide for the adjustment or modification by the Secretary of Agriculture of loans for critical rural utility service providers, and for other purposes - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to tax incentives for promoting broadband deployment in unserved areas.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - retirement plan sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - healthcare sections.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 748 - Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act - all broadband sections. H.R. 1158 - Consolidated Appropriations Act - sections related to rural broadband programs. H.R. 1865 - Further Consolidated Appropriations Act - sections related to video services, pension programs, taxes on health care plans, and federal grants received by cooperative businesses. Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to FY2021 tied to the following: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband loan and grant programs funding USDA ReConnect program, including coordination with other rural broadband program rules Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies as well as policies tied to supply chain issues and other aspects of rural communications operations National Telecommunications and Information Association related to coordination with other federal agencies regarding rural broadband deployment Federal Election Commission regulations dealing with solicitation prior approvals Department of Homeland Security programs for small company cybersecurity risk management Department of Interior issues related to reviewing requests to access federal lands and property

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 972 - Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act of 2019 - section 206. H.R. 1994 - Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 - section 206. H.R. 4035 - The Pension and Budget Integrity Act - all sections.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 151 - TRACED Act - all sections. S. 1289 - Measuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Act, all sections. S. 1294 - Broadband Interagency Coordination Act - all sections. S. 1502 - Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports Rural America Act - all sections. S. 1522 - Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2019 - all sections. S. 1625 - United States 5G Leadership Act of 2019 - all sections. S. 1790 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 - all sections relating to telecommunications network equipment. S. 1822 - Broadband DATA Act - all sections. S. 2431 - Stop Unwanted Calls for All Act - all sections. S. 2741 - Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act of 2019 - all sections. S. 2789 - Satellite Television Access Reauthorization Act of 2019 - all sections. S. 2816 - Broadband Parity Act of 2019 - all sections. S. 2866 - Rural Broadband Financial Flexibility Act - all sections. S. 2867 - Rural Broadband Investment Tax Credit Act - all sections. S. 3045 - Cybersecurity Vulnerability Identification and Notification Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 2500 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 - TITLE VIII, Subtitle D. H.R. 2661 - RURAL Broadband Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 2741 - Leading Infrastructure for Tomorrows (LIFT) America Act - TITLE I. H.R. 2785 - Community Broadband Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 2929 - Rural Broadband Network Advancement Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 3162 - Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 3375 - The Stopping Bad Robocalls Act - all sections. H.R. 3994 - Modern Television Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 4227 - Mapping Accuracy Promotes Services (MAPS) Act - all sections. H.R. 4229 - Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability Act - all sections. H.R. 4283 - Broadband Interagency Coordination Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 4459 - Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 4641 - Broadband Speed Act - all sections. H.R. 4642 - Community Broadband Mapping Act - all sections. H.R. 4932 - Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies for Health Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 5035 - Television Viewer Protection Act - all sections. H.R. 5082, Gigabit Opportunity Act - all sections. H.R. 5424 - the Protect Broadband Funding Act - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF, including contributions, performance testing, coordination among programs, buildout obligations, and carrier choice among distribution mechanisms. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to IP interconnection. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to robocalls. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the provision of video, including retransmission consent and compulsory copyright. Legislative and regulatory issues related to supply chain security. Legislative and regulatory issues related to consumer data privacy. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the USDAs ReConnect Program.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 2522 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 - Title III. S. 2524 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020 - Title V. H.R. 1158 - Consolidated Appropriations Act - sections related to rural broadband programs. H.R. 1865 - Further Consolidated Appropriations Act - sections related to video services, pension programs, taxes on health care plans, and federal grants received by cooperative businesses. H.R. 3055 - Commerce, Justice, Science, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2020 - all sections. H.R. 3164 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 - Title III. H.R. 3351 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020 - sections related to the FCC and FEC. Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to FY2019 and FY2020 tied to the following: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service Telecommunications Loan and Grant program funding; applicant review and approval sequencing; and applicant compliance with related National Environmental Protection Act and National Historic Preservation Act requirements USDA ReConnect program, including implementation rules Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies as well as policies tied to other aspects of rural communications operations Federal Election Commission regulations dealing with solicitation prior approvals Department of Homeland Security programs for small company cybersecurity risk management

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 684 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 748 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019 - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1502 - Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports Rural America Act- all sections. H.R. 6745 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 972 - Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act of 2019 - section 206. H.R. 1994 - Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 - section 206. H.R. 4035 - The Pension and Budget Integrity Act - all sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1032 - Revitalizing Underdeveloped Rural Areas and Lands (RURAL) Act - all sections. H.R. 2147 - Revitalizing Underdeveloped Rural Areas and Lands (RURAL) Act - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to tax incentives for promoting broadband deployment in unserved areas.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 2522 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 - Title III. S. 2524 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020 - Title V. H.R. 3055 - Commerce, Justice, Science, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, Interior, Environment, Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2020 - all sections. H.R. 3164 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2020 - Title III. H.R. 3351 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020 - sections related to the FCC and FEC. Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to FY2019 and FY2020 tied to the following: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service Telecommunications Loan and Grant program funding; applicant review and approval sequencing; and applicant compliance with related National Environmental Protection Act and National Historic Preservation Act requirements USDA ReConnect program, including implementation rules Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies as well as policies tied to other aspects of rural communications operations Federal Election Commission regulations dealing with solicitation prior approvals Department of Homeland Security programs for small company cybersecurity risk management

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Pub. L. 115-97 - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - Legislative and regulatory issues related to employer provided fringe benefits. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the transfer of assets from large telcos to small telcos.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 684 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 748 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019 - all sections.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 151 - TRACED Act - all sections. S. 738 - To require the Federal Communications Commission to make the provision of Wi-Fi access on school buses eligible for E-rate support - all sections. S. 842 - Improving Broadband Mapping Act - all sections. S.1166 - Internet Exchange Act of 2019 - all sections. S.1167 - Digital Equity Act - all sections. S. 1289 - Measuring the Economic Impact of Broadband Act, all sections. S. 1294 - Broadband Interagency Coordination Act - all sections. S.1457 - Sharing Urgent, Potentially Problematic Locations that Yield Communications Hazards in American Internet Networks Act of 2019 - all sections. S.1485 - Map Improvement Act of 2019 - all sections. S.1502 - Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports Rural America Act - all sections. S.1522 - Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2019 - all sections. S.1625 - United States 5G Leadership Act of 2019 - all sections. S.1790 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 - all sections relating to telecommunications network equipment. S.1822 - Broadband DATA Act - all sections. S. 2018 - American Broadband Buildout Act - all sections. H.R. 2 - Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 - all sections related to broadband. H.R. 427 - Connect America Fund Accountability Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 721 - Spam Calls Task Force Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 946 - Stopping Bad Robocalls Act - all sections. H.R. 1328 - ACCESS BROADBAND Act - all sections. H.R. 1421 - The HANGUP Act - all sections. H.R. 1644 - Save the Internet Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R.2015 - TRACED Act - all sections. H.R. 2355 - Regulatory Oversight Barring Obnoxious (ROBO) Calls and Texts Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R.2500 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 - TITLE VIII, Subtitle D. H.R. 2741 - Leading Infrastructure for Tomorrows (LIFT) America Act - TITLE I. H.R. 2870 - Gigabit Opportunity Act - all sections. H.R. 2929 - Rural Broadband Network Advancement Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 3162 - Broadband Data Improvement Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 3264 - Ending One-Ring Scams Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 3325 - Locking Up Robocallers Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 3375 - The Stopping Bad Robocalls Act - all sections. H.R. 3434 - Tracing Back and Catching Unlawful Robocallers Act of 2019 - all sections. H.R. 6073 - RURAL Broadband Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 6465 - Next Generation Television Marketplace Act - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted December 12, 2018 concerning the high-cost program in the FCCs Universal Service Fund. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted December 14, 2017 concerning net neutrality. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF contributions. Legislative and regulatory issues related to a performance testing regime for USF recipients. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the rate floor for rural voice service for USF recipients. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to IP interconnection. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to robocalls. Legislative and regulatory issues related to CAF accountability. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the provision of video, including retransmission consent and compulsory copyright. Legislative and regulatory issues related to 2018 Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the proposed Sprint/T-Mobile merger. Legislative and regulatory issues related to supply chain security. Legislative and regulatory issues related to data security and consumer privacy. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the USDAs ReConnect Program.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 972 - Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act of 2019 - section 206. H.R. 1994 - Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 - section 206.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 3650 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections. H.R. 2101 - Prior Approval Reform Act - all sections. H.R. 6745 - ACCESS Rural America Act - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 748 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019 - all sections.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 2976 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. S.3107 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. H.R. 5895 - Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019. H.R. 5961 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. H.R. 6258 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. H.J.Res.31 - Consolidated Appropriations Act 2019 - Divisions B, C, and D. Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to FY2019 and FY2020 tied to the following: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service Telecommunications Loan and Grant program funding; applicant review and approval sequencing; and applicant compliance with related National Environmental Protection Act and National Historic Preservation Act requirements Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies as well as policies tied to other aspects of rural communications operations Federal Election Commission regulations dealing with solicitation prior approvals Department of Homeland Security programs for small company cybersecurity risk management

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 2526 - Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act - all sections. H.R. 5282 - Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act - all sections.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 604 - Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 - all sections. S. 770 - NIST Small Business Cybersecurity Act - all sections. S. 1676 - B-CROP Act - all sections. S. 2343 - Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018 - all sections. S. 2735 - Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2018 - all sections. S. 2970 - RURAL Broadband Act of 2018 - all sections. S. 2987 - National Defense Authorization Act 2019 - all sections relating to telecommunications network equipment. S. 3042 - Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 - all sections related to broadband. S. 3085 - Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act of 2018 - all sections. S. 3157 - STREAMLINE Act - all sections. S. 3346 - ACCESS BROADBAND Act - all sections. S. 3655 - TRACED Act - all sections. H.R. 2 - Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 - all sections related to broadband. H.R. 2520 - BROWSER Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 3359 - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 3994 - ACCESS BROADBAND Act - all sections. H.R. 4232 - B-CROP Act - all sections. H.R. 4668 - Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 4824 - Rural Broadband Permitting Efficiency Act - all sections. H.R. 4845 - Connecting Communities Post Disasters Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 4881 - Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 5213 - Expanding Rural Access to Broadband Act - all sections. H.R. 5497 - Office of Rural Telecommunications Act - all sections. H.R. 5515 - National Defense Authorization Act 2019 - all sections relating to telecommunications network equipment. H.R. 6073 - RURAL Broadband Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 6430 - Securing the Homeland Security Supply Chain Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 6465 - Next Generation Television Marketplace Act - all sections. H.R. 6703 - Rural Broadband Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 6871 - Rural Broadband Connectivity Act of 2018 - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to implementing Connect America Fund Phase II. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted March 23, 2016 concerning USF support for rate-of-return carriers. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted December 14, 2017 concerning net neutrality. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF contributions. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to IP interconnection. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to CAF accountability. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal broadband grants and financing, including a unified federal broadband benchmark, loan guarantees, loan sequencing, and gigabit service. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the provision of video, including retransmission consent and compulsory copyright. Legislative and regulatory issues related to 2018 Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to Community Connect. Legislative and regulatory issues related to cable franchise fees. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the proposed Sprint/T-Mobile merger. Legislative and regulatory issues related to data security and consumer privacy. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the USDAs ReConnect Program.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 2526 - Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act - all sections. H.R. 5282 - Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act - all sections. H.R. 6757 - Family Savings Act - all sections. S. 3781 - Retirement Security and Savings Act of 2018 - Title IV. Senate Amendment to H.R. 88 - section 225.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 58 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 173 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2017 - all sections. Senate Amendment to H.R. 88 - sections 301 - 303.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Pub. L. 115-97 - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - Legislative and regulatory issues related to employer provided fringe benefits. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the transfer of assets from large telcos to small telcos.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 2976 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. S. 3107 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. H.R. 5895 - Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019 - Sec. 208-209. H.R. 5961 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. H.R. 6258 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to FY2019 tied to the following: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service Telecommunications Loan and Grant program funding; applicant review and approval sequencing; and applicant compliance with related National Environmental Protection Act and National Historic Preservation Act requirements Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies as well as policies tied to other aspects of rural communications operations Federal Election Commission regulations dealing with solicitation prior approvals

