HERB SMITH

Lobbied Against VA staff reductions and removal of vacant positions. Lobbied against H.R. 9237/S. 4744, the Take Care of Americas Veterans Act, Which further privatizes the VA, moves psychologist from hybrid to full title 38 and pays for new benefits for veterans by cutting other veteran benefits. Lobbied in support of provisions in S. 3466 Honor Our Promise to Veterans Act of 2025 that would make VA telehealth primary, equalize standards between private VA providers and the VA and restore VA telework. Lobbied against a provision in S. 3466 Honor Our Promise to Veterans Act of 2025 that would move psychologist from hybrid to full title 38. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied in favor of S. 5592 Veterans Crisis Line Support and Safety Act protecting Veteran Crises Line workers and veterans from abusive callers tying up the hotline by taking away time for legitimate callers. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550/S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6015/S. 3174, the VA Care and Benefits Accountability Act, Lobbied in support of H.R. 6014/S. 2196, the Right to Representation for Department of Veterans Affairs Workers Act of 2025, Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7950, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs in the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7480/S. 3823, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support H.R. 3226, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8010, the VA Police Recruitment and Retention Act of 2026. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7948, the VA Employee Family Care Expansion Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8041, the Supporting VA Families Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 8052, the Veteran Infection Prevention Act. Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams) Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied for changes to draft legislation related to the use of Artificial Intelligence in the VBA claims process. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Lobbied to highlight general process and production issues facing Board Attorneys. AFGE Local Vice President Matt Leffler was scheduled to testify before the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee hearing on July 21, 2026 titled Failure at the Front Gate: Examining VA Police and Security Deficiencies. This hearing was cancelled, but the written testimony was submitted to the committee repository. Submitted a Statement for the Recor for a July 13, 2026 House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Technology Modernization hearing on PACT Act Implementation: Modernizing VA Disability Claims Through Effective Technology.

Lobbied the House and Senate in support of the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act (H.R. 5870 / S. 4632) that would implement an automatic continuing resolution on rolling 14-day periods, based on the most current spending levels enacted in the previous fiscal year. Lobbied in support of S. 3012, the Shutdown Fairness Act, to ensure essential federal workers, active-duty military, and some contractors receive pay and benefits during a government shutdown, rather than waiting until it ends

No issues to report this quarter.

Lobbied Congress in support of S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied against budget cuts to Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) full-time staffing given current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against budget cuts that lead to staffing cuts at the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against elimination, consolidation, reductions in force and budget cuts to the Beltsville Agricultural Research Service and FSIS positions across the country. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs. Lobbied in opposition to increased line speed proposed rule. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7137 / S. 3068, the Shutdown Fairness Act. Lobbied in opposition to relocation of USDA facilities Lobbied in support of Prevent Government Shutdowns Act

Provided information to Senate and House offices regarding USCIS.

Nothing to report this quarter

Lobbied Congress in support of S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied against massive budget cuts and reductions in force (RIFs) and termination of probationary employees at U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Lobbied opposing cuts to USAID in rescissions bill. Lobbied against any potential RIF at US Agency for Global Media (USAGM). Lobbied against termination of probationary employees and elimination of the Voice of America at USAGM. Lobbied in opposition to USAID being eliminated. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7137 / S. 3068, the Shutdown Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of reinstatement of USAID and State Department employees

Lobbied on H.R. 8870, the Building Unrivaled Infrastructure and Long-term Development for Americas 250th (BUILD America) Act. Lobbied for reclassifications of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Railroad Safety Inspectors to be competitive with private industry in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 971) Lobbied in support of S. 5450, legislation that would adjust FRA rail safety inspections General Schedule classification. Lobbied for increased funding for railroad safety inspectors to 400 inspectors and to add new staff to carry out multidisciplinary safety audits. This represents all inspectors in Occupational Series GS-2121, including specialties of hazardous materials, motive power and equipment, operating practices, signal and train control and track inspectors as well as the grade crossing and trespasser outreach inspectors which are not in the series. Lobbied to end the hiring freeze for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lock and dam operators.

Lobbied for funding, staffing and protection of collective bargaining rights for DOL employees. Lobbied in support for NCFLL priorities including heat and cold exposure workplace safety protections. Lobbied Congress in support of S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7137 / S. 3068, the Shutdown Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of DHS pay. Lobbied in support of increased DOL funding and staffing levels. Lobbied in support of Prevent Government Shutdowns Act Lobbied in support of Department of Labor health and safety access during extreme heat and cold incidents

Lobbied Congress in support of S. 2873, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied in opposition to massive cuts to budget and staffing at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Lobbied in opposition to significant reduction in force and elimination of the Office of Research and Development (ORD). Lobbied in opposition to cuts in funding for EPA. Lobbied in support of inclusion of language in House and Senate appropriations bills including language to retain staff, funding and resources at ORD. Lobbied in opposition to cuts to funding and staffing, relocation and closure of EPA regional offices. Lobbied in opposition to cuts to funding and staffing at the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Lobbied in opposition to 139 EPA employees put on administrative leave for signing a letter to EPA Administrator Zeldin opposing cuts to employees and administrative budget and functions. Lobbied in support of strong language to support the Office of Research and Development at EPA in Senate Appropriations report language. Lobbied in support of National Science Foundation employees and opposed cuts to staffing and budget and retaliatory practices. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs. Lobbied in support of increased funding and staffing for EPA employees. Lobbied in opposition to RIFs of EPA employees working on Environmental Justice work. Lobbied in opposition to closure of office of research and development. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7137/S. 3068 the Shutdown Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of USGS increased funding and staffing.

Lobbied Congress in support of S. 2837 the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions Lobbied in opposition to RIFs, termination of probationary employees, relocation and closure of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) facilities. Lobbied to oppose closure of HUD facilities and transfer to National Science Foundation (NSF) facilities without adequate consultation with unions. Lobbied on relocation of HUD HQ from D.C. to Virginia Lobbied to oppose closure and consolidation of HUD offices and cuts to funding and reductions in force. Lobbied in opposition to retaliation against employees with disabilities and employees with reasonable accommodation. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7137/S. 30168 the Shutdown Fairness Act Lobbied in support of Prevent Government Shutdowns Act Lobbied in support of Green New Deal for Housing

Lobbied in opposition to the closure and consolidation of USDA facilities. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied against cuts to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) budget. Lobbied against closure, relocation, reductions in force (RIFs) and budget cuts to the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs. Lobbied in support of the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act

Staffing: Lobbied against use of contractors to replace VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Program Efficiency: Lobbied in support of the H.R.4077 Guarantee Utilization of All Reimbursements for Delivery of (GUARD) Veterans' Health Care Act, which closes a loophole that allows private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to collect premiums for health care while veterans receive free or low-cost care through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), with taxpayers footing the bill twice. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community CareProgram. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550/S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams) Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Lobbied for changes to draft legislation related to the use of Artificial Intelligence in the VBA claims process. Lobbed in support of Ramirez Amendment #1 (amendment in the nature of a substitute) to H.R. 3951, to affirm the right of VA Employees to collectively bargain. On July 22, 2025, AFGE testified before the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversights and investigations at a hearing titled Counting the Money: Preventing Fraud and Abuse in VAs Bonus Payment Practices for VA Employees.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in opposition to augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 378 and S. 83, the "Thin Blue Line Act," which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1556 and S. 718, "Eric's Law," which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2027 and S. 298 the Return SBA to Mainstreet Act to relocate 30% of the Small Business Administration's (SBA) headquarters staff and office space from Washington, D.C., to another location in the United States. Lobbied in support of S. 736, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act, introduced by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to crack down on the smuggling of contraband cellphones into federal prisons by upgrading the charge for such smuggling from a misdemeanor offense to a felony. Lobbied in opposition to removal of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioners. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect America's Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied Congress on the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (H.R. 3838). Lobbied Congress on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (S. 2296). Lobbied in support of House NDAA Amendment Log 5206 that would not authorize funds to be appropriated to implement Executive Order 14251. Lobbied opposing Amendment #1146 to the H.R. 3838, the House National Defense Authorization Act, that would strike Section 1110 in the bill. Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 1995/S. 905, the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act,. Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 759, the Federal Firefighters Families First Act. Lobbied is support of U.S. Code Title 10, Section 129a, General policy for total force management. Lobbied in support of incentives and policies in support of domestic shipbuilding. Lobbied in support of the Department of Defenses right to repair military equipment by requiring DOD agencies to only enter procurement contractors if the contractor agrees to provide fair and reasonable access to repair materials. Lobbied opposing efforts to privatize Department of Defense commissary services. Lobbied opposing Reductions in Force (RIFs) to civilian Department of Defense employees. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions.

Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied against budget cuts to Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) full-time staffing given current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against budget cuts that lead to staffing cuts at the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against elimination, consolidation, reductions in force and budget cuts to the Beltsville Agricultural Research Service and FSIS positions across the country. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied against massive budget cuts and reductions in force and termination of probationary employees at U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Lobbied opposing cuts to USAID in rescissions bill. Lobbied against any potential RIF at USAGM. Lobbied against termination of probationary employees and elimination of the Voice of America at USAGM. Lobbied in opposition to USAID being eliminated.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies, including several DHS agencies, including USCIS. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers

Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 862/S. 1483, the TSA Commuting Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1159, the Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act. Lobbied in support of S. 1691, the Traveler Privacy Protection Act. Lobbied against S. 1180, the Abolish TSA Act. Lobbied against RIFs and termination of probationary employees at FEMA.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837 the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions Lobbied in opposition to RIFs, termination of probationary employees, relocation and closure of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) facilities. Lobbied to oppose closure of HUD facilities and transfer to National Science Foundation (NSF) facilities without adequate consultation with unions. Lobbied to oppose closure and consolidation of HUD offices and cuts to funding and reductions in force. Lobbied in opposition to retaliation against employees with disabilities and employees with reasonable accommodation. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied for funding, staffing and protection of collective bargaining rights for DOL employees. Lobbied in support for NCFLL priorities including heat and cold exposure workplace safety protections. Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2873, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied in opposition to massive cuts to budget and staffing at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Lobbied in opposition to significant reduction in force and elimination of the Office of Research and Development (ORD). Lobbied in support of inclusion of language in House and Senate appropriations bills including language to retain staff, funding and resources at ORD. Lobbied in opposition to cuts to funding and staffing, relocation and closure of EPA regional offices. Lobbied in opposition to cuts to funding and staffing at the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Lobbied in opposition to 139 EPA employees put on administrative leave for signing a letter to EPA Administrator Zeldin opposing cuts to employees and administrative budget and functions. Lobbied in support of strong language to support the Office of Research and Development at EPA in Senate Appropriations report language. Lobbied in support of National Science Foundation employees and opposed cuts to staffing and budget and retaliatory practices. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2738, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied for reclassifications of Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Railroad Safety Inspectors to be competitive with private industry in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 971) Lobbied for increased funding for railroad safety inspectors to 400 inspectors and to add new staff to carry out multidisciplinary safety audits. This represents all inspectors in Occupational Series GS-2121, including specialties of hazardous materials, motive power and equipment, operating practices, signal and train control and track inspectors as well as the grade crossing and trespasser outreach inspectors which are not in the series. Lobbied in support of adequate funding and staffing and support for NIOSH workers. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in opposition to the closure of FCI Terminal Island in Los Angeles, CA. Lobbied in opposition to augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 378 and S. 83, the "Thin Blue Line Act," which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1556 and S. 718, "Eric's Law," which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2027 and S. 298 the Return SBA to Mainstreet Act to relocate 30% of the Small Business Administration's (SBA) headquarters staff and office space from Washington, D.C., to another location in the United States. Lobbied in support of S. 736, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act, introduced by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to crack down on the smuggling of contraband cellphones into federal prisons by upgrading the charge for such smuggling from a misdemeanor offense to a felony. Lobbied in opposition to removal of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioners. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIF

Lobbied Congress on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (S. 1071). Lobbied in opposition to H.Res. 936, the closed rule to provide for consideration of S. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2026. Lobbied Congress on the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (H.R. 3838). Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5371 Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Extensions Act, 2026. Lobbied Congress in support of the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, H.R. 1995/S. 905). Lobbied Congress in support of the Federal Firefighters Families First Act (H.R. 759). Lobbied is support of U.S. Code Title 10, Section 129a, General policy for total force management. Lobbied in support of incentives and policies in support of domestic shipbuilding. Lobbied in support of the Department of Defenses right to repair military equipment by requiring DOD agencies to only enter procurement contractors if the contractor agrees to provide fair and reasonable access to repair materials. Lobbied opposing efforts to privatize Department of Defense commissary services. Lobbied opposing Reductions in Force (RIFs) to civilian Department of Defense employees. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions.

Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied against budget cuts to Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) full-time staffing given current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against budget cuts that lead to staffing cuts at the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against elimination, consolidation, reductions in force and budget cuts to the Beltsville Agricultural Research Service and FSIS positions across the country. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied against massive budget cuts and reductions in force (RIFs) and termination of probationary employees at U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Lobbied opposing cuts to USAID in rescissions bill. Lobbied against any potential RIF at US Agency for Global Media (USAGM). Lobbied against termination of probationary employees and elimination of the Voice of America at USAGM Lobbied in opposition to USAID being eliminated. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies, including several DHS agencies, including USCIS. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers

Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5371 Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Extensions Act, 2026. Lobbied in support of H.R. 862/S. 1483, the TSA Commuting Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1159, the Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act. Lobbied in support of S. 1691, the Traveler Privacy Protection Act. Lobbied against S. 1180, the Abolish TSA Act. Lobbied against RIFs and termination of probationary employees at FEMA.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837 the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions Lobbied in opposition to RIFs, termination of probationary employees, relocation and closure of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) facilities. Lobbied to oppose closure of HUD facilities and transfer to National Science Foundation (NSF) facilities without adequate consultation with unions. Lobbied to oppose closure and consolidation of HUD offices and cuts to funding and reductions in force. Lobbied in opposition to retaliation against employees with disabilities and employees with reasonable accommodation. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Staffing: Lobbied against use of contractors to replace VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Program Efficiency: Lobbied in support of the H.R.4077 Guarantee Utilization of All Reimbursements for Delivery of (GUARD) Veterans' Health Care Act, which closes a loophole that allows private Medicare Advantage (MA) plans to collect premiums for health care while veterans receive free or low-cost care through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), with taxpayers footing the bill twice. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community CareProgram. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550/S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams) Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Lobbied for changes to draft legislation related to the use of Artificial Intelligence in the VBA claims process. Lobbed in support of Ramirez Amendment #1 (amendment in the nature of a substitute) to H.R. 3951, to affirm the right of VA Employees to collectively bargain. On July 22, 2025, AFGE testified before the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversights and investigations at a hearing titled Counting the Money: Preventing Fraud and Abuse in VAs Bonus Payment Practices for VA Employees.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in opposition to augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 378 and S. 83, the "Thin Blue Line Act," which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1556 and S. 718, "Eric's Law," which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2027 and S. 298 the Return SBA to Mainstreet Act to relocate 30% of the Small Business Administration's (SBA) headquarters staff and office space from Washington, D.C., to another location in the United States. Lobbied in support of S. 736, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act, introduced by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to crack down on the smuggling of contraband cellphones into federal prisons by upgrading the charge for such smuggling from a misdemeanor offense to a felony. Lobbied in opposition to removal of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioners. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect America's Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied Congress on the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (H.R. 3838). Lobbied Congress on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (S. 2296). Lobbied in support of House NDAA Amendment Log 5206 that would not authorize funds to be appropriated to implement Executive Order 14251. Lobbied opposing Amendment #1146 to the H.R. 3838, the House National Defense Authorization Act, that would strike Section 1110 in the bill. Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 1995/S. 905, the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act,. Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 759, the Federal Firefighters Families First Act. Lobbied is support of U.S. Code Title 10, Section 129a, General policy for total force management. Lobbied in support of incentives and policies in support of domestic shipbuilding. Lobbied in support of the Department of Defenses right to repair military equipment by requiring DOD agencies to only enter procurement contractors if the contractor agrees to provide fair and reasonable access to repair materials. Lobbied opposing efforts to privatize Department of Defense commissary services. Lobbied opposing Reductions in Force (RIFs) to civilian Department of Defense employees. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions.

Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied against budget cuts to Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) full-time staffing given current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against budget cuts that lead to staffing cuts at the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against elimination, consolidation, reductions in force and budget cuts to the Beltsville Agricultural Research Service and FSIS positions across the country. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied against massive budget cuts and reductions in force and termination of probationary employees at U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Lobbied opposing cuts to USAID in rescissions bill. Lobbied against any potential RIF at USAGM. Lobbied against termination of probationary employees and elimination of the Voice of America at USAGM. Lobbied in opposition to USAID being eliminated.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies, including several DHS agencies, including USCIS. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers

Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 862/S. 1483, the TSA Commuting Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1159, the Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act. Lobbied in support of S. 1691, the Traveler Privacy Protection Act. Lobbied against S. 1180, the Abolish TSA Act. Lobbied against RIFs and termination of probationary employees at FEMA.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837 the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions Lobbied in opposition to RIFs, termination of probationary employees, relocation and closure of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) facilities. Lobbied to oppose closure of HUD facilities and transfer to National Science Foundation (NSF) facilities without adequate consultation with unions. Lobbied to oppose closure and consolidation of HUD offices and cuts to funding and reductions in force. Lobbied in opposition to retaliation against employees with disabilities and employees with reasonable accommodation. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837 the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions Lobbied in opposition to RIFs, termination of probationary employees, relocation and closure of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) facilities. Lobbied to oppose closure of HUD facilities and transfer to National Science Foundation (NSF) facilities without adequate consultation with unions. Lobbied to oppose closure and consolidation of HUD offices and cuts to funding and reductions in force. Lobbied in opposition to retaliation against employees with disabilities and employees with reasonable accommodation. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied for funding, staffing and protection of collective bargaining rights for DOL employees. Lobbied in support for NCFLL priorities including heat and cold exposure workplace safety protections. Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2873, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied in opposition to massive cuts to budget and staffing at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Lobbied in opposition to significant reduction in force and elimination of the Office of Research and Development (ORD). Lobbied in support of inclusion of language in House and Senate appropriations bills including language to retain staff, funding and resources at ORD. Lobbied in opposition to cuts to funding and staffing, relocation and closure of EPA regional offices. Lobbied in opposition to cuts to funding and staffing at the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Lobbied in opposition to 139 EPA employees put on administrative leave for signing a letter to EPA Administrator Zeldin opposing cuts to employees and administrative budget and functions. Lobbied in support of strong language to support the Office of Research and Development at EPA in Senate Appropriations report language. Lobbied in support of National Science Foundation employees and opposed cuts to staffing and budget and retaliatory practices. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied in opposition to the closure and consolidation of USDA facilities. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied against cuts to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) budget. Lobbied against closure, relocation, reductions in force (RIFs) and budget cuts to the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied the House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied the House and Senate in support of H.R. 5371, the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, to maintain funding of government agencies in the absence of a full year FY26 appropriations package. Lobbied in support of S. 3012, the Shutdown Fairness Act, to ensure essential federal workers, active-duty military, and some contractors receive pay and benefits during a government shutdown, rather than waiting until it ends.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in opposition to the closure of FCI Terminal Island in Los Angeles, CA. Lobbied in opposition to augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 378 and S. 83, the "Thin Blue Line Act," which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1556 and S. 718, "Eric's Law," which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2027 and S. 298 the Return SBA to Mainstreet Act to relocate 30% of the Small Business Administration's (SBA) headquarters staff and office space from Washington, D.C., to another location in the United States. Lobbied in support of S. 736, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act, introduced by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to crack down on the smuggling of contraband cellphones into federal prisons by upgrading the charge for such smuggling from a misdemeanor offense to a felony. Lobbied in opposition to removal of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioners. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIF

Lobbied Congress on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (S. 1071). Lobbied in opposition to H.Res. 936, the closed rule to provide for consideration of S. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2026. Lobbied Congress on the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (H.R. 3838). Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5371 Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and Extensions Act, 2026. Lobbied Congress in support of the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, H.R. 1995/S. 905). Lobbied Congress in support of the Federal Firefighters Families First Act (H.R. 759). Lobbied is support of U.S. Code Title 10, Section 129a, General policy for total force management. Lobbied in support of incentives and policies in support of domestic shipbuilding. Lobbied in support of the Department of Defenses right to repair military equipment by requiring DOD agencies to only enter procurement contractors if the contractor agrees to provide fair and reasonable access to repair materials. Lobbied opposing efforts to privatize Department of Defense commissary services. Lobbied opposing Reductions in Force (RIFs) to civilian Department of Defense employees. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions.

Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied against budget cuts to Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) full-time staffing given current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against budget cuts that lead to staffing cuts at the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against elimination, consolidation, reductions in force and budget cuts to the Beltsville Agricultural Research Service and FSIS positions across the country. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied against massive budget cuts and reductions in force (RIFs) and termination of probationary employees at U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Lobbied opposing cuts to USAID in rescissions bill. Lobbied against any potential RIF at US Agency for Global Media (USAGM). Lobbied against termination of probationary employees and elimination of the Voice of America at USAGM Lobbied in opposition to USAID being eliminated. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies, including several DHS agencies, including USCIS. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers

Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 862/S. 1483, the TSA Commuting Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1159, the Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act. Lobbied in support of S. 1691, the Traveler Privacy Protection Act. Lobbied against S. 1180, the Abolish TSA Act. Lobbied against RIFs and termination of probationary employees at FEMA.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837 the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions Lobbied in opposition to RIFs, termination of probationary employees, relocation and closure of Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) facilities. Lobbied to oppose closure of HUD facilities and transfer to National Science Foundation (NSF) facilities without adequate consultation with unions. Lobbied to oppose closure and consolidation of HUD offices and cuts to funding and reductions in force. Lobbied in opposition to retaliation against employees with disabilities and employees with reasonable accommodation. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied for funding, staffing and protection of collective bargaining rights for Department of Labor employees. Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied to prevent new line speed waivers and reduce existing waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied against cuts to FSIS's budget. Lobbied against closure, relocation, reductions in force and budget cuts to the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied the House and Senate support of a continuing resolution to maintain funding of government agencies in the absence of a full year FY26 appropriations package.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in opposition to augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 378 and S. 83, the "Thin Blue Line Act," which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1556 and S. 718, "Eric's Law," which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2027 and S. 298 the Return SBA to Mainstreet Act to relocate 30% of the Small Business Administration's (SBA) headquarters staff and office space from Washington, D.C., to another location in the United States. Lobbied in support of S. 736, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act, introduced by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to crack down on the smuggling of contraband cellphones into federal prisons by upgrading the charge for such smuggling from a misdemeanor offense to a felony. Lobbied in opposition to removal of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioners. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect America's Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied Congress on the Streamlining Procurement for Effective Execution and Delivery and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (H.R. 3838). Lobbied Congress on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (S. 2296). Lobbied in support of House NDAA Amendment Log 5206 that would not authorize funds to be appropriated to implement Executive Order 14251. Lobbied opposing Amendment #1146 to the H.R. 3838, the House National Defense Authorization Act, that would strike Section 1110 in the bill. Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 1995/S. 905, the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act,. Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 759, the Federal Firefighters Families First Act. Lobbied is support of U.S. Code Title 10, Section 129a, General policy for total force management. Lobbied in support of incentives and policies in support of domestic shipbuilding. Lobbied in support of the Department of Defenses right to repair military equipment by requiring DOD agencies to only enter procurement contractors if the contractor agrees to provide fair and reasonable access to repair materials. Lobbied opposing efforts to privatize Department of Defense commissary services. Lobbied opposing Reductions in Force (RIFs) to civilian Department of Defense employees. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions.

Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied against budget cuts to Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) full-time staffing given current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against budget cuts that lead to staffing cuts at the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against elimination, consolidation, reductions in force and budget cuts to the Beltsville Agricultural Research Service and FSIS positions across the country. Lobbied against government shutdown and RIFs.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied against massive budget cuts and reductions in force and termination of probationary employees at U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Lobbied opposing cuts to USAID in rescissions bill. Lobbied against any potential RIF at USAGM. Lobbied against termination of probationary employees and elimination of the Voice of America at USAGM. Lobbied in opposition to USAID being eliminated.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies, including several DHS agencies, including USCIS. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550 / S. 2837, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied Congress on the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. Lobbied Congress in support of the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, H.R. 1995/S. 905. Lobbied Congress in support of the Federal Firefighters Families First Act (H.R. 759). Lobbied is support of U.S. Code Title 10, Section 129a, General policy for total force management. Lobbied in support of incentives and policies in support of domestic shipbuilding. Lobbied in support of the Department of Defenses right to repair military equipment by requiring DOD agencies to only enter procurement contractors if the contractor agrees to provide fair and reasonable access to repair materials. Lobbied opposing efforts to privatize Department of Defense commissary services. Lobbied opposing Reductions in Force (RIFs) to civilian Department of Defense employees. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies, including several DHS agencies, including USCIS. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies, including several DHS agencies, including USCIS. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rights to pay for 2017 tax cuts.

Lobbied for Lori Chavez DeRemer to be confirmed as the Secretary of Labor. Lobbied for funding, staffing and protection of collective bargaining rights for DOL employees. Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to federal pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 /S. 126, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees twelve weeks of paid leave for instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Lobbied in opposition to significant staffing and budget cuts to DOL including at the Office of Federal Contractor Compliance Programs (OFCCP) Lobbied in support of H.R. 989 to codify Executive Order 11246 titled "Equal Employment Opportunity" and fight to protect the OFCCP. Lobbied to oppose cuts to pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the "Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act" allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to diagnose, prescribe treatment, and certify an injury and the extent of disability for the purpose of compensating federal workers under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA). Lobbied House and Senate Members regarding staffing and funding challenges facing the Social Security Administration. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4734 to prohibit the Social Security Administration from ordering staffing reductions and field offices closures that would jeopardize the efficient delivery of services to retirees, people with disabilities, and survivors. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 opposing provisions that proposed cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rights to pay for tax cuts.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied in opposition to massive cuts to budget and staffing at EPA. Lobbied in opposition to significant reduction in force and elimination of the Office of Research and Development (ORD). Lobbied in opposition to cuts to funding and staffing, relocation and closure of EPA regional offices. Lobbied in opposition to cuts to funding and staffing at the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Lobbied in opposition to 139 EPA employees put on administrative leave for signing a letter to EPA Administrator Zeldin opposing cuts to employees and administrative budget and functions. Lobbied in support of strong language to support the Office of Research and Development at EPA in Senate Appropriations report language. Lobbied in support of NSF employees and opposed cuts to staffing and budget and retaliatory practices.

Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against proposed 80,000 and subsequent 32,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 3944, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026, that would have increased funding for community care by 50%, thereby diverting funding from direct care. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. Scheduling: Lobbied to improve H.R. 3482, the Veterans Community Care Scheduling Improvement Act, which would require VA to create a scheduling program that would allow a scheduler to schedule appointments either within the VA or with a private provider in the Veterans Community Care Program. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act as it relates to VA employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3261, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. Lobbied Members of Congress to urge Secretary Collins to exempt as many VA employees as possible from President Trumps Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs Executive Order 14251. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied against contracting out of VA Disability Exams (C&P Exams). Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 659, the Veterans Law Judge Experience Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2701, the Fallen Servicemembers Religious Heritage Restoration Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3854, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3951, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2025. Testimony and Comments: AFGE member James Swartz testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VA Efforts to Decrease Delays in Veterans Disability Compensation Claims On April 9, 2025. AFGE member LaVawn Green participated in a Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Spotlight forum on May 14, 2025. AFGE sent a letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on Pending Legislation on May 21, 2025. AFGE member Dr. Sheila Elliott participated in a Democratic Steering Committee Field Hearing on June 3, 2025. AFGE submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing on Pending Legislation on June 24, 2025. AFGE sent a letter of endorsement on July 14, 2025 to the cosponsors of the of H.R. 4077/S.2145, the GUARD Veterans Health Care Act, which would allow the VA to bill Medicare Advantage plans for services provided to veterans enrolled in these plans, preventing taxpayers from having to pay twice for veteran care.

Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 opposing provisions that proposed cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace right to pay for tax cuts.

Lobbied in support of the 2025 District of Columbia Local Funds Act (S. 1077) to allow the District to resume spending at FY25 levels.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied to prevent new line speed waivers and reduce existing waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied against cuts to FSIS's budget. Lobbied against closure, relocation, reductions in force and budget cuts to the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA).

Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied against budget cuts to FSIS full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against budget and staffing cuts to the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to modify the beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the "Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act" Lobbied in support of H.R. 2626, the "Pigs and Public Health Act of 2025" Lobbied against elimination, consolidation, reductions in force and budget cuts to the Beltsville Agricultural Research Service and FSIS positions across the country.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied against massive budget cuts and reductions in force and termination of probationary employees at U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Lobbied opposing cuts to USAID in rescissions bill. Lobbied against any potential RIF at USAGM. Lobbied against termination of probationary employees and elimination of the Voice of America at USAGM. Lobbied in opposition to USAID being eliminated.

Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 1 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB and changes to Title 5 workplace rules to pay for the bills tax cuts. Lobbied the House and Senate on H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025, to oppose rescissions to the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the U.S. Department of State and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Lobbied House and Senate appropriators about FY26 appropriations. Lobbied in support of Discharge Petition 6 that would make in order H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied against the nomination of Paul Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel. Lobbied against the nomination Charles Arrington to serve on the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied against S. 854, Risky Research Review Act. Lobbied in support of S. 572, Shadow Wolves Improvement Act. Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupor to be the director of the Office of Personnel Management. Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550 (and lobbied for the introduction of a Senate companion), the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget. Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate and provide back pay to probationary federal employees who were unjustly fired in 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210/S. 511, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174/S. 1597, the Paycheck Protection Act

Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 862/S. 1483, the TSA Commuting Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1159, the Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act. Lobbied in support of S. 1691, the Traveler Privacy Protection Act. Lobbied against RIFs and termination of probationary employees at FEMA. Lobbied against S. 1180, the Abolish TSA Act.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect Americas Workforce Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions. Lobbied in opposition to RIFs, termination of probationary employees, relocation and closure of HUD facilities. Lobbied to oppose closure of HUD facilities and transfer to NSF facilities without adequate consultation with unions. Lobbied to oppose closure and consolidation of HUD offices and cuts to funding and reductions in force. Lobbied in opposition to retaliation against employees with disabilities and employees with reasonable accommodations.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions Lobbied in opposition to RIFs, termination of probationary employees, relocation and closure of HUD facilities. Lobbied to prevent the aggressive expansion of AI in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and ensure there is adequate oversight over existing AI use.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to restore collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies, including several DHS agencies, including USCIS. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts.

Lobbied for Lori Chavez DeRemer to be confirmed as the Secretary of Labor. Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 /S. 126, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees twelve weeks of paid leave for instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Lobbied in support of expanded paid leave for instances of stillbirth. Lobbied in support of expanded paid bereavement leave to cover adult children under 26 years old. Lobbied in opposition to significant staffing and budget cuts to DOL including at the Office of Federal Contractor Compliance Programs (OFCCP) Lobbied in support of H.R. 989 to codify Executive Order 11246 titled "Equal Employment Opportunity" and fight to protect the OFCCP. Lobbied to oppose cuts to pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the "Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act" allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to diagnose, prescribe treatment, and certify an injury and the extent of disability for the purpose of compensating federal workers under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA).

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions Lobbied in opposition to massive cuts to budget and staffing at EPA. Lobbied in opposition to significant reduction in force and elimination of the Office of Research and Development (ORD). Lobbied in opposition to cuts to funding and staffing, relocation and closure of EPA regional offices Lobbied in opposition to cuts to funding and staffing at the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Staffing: Lobbied against termination of probationary VA workers. Lobbied against 80,000 worker Reduction in Force at VA. Lobbied against President Trumps Presidential Memorandum, Return to In-Person Work. Lobbied the Trump Administration to exempt the VA from the Trump Administration Executive Order, Exclusions from Federal Labor-Management Relations Programs. Lobbied for oversight of VA worker exemptions from the federal employee hiring freeze ordered by President Trump. Lobbied in support of S.1068, the Putting Veterans First Act of 2025, which reinstates fired veteran employees, puts limitations on hiring freezes, and creates civil service protections for federal employees. Privatization: Lobbied against H.R. 1972, the Standardizing Treatment and Referral Times Act of 2025, which would establish that the period during which the referral of a veteran to a private provider remains valid begins on the day of the first appointment. This provision allows private providers to skirt timeliness requirements altogether by giving them an indefinite period in which they can provide services. Lobbied against H.R. 740/S. 275, the Veterans Assuring Critical Care Expansions to Support Servicemembers (ACCESS) Act of 2025. AFGE specifically opposes the provisions codifying the access standards, making veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest, and creating a three-year pilot program where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services without referral or preauthorization. Quality: Lobbied against H.R.9438, the "No Wrong Door for Veterans Act," which eliminates the requirement that previous recipients of grants reapplying to the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program show evidence of efficacy. VA Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 472/S. 124, the Restore VA Accountability Act of 2025. Lobbied in support of H.R. 932, the Protecting VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of draft legislation, the VA Correct Compensation Act. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 493/S. 126, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491/S. 624, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 657, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and draft legislation, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Veterans Benefits Administration and Board of Veterans Appeals Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2303, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1578, the Veterans Claims Education Act. Lobbied in support of parts of H.R. 2201, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2137, the Review Every Veterans Claims Act. Provided commentary on H.R. 1741, the Veterans Appeals Transparency Act. Testimony and Comments: AFGE submitted a statement for the record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee titled VA First, Veteran Second: The Biden-Harris Legacy on February 6, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on February 25, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record for the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health for a Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 11, 2025. AFGE submitted a statement for the record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for Hearing on Pending Legislation on March 26, 2025.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692, the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in support of legislation and funding to address exposure to toxic substances including fentanyl, K2 and spice sent through the mail to BoP facilities. Lobbied in opposition to augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 378 and S. 83, the "Thin Blue Line Act," which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1556 and S. 718, "Eric's Law," which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2027 and S. 298 the Return SBA to Mainstreet Act to relocate 30% of SBA from Washington, D.C. to another location in the United States Lobbied in support of S. 736, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act introduced by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to crack down on the smuggling of contraband cellphones into federal prisons by upgrading the charge for such smuggling from a misdemeanor offense to a felony. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the Equal Remedies Act. Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for salaries and expenses (S&E) and buildings and facilities (B&F). Lobbied in opposition to the use of augmentation or reassignment at BOP. Lobbied in support of hiring additional correctional officers. Lobbied in support of increasing Unit Officer Staff at High Security Institutions. Lobbied in opposition to removal of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Commissioners. Lobbied in support of S. 307, the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act introduced by Senator Blackburn (R-TN) and Senator Ossoff (D-GA) to address sexual harassment and sexual assault of Bureau of Prisons staff in prisons.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied Congress in support of the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, H.R. 1995/S. 905. Lobbied Congress in support of the Federal Firefighters Families First Act (H.R. 759). Lobbied in support of incentives and policies in support of domestic shipbuilding. Lobbied opposing Reductions in Force (RIFs) to civilian Department of Defense employees. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions Lobbied in support of H.R. 51, the DC Admissions Act, to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 in the House of Representatives to oppose $1B in cuts to Washington, D.C. budget. Lobbied against overturning DCs home rule.