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 96 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 - all sections. S. 604 - Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 - all sections. S. 770 - NIST Small Business Cybersecurity Act - all sections. S. 1676 - B-CROP Act - all sections. S. 1682 - AIRWAVES Act - all sections. S. 1988 - SPEED Act - all sections. S. 2205 - Tribal Connect Act - all sections. S. 2343 - Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018 - all sections. S. 2418 - Rural Reasonable and Comparable Wireless Access Act of 2018 - all sections. S. 2735 - Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2018 - all sections. S. 2970 - RURAL Broadband Act of 2018 - all sections. S. 2987 - National Defense Authorization Act 2019 - all sections relating to telecommunications network equipment. S. 3042 - Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 - all section related to broadband. S. 3085 - Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 2 - Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 - all sections related to broadband H.R. 460 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 1546 - Rural Wireless Access Act - all sections. H.R. 2903 - Rural Reasonable and Comparable Wireless Access Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 3359 - Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 3994 - ACCESS BROADBAND Act - all sections. H.R. 4232 - B-CROP Act - all sections. H.R. 4668 - Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 4824 - Rural Broadband Permitting Efficiency Act - all sections. H.R. 4845 - Connecting Communities Post Disasters Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 4881 - Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 4953 - AIRWAVES Act - all sections. H.R. 5213 - Expanding Rural Access to Broadband Act - all sections. H.R. 5497 - Office of Rural Telecommunications Act - all sections. H.R. 5515 - National Defense Authorization Act 2019 - all sections relating to telecommunications network equipment. H.R. 6073 - RURAL Broadband Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 6430 - Securing the Homeland Security Supply Chain Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 6465 - Next Generation Television Marketplace Act - all sections. H.R. 6703 - Rural Broadband Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 6871 - Rural Broadband Connectivity Act of 2018 - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to implementing Connect America Fund Phase II. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted March 23, 2016 concerning USF support for rate-of-return carriers. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted December 14, 2017 concerning net neutrality. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF contributions. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to IP interconnection. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to reauthorizing the FCC. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the provision of telehealth. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal broadband grants and financing, including a unified federal broadband benchmark, loan guarantees, loan sequencing, and gigabit service. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the provision of video, including retransmission consent and compulsory copyright. Legislative and regulatory issues related to 2018 Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the Tribal Connect Act (House draft version). Legislative and regulatory issues related to Community Connect.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 2101 - Prior Approval Reform Act - all sections. H.R. 5051 - Public Company Registration Threshold Act - all sections. H.R. 6745 - Access to Capital Creates Economic Strength and Supports Rural America Act - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 58 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 173 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2017 - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Pub. L. 115-97 - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - Legislative and regulatory issues related to employer provided fringe benefits.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 2526 - Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act - all sections. H.R. 5282 - Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act - all sections. H.R. 6757 - Family Savings Act - all sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 2526 - Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act - all sections. H.R. 5282 - Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Pub. L. 115-97 - Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - Legislative and regulatory issues related to employer provided fringe benefits.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 2976 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. S. 3072 - Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. S. 3073 - Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. S.3107 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. H.R. 5051 - Public Company Registration Threshold Act - all sections. H.R. 5952 - Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. H.R. 5961 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. H.R. 6147 - Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. H.R. 6258 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2019 - all sections. Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to FY2019 tied to the following: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service Telecommunications Loan and Grant program funding; applicant review and approval sequencing; and applicant compliance with related National Environmental Protection Act and National Historic Preservation Act requirements U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service budgets and policies for permitting access to federal lands and property Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies as well as policies tied to other aspects of rural communications operations Federal Election Commission regulations dealing with solicitation prior approvals National Telecommunications Information Administration dealing with coordination with other federal agencies regarding broadband deployment

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 19 - MOBILE NOW Act - all sections. S. 96 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 - all sections. S. 604 - Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 - all sections. S. 1676 - B-CROP Act - all sections. S. 1682 - AIRWAVES Act - all sections. S. 1988 - SPEED Act - all sections. S. 2205 - Tribal Connect Act - all sections. S. 2343 - Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018 - all sections. S. 2418 - Rural Reasonable and Comparable Wireless Access Act of 2018 - all sections. S. 2735 - Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2018 - all sections. S. 2970 - RURAL Broadband Act of 2018 - all sections. S. 2987 - National Defense Authorization Act 2019 - all sections relating to telecommunications network equipment. S. 3042 - Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 - all section related to broadband S. 3085 - Federal Acquisition Supply Chain Security Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 2 - Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 - all sections related to broadband H.R. 460 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 1546 - Rural Wireless Access Act - all sections. H.R. 2903 - Rural Reasonable and Comparable Wireless Access Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 3994 - ACCESS BROADBAND Act - all sections. H.R. 4232 - B-CROP Act - all sections. H.R. 4668 - Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 4824 - Rural Broadband Permitting Efficiency Act - all sections. H.R. 4881 - Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 4953 - AIRWAVES Act - all sections. H.R. 5213 - Expanding Rural Access to Broadband Act - all sections. H.R. 5497 - Office of Rural Telecommunications Act - all sections. H.R. 5515 - National Defense Authorization Act 2019 - all sections relating to telecommunications network equipment. H.R. 6073 - RURAL Broadband Act of 2018 - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to implementing Connect America Fund Phase II. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted March 23, 2016 concerning USF support for rate-of-return carriers. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted December 14, 2017 concerning net neutrality. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF contributions. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to IP interconnection. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FirstNet. Legislative and regulatory issues related to reauthorizing the FCC. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the provision of telehealth. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the FCC moving USF monies to the US Treasury. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal broadband grants and financing, including a unified federal broadband benchmark, loan guarantees, loan sequencing, and gigabit service. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the provision of video, including retransmission consent and compulsory copyright. Legislative and regulatory issues related to 2018 Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the Tribal Connect Act (House draft version). Legislative and regulatory issues related to Community Connect.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 58 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 173 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2017 - all sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 2116 - Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act of 2015 (possible reintroduction in current Congress). H.R. 3787 - Small Entity Regulatory Relief Opportunity Act of 2017 - all sections.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 19 - MOBILE NOW Act - all sections. S. 96 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 - all sections. S. 604 - Highway Rights-of-Way Permitting Efficiency Act of 2017 - all sections. S. 1676 - B-CROP Act - all sections. S. 1682 - AIRWAVES Act - all sections. S. 1693 - Stop enabling Sex Traffickers Act of 2017 - all sections. S. 1809 - Moving FIRST Act - all sections. S. 1988 - SPEED Act - all sections. S. 2205 - Tribal Connect Act - all sections. S. 2343 - Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018 - all sections. S. 2418 - Rural Reasonable and Comparable Wireless Access Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 22 - FAST Act - Title XLI. H.R. 460 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 1581 - Tribal Digital Access Act - all sections. H.R. 1546 - Rural Wireless Access Act - all sections. H.R. 1865 - Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 2479 - Leading Infrastructure for Tomorrows America Act - all sections. H.R. 2903 - Rural Reasonable and Comparable Wireless Access Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 3994 - ACCESS BROADBAND Act - all sections. H.R. 4232 - B-CROP Act - all sections. H.R. 4287 - Broadband Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act - all sections. H.R. 4668 - Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 4682 - Open Internet Preservation Act - all sections. H.R. 4795 - Communications Facilities Deployment on Federal Property Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 4798 - Inventory of Assets for Communications Facilities Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 4802 - Streamlining and Expediting Approval for Communications Technologies Act - all sections. H.R. 4810 - Making Available Plans to Promote Investment in Next Generation Networks without Overbuilding and Waste (MAPPING NOW) Act - all sections. H.R. 4813 - Wireless Internet Focus on Innovation in Spectrum Technology for Unlicensed Deployment (WIFI STUDY) Act - all sections. H.R. 4814 - Community Broadband Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 4817 - Promoting Exchanges for Enhanced Routing of Information so Networks are Great (PEERING) Act - all sections. H.R. 4824 - Rural Broadband Permitting Efficiency Act - all sections. H.R. 4832 - Restoring Economic Strength and Telecommunications Operations by Releasing Expected Dollars (RESTORED) Act - all sections. H.R. 4842 - The Streamlining Permitting to Enable Efficient Deployment of Broadband Infrastructure - all sections. H.R. 4845 - Connecting Communities Post Disasters Act - all sections. H.R. 4847 - Broadband Deployment Streamlining Act - all sections. H.R. 4858 - CLIMB ONCE Act - all sections. H.R. 4876 - Connecting Broadband Deserts Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 4881 - Precision Agriculture Connectivity Act of 2018 - all sections. H.R. 4953 - AIRWAVES Act - all sections. H.R. 5213 - Expanding Rural Access to Broadband Act - all sections. H.R. 5497 - Office of Rural Telecommunications Act - all sections. H. Res. 687 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Federal, State, and local taxes, fees, regulations, and permitting policies should be coordinated and reconciled to maximize the benefits of broadband investment - all sections. H. Res 689 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that any infrastructure legislation that provides Federal funds to wireless broadband providers to promote wireless broadband deployment should prioritize funds for wireless broadband providers in States that have enacted streamlined siting requirements for small cells - all sections. H. Res 690 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that no Federal funds granted, awarded, or loaned pursuant to any legislation, infrastructure-specific or otherwise, should be used to fund the construction, improvement, or acquisition of broadband facilities or service in areas where there is an existing broadband provider that meets certain minimum standards - all sections. H. Res 691 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that any infrastructure legislation to promote broadband internet access or communications facilities deployment should treat all broadband and communications facilities in a competitively and technologically neutral manner - all sections. H. Res. 701 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that with respect to any study required to be conducted by the Federal Communications Commission, or any entity regulated by the Commission under the Federal Communications Act of 1934, under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 or division A of subtitle III of title 54, United States Code (formerly known as the National Historic Preservation Act), for the provision of broadband infrastructure, the area to be studied should be limited to the area of impact - all sections. H. Res. 748 - Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1865) to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to clarify that section 230 of such Act does not prohibit the enforcement against providers and users of interactive computer services of Federal and State criminal and civil law relating to sexual exploitation of children or sex trafficking, and for other purposes - all sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to implementing Connect America Fund Phase II. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted March 23, 2016 concerning USF support for rate-of-return carriers. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted December 14, 2017 concerning net neutrality. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF contributions. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to IP interconnection. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FirstNet. Legislative and regulatory issues related to reauthorizing the FCC. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the provision of telehealth. Legislative and regulatory issues related to reserving television white spaces for unlicensed use. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the FCC moving USF monies to the US Treasury. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal broadband grants and financing, including a unified federal broadband benchmark, loan guarantees, loan sequencing, and gigabit service. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the provision of video, including retransmission consent and compulsory copyright. Legislative and regulatory issues related to 2018 Farm Bill. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the Tribal Connect Act (House draft version). Legislative and regulatory issues related to Community Connect.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 1603 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 - all sections. S. 1662 - Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 - all sections. H.R. 1625 - Fiscal Year 2018 Omnibus Appropriations - Division A, Titles III and VII; Division B, Title I; Division P; Sections related to broadband and telecom. H.R. 1892 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 - sections related to broadband and telecom. H.R. 3267 - Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 - all sections. H.R. 3268 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 - all sections. H.R. 3280 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2018 - all sections. H.R. 3354 - Fiscal Year 2017 Omnibus Appropriations - Division A, Title I; Division B, Title III; Division C, Title I; Division D, Title V. H.R. 5051 - Public Company Registration Threshold Act - all sections. Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to FY2018 and FY2019 tied to the following: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service Telecommunications Loan and Grant program funding; applicant review and approval sequencing; and applicant compliance with related National Environmental Protection Act and National Historic Preservation Act requirements U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Business Cooperative Service Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service budgets and policies for permitting access to federal lands and property Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies as well as policies tied to other aspects of rural communications operations Federal Election Commission regulations dealing with solicitation prior approvals National Telecommunications and Information Administration dealing with coordination with other federal agencies regarding broadband deployment