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied against budget cuts to FSIS full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against budget and staffing cuts to the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the "Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act" Lobbied in support of H.R. 2626, the "Pigs and Public Health Act of 2025"

Lobbied Congress in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind EO to eliminate federal collective bargaining rights. Lobbied against massive budget cuts and reductions in force and termination of probationary employees at U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits in reconciliation instructions Lobbied for the State Department to remove an employee hosting and writing hate content on an extreme hate website. Lobbied for the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to have more employee input on their reorganization proposal and to have increased oversight of hiring practices and improved whistleblower protections. Lobbied against the use of generative AI voices at the USAGM. Lobbied against any potential RIF at USAGM. Lobbied against termination of probationary employees and elimination of the Voice of American at USAGM Lobbied in support of the reintroduction of the State Department Integrity and Transparency Act, to strengthen the State Department by reducing the number of political appointees and creating more civil service positions.

Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1210, the Protecting Taxpayers Wallet Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2249, the Preserving Presidential Management Authority Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2174, the Paycheck Protection Act Lobbied against the confirmation of Russell Vought to be Director, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Scott Kupur to be the director of the Office of Management and Budget Lobbied against the confirmation of Eric M. Ueland to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget Lobbied in support of H.R. 2550, the Protect American Workers Act to rescind the Trump Executive Order eliminating federal collective bargaining rights at several federal agencies. Lobbied the House and Senate on FY 2026 reconciliation opposing cuts to FERS and FEHB to pay for 2017 tax cuts. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 473, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied in support of H.R. 493 and S. 126 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of passage of S. 1077 to prevent massive budget cuts to D.C. budget Lobbied in support of amendments to the House and Senate budget resolutions to restore collective bargaining rights. Lobbied in support of H.R. 491, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the "Rights for the TSA Workforce Act to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1835 the Model Employee Reinstatement for Ill-advised Termination (MERIT) Act to reinstate federal employees who were unjustly fired by Donald Trump and Elon Musks DOGE initiative that targeted federal workers. In addition to rehiring these workers, the MERIT Act gives them the back pay they deserve. Lobbied in support of H.R. 492 and S. 134, the Saving the Civil Service Act to prevent the politicization of the non-partisan civil service by limiting the conversion of federal jobs from the competitive service to the excepted service without congressional approval. Lobbied in support of H.R. 759 the Federal Firefighter's Families First Act to include mandatory overtime hours worked into the calculation of retirement benefits Lobbied in support of H.R. 1637 and S. 914 the Protect Veterans Jobs Act to reinstate veterans who were fired from their jobs a during the Trump Administration and DOGE purge of federal employees. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1989 the Protect Our Probationary Employees Act to ensure that if terminated probationary employees are reinstated, they will not need to restart their probationary period for the same job they previously held and can continue to do the important work of the American people. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2470 the COST of Relocations Act to require a cost-benefit analysis to be submitted to Congress to ensure that any attempt to move federal agencies is appropriately analyzed to guarantee it is in the best interest of the taxpayer and the agencys mission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2906 the SERVICE Act to prevent an agency from reducing its workforce by 5% or greater in a given fiscal year without itself conducting a full impact analysis of those cuts on the agency's ability to carry out its mission, and GAO evaluating the accuracy of that evaluation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2905, the Ensuring Agency Service Quality Act to amend 5 USC 3101 ("Each Executive agency, military department, and the government of the District of Columbia may employ such number of employees of the various classes recognized by chapter 51 of this title as Congress may appropriate for from year to year."), the general authority provision that allows the government to employ, from a 'may employ' to a '*shall* employ', and requires an agency to justify their inability or refusal to comply with the requirement. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2692 the No Tax Breaks for Union Busting Act to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to end the tax subsidy for employer efforts to influence their workers' exercise of their rights around labor organizations and engaging in collective action.

Lobbied opposing cuts to pay and benefits including cuts and modifications to FERS and FEHB in reconciliation instructions to pay for tax cuts Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, or any changes to FEHB retiree benefits. Opposed efforts to increase employee contributions to FEHB.

Lobbied against RIFs and termination of probationary employees at FEMA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2086 and S. 997 the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act.

Lobbied for Julie Su to serve as Secretary of the Department of Labor. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7127/S. 3688, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 7.4%. Lobbied in support of H.R. 856/S. 274, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees twelve weeks of paid leave for instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Lobbied in support of expanded paid leave for instances of stillbirth. Lobbied in support of expanded paid bereavement leave to cover adult children under 26 years old. Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees. Urged Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to move with all due consideration and speed to confirm nominees to the Federal Labor Relations Authority, and in support of the confirmation of Anne Wagner to be a member of the Authority. FY 2025 Labor Health and Human Services Appropriations (H.R. 9029): Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Social Security Administration (SSA), in support of upgrading SSA legal assistants and customer service representatives positions, in support of report language directing SSA to roll back the average call handling time goal at teleservice centers and mandate call waiting time estimates to the public, in support of funds to renovate and restore National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) facilities in Bruceton and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, in support of language stating that the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) user fees collected for leading the national respirator conformity assessment activities, including certification of respirators, will not expire with the fiscal year, and in support of increased funding for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Lobbied in support of H.R. 618 / S. 131, the "Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act" allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to diagnose, prescribe treatment, and certify an injury and the extent of disability for the purpose of compensating federal workers under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA). Lobbied in support of the Equal Remedies Act of 2024 to eliminate statutory damage caps and enhance protections for workers in discrimination cases. Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25 NDAA) (H.R. 5009 / Public Law 118-159): Lobbied in support of a pay raise for Fiscal Year 2025 for Defense Department civil service employees. Lobbied in support of maintaining minimal staffing requirements for Department of Defense firefighters at military installations. Lobbied in support of ending the five-year limit for overseas Defense Department civil service positions. Lobbied in support of increasing military leave accrual and accumulation for federal civil service employees who are in the National Guard or military reserves. Lobbied in support of making reforms to improve Department of Defense child care centers. Lobbied against an amendment to establish a fiscal commission as part of the FY25 National Defense Authorization act. Lobbied against an amendment that would prohibit the payment of annuities to Defense Department civilian employees convicted of certain offenses. Lobbied against proposals in the House and Senate NDAA to expand the Department of Defenses direct hire authority for vacant civil service positions. Lobbied against proposals in the House and Senate NDAA to limit or eliminate offices of diversity, equity, and accessibility (DEIA) in the Department of Defense. Lobbied against proposals to restrict the authority of federal agencies to maintain alternative workplace arrangements. FY25 Department of Defense Appropriations (H.R. 8774 / S. 4921): Lobbied for passage of H.R. 10545 (Public Law 118-158), the American Relief Act, to continue to fund the federal government, including the U.S. Department of Defense, through March 14, 2025.

Lobbied for full funding for FEMA and adequate numbers of full-time FEMA employees. Lobbied in support of including workforce language to make sure that bargaining unit employees retain their rights during a transition in a bill that would remove the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), returning it to being an independent agency. Lobbied in support of inclusion of title 5 collective bargaining rights and GS pay for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) in the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act, H.R. 8370/S. 4334. Lobbied for H.R. 8662, the TSA Commuting Fairness Act to study the possibility of credit or compensation to TSOs for their extended travel time from remote parking lots to their duty posts. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 871, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3394, the Fund the TSA Act to end the diversion of the passenger security fee to non-aviation security purposes, increase the fee and index it to inflation, and designation a portion of the proceeds to pay and bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers as well as for important technology investments. Lobbied for an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided technical assistance on the development of multiple pieces of legislation to end the fee, including provisions for technology investments. Lobbied for a requirement that Public Charter Flights be subject to passenger screening when they are on fixed routes, sell tickets by the seat and have more than nine passengers. Lobbied for additional regulations on private screening providers in California. Lobbied for additional positions at the Office of Principal Legal Advisory (OPLA) at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency to provide parity in legal teams with immigration judges at the Department of Justice. Lobbied for OPLA attorneys Public Liability Insurance to be paid by the agency. Lobbied for basic medical and technology supplies for nurses serving in the ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC). Lobbied for reauthorization of the CFATS program (H.R. 4470). Lobbied for Menendez amendment to H.R. 4367, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, to support CFATS inspector training. Lobbied for inclusion of CFATS reauthorization in Murray ANS to H.R. 3935, Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Lobbied for inclusion of CFATS reauthorization in 2025 NDAA. Lobbied on approach to cyber workforce proposal affecting DHS and other agencies. Emphasized concerns with a separate pay system and waiver of title 5 authority. FY 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations: Lobbied in support of the administrations FY25 funding request for TSA, in support of increased ICE funding to continue hiring for the Office of Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), and in opposition to the administrations proposal to eliminate TSO staffing of exit lanes. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024. Lobbied for passage of an additional continuing appropriation (H.R. 10545) through March 14, 2025 as the only alternative to a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322, the Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act for special retirement benefits for Federal Protective Service (FPS) employees.