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 58 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2017 - all sections. H.R. 173 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2017 - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 173 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2017 - All sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R.3787 - Small Entity Regulatory Relief Opportunity Act of 2017 - All sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 1 - Tax Cut and Jobs Act, Title I, Subtitle G, all sections and Title III, Subtitle C - section 3201. Legislative and regulatory issues related to tax credits for broadband. Legislative and regulatory issues related to income tax on Universal Service.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 19 - MOBILE NOW Act - All sections. S. 96 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 - All sections. S. Res. 242 - Deployment of 5G Networks - All sections. S. 1676 - B-CROP Act - All sections. S. 1809 - Moving FIRST Act - All Sections. S. 1988 - SPEED Act - All Sections. H.R. 22 - FAST Act - Title XLI. H.R. 460 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 - All sections. H.R. 1699 - Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act of 2017 - All sections. H.R. 2903 - Rural Reasonable and Comparable Wireless Access Act of 2017 - All sections. H.R. 3994 - ACCESS BROADBAND Act - All sections. H.R. 4232 - B-CROP Act - All sections. H.R. 4668 - Small Business Advanced Cybersecurity Enhancements Act of 2017 - All sections. H.R. 4677 - Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Enhancement Act of 2017 - All Sections. H.R. 4692 - Open Internet Preservation Act - All Sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to implementing Connect America Fund Phase II. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted March 23, 2016 concerning USF support for rate-of-return carriers. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted December 14, 2017 concerning net neutrality. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Sec 706 NOI adopted August 8, 2017. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF contributions. Legislative and regulatory issues related to repacking spectrum. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal support for interexchange providers (IXPs) and interconnection with IXPs. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to IP interconnection. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FirstNet. Legislative and regulatory issues related to reauthorizing the FCC. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the provision of telehealth. Legislative and regulatory issues related to reserving television white spaces for unlicensed use. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the FCC moving USF monies to the US Treasury. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal broadband grants and financing, including a unified federal broadband benchmark, loan guarantees, loan sequencing, and gigabit service. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the provision of video, including retransmission consent and compulsory copyright.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 1 - Tax Cut and Jobs Act, Title I, Subtitle F - All sections. H.R. 3596 - Rightsizing Pension Premiums Act of 2017 - All sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R.3787 - Small Entity Regulatory Relief Opportunity Act of 2017 - All sections.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 19 - MOBILE NOW Act - All sections. S. 96 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 - All sections. S. Res. 242 - Deployment of 5G Networks - All sections. S.1676 - B-CROP Act - All sections. S. 1809 - Moving FIRST Act - All Sections. H.R.22 - FAST Act - Title XLI. H.R.460 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 - All sections. H.R.2903 - Rural Reasonable and Comparable Wireless Access Act of 2017 - All sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to implementing Connect America Fund Phase II. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted March 23, 2016 concerning USF support for rate-of-return carriers. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF contributions. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal support for interexchange providers (IXPs) and interconnection with IXPs. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to IP interconnection. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadband mapping. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FirstNet. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the provision of telehealth. Legislative and regulatory issues related to reserving television white spaces for unlicensed use. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the FCC moving USF monies to the US Treasury. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal broadband grants and financing, including a unified federal broadband benchmark. Legislative and regulatory issues related to the provision of video, including retransmission consent and compulsory copyright.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 1628 - Health Care Freedom Act - All sections. H.R. 1628 - Graham, Cassidy, Heller, Johnson Amendment to the American Health Care Act - All sections.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration(NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Appropriations discussions regarding the perspective of rural broadband providers as they relate to FY2018 tied to the following: U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Utilities Service Telecommunications Loan and Grant program funding; applicant review and approval sequencing; and applicant compliance with related National Environmental Protection Act and National Historic Preservation Act requirements U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Rural Business Cooperative Service Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant Program U.S. Dept. of Agriculture Forest Service budgets and policies for permitting access to federal lands and property Federal Communications Commission oversight of Universal Service Fund and related policies as well as policies tied to other aspects of rural communications operations Federal Election Commission regulations dealing with solicitation prior approvals S.1603 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 - All sections. S.1662 - Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 - All sections. H.R. 10 - Financial CHOICE Act - Section 497, Subtitle T. H.R.3267 - Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 - All sections. H.R.3268 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2018 - All sections. H.R.3280 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2018 - All sections. H.R.3354 - omnibus appropriations act - Division A, Title I; Division B, Title III; Division C, Title I; Division D, Title V.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 1628 - American Health Care Act - All sections. H.R. 1628 - the Better Care Reconciliation Act, All sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S.584 - Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act - All sections. H.R.5 - Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017 - All sections. H.R.10 - The Financial CHOICE Act of 2017 - Section 497. H.R.33 - Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2017 - All sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to PL-107-204, Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Section 404. Legislative and regulatory issues related to PL-112-106, Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act - Section 12(g).

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S.19 - MOBILE NOW Act - All sections. S. 96 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 - All sections. S.228 - Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2017 - All sections. S.277 - Rural Telecommunications and Broadband Service Act of 2017 - All sections. S.421 - PSC Oversight Act of 2017 - All sections. S.770 - MAIN STREET Cybersecurity Act - All sections. S.875 - A bill to require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study and submit a report on filing requirements under the Universal Service Fund programs - All sections. S.993 - Restoring Internet Freedom Act - All sections. New draft of prior Congress S.3408 - B-CROP Act of 2016 - All sections. H.R.22 - FAST Act - Title XLI. H.R.288 - Small Business Broadband Deployment Act - All sections. H.R.460 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 - All sections. H.R.800 - New Deal Rural Broadband Act of 2017 - All Sections. H.R.1139 - PSC Oversight Act of 2017 - All sections. H.R.1224 - NIST Cybersecurity Framework, Assessment, and Auditing Act of 2017 - All sections. H.R.2105 - NIST Small Business Cybersecurity Act of 2017 - All sections. H.R.2425 - Public Lands Telecommunications Act - All sections. H.R.2520 - BROWSER Act of 2017 - All sections. S.J.Res.34 - A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission relating to "Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services" - All sections. H.J.Res.86 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission relating to "Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services" - All sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted March 31, 2016: Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services. Legislative and regulatory issues related to implementing Connect America Fund Phase II. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted March 23, 2016 concerning USF support for rate-of-return carriers. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted May 18, 2017 concerning the rate floor for voice service in rural areas. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF contributions. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to IP interconnection.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S.1013 - Gigabit Opportunity Act - All sections. H.R.2870 - Gigabit Opportunity Act - All sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to gigabit opportunity zones. Broadband Infrastructure Finance innovation draft - investment tax credits and tax exclusions.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 1628 - American Health Care Act.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S. 270 - Pension and Budget Integrity Act of 2017 - All sections. H.R. 761 - Pension and Budget Integrity Act of 2017 - All sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S.584 - Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act - All sections. H.R.5 - Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017 - All sections. H.R.33 - Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2017 - All sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to PL-107-204, Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Section 404. Legislative and regulatory issues related to PL-112-106, Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act - section 12(g).

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Legislative and regulatory issues related to gigabit opportunity zones.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S.1186 - Move America Act of 2015 - All sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to infrastructure spending. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: S.19 - MOBILE NOW Act - All sections. S. 96 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 - All sections. S.228 - Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2017 - All sections. S.277 - Rural Telecommunications and Broadband Service Act of 2017 - All sections. S.421 - PSC Oversight Act of 2017 - All sections. S.770 - MAIN STREET Cybersecurity Act - All sections. S.3408 - B-CROP Act of 2016 - All sections. H.R.22 - FAST Act - Title XLI. H.R.288 - Small Business Broadband Deployment Act - All sections. H.R.460 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2017 - All sections. H.R.1139 - PSC Oversight Act of 2017 - All sections. H.R.1224 - NIST Cybersecurity Framework, Assessment, and Auditing Act of 2017 - All sections. S.J.Res.34 - A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission relating to "Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services" - All sections. H.J.Res.86 - Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission relating to "Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services" - All sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted March 31, 2016: Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services. Legislative and regulatory issues related to implementing Connect America Fund Phase II. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted March 23, 2016 concerning USF support for rate-of-return carriers. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF contributions. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative, regulatory and executive issues related to the national infrastructure conversation.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R.5054 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 - Title III (Rural Development Programs). H.R.5485 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017 - Sections 631, 636, and section dealing with trade association prior approvals under FEC rules. S.2956 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2017 - Title III (Rural Development Programs). S.3067 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017 - Sections 501, 502, 633.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: P.L.12-106 - Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act - Section 501. P.L. 107-204 - Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Section 404. P.L. 112-158 - Securities Exchange Act of 1934 - Section 12(g).