Lobbied the House and Senate in Support of H.R. 10445, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025, that the House and Senate were expected to vote on during the week of December 14 but withdrew. Lobbied in support of H.R. 10545, the Further Continuing Appropriations and Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025, that Congress passed on December 20 to extend federal spending and avert a government shutdown through March 14, 2025.

Lobbied in support of the DC Admissions Act, H.R. 51, and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2025 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, and its provisions addressing the District of Columbia workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown. Lobbied against overturning DCs home rule. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

Lobbied to prevent new line speed waivers and reduce existing waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to ensure USDA fixes critical health safety issues at its facilities in Beltsville, MD. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 for the, "Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023" led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied for progressive, worker friendly provisions in the Farm Bill. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8994, the "Pigs and Public Health Act of 2024." Lobbied on the Farm Bill to ensure more labor friendly provisions. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

FY 2025 Agriculture Appropriations - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase in FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for USDA to improve conditions for workers at the Beltsville Agriculture Research Center. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 of the "Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act" led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8994, the "Pigs and Public Health Act of 2024." Lobbied on the Farm Bill to ensure more labor friendly provisions. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

Lobbied to ensure the wealthiest American individuals and companies pay their fair share of taxes. Lobbied to protect increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 884 and S. 357, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 638, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high‐level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied to ensure workers at the U.S. Mint have a safe workplace where they are treated equitably and fairly. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4963 and S. 738, the Tax Fairness for Workers Act. Lobbied for H.R. 4535 and S. 1174, a bill to ensure the wealthiest Americans contribute their fair share to Americas social insurance programs, known as the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act. Lobbied to make sure the Trump tax cuts set to sunset in 2025 expire as scheduled. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

VA budget: Lobbied for Congress to provide funding to plug a $15 billion budget shortfall for FY 2024 and FY 2025. Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to prevent compassion fatigue for certain claims processors. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for the introduction and in support of H.R. 9046, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act including the re-instatement of GS-14 career ladder position and the career path to a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Lobbied for additional training for Board of Veterans Appeals Attorneys. Lobbied in support of ANS to H.R. 1530, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023 and for its introduction in the Senate. Lobbied in support of S. 4046/H.R. 9855, the "VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of and for changes to S. 2679, the Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Development (LEAD) Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. HR modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 7127/S. 3688, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 and 2025 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. VA Quality: Lobbied to amend H.R. 6330, the Veterans Sentinel Act to include data collection and analysis for suicides that happen when veterans are served at non-VA facilities. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied against an amendment to H.R. 8580, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025 forcing VA to apply the same access standards for Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) as for primary care, specialty care, and non-institutional extended care services. Lobbied against amendments to H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that would codify Trump-Era access standards responsible for rapid privatization of the VA, prohibit VA from modifying access standards to allow telehealth to satisfy these access standards and require VA to meet strict timeframes evaluating high-risk veterans for referral to residential treatment and rehabilitative programs without providing any additional funding to staff these new obligations. Lobbied against amendments to H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that would require VA to meet 72-hour evaluation timeframe for evaluating high-risk veterans for residential treatment centers without providing adequate funding or putting equivalent credentialing and quality requirements on private programs. Lobbied against a proposal to create a pilot program under which the Secretary would contract out to fill vacancies at a medical facility with non-department health care providers. Lobbied against a provision in H.R. 9438, the No Wrong Door for Veterans Act, reduces the wait time for VA mental health care from the current 20 day to just 3 days. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 9146, Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, which would require the Secretary to include continuity of care as one of the criteria used to determine when private care would be in the best medical interest (BMI) of a veteran undermining VAs ability to decide when returning a veteran to the VA is the in the best interest of the veteran. Lobbied against the Veterans Mental Health Access Act, which would create a parallel private mental health program that supplants VAs direct care system rather than supplement it when veterans cannot reasonably access VA care. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied for oversight of new VA private contracting program, the Integrated Critical Staffing Program. Lobbied for oversight of VA staffing reductions. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters. Lobbied for better information on scheduling and appointment times for both in-house VA and private care. Lobbied for more information about the costs of VA care. Lobbied against VA raising the ceiling for payment to third party private, Community Care contractors. Lobbied against prohibiting public health care programs from using QALYs to determine price. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act, and urge that it be defeated on the House floor. H.R. 485 would increase already high healthcare costs for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), which covers the vast majority of AFGE members and their families. In additional to FEHBP, the bill would prohibit Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Medicare Part D Plans (PDPs), the VA, and the Defense Health Agency from using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) - a measure that ascertains the value of a drug - to make decisions about a drugs price. Medicare already prohibits the use of QALYs in ways that discriminate against the elderly (such as by valuing the extension of life of an older person as less than extending the life of a younger person). Lobbied against amendments to H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that would: 1) codify Trump-Era access standards responsible for rapid privatization of the VA, prohibits VA from modifying access standards to allow telehealth to satisfy these access standards and requires VA to meet strict timeframes evaluating high-risk veterans for referral to residential treatment and rehabilitative programs without providing any additional funding to staff these new obligations and 2) require VA to meet 72-hour evaluation timeframe for evaluating high-risk veterans for residential treatment centers without providing adequate funding or putting equivalent credentialing and quality requirements on private programs. Lobbied against Amendment to H.R. 8580, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025 forcing VA to apply the same access standards for Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) as for primary care, specialty care, and non-institutional extended care services that would not apply to private RRTP facilities, promoting privatization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 8371, the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act that would allow decisions between a veteran and a doctor to remain final without VA authorization and provisions that would require strict timeframes for placement of high-risk veterans in mental health treatment programs for VA programs but not private programs. Lobbied in support of final passage of S. 141, the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. Statements and Correspondence: Testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health on December 17, 2024 legislative hearing. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the "VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of S. 4046/H.R. 9855, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of 2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure, and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at VA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S. 2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support and for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to S. 2649, the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1315, the HEALTH Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Act, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse‐ patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3176, Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which creates a three-year pilot program allowing veterans to obtain hospital care, medical services, psychological services, and extended care bypassing VA authorization and the need to meet access standards. Lobbied in opposition to H.R.5287, the Veterans Access to Direct Primary Care Act, would establish Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) funded by the VA that veterans could use for private healthcare. Veterans electing these HSAs would be completely barred from accessing VA healthcare services. Lobbied in opposition to the Complete the Mission Act (No bill number). This proposal codifies the Community Care access standards, modifies 38 USC 1703(d)(2) to make veteran preference to go to a private provider a criterion for what constitutes best medical interest and creates a pilot three-year pilot program in at least five locations where veterans could access outpatient mental health and substance use services. AFGE opposes this provision as it would circumvent VAs ability to coordinate care and is unsustainable for the VA in the long term. Lobbied to preserve changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 7765, the VA Security Screening Pilot Program Act Lobbied for the introduction and support of the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7793 the Veterans Appeals Operations Expansion Act of 2024; Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7917, the Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2024; Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7919, the Veterans Claims Quality Improvement Act of 2024. Lobbied or changes to H.R. 7883, the Toxic Exposures Examination Improvement Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7734 the Personnel Integrity in Veterans Affairs Act of 2024 Lobbied in support of H.R. 9046, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act Lobbied in support of H.R. 2971, the Veterans Claims Education Act of 2023 Lobbied for changes to H.R. 8874, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 8879, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 8881, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2024. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024. Lobbied in support of final passage of S. 141, the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. Lobbied against expanding use of Schedule F for VA employees.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, or any changes to FEHB retiree benefits. Opposed efforts to increase employee contributions to FEHB. Pointed out threats to federal employee health benefits should any future fiscal commission be allowed to consider this as a source for a deficit deal or appropriations compromises. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees' right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees' ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services. Lobbied to remove barriers to contraception and IVF. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024 and for an additional continuing resolution through March 14, 2025 as a means of preventing government shutdown.