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 879 - Ax the Tax on Middle Class Americans' Health Plans Act - All Sections. H.R. 2050 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015 - All Sections. S. 2045 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015 - All Sections. S. 2075 - American Worker Health Care Tax Relief Act of 2015 - All Sections.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R.22 - FAST Act - Title XLI. H.R.1770 - Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R.2029 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 - Division N. H.R.2205 - Data Security Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R.2566 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act - All sections. H.R.2583 - The Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act - All sections. H.R.4596 - Small Business Broadband Deployment Act - All sections. H.R.5064 - Improving Small Business Cyber Security Act of 2016 - All sections. H.R.6336 - B-CROP Act of 2016 - All sections. S.177 - Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015 - All sections. S.253 - Communications Act Update Act of 2016 - H. Amdt.1434. S.421 - FCC Process Reform Act of 2015 - All sections. S.827 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act - All sections. S.961 - Data Security Act of 2015 - All sections. S.1353 - Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 - All sections. S.2283 - Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015 - All sections. S.2555 - Mobile Now Act - All sections. S.2558 - Spoofing Prevention Act - All sections. S.2607 - DIGIT Act - All sections. S.2644 - FCC Reauthorization Act - All sections. S.3024 - Small Business Cyber Security Improvements Act of 2016 - All sections. S.3189 - Connecting Rural Americans to Care Act - All sections. S.3408 - B-CROP Act of 2016 - All sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted February 18, 2016: Expanding Consumers Video Navigation Choices, Commercial Availability of Navigation Devices. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted March 31, 2016: Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services. Legislative and regulatory issues related to implementing Connect America Fund Phase II. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted March 23, 2016 concerning USF support for rate-of-return carriers. Legislative and regulatory issues related to reforming the USF Lifeline program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USF contributions. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FirstNet implementation. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting. Legislative and regulatory issues related to broadcast television standards.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 879 - Ax the Tax on Middle Class Americans' Health Plans Act - All Sections. H.R. 2050 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015 - All Sections. S. 2045 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015 - All Sections. S. 2075 - American Worker Health Care Tax Relief Act of 2015 - All Sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to business tax reform.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 879 - Ax the Tax on Middle Class Americans' Health Plans Act - All Sections. H.R. 2050 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015 - All Sections. S. 2045 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015 - All Sections. S. 2075 - American Worker Health Care Tax Relief Act of 2015 - All Sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: P.L.12-106 - Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act - Section 501. P.L 112-158 - Securities Exchange Act of 1934 - Section 12(g). P.L. 107-204 - Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 - Section 404.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 22 - FAST Act - Title XLI. H.R.2205 - Data Security Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R.2566 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act - All sections. H.R. 2583 - The Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act - All sections. H.R.4596 - Small Business Broadband Deployment Act - All sections. H.R.5064 - Improving Small Business Cyber Security Act of 2016 - All sections. S.253 - Communications Act Update Act of 2016 - H.Amdt.1434 - All sections. S.421 - FCC Process Reform Act of 2015 - All sections. S.827 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act - All sections. S.2283 - Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015 - All sections. S.2555 - Mobile Now Act - All sections. S.2558 - Spoofing Prevention Act - All sections. S.2607 - DIGIT Act - All sections. S.2644 - FCC Reauthorization Act - All sections. S.3024 - Small Business Cyber Security Improvements Act of 2016 - All sections. S.3189 - Connecting Rural Americans to Care Act - All Sections. S.3408 - B-CROP Act of 2016 - All sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted February 18, 2016: Expanding Consumers Video Navigation Choices, Commercial Availability of Navigation Devices. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted March 31, 2016: Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services. Legislative and regulatory issues related to implementing Connect America Fund Phase II. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted March 23, 2016 concerning USF support for rate-of-return carriers. Legislative and regulatory issues related to reforming the USF Lifeline program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FirstNet implementation. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio. Legislative and regulatory issues related to federal permitting.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 4955 - Pension and Budget Integrity Act of 2016 - All sections. S. 3240 - Pension and Budget Integrity Act of 2016 - All sections. Retirement Improvements and Savings Enhancements (RISE) Act of 2016 - Sections - Title I and II. Chairmans Modification of the Retirement Enhancement and Savings Act of 2016 - Section II, E.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R.266 - End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R.2205 - Data Security Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R.2566 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act - All sections. H.R.2576 - Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act - Title II (Rural Healthcare Connectivity). H.R.2666 - No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act - All sections. H.R.3103 - Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R.4596 - Small Business Broadband Deployment Act - All sections. H.R.4884 - CURB Lifeline Act of 2016 - All sections. H.R.4889 - Kelsey Smith Act, to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require providers of a covered service to provide call location information concerning the telecommunications device of a user of such service to an investigative or law enforcement officer in an emergency situation involving risk of death or serious physical injury or in order to respond to the users call for emergency services - All sections. H.R.5064 - Improving Small Business Cyber Security Act of 2016 - All sections. H.R.5525 - End Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act of 2016 - All sections. S.421 - FCC Process Reform Act of 2015 - All sections. S.827 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act - All sections. S.2283 - Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015 - All sections. S.2533 - Karis Law - All sections. S.2555 - Mobile Now Act - All sections. S.2558 - Spoofing Prevention Act - All sections. S.2607 - DIGIT Act - All sections. S.2644 - FCC Reauthorization Act - All sections. S.2770 - Kelsey Smith Act, to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require providers of a covered service to provide call location information concerning the telecommunications device of a user of such service to an investigative or law enforcement officer in an emergency situation involving risk of death or serious physical injury or in order to respond to the users call for emergency services - All sections. S.3024 - Small Business Cyber Security Improvements Act of 2016 - All sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted February 18, 2016: Expanding Consumers Video Navigation Choices, Commercial Availability of Navigation Devices. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted March 31, 2016: Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services. Legislative and regulatory issues related to implementing Connect America Fund Phase II. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Order adopted March 23, 2016 concerning USF support for rate-of-return carriers. Legislative and regulatory issues related to reforming the USF Lifeline program. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FirstNet implementation. Legislative and regulatory issues related to USDA/RUS Telecom Loan Portfolio.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R.1270 - Restoring Access to Medication Act, Titles 1 and 2. H.R.4469 - Health Savings Act, Titles 3 and 4. H.R.5284 - The Worlds Greatest Healthcare Plan Act, Sections 101 and 102. H.R.5445 - The Health Care Security Act of 2016, Sections 3 and 4. S.2499 - Health Savings Act, Titles 3 and 4.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R. 2955 - The Pension and Budget Integrity Act, All sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: Presidents FY17 Budget Proposal - Sections pertaining to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R.9 - Innovation Act - All sections. S.1137 - PATENT Act - All sections.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following: H.R.22 - FAST Act - Title XLI (Federal Permitting Improvement sections). H.R.1560 - Protecting Cyber Networks Act - All sections. H.R.1641 - Federal Spectrum Incentive Act - All sections. H.R. 2029 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 - Division N. H.R.2205 - Data Security Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R.2566 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R.2583 - Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R.2666 - No Rate Regulation of Broadband Internet Access Act - All sections. H.R.3103 - Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R. 3638 - Family Telephone Connection Protection Act - All sections. H.R.3805 - Broadband Conduit Deployment Act - All sections. H.R.4596 - Small Business Broadband Deployment Act - All sections. H.R.4884 - CURB Lifeline Act of 2016 - All sections. S.280 - Federal Permitting Improvement Act - All sections. S.417 - Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act of 2015 - All sections. S.754 - Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 - All sections. S.827 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2015 - All sections. S.2163 - Streamlining and Investing In Broadband Infrastructure Act - All sections. S.2283 - Small Business Broadband Deployment Act of 2015 - All sections. S.2555 - Mobile Now Act - All sections. S.2644 - FCC Reauthorization Act of 2016 - All sections. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC CHAIRMAN PROPOSAL TO UNLOCK THE SET-TOP BOX: CREATING CHOICE & INNOVATION. Legislative and regulatory issues related to FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking: Protecting the Privacy of Customers of Broadband and Other Telecommunications Services, released 04/01/2016. Legislative and regulatory issues related to implementing Connect America Fund Phase II.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, no issues or introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC),the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period the following introduced measures were focused upon: H.R.719 (Public Law 114-53) - Continuing Appropriations Act, 2016 - All sections. H.R.1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 - Title X-Spectrum Pipeline. H.R.2029 Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2016 - amended to become the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (Public Law 114-113) - Sections - Division A-Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2016, Title III USDA Rural Development Programs under the Rural Utilities Service and the Rural Business Cooperative Service specifically relating to communications and economic development. Division E-Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2016, Title V Independent Agencies - Federal Communications Commission and Universal Service Fund related provisions. Division N-Cybersecurity Act 2015 - All sections. Division P-Tax-related Provisions Sec. 1, Title I High Cost Employer Sponsored Health Coverage Excise Tax Provisions, Sec. 101, Delay of excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage. H.R.2250 - Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2016 (Public Law 114-96) - All sections. H.R.2295 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act 2016 - Sections relating to Federal Communications Commission funding and actions. H.R.3049 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2016 - Sections relating to Rural Business Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and rural development financing. S.1800 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies Appropriations Act 2016 - Sections relating to Rural Business Cooperative Service and Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and rural development financing. S.1910 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act 2016 - Sections relating to Federal Communications Commission funding and actions.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bill: H.R.1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 - Section 501.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bill: H.R. 2029 - Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2016 - amended to become the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (Public Law 114-113) - Division P-Tax-related Provisions Sec. 1, Title I High Cost Employer Sponsored Health Coverage Excise Tax Provisions, Sec. 101, Delay of excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period the association focused on the following introduced bill: H.R.2029 - Military Construction Appropriations Act, 2016 - amended to become the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 (Public Law 114-113) - Division P-Tax-related Provisions Sec. 1, Title I High Cost Employer Sponsored Health Coverage Excise Tax Provisions, Sec. 101, Delay of excise tax on high cost employer-sponsored health coverage.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period the association focused on the following introduced bills: H.R.235 - Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act - All sections. H.R.879 - Ax the Tax on Middle Class Americans' Health Plans Act - All Sections. H.R.2050 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015 - All sections. S.431 - Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act - All sections. S.2045 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015 - All sections. S.2075 - American Worker Health Care Tax Relief Act of 2015 - All sections.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: H.R.1560 - Protecting Cyber Networks Act - All sections. H.R.1731 - National Cybersecurity Protection Advancement Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R.1770 - Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R.2566 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R.2583 - Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R.2589 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to publish on its Internet website changes to the rules of the Commission not later than 24 hours after adoption - All sections. H.R.2592 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require the Federal Communications Commission to publish on the website of the Commission documents to be voted on by the Commission - All sections. H.R.2593 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to require identification and description on the website of the Federal Communications Commission of items to be decided on authority delegated by the Commission - All sections. H.R.3103 - Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R.3152 - Rural Broadband Initiative Act - All sections. S.417 - Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act of 2015 - All sections. S.754 - Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 - All sections. S.827 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2015 - All sections. S.1123 - USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 - All sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: S.2116 - Small Business Broadband and Emerging Information Technology Act - All sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: H.R.9 - Innovation Act - All sections. H.R.22 - DRIVE Act - All sections. H.R.2045 - Targeting Rogue and Opaque Letters Act of 2015 - All sections. H.R.3236 - Surface Transportation and Veterans Health Care Choice Improvement Act of 2015 - All sections. S.280 - Federal Permitting Improvement Act - All Sections S.1137 - PATENT Act - All sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC),the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period the following introduced measures were focused upon: H.R.119 - Budget and Accounting Transparency Act of 2015 - All sections. H.Con.Res27 - Concurrent Resolution establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2016 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2017 through 2025 - Sections 406 & 813. S.399 - Budget and Accounting Transparency Act of 2015 - All sections. S.Con.Res11 - Concurrent Resolution establishing the budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2016 and setting forth appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2017 through 2025 - Sections 3105 & 6211.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: H.R.9 - Innovation Act - All sections. S.280 - Federal Permitting Improvement Act - All sections. S.1137 - PATENT Act - All sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: H.R. 879 - Ax the Tax on Middle Class Americans Health Plans Act - All sections. H.R. 2050 - Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015 - All sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: H.R.527 - Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2015 - All Sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: H.R.9 - Innovation Act - All Sections.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: S. 240 - Community Broadband Act of 2015 - All Sections. S.253 - Federal Communications Commission Consolidated Reporting Act of 2015 - All Sections. S. 268 - Rebuild America Act - Section 104. S. 417 - Rural Spectrum Accessibility Act of 2015 - All Sections. S.456 - Cyber Threat Sharing Act of 2015 - All Sections. S.734 - USF Equitable Distribution Act of 2015 - All Sections. S.754 - Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 - All Sections. S. 827 - Improving Rural Call Quality and Reliability Act of 2015 - All Sections. H.R.234 - Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act - All Sections. H.R.279 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to limit the authority of the Federal Communications Commission over providers of broadband Internet access service. - All Sections. H.R.1106 - States' Rights Municipal Broadband Act of 2015 - All Sections. H.R.1560 - Protecting Cyber Networks Act - All Sections. H.R.1712 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to exempt providers of broadband Internet access service from Federal universal service contributions. - All Sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: H.R. 5771 - Tax Increase Prevention Act - sections pertaining to retirement plans. S. 1270 - Secure Annuities for Employee Retirement Act - all sections.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period the following introduced measures were focused upon. H.R. 83 (PL 113-235) - FY2015 Omnibus; Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act - all sections under the Agriculture Title dealing with the Rural Utilities Service Telecommunications program and related financing programs and the Financial Services Title dealing with Federal Communications Funding and related programs. H.J.Res 130 (PL 113-202) FY2015 Continuing Resolution, (through December 13, 2014) - all sections. H.J.Res. 131 (PL 113-203) - Making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2015, and for other purposes (until December 17, 2014) - all sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality RetirementSecurity Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: S.2260 - Expiring Provisions Improvement Reform and Efficiency (EXPIRE) Act - sections pertaining to retirement plans. S.2855 - Retirement Security Preservation Act of 2014 - all sections. H.R.5021 - Highway and Transportation Funding Act - sections on Preserving America's Transit and Highways (PATH) Act.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused on.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the following measures were focused upon: H.R.3086 - Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act - all sections. H.J.Res.124 - Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015 - section 126.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission(FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period the following introduced measures were focused upon. H.R.5016 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2015 - sections dealing with the Federal Communications Commission and related programs and the communications industry. H.J.Res. 124 - Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2015 - all sections dealing with Rural Utilities Service and Federal Communications Commission and related communications programs.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused on.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills:S. Res. 157 - A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that telephone service must be improved in rural areas of the United States and that no entity may unreasonably discriminate against telephone users in those areas all sections. S. 954 - Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012 sections under Title VI. S.1478 - PACES Act all sections. S.1599 - Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ending Eavesdropping, Dragnet-collection, and Online Monitoring Act all sections. S.1720 - Patent Transparency and Improvements Act of 2013 all sections. S.2125 - Public Safety and Economic Security Communications Act of 2014 all sections. S.2454 - Satellite Television Access Reauthorization Act of 2014 all sections. H.R.2642 - Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 section under Title VI. H.R.3309 - Innovation Act all sections. H.R.3361 - Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ending Eavesdropping, Dragnet-collection, and Online Monitoring Act all sections. H.R.3675 - Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2014 all sections. H.R.3719 - Video CHOICE Act all sections. H.R.3982 - Open Internet Preservation Act all sections. H.Res.536 - Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that telephone service must be improved in rural areas of the United States and that no entity may unreasonably discriminate against telephone users in those areas all sections. H.R.4752 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to limit the authority of the Federal Communications Commission over providers of broadband Internet access service all sections. H.R.624 - Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act all sections. H.R.4572 - STELA Reauthorization Act of 2014 all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period the following introduced measures were focused upon.S.2389 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 sections dealing with the Rural Utilities Service and Rural Business Cooperative Service. H.R.4800 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015 sections dealing with the Rural Utilities Service and Rural Business Cooperative Service. H.R.5016 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2015 sections dealing with the Federal Communications Commission and related programs and the communications industry.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the following measures were focused upon:H.R. 3086, Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act all sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills:S. 1302, Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Flexibility Act all sections. H.R. 2134, Charitable Pension Flexibility Act all sections. H.R. 4275, Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Flexibility Act all sections.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, no introduced measures were focused upon.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused on.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, NTCA focused particular attention on the following:H.J. Res. 59, Continuing Appropriations Resolutions - sections relating to Federal Communications Commission, spectrum, and universal communications service. H.R. 2786, Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2014 sections relating to Federal Communications Commission, call completion and universal communications service. S. 1371, Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2014 sections relating to Federal Communications Commission, call completion and universal communications service.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no introduced measures were focused upon.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period the following measures were focused upon.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused on.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills:Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013 section 703 S. 1302, Cooperative and Small Employer Charity Pension Flexibility Act all sections. H.R. 2134, Charitable Pension Flexibility Act of 2013 all sections