FY 2025 Foreign Operations Appropriations --Lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State, U.S. Agency on International Aid (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the U.S. Agency on Global Media (USAGM) and the Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Lobbied for the State Department to remove an employee hosting and writing hate content on an extreme hate website. Lobbied for the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to have more employee input on their reorganization proposal and to have increased oversight of hiring practices and improved whistleblower protections. Lobbied against the use of generative AI voices at the USAGM. Lobbied against any potential RIF at USAGM. Lobbied to increase the administration cap at the MCC in the FY 2025 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. Lobbied against changes at the Voice of American at USAGM that would have the agency ditch its traditional short-wave broadcasts in favor of relying on social media. Lobbied in support of S. 4476, the State Department Integrity and Transparency Act, to strengthen the State Department by reducing the number of political appointees and creating more civil service positions. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in support of legislation and funding to address exposure to toxic substances including fentanyl, K2 and spice sent through the mail to BoP facilities. Lobbied in support of funding a 25% Special Salary Rate for BOP employees in the FY2025 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill. Lobbied in opposition to augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied in support of time and a half true overtime for BOP nurses FY 2025 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations. Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 130 and S. 459, the "Thin Blue Line Act," which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of S. 529, "Eric's Law" which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of full multilingual opportunities and adequate compensation for employees at the Small Business Administration. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3019, Federal Prison Oversight Act. Lobbied in support of S. 4142, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act introduced by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to crack down on the smuggling of contraband cellphones into federal prisons by upgrading the charge for such smuggling from a misdemeanor offense to a felony. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8298 / S. 4327, the Equal Remedies Act of 2024. Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for salaries and expenses (S&E) and buildings and facilities (B&F). Lobbied in support of increased funding for BOP Salary Special Pay Table Increase. Lobbied in opposition to the use of augmentation or reassignment at BOP. Lobbied in support of hiring additional correctional officers. Lobbied in support of increasing Unit Officer Staff at High Security Institutions. Lobbied in support of report language to direct the Bureau of Prisons to give nurses full time-and-a-half overtime pay. Lobbied in support of increased funding for staffing at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Lobbied in support of Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) to include report language stating that no funds shall be used to transfer functions of JPATS Las Vegas, Nevada Hub to Kansas City, Missouri. Lobbied in support increased funding for the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024. Lobbied in support of S. 5062, the Prison Staff Safety Enhancement Act introduced by Senator Blackburn (R-TN) and Senator Ossoff (D-GA) to address sexual harassment and sexual assault of Bureau of Prisons staff in prisons. Lobbied in opposition to the closure of BOP facilities.

Lobbied the House and Senate Appropriations Committees in support of (1) increased funding for the Immigration and Custom Enforcements Office of Principal Legal Advisor, the legal representative of the federal government in immigration enforcement matters that come before immigration courts, (2) more resources for the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC), the office within ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) responsible for providing health care for noncitizens detained in ICE custody; (3) more funding for the Citizenship and Immigration Services humanitarian programs, including refugee and asylum programs, through direct appropriation rather than fees; and (4) the establishment of a mandatory E-Verify program.

Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at EPA. H.R. 8998, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025: Lobbied against amendments proposed to H.R. 8997 when the House considered the measure that would have arbitrarily reduced that salaries of various officials whose agencies are funded by the bill, blocked enforcement of Executive Order 14019 - Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting, and reduced or eliminated funding for offices and programs at agencies covered by the bill. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. Lobbied in support of full funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in support of hiring more EPA employees, in support of improving recruitment efforts at the EPA, and in opposition to relocations, consolidation and closure of EPA Facilities. Lobbied in opposition to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) facilities. Lobbied in support of report language that directs the Army Corps of Engineers to recognize the duty station for crew on a dredge to be the dredges home port and to pay for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals on all dredges when they travel further than 100 miles from the home port. Lobbied in support of funds to renovate and restore National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) facilities in Bruceton and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, in support of language stating that the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) user fees collected for leading the national respirator conformity assessment activities, including certification of respirators, will not expire with the fiscal year. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

FY 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations - Lobbied for increased funding for railroad safety inspectors to 400 inspectors and to add new staff to carry out multidisciplinary safety audits. This represents all inspectors in Occupational Series GS-2121, including specialties of hazardous materials, motive power and equipment, operating practices, signal and train control and track inspectors as well as the grade crossing and trespasser outreach inspectors which are not in the series. Lobbied in support of $160,000 in funding for each position. Lobbied for report language directing the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to review position classification standards of railroad safety inspectors to reflect the increased technological requirements of their positions. Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Lobbied to prevent the aggressive expansion of AI in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and ensure there is adequate oversight over existing AI use. Lobbied to highlight bad faith bargaining at HUD. Lobbied in support of diversity, equity and inclusion and disability accommodations. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

Lobbied to prevent new line speed waivers and reduce existing waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to ensure USDA fixes critical health safety issues at its facilities in Beltsville, MD. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 for the, "Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023" led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied for progressive, worker friendly provisions in the Farm Bill. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8994, the "Pigs and Public Health Act of 2024." Lobbied on the Farm Bill to ensure more labor friendly provisions. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 7070 / S. 4638): Lobbied in support of a pay raise for Fiscal Year 2025 for Defense Department civil service employees. Lobbied in support of maintaining minimal staffing requirements for Department of Defense firefighters at military installations. Lobbied in support of ending the five-year limit for overseas Defense Department civil service positions. Lobbied in support of increasing military leave accrual and accumulation for federal civil service employees who are in the National Guard or military reserves. Lobbied in support of making reforms to improve Department of Defense child care centers. Lobbied against an amendment to establish a fiscal commission as part of the FY25 National Defense Authorization act. Lobbied against an amendment that would prohibit the payment of annuities to Defense Department civilian employees convicted of certain offenses. Lobbied against proposals in the House and Senate NDAA to expand the Department of Defenses direct hire authority for vacant civil service positions. Lobbied against proposals in the House and Senate NDAA to limit or eliminate offices of diversity, equity, and accessibility (DEIA) in the Department of Defense. Lobbied against proposals to restrict the authority of federal agencies to maintain alternative workplace arrangements. FY25 Defense Appropriations (H.R. 8774): Lobbied in support of language included in previous Defense Appropriations bill prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent an analysis of the effects of such reduction on workload and military readiness of the armed forces. Lobbied against any proposal to prohibit military exchanges and commissaries from selling Chinese-made products. Lobbied against an amendment authorizing direct hire authority for any position supporting the military mission or posture in the Indo-Pacific region. Lobbied in opposition to an amendment which would have prohibited telework and remote work for certain DoD employees and contractors. Lobbied against an amendment prohibiting funding for Executive Order 14019, relating to Promoting Access to Voting. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to reduce the salaries of various DoD officials. Lobbied against an amendment prohibiting the use of funds to carry out a mask mandate regarding the spread of COVID-19 on military instillations. Lobbied against an amendment to eliminate funding for important diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) programs at the Defense Department. Lobbied in support of amendments to ensure that federal civilian employees who serve in the DC National Guard are treated the same as all other federal civilian employees who serve in the National Guard. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in support of legislation and funding to address exposure to toxic substances including fentanyl, K2 and spice sent through the mail to BoP facilities. Lobbied in support of funding a 25% Special Salary Rate for BOP employees in the FY2025 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill. Lobbied in opposition to augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied in support of time and a half true overtime for BOP nurses FY 2025 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations. Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 130 and S. 459, the "Thin Blue Line Act," which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of S. 529, "Eric's Law" which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of full multilingual opportunities and adequate compensation for employees at the Small Business Administration. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3019, Federal Prison Oversight Act. Lobbied in support of S. 4142, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act introduced by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to crack down on the smuggling of contraband cellphones into federal prisons by upgrading the charge for such smuggling from a misdemeanor offense to a felony. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8298 / S. 4327, the Equal Remedies Act of 2024. Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for salaries and expenses (S&E) and buildings and facilities (B&F). Lobbied in support of increased funding for BOP Salary Special Pay Table Increase. Lobbied in opposition to the use of augmentation or reassignment at BOP. Lobbied in support of hiring additional correctional officers. Lobbied in support of increasing Unit Officer Staff at High Security Institutions. Lobbied in support of report language to direct the Bureau of Prisons to give nurses full time-and-a-half overtime pay. Lobbied in support of increased funding for staffing at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Lobbied in support of Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) to include report language stating that no funds shall be used to transfer functions of JPATS Las Vegas, Nevada Hub to Kansas City, Missouri. Lobbied in support of increased funding for the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC). Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