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no introduced measures were focused upon.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills:S. 954, Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012 sections under Title VI. S. 1144, Fair Telephone Billing Act of 2013 all sections. S.Res. 157, A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that telephone service must be improved in rural areas of the United States and that no entity may unreasonably discriminate against telephone users in those areas all sections. S. 1353, Cybersecurity Act of 2013 all sections. H.R.624, Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act all sections. H.R.845, Saving High-Tech Innovators from Egregious Legal Disputes Act of 2013 all sections. S.1478, PACES Act all sections. S.1013, Patent Abuse Reduction Act of 2013 all sections. H.R.2639, Patent Litigation and Innovation Act of 2013 all sections. H.R. 2642, Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 section under Title VI. H.R.2844, Federal Communications Commission Consolidated Reporting Act of 2013 all sections. S.912, Television Consumer Freedom Act of 2013 all sections.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, NTCA focused particular attention on the following:H.R.2410, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014 sections relating to Rural Utilities Service telecommunications financing. H.R. 2786, Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2014 sections relating to Federal Communications Commission, call completion and universal communications service. S.1244, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act , 2014 sections relating to Rural Utilities Service telecommunications financing. S. 1371, Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2014 sections relating to Federal Communications Commission, call completion and universal communications service.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused on.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills:H.R. 1634, The Medical FSA Improvement Act all sections

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills:S. 10, Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 section 6104 S. 21 Cybersecurity and American Cyber Competiveness - all sections S.912 : Television Consumer Freedom Act of 2013 - all sections S. 394, Metal Theft Prevention Act of 2013 all sections S.774, To require the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a report to Congress on the effectiveness of the Federal Communications Commission's universal service reforms - all sections S. 3240, Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012 section 6104 relating to RUS telecommunications financing S.Res. 157, A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that telephone service must be improved in rural areas of the United States and that no entity may unreasonably discriminate against telephone users in those areas all sections H.R.624, Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act all sections H.R.845, Saving High-Tech Innovators from Egregious Legal Disputes Act of 2013 all sections H.R.1639, To amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 all sections H.R. 1947, Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2013 section 6105 relating to RUS telecommunications financing, section 6201 relating to distance learning and telemedicine

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills:S. 606, Shrinking Emergency Account Losses Act all sections S. 1145, Lifetime Income Disclosure Act all sections H.R. 2174, Lifetime Income Disclosure Act all sections

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused on.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, NTCA focused particular attention on the following:S Con Res 8 - Setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2014 All Sections HR 933 - Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013 Division A Title III Rural Utilities Service and Rural Business Cooperative Service, Division F Title III Federal Communications Commission H Con Res (Unnumbered) - House Concurrent Resolution on the Budget for Fiscal Year 2014 All Sections

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills:S 399 - American Job Protection Act - All sections HR 903 - American Job Protection Act - All sections

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills:S 21- Cybersecurity and American Cyber Competitiveness Act of 2013 All Sections S 394 - Metal Theft Prevention Act of 2013 All Sections HR 176 - Stop Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act of 2011 All Sections HR 624 - Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act All Sections HR 867 - Metal Theft Prevention Act of 2013 All Sections HR 989 - To Prohibit the use of funds for the Lifeline program All Sections

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills:H.R. 3523 - Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act, all sections H.R. 4263 - Strengthening and Enhancing Cybersecurity by Using Research, Education, Information, and Technology Act of 2012, all sections H.R. 6083 - Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012 - Sections 6105 and any sections dealing with rural broadband deployment H.R. 6526 - Restore Effective Statistics to the Calculation of USF Expenditures Act of 2012, all sections S 2008 - Next Generation Television Marketplace Act of 2011, all sections S 3240 - Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012 - Section 6104 and any sections dealing with rural broadband deployment S 3342 - Strengthening and Enhancing Cybersecurity by Using Research, Education, Information, and Technology Act of 2012, all sections S 3414 - Cybersecurity Act of 2012, all sections

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the following introduced bills in this category were focused upon.H.R. 6079 - Repeal of Obamacare Act, To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health care-related provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, all sections

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: HEN 12751 Requires the Comptroller General to conduct an evaluation of the impact the proposed changes to ECPA would have on law enforcement and the courts - all sections HEN 12755 Retains the existing standards for information sought by law enforcement agencies for the contents of communications held in electronic storage more than 180 days in cases of child abduction or kidnapping, child pornography, or violent crimes against women, including rape - all sections HR 2471 - To amend section 2710 of title 18, United States Code, to clarify that a video tape service provider may obtain a consumers informed, written consent on an ongoing basis and that consent may be obtained through the Internet - all sections HR 3118 - To direct the Federal Communications Commission to revisit the universal service support program under section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse, and for other purposes - all sections HR 3523 - Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act all sections HR 3630 /PL 112-96 - Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 Title VI Public Safety Communications and Electromagnetic Spectrum Auctions HR 4263 - Strengthening and Enhancing Cybersecurity by Using Research, Education, Information, and Technology Act of 2012 all sections HR 6083 - Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012 sections 6105 and any sections dealing with rural broadband deployment HR 6526 - Restore Effective Statistics to the Calculation of USF Expenditures Act of 2012 all sections S 2105 - Cybersecurity Act of 2012 all sections S 3240 - Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012 section 6104 and any sections dealing with rural broadband deployment S 3342 - Strengthening and Enhancing Cybersecurity by Using Research, Education, Information, and Technology Act of 2012 all sections S 3414 - Cybersecurity Act of 2012 all sections

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: HR 8 American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 Sections relating to Rural Utilities Service

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the following introduced bills in this category were focused upon. H.R. 6079 Repeal of Obamacare Act, To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health care-related Provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, all sections

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: H.R. 3523 - Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act, all sections H.R. 4263 - Strengthening and Enhancing Cybersecurity by Using Research, Education, Information, and Technology Act of 2012, all sections H.R. 6083 - Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act of 2012 Sections 6105 and any sections dealing with rural broadband deployment H.R. 6526 - Restore Effective Statistics to the Calculation of USF Expenditures Act of 2012, all sections S 2008 - Next Generation Television Marketplace Act of 2011, all sections S 3240 Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012 Section 6104 and any sections dealing with rural broadband deployment. S 3342 - Strengthening and Enhancing Cybersecurity by Using Research, Education, Information, and Technology Act of 2012, all sections S 3414 - Cybersecurity Act of 2012, all sections

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the following issues were focused upon. H.R. 3287 - The Savings Enhancement by Alleviating Leakage in 401(k) Savings (SEAL) Act, all sections H.R. 3656 - The Retirement Savings Security Act, To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for death and disability protection for loans from qualified employer plans, all sections H.R. 4348 - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act, An act to authorize funds for Federal-aid highways, highway safety programs, and transit programs, and for other purposes, all sections dealing with pensions

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that will impact the operations of rural telecommunications providers, their consumers, and/or the association. The associations underlying interest is pursuing a policy environment that allows its members to continue effectively serving rural economically challenging markets. The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: H.R. Unnumbered - Federal Agriculture and Risk Management Act sections related to Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband financing H.R. 3309 Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2011 (all sections) H.R. 3310 Federal Communications Commission Consolidated Reporting Act of 2011 (all sections) H.R. 3523 Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act of 2011 (all sections) H.R. 5896 to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 (all sections) H.R. 6083 - Federal Agriculture and Risk Management Act of 2012 sections related to Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband financing S. 2105 Cybersecurity Act of 2012 (all sections) S. 2151 SECURE IT (all sections) S. 2275 B-CROP Act of 2012 - to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish a grant program within the rural broadband program of the Department of Agriculture, and for other purposes (all sections) S. 2298 Connecting Rural America Act to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to improve the program of access to broadband telecommunications services in rural areas (all sections) S. 3240 - Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012 sections related to Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband financing

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period NTCA focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 5973 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 sections related to Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband financing H.R. 6020 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2013 sections related to Federal Communications Commission financing and program operations S. 2375 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2013 sections related to Rural Utilities Service telecommunications and broadband financing S. 3301 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2013 sections related to Federal Communications Commission financing and program operations

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the following issues were focused upon. H.R. 4348 - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act sections 40231, 40232, 40233, 40234, 40241, 40242 relating to pension fund stabilization and Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation insurance premium issues S. 1813 - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21) Act - all sections pertaining to defined benefit plans

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period NTCA focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 1259 Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2011 all sections. S. 2242 Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2012 all sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that will impact the operations of rural telecommunications providers, their consumers, and/or the association. The associations underlying interest is pursuing a policy environment that allows its members to continue effectively serving rural economically challenging markets. The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: H.R. 911 Spectrum Inventory and Auction Act of 2011- all sections. H.R. 1083 Rural Broadband Initiative Act all sections. H.R. 1695 Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2011 all sections. H.R. 1746 CAP Act all sections. H.R. 1981 Protecting Children from Internet Pornographers Act all sections. H.R. 2577 SAFE Data Act all sections. H.R. 3118 To direct the Federal Communications Commission to revisit the universal service support program under section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse all sections. H.R. 3261 Stop Online Piracy Act all sections. H.R. 3309 Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2012 all sections. H.R. 3310 Federal Communications Commission Consolidated Reporting Act of 2011, all sections. H.R. 3523 Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act of 2011 all sections. H.R. 3630 Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 - Title VI Telecommunications (spectrum). H.R. 3674 PRECISE Act of 2011 all sections. H.R. 3675 Next Generation Television Marketplace Act all sections. H.R. 4263 SECURE IT Act of 2012 all sections. S. 413 Cybersecurity and Internet Freedom Act of 2011 all sections . S. 1939 Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2011 all sections. S. 2008 Next Generation Television Marketplace Act of 2011 all sections. S. 2105 Cyber Security Act of 2012 all sections. S. 2151 Strengthening and Enhancing Cybersecurity by Using Research, Education, Information and Technology (SECURE IT) Act all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the following introduced bills were focused upon: S. 2252 Rebuild America Act Subtitle G (all sections) and Subtitle H (all sections).

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that will impact the operations of rural telecommunications providers, their consumers, and/or the association. The associations underlying interest is pursuing a policy environment that allows its members to continue effectively serving rural economically challenging markets. The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: HR 10; Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act all sections H.R.527 Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2011 all sections H.R. 1343, to return unused broadband awards to the Treasury all sections H.R. 1981 Protecting Children from Internet Pornographers Act all sections HR 3118; To Direct the Federal Communications Commission to revisit the universal service support program under section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse all sections. HR 3261; Stop Online Piracy Act all sections HR 3309; Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2011 all sections H.R.3310 Federal Communications Commission Consolidated Reporting Act of 2011 all sections HR 3481; Stop Taxpayer Funded Cell Phones Act of 2011 all sections HR 3630; Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011; Title IV (Jumpstarting Opportunity with Broadband Spectrum Act of 2011) Spectrum and telecom provisions HR 3675; Next Generation Television Marketplace Act all sections S 297; To provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act all sections S.1308 Protecting Children From Internet Pornographers Act of 2011 all sections S 2008; Next Generation Television Marketplace Act all sections

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period no introduced bills in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period no one introduced bills in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period no introduced bills in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and responds to policy issues that impact the ability of its members to comply with the Sarbanes Oxley corporate responsibility law and related regulations. During the reporting period the association discussed compliance aspects of this law as well as other small business operational issues that confront NTCAs small rural communications provider members. During the reporting period the following introduced bills were focused upon: HR. 527, Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2011 all sections.

The association monitors and responds to policy issues that impact the ability of its members to comply with the Sarbanes Oxley corporate responsibility law and related regulations. During the reporting period the association discussed compliance aspects of this law as well as other small business operational issues that confront NTCAs small rural communications provider members. During the reporting period the following introduced bills were focused upon: HR 1070, Small Company Capital Formation Act all sections. HR. 2167, Private Company Flexibility and Growth Act all sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period no introduced bills in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the following introduced bills in this category were focused upon. HR 3590 (PL 111-148), Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act all sections.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. Primarily the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period NTCA focused particular attention on the following: HJRes 79, to provide continuing appropriations thru November 18, 2011 - sections dealing with the Department of Agricultures Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBCS), the Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Financial Services Title dealing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). HR 1343, to return unused or reclaimed funds made available for broadband awards in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to the Treasury of the United States all sections. HR 2112, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 sections related to Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBCS). HR 2434, Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 sections related to the Federal Communications Commission. S1573, Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2012 sections related to the Federal Communications Commission. S 365, Budget Control Act of 2011 (PL 112-25) all sections with particular emphasis on how related policy actions could impact the Universal Service Fund, the Rural Utilities Service, and the Health and Retirement benefit plans and programs NTCA provides to its members.

The association monitors and responds to policy issues that impact the ability of its members to comply with the Sarbanes Oxley corporate responsibility law and related regulations. During the reporting period the association discussed compliance aspects of this law as well as other small business operational issues that confront NTCAs small rural communications provider members. During the reporting period the following introduced bills were focused upon: S 358, The Regulatory Responsibility for our Economy Act of 2011 to set forth general requirements for the federal regulatory system, including the protection of public health, welfare, safety, and the environment, the promotion of predictability in the regulatory process, and the consideration of benefits and costs of regulations. S 556, A bill to amend the securities laws to establish certain thresholds for shareholder registration all sections. HR 527, Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act all sections. HR 1070, Small Company Capital Formation Act all sections. HR 2167, Private Company Flexdibility and Growth Act all sections. HR 1965, To amend the securities laws to establish certain thresholds for shareholder registration all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that will impact the operations of rural telecommunications providers, their consumers, and/or the association. The associations underlying interest is pursuing a policy environment that allows its members to continue effectively serving rural economically challenging markets. The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: HJRes 37 - A joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to regulating the Internet and broadband industry practices, all sections. S 28 - Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act to provide spectrum to the public safety community, all sections S 297 - The Antideficiency Act to amends the Communications Act of 1934 to clarify that the universal service fund is not subject to the provisions of this act, all sections. S 413 - Cybersecurity and Internet Freedom Act of 2011, all sections. S 911 - To establish the sense of Congress that Congress should enact, and the President should sign, bipartisan legislation to strengthen public safety and to enhance wireless communications all sections. S 1040 Broadband First Responders Act all sections. HR 174 Homeland Security, Cyber and Physical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2011 all sections. HR607 Broadband for First Responders Act of 2011 all sections. HR 1083 Rural Broadband Initiative Act all sections. HR 1695 Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2011 all sections. HR 1981 Protecting Children from Internet Pornographers Act of 2011- all sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period no introduced bills in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period no introduced bills in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the following introduced bills in this category were focused upon. HR 3590 (PL 111-148), Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act all sections.

The association monitors and responds to policy issues that impact the ability of its members to comply with the Sarbanes Oxley corporate responsibility law and related regulations. During the reporting period the association discussed compliance aspects of this law as well as other small business operational issues that confront NTCAs small rural communications provider members. During the reporting period the following introduced bills were focused upon: S 358, The Regulatory Responsibility for our Economy Act of 2011 to set forth general requirements for the federal regulatory system, including the protection of public health, welfare, safety, and the environment, the promotion of predictability in the regulatory process, and the consideration of benefits and costs of regulations. S 556, A bill to amend the securities laws to establish certain thresholds for shareholder registration all sections. HR 527, Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act all sections. HR 1070, Small Company Capital Formation Act all sections. HR. 2167, Private Company Flexdibility and Growth Act all sections.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. For example, the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service(RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period NTCA focused particular attention on the following: Appropriations: HR 1, to provide continuing appropriations for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011 - sections dealing with the Department of Agricultures Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBCS), the Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). HJRes 48, to provide continuing appropriations for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011 - sections dealing with the Department of Agricultures Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBCS), the Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). HJRes 44, to provide continuing appropriations for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011 - sections dealing with the Department of Agricultures Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBCS), the Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). HR 1343, to return unused or reclaimed funds made available for broadband awards in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to the Treasury of the United States all sections. HR 1363 (PL 112-008), Department of Defense and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Amendments, 2011 sections dealing with the Department of Agricultures Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBCS), the Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). HR 1473 (PL112-010), Department of Defense and Full-Year Continuing Appropriations Act, 2011 sections dealing with the Department of Agricultures Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBCS), the Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). HR 2112, Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2012 sections related to Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBCS). HR 2289, To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to reform the Federal Communications Commission by requiring an analysis of benefits and costs during the rule making process.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period no introduced bills in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the following introduced bills in this category were focused upon. HR 3590 (PL 111-148), Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act all sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period no introduced bills in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period no introduced bills in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and responds to policy issues that impact the ability of its members to comply with the Sarbanes Oxley corporate responsibility law and related regulations. During the reporting period the association discussed compliance aspects of this law as well as other small business operational issues that confront NTCAs small rural communications provider members. During the reporting period the following introduced bills were focused upon: S 358, The Regulatory Responsibility for our Economy Act of 2011 to set forth general requirements for the federal regulatory system, including the protection of public health, welfare, safety, and the environment, the promotion of predictability in the regulatory process, and the consideration of benefits and costs of regulations. S 556, A bill to amend the securities laws to establish certain thresholds for shareholder registration all sections. HR 527, Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act all sections. HR 1070, Small Company Capital Formation Act all sections. HR. 2167, Private Company Flexdibility and Growth Act all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that will impact the operations of rural telecommunications providers, their consumers, and/or the association. The associations underlying interest is pursuing a policy environment that allows its members to continue effectively serving rural economically challenging markets. The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: HJRes 37 - A joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to regulating the Internet and broadband industry practices, all sections. S 28 - Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act to provide spectrum to the public safety community, all sections S 297 - The Antideficiency Act to amends the Communications Act of 1934 to clarify that the universal service fund is not subject to the provisions of this act, all sections. S 413 - Cybersecurity and Internet Freedom Act of 2011, all sections. S 911 - To establish the sense of Congress that Congress should enact, and the President should sign, bipartisan legislation to strengthen public safety and to enhance wireless communications all sections. S 1040 Broadband First Responders Act all sections. HR 174 Homeland Security, Cyber and Physical Infrastructure Protection Act of 2011 all sections. HR607 Broadband for First Responders Act of 2011 all sections. HR 1083 Rural Broadband Initiative Act all sections. HR 1695 Broadband Conduit Deployment Act of 2011 all sections. HR 1981 Protecting Children from Internet Pornographers Act of 2011- all sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the following introduced bills in this category were focused upon. HR 3590 (PL 111-148), Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act all sections.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. For example, the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period NTCA focused particular attention on the following: Appropriations: H.R.1, to provide continuing appropriations for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011, Sections dealing with the Department of Agricultures Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBCS), the Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). HJRes 48, to provide continuing appropriations for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011, Sections dealing with the Department of Agricultures Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBCS), the Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). HJRes 44, to provide continuing appropriations for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011, Sections dealing with the Department of Agricultures Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and Rural Business Cooperative Service (RBCS), the Department of Commerces National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period no introduced bills in this category were focused upon. HR 2 The Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act to repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, effective as of its enactment. Restores provisions of law amended by such Act, all sections. HRes9 To require each of the following House Committees to report to the House legislation, within its jurisdiction, proposing specified changes to existing law (including the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act): (1) the Committee on Education and the Workforce; (2) the Committee on Energy and Commerce; (3) the Committee on the Judiciary; and (4) the Committee on Ways and Means, all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that will impact the operations of rural telecommunications providers, their consumers, and/or the association. The associations underlying interest is pursuing a policy environment that allows its members to continue effectively serving rural economically challenging markets. The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: HJRes 37 - A joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Federal Communications Commission with respect to regulating the Internet and broadband industry practices, all sections. S 28 - Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act to provide spectrum to the public safety community, all sections S 297 - The Antideficiency Act to amends the Communications Act of 1934 to clarify that the universal service fund is not subject to the provisions of this act, all sections. S 455 - The Developing Incentives and Opportunistic Sharing Act or the RADIOS Act to provide spectrum for a public safety spectrum communications plan, all sections. S 611 The FCC Tech Technical Expertise Capacity Heightening Act or the FCC TECH Act to permit each FCC commissioner to appoint an electrical engineer or computer scientist to provide technical consultation and to interface with the Office of Engineering and Technology and other Federal Communications Commission (FCC) bureaus and technical staff, all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period no introduced bills in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner as well as measures that may affect the ultimate transfer of such businesses. During the reporting period no introduced bills in this category were focused upon. HR 4 The Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy Overpayments Act of 2011 to amend the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) repeal requirements for the reporting to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of payments of $600 or more to corporations that are not tax-exempt and of gross proceeds paid in consideration for any type of property; (2) repeal requirements for reporting payments made with respect to rental property which is not part of a trade or business; and (3) increase, for taxable years ending after December 31, 2013, the advance applicable dollar amount of the tax credit for health care premium assistance for taxpayers whose household income is less than 400% of the poverty line, all sections.