Lobbied to ensure the wealthiest American individuals and companies pay their fair share of taxes. Lobbied to protect increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 884 and S. 357, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 638, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high‐level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied to ensure workers at the U.S. Mint have a safe workplace where they are treated equitably and fairly. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4963 and S. 738, the Tax Fairness for Workers Act. Lobbied for H.R. 4535 and S. 1174, a bill to ensure the wealthiest Americans contribute their fair share to Americas social insurance programs, known as the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act. Lobbied to make sure the Trump tax cuts set to sunset in 2025 expire as scheduled. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for a 7.4% increase in federal by for 2025 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, H.R. 8773. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of Income Rates) Act, H.R. 7127 and S. 3688 to provide a 7.4% increase to federal employees pay in 2025. Lobbied for a minimum of parity in the 2025 pay between military and civilian employees to provide at least a 4.5% pay raise. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2025 budget request to continue GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied in support of the Fund the "TSA Act," H.R. 3394. Lobbied in support of the Rights for the "TSA Workforce Act," H.R. 8370 / S. 4334 to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of additional security measures for scheduled charter flights so they are fully subject to TSA screening. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. 3029, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied against FY 2025 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets. Lobbied for changes to S. 3015, the Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Lobbied for changes to S. 4043, the Telework Transparency Act of 2024 to prevent arbitrary office space reductions and/or telework restrictions. Lobbied against a proposed Romney amendment to S. 4043 to impose remote surveillance on teleworking federal employees. Lobbied against the Perry amendment to the NDAA bill (H.R. 8070) to question to role of official time by ordering a biased reporting its use in the federal workplace. Lobbied against a proposed Scott amendment to the NDAA bill (H.R. 8070) to curtail collective bargaining rights for dual status technicians employed by the Defense Department. Lobbied against H.R 4848, the Censorship Accountability Act, which would expose federal employees performing their lawful duties to personal civil liability over purported intrusions into the First Amendment. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023, hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service, provision which was enacted in the NDAA. Lobbied for changes to OPMs proposed governmentwide cybersecurity workforce proposal to preserve title 5 provisions, protect collective bargaining rights, and avoid pay banding systems that are associated with arbitrary or discriminatory treatment. Lobbied against H.R. 9594 the Protect Taxpayers Wallets Act which would effectively end official time for federal unions. Lobbied against H.R. 8314 the No Foreign Election Interference Act which would have interfered with the functioning of union political action committees. Lobbied against S. 4321 the No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act which may have punished federal healthcare providers who provided reproductive care. Lobbied against S. 4667 the Risky Research Review Act which would impose criminal penalties and other sanctions on federal workers reviewing or performing medical research. Lobbied in favor of S. 131 to improve federal workers ability to access workers compensation benefits in case of work-related injury. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD

Lobbied for full funding for FEMA and adequate numbers of full-time FEMA employees. Lobbied in support of including workforce language to make sure that bargaining unit employees retain their rights during a transition in a bill that would remove the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), returning it to being an independent agency. Lobbied in support of inclusion of title 5 collective bargaining rights and GS pay for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) in the Rights for the TSA Workforce Act, H.R. 8370/S. 4334. Lobbied for H.R. 8662 to study the possibility of credit or compensation to TSOs for their extended travel time from remote parking lots to their duty posts. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 871, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3394, the Fund the TSA Act to end the diversion of the passenger security fee to non-aviation security purposes, increase the fee and index it to inflation, and designation a portion of the proceeds to pay and bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers as well as for important technology investments. Lobbied for an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided technical assistance on the development of multiple pieces of legislation to end the fee, including provisions for technology investments. Lobbied for a requirement that Public Charter Flights be subject to passenger screening when they are on fixed routes, sell tickets by the seat and have more than nine passengers. Lobbied for additional regulations on private screening providers in California. Lobbied for additional positions at the Office of Principal Legal Advisory (OPLA) at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency to provide parity in legal teams with immigration judges at the Department of Justice. Lobbied for OPLA attorneys Public Liability Insurance to be paid by the agency. Lobbied for basic medical and technology supplies for nurses serving in the ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC). Lobbied for reauthorization of the CFATS program (H.R. 4470). Lobbied for Menendez amendment to H.R. 4367, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, to support CFATS inspector training. Lobbied for inclusion of CFATS reauthorization in Murray ANS to H.R. 3935, Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Lobbied for inclusion of CFATS reauthorization in 2025 NDAA. Lobbied on approach to cyber workforce proposal affecting DHS and other agencies. Emphasized concerns with a separate pay system and waiver of title 5 authority. FY 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations: Lobbied in support of the administrations FY25 funding request for TSA, in support of increased ICE funding to continue hiring for the Office of Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), and in opposition to the administrations proposal to eliminate TSO staffing of exit lanes. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322, the Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act for special retirement benefits for Federal Protective Service (FPS) employees.

Lobbied for Julie Su to serve as Secretary of the Department of Labor. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7127/S. 3688, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 7.4%. Lobbied in support of H.R. 856/S. 274, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees twelve weeks of paid leave for instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Lobbied in support of expanded paid leave for instances of stillbirth. Lobbied in support of expanded paid bereavement leave to cover adult children under 26 years old. Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees. Urged Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to move with all due consideration and speed to confirm nominees to the Federal Labor Relations Authority, and in support of the confirmation of Anne Wagner to be a member of the Authority. FY 2025 Labor Health and Human Services Appropriations (H.R. 9029): Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Social Security Administration (SSA), in support of upgrading SSA legal assistants and customer service representatives positions, in support of report language directing SSA to roll back the average call handling time goal at teleservice centers and mandate call waiting time estimates to the public, in support of funds to renovate and restore National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) facilities in Bruceton and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, in support of language stating that the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) user fees collected for leading the national respirator conformity assessment activities, including certification of respirators, will not expire with the fiscal year, and in support of increased funding for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Lobbied in support of H.R. 618 / S. 131, the "Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act" allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to diagnose, prescribe treatment, and certify an injury and the extent of disability for the purpose of compensating federal workers under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA). Lobbied in support of the Equal Remedies Act of 2024 to eliminate statutory damage caps and enhance protections for workers in discrimination cases. Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at EPA. H.R. 8998, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025: Lobbied against amendments proposed to H.R. 8997 when the House considered the measure that would have arbitrarily reduced that salaries of various officials whose agencies are funded by the bill, blocked enforcement of Executive Order 14019 - Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting, and reduced or eliminated funding for offices and programs at agencies covered by the bill. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. Lobbied in support of full funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in support of hiring more EPA employees, in support of improving recruitment efforts at the EPA, and in opposition to relocations, consolidation and closure of EPA Facilities. Lobbied in opposition to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) facilities. Lobbied in support of report language that directs the Army Corps of Engineers to recognize the duty station for crew on a dredge to be the dredges home port and to pay for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals on all dredges when they travel further than 100 miles from the home port. Lobbied in support of funds to renovate and restore National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) facilities in Bruceton and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, in support of language stating that the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) user fees collected for leading the national respirator conformity assessment activities, including certification of respirators, will not expire with the fiscal year. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, or any changes to FEHB retiree benefits. Opposed efforts to increase employee contributions to FEHB. Pointed out threats to federal employee health benefits should any future fiscal commission be allowed to consider this as a source for a deficit deal or appropriations compromises. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees' right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees' ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services. Lobbied to remove barriers to contraception and IVF. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

Lobbied the House and Senate Appropriations Committees in support of (1) increased funding for the Immigration and Custom Enforcements Office of Principal Legal Advisor, the legal representative of the federal government in immigration enforcement matters that come before immigration courts, (2) more resources for the ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC), the office within ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) responsible for providing health care for noncitizens detained in ICE custody; (3) more funding for the Citizenship and Immigration Services humanitarian programs, including refugee and asylum programs, through direct appropriation rather than fees; and (4) the establishment of a mandatory E-Verify program. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

FY 2025 Foreign Operations Appropriations --Lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State, U.S. Agency on International Aid (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the U.S. Agency on Global Media (USAGM) and the Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Lobbied for the State Department to remove an employee hosting and writing hate content on an extreme hate website. Lobbied for the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to have more employee input on their reorganization proposal and to have increased oversight of hiring practices and improved whistleblower protections. Lobbied against the use of generative AI voices at the USAGM. Lobbied against any potential RIF at USAGM. Lobbied to increase the administration cap at the MCC in the FY 2025 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. Lobbied against changes at the Voice of American at USAGM that would have the agency ditch its traditional short-wave broadcasts in favor of relying on social media. Lobbied in support of S. 4476, the State Department Integrity and Transparency Act, to strengthen the State Department by reducing the number of political appointees and creating more civil service positions. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

FY 2025 Agriculture Appropriations - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase in FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for USDA to improve conditions for workers at the Beltsville Agriculture Research Center. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 of the "Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act" led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8994, the "Pigs and Public Health Act of 2024." Lobbied on the Farm Bill to ensure more labor friendly provisions. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

VA budget: Lobbied for Congress to provide funding to plug a $15 billion budget shortfall for FY 2024 and FY 2025. Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied on the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied for oversight and improvements into VBA employee training. Lobbied on VBAs use of Performance Improvement Plans. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for the introduction and in support of H.R. 9046, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act including the re-instatement of GS-14 career ladder position and the career path to a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Lobbied for additional training for Board of Veterans Appeals Attorneys. Lobbied in support of ANS to H.R. 1530, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023 and for its introduction in the Senate. Lobbied in support of S. 4046/H.R. 9855, the "VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of and for changes to S. 2679, the Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Development (LEAD) Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. HR modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 7127/S. 3688, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 and 2025 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. VA Quality: Lobbied to amend H.R. 6330, the Veterans Sentinel Act to include data collection and analysis for suicides that happen when veterans are served at non-VA facilities. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied against an amendment to H.R. 8580, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025 forcing VA to apply the same access standards for Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) as for primary care, specialty care, and non-institutional extended care services. Lobbied against amendments to H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that would codify Trump-Era access standards responsible for rapid privatization of the VA, prohibit VA from modifying access standards to allow telehealth to satisfy these access standards and require VA to meet strict timeframes evaluating high-risk veterans for referral to residential treatment and rehabilitative