The association monitors and responds to policy issues that impact the ability of its members to comply with the Sarbanes Oxley corporate responsibility law and related regulations. During the reporting period the association discussed compliance aspects of this law as well as other small business operational issues that confront NTCAs small rural communications provider members. During the reporting period no introduced bills in this category were focused upon.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. For example, the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period NTCA focused particular attention on the following: Continuing Appropriations: P.L. 111-188, (H.R.3082) Continuing Appropriations and Surface Transportation Extensions Act, 2011(among other things, the law extended the continuing appropriations levels thru March 4, 2011, for the areas of Agriculture (RUS), Commerce (NTIA) and Financial Service (FCC) each of which the operations of which NTCA has interest in. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Operations and Programs: H.R. 3677 making appropriations for financial services and general government and related agencies (FCC) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 FCC Title. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Operations & Programs: H.R. 3636 making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies (NTIA) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 Commerce/NTIA Title. Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Operations & Programs: S. 3606 making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (RUS) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 Agriculture/RUS Title.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period no introduced measures in this category were focused upon.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period no introduced bills in this category were focused upon.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. For example, the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, NTCA focused particular attention on the following: Broadband Stimulus Initiatives: P.L. 111-5 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, All sections of the law relating to the Broadband Grant and Loan elements under the NTIA, RUS, and FCC Specifically Division A, Titles I, II, & XVI, and Division B, Titles I, III, & VI. S 3677 Making appropriations for financial services and general government and related agencies (FCC) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 FCC Title. S 3666 Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies (NTIA) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 Commerce/NTIA Title. S. 3606 Making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (RUS) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 Agriculture/RUS Title.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that will impact the operations of rural telecommunications providers, their consumers, and/or the association. The associations underlying interest is pursuing a policy environment that allows its members to continue effectively serving rural economically challenging markets. The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: S 348 to amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Anti-Deficiency Act all sections. S. 649, the Radio Spectrum Inventory Act all sections. S. 773, Cybersecurity Act all sections. S. 778, A bill to establish, within the Executive Office of the President, the Office of National Cybersecurity Advisor all sections. S. 2879, Broadband Opportunity and Affordability Act all sections. S 3304 Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 all sections. S. 3610, the Spectrum Measurement and Policy Reform Act all sections. S 3756 Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act all sections. S.3872 Cell Phone Bill Shock Act of 2010 all sections. Unnumbered draft legislation on the subject of net neutrality that was developed by Rep. Henry Waxman all sections. HConRes 311 To express the sense of Congress that it is the responsitility of Congress to determine the regulatory authority of the Federal Communications Commission with respect to broadband Internet service all sections. HR 2135 to amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Anti-Deficiency Act all sections. HR 3101 Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act all sections. HR 3646 to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a Lifeline Assistance Program for universal broadband adoption all sections. HR 5777 Best Practices Act all sections. HR 5828 Universal Service Reform Act of 2010 all sections. S 2881 FCC Commissioners' Technical Resource Enhancement Act

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period the association focused on no specific introduced bills.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the association focused on the following introduced bills. S. 3793 Job Creation and Tax Cut Act of 2010-all sections. HR 3962 Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries & Pension Relief Act all sections. HR 4173 Wall Street Reform & Consumer Protection Act all sections. HR 4213 American Jobs & Closing Tax Loopholes Act all sections. HR 5297 Small Business Jobs Act all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner. During the reporting period the association focused on the following introduced bills. HR 3905 Estate tax relief act of 2009 all sections.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. For example, the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period NTCA focused particular attention on the following: Broadband Stimulus Initiatives: P.L. 111-5 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, All sections of the law relating to the Broadband Grant and Loan elements under the NTIA, RUS, and FCC Specifically Division A, Titles I, II, & XVI, and Division B, Titles I, III, & VI. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Operations and Programs: No introduced bill yet making appropriations for financial services and general government and related agencies (FCC) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 FCC Title. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Operations & Programs: No introduced bill yet making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies (NTIA) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 Commerce/NTIA Title. Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Operations & Programs: S. 3606 making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (RUS) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 Agriculture/RUS Title.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that will impact the operations of rural telecommunications providers, their consumers, and/or the association. The associations underlying interest is pursuing a policy environment that allows its members to continue effectively serving rural economically challenging markets. The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, the association focused on the following introduced bills: Broadband: The broadband provisions of the economic stimulus legislation outlined above in the BUD issue section. HR 2428 to amend title 23, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Transportation to require that broadband conduit be installed as part of certain highway construction projects all sections. HR 3458 Internet Freedom Preservation Act to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a national broadband policy, safeguard consumer rights, spur investment and innovation all sections. HR 4545 to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives in the Department of Agriculture all sections. S 1266 to amend title 23, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Transportation to require that broadband conduit be installed as part of certain highway construction projects all sections. S 2879 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to conduct a pilot program expanding the Lifeline Program to include broadband service all sections. S 2880 to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives in the Department of Agriculture all sections. Cybersecurity: S 773 Cybersecurity act of 2009 all sections. S 778 to establish, within the Executive Office of the President, the Office of National Cybersecurity Advisor all sections. S 3480 Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act of 2010 all sections. General: HR 3101 Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2009 all sections. S 3304 Equal Access to 21st Century Communications Act all sections. Spectrum: HR 3019 to amend the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to improve the process of reallocation of spectrum from Federal government uses to commercial uses - all sections. HR 3125 to require an inventory of radio spectrum bands managed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission - all sections. S 649 to require an inventory of radio spectrum bands managed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission - all sections. S 3490 Spectrum Relocation Improvement Act of 2010 to clarify the rights and responsibilities of Federal entities in the spectrum relocation process - all sections. Technology: HR 3413 to authorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the Department of Commerce to make grants for the establishment of information technology centers in rural areas - all sections. Universal Service: HR 2135 to amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Anti-Deficiency Act all sections. HR 3646 to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a Lifeline Assistance Program for universal broadband adoption all sections. S 348 to amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Anti-Deficiency Act all sections. S 2879 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to conduct a pilot program expanding the Lifeline Program to include broadband service all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner. During the reporting period the association focused on no specific introduced bills.

The association monitors and responds to policy issues that impact the ability of its members to comply with the Sarbanes Oxley corporate responsibility law and related regulations. During the reporting period the association discussed compliance aspects of this law as well as other small business operational issues that confront NTCA's small rural communications provider members. Aside from the ARRA law noted in the BUD section above, the association focused on no specific introduced bills.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the association focused on no specific introduced bills.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner. During the reporting period the association did not specifically lobby on any introduced measures in this category.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies and their respective policies that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. For example, the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, NTCA focused particular attention to the following: Broadband Stimulus Initiatives: P.L. 111-5 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, All sections of the law relating to the Broadband Grant and Loan elements under the NTIA, RUS, and FCC Specifically Division A, Titles I, II, & XVI, and Division B, Titles I, III, & VI. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Operations and Programs: No introduced bill yet making appropriations for financial services and general government and related agencies (FCC) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 FCC Title. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Operations & Programs: No introduced bill yet making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies (NTIA) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2011 Commerce/NTIA Title. Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Operations & Programs: No introduced bill yet making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (RUS) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010 Agriculture/RUS Title.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that will impact the operations of rural telecommunications providers, their consumers, and/or the association. The associations underlying interest is maintaining a commitment to pursuing a policy environment that allows the associations members to continue effectively serving rural economically challenging markets. The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, regarding introduced measures the association focused on the following: Broadband: The broadband provisions of the economic stimulus legislation outlined above in the BUD issue section. HR 2428 to amend title 23, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Transportation to require that broadband conduit be installed as part of certain highway construction projects all sections. HR 3458 Internet Freedom Preservation Act to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a national broadband policy, safeguard consumer rights, spur investment and innovation all sections. HR 4545 to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives in the Department of Agriculture all sections. H.R. 4619 to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to create a pilot program to bridge the digital divide by providing vouchers for broadband serviceto eligible students, to increase access to advanced telecommunications and information services for community colleges and head start programs, and to establish a pilot program for discounted electronic books all sections. S 1266 to amend title 23, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Transportation to require that broadband conduit be installed as part of certain highway construction projects all sections. S 2879 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to conduct a pilot program expanding the Lifeline Program to include broadband service all sections. S 2880 to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives in the Department of Agriculture all sections. Cyber Security: HR 4061 to advance cybersecurity research, development, and technical standards all sections. S 773, to ensure the continued free flow of commerce within the United States and with its global trading partners through secure cyber communications, to provide for the continued development and exploitation of the Internet and intranet communications for such purposes, to provide for the development of a cadre of information technology specialists to improve and maintain effective cybersecurity defenses against disruption all sections. General: HR 400, to prevent the granting of regulatory forbearance by default all sections. HR 4829 to amend the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to enhance and promote the Nation's public safety and citizen activated emergency response capabilities through the use of 9-1-1 services, to further upgrade public safety answering point capabilities and related functions in receiving 9-1-1 calls, and to support in the construction and operation of a ubiquitous and reliable citizen activated system all sections. S 3115 to amend the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to enhance and promote the Nation's public safety and citizen activated emergency response capabilities through the use of 9-1-1 services, to further upgrade public safety answering point capabilities and related functions in receiving 9-1-1 calls, and to support in the construction and operation of a ubiquitous and reliable citizen activated system - all sections. Net Neutrality: HR 3458 to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a national broadband policy, safeguard consumer rights, spur investment and innovation - all sections. Spectrum: HR 3019 to amend the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to improve the process of reallocation of spectrum from Federal government uses to commercial uses all sections. HR 3125 to require an inventory of radio spectrum bands managed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission all sections. S 649 to require an inventory of radio spectrum bands managed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission all sections. Technology: HR 3413 to authorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the Department of Commerce to make grants for the establishment of information technology centers in rural areas all sections. Universal Service: Concepts for modifying the federal universal service program and draft legislative concepts that Representatives Rick Boucher and Lee Terry are considering all sections. HR 2135 to amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Anti-Deficiency Act all sections. HR 3646 to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a Lifeline Assistance Program for universal broadband adoption all sections. S 348 to amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Anti-Deficiency Act all sections. S 2879 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to conduct a pilot program expanding the Lifeline Program to include broadband service all sections. Video: No bills but pursued hearings and other action regarding the Comcast/NBCU merger based on the premise that the FCC and DOJ should premise any such merger upon conditions to protect the public interest.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period the association did not lobby on any specific bill of this nature but did discuss related concepts.

The association monitors and responds to policy issues that impact its members. During the reporting period the association discussed small business operational issues that confront NTCAs small rural communications provider members. No particular piece of legislation was advocated during such discussions.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that will impact the operations of rural telecommunications providers, their consumers, and/or the association. The associations underlying interest is maintaining a commitment to pursuing a policy environment that allows the associations members to continue effectively serving rural economically challenging markets. The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, regarding introduced measures the association focused on the following: Broadband: The broadband provisions of the economic stimulus legislation outlined above in the BUD issue section. HR 3458 to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a national broadband policy, safeguard consumer rights, spur investment and innovation all sections. HR 3924 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission from further regulating the Internet all sections. S 1836 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission from further regulating the Internet all sections. Caller ID: HR 1110 to amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent caller ID spoofing all sections. S 30 to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit manipulation of caller identification information all sections. Cyber Security: HRes 797 expressing the sense of Congress with respect to raising awareness and enhancing the state of cyber security in the United States, and supporting the goals and ideals of the sixth annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month all sections. SRes 285 supporting the goals and ideals of national cybersecurity awareness month and raising awareness and enhancing the State of cybersecurity in the United States all sections. S 773, to ensure the continued free flow of commerce within the United States and with its global trading partners through secure cyber communications, to provide for the continued development and exploitation of the Internet and intranet communications for such purposes, to provide for the development of a cadre of information technology specialists to improve and maintain effective cybersecurity defenses against disruption all sections. Net Neutrality: HR 3458 to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a national broadband policy, safeguard consumer rights, spur investment and innovation all sections. Satellite: HR 2994 to reauthorize the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reauthorization Act of 2004 all sections S 1670 to reform and modernize the limitations on exclusive rights relating to secondary transmissions of certain signals all sections. S 2764 to reauthorize the Satellite Home Viewer Extension and Reuathorization Act of 2004 all sections. Spectrum: HR 3019 to amend the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to improve the process of reallocation of spectrum from Federal government uses to commercial uses all sections. HR 3125 to require an inventory of radio spectrum bands managed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission all sections. S 649 to require an inventory of radio spectrum bands managed by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Federal Communications Commission all sections. Technology: HR 3413 to authorize the National Telecommunications and Information Administration of the Department of Commerce to make grants for the establishment of information technology centers in rural areas all sections. Universal Service: Concepts for modifying the federal universal service program and draft legislative concepts that Representatives Rick Boucher and Lee Terry are considering all sections. HR 3646 to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a Lifeline Assistance Program for universal broadband adoption all sections. S 348 & HR 2135 to amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Anti-Deficiency Act all sections. S 2879 to direct the Federal Communications Commission to conduct a pilot program expanding the Lifeline Program to include broadband service all sections. S 2880 to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband Initiatives in the Department of Agriculture all sections. HR 3646 to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a Lifeline Assistance Program for universal broadband adoption all sections. Video: HR 1084 to require the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe a standard to preclude commercials from being broadcast at louder volumes than the program material they accompany all sections. HR 3216 to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to permit the retransmission of signals of local television broadcast stations in an adjacent underserved county all

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. For example, the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period NTCA focused particular attention on the following: Broadband Stimulus Initiatives: P.L. 111-5 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, All sections of the law relating to the Broadband Grant and Loan elements under the NTIA, RUS, and FCC Specifically Division A, Titles I, II, & XVI, and Division B, Titles I, III, & VI. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Operations and Programs: HR 3170 and S 1432, & PL 111-117 to make appropriations for financial services and general government and related agencies (FCC) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010. Note: Latest Conference Report: 111-366 (in Congressional Record H13631-14080, H14081-14369). Note: The conference report on the bill includes provisions for six of the seven FY2010 appropriations: Transportation-HUD; Commerce-Justice-Science; Financial Services; Labor-HHS; Military Construction-VA; and State-Foreign Operations See FCC Title. National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Operations & Programs: HR 2847, Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies (NTIA) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010. Note: Pursuant to H.Res. 976, the House modified the Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations Act, 2010, H.R. 2847, substituting the "Jobs for Main Street Act, 2010" as Division A of the Act and the "Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2009" as Division B. The bill became Public Law 111-117 and thus (Regular appropriations for FY2010 for activities funded in the C-J-S Appropriations Act were included in this Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010; see Division B of P.L. 111-117 - NTIA Title.) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Operations & Programs: HR 2997, S 1406 & PL 111-80 to make appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies (RUS) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010 RUS Title.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner. During the reporting period the association contacted policymakers about the following measures: Estate Taxes: HR 3905 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the 1-year termination of the estate tax, to increase the estate and gift tax unified credit, and to coordinate a reduction in the maximum rate of tax with a phaseout of the deduction for State death taxes all sections. HR 4154 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the new carryover basis rules in order to prevent tax increases and the imposition of compliance burdens on many more estates than would benefit from repeal, to retain the estate tax with a $3,500,000 exemption, to reinstitute and update the Pay-As-You-Go requirement of budget neutrality on new tax and mandatory spending legislation, enforced by the threat of annual, automatic sequestration, and for other purposes all sections.

The association monitors and responds to policy issues that impact the ability of its members to comply with the Sarbanes Oxley corporate responsibility law and related regulations. During the reporting period the association discussed compliance aspects of this law as well as other small business operational issues that confront NTCAs small rural communications provider members. Aside from the ARRA law noted in the BUD section above, no particular piece of legislation was advocated during such discussions.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period the association did not specifically lobby on any introduced measures in this category.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. For example, the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period NTCA focused particular attention on the following: Broadband Stimulus Initiatives: P.L. 111-5 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, All sections of the law relating to the Broadband Grant and Loan elements under the NTIA, RUS, and FCC Specifically Division A, Titles I, II, & XVI, and Division B, Titles I, III, & VI. FCC Operations & Policies: HR 3170 and S 1432, Making appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, Title V FCC. RUS Operations & Programs: HR 2997 and S 1406 to make appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, Title III RUS.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner. During the reporting period the association did not specifically lobby on any introduced measures in this category.

The association monitors and responds to policy issues that impact the ability of its members to comply with the Sarbanes Oxley corporate responsibility law and related regulations. During the reporting period the association discussed compliance aspects of this law as well as other small business operational issues that confront NTCAs small rural communications provider members. Aside from the ARRA law noted in the BUD section above, no particular piece of legislation was focused on during such discussions.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the association contacted officials about the following measures: Health Care Coverage: Unnumbered Senate Finance Committees Americas Healthy Future Act to make quality, affordable health care available to all Americans all sections. S 1679 to make quality, affordable health care available to all Americans, reduce costs, improve health care quality, enhance disease prevention, and strengthen the health care workforce all sections. HR 3200 to provide affordable, quality health care for all Americans and reduce the growth in health care spending all sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period the association did not specifically lobby on any introduced measures in this category.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the association did not focus particular attention on introduced bills on this subject.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the association did not focus particular attention on introduced bills on this subject.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period the association did not specifically lobby on any introduced measures in this category.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner. During the reporting period the association focused on the following: Telecommunications Taxes S 47, S 71, HR 2203, HR 3011 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services all sections. S 144 & HR 690 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove cell phones from listed property under section 280F all sections. HR 1560 to make the moratorium on Internet access taxes and multiple and discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce permanent all sections.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. For example, the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, NTCA focused particular attention on the following: Broadband Stimulus Initiatives: P.L. 111-5 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, All sections of the law relating to the Broadband Grant and Loan elements under the NTIA, RUS, and FCC Specifically Division A, Titles I, II, & XVI, and Division B, Titles I, III, & VI. FCC Operations & Policies: HR 3170 and S 1432, Making appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, Title V FCC. RUS Operations & Programs: HR 2997 and S 1406 to make appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, Title III RUS. NTIA Operations & Programs: H.R. 2847 Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, Title I, NTIA.

The association monitors and responds to policy issues that impact the ability of its members to comply with the Sarbanes Oxley corporate responsibility law and related regulations. During the reporting period the association discussed compliance aspects of this law with various policymakers but did not focus on any particular piece of legislation.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the association lobbied on both concepts that were under discussion, as well as the following: H.R. 859 -To encourage the development of small business cooperatives for healthcare options to improve coverage (CHOICE) including through a small business CHOICE tax credit - all sections.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the association did not focus particular attention on introduced bills on this subject.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue providing its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the association did not lobby specifically on any introduced measures in this category, only on concepts that were under discussion.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact the ability of its members to function in an operationally sound and successful manner. During the reporting period the association focused on the following: Telecommunications Taxes S 47, S 71, HR 2203, HR 3011 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services all sections. S 144 & HR 690 to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to remove cell phones from listed property under section 280F all sections. HR 1560 to make the moratorium on Internet access taxes and multiple and discriminatory taxes on electronic commerce permanent all sections.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. For example, the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period, NTCA focused particular attention on the following: Broadband Stimulus Initiatives: P.L. 111-5 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, All sections of the law relating to the Broadband Grant and Loan elements under the NTIA, RUS, and FCC Specifically Division A, Titles I, II, & XVI, and Division B, Titles I, III, & VI. FCC Operations & Policies: HR 3170 and S 1432, Making appropriations for financial services and general government for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, Title V FCC. RUS Operations & Programs: HR 2997 and S 1406 to make appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, Title III RUS. NTIA Operations & Programs: H.R. 2847 Making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce and Justice, and Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, Title I, NTIA.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period the association did not specifically lobby on any introduced measures in this category.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that will impact the operations of rural telecommunications providers, their consumers, and/or the association. The associations underlying interest is maintaining a commitment to pursuing a policy environment that allows the associations members to continue effectively serving rural economically challenging markets. The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. During the reporting period, regarding introduced measures the association focused on the following: Broadband: The broadband provisions of the economic stimulus legislation outlined above in the BUD issue section. Universal Service: Concepts for modifying the federal universal service program and draft legislative concepts that Representatives Rick Boucher and Lee Terry are considering. DTV Transition: H.R.661 - A bill to provide additional coupons for the digital-to-analog converter box program and to expedite delivery of coupons under such program all sections. H.R.681 A bill to amend the Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 and the Communications Act of 1934 to establish a new digital television transition date, to improve the digital-to-analog converter box program, and for other purposes all sections S.352 - A bill to postpone the DTV transition date all sections.

The association monitors initiatives tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. During the reporting period the association did not specifically lobby on any introduced measures in this category.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies, and their respective policies, that have jurisdiction over rural telecommunications matters. For example, the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Rural Utilities Service, and the budget, programs, and policies of each. During the reporting period NTCA focused particular attention on the following: Broadband and COBRA Benefits H.R. 1 A bill making supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2009 -- ie, the economic stimulus bill. We also focused on other variations of the bill including S. 336 and S. 1, and its final public law form P.L. 5. Our emphasis was on the measures broadband stimulus provisions located in Division A, Titles I, II, & XVI, and Division B , Title VI, and on its Premium Assistance For Cobra Benefits provisions in Division B, Title III.

The association monitors and reacts to policy concepts that may impact its ability to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees, and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the association did not focus particular attention on introduced bills on this subject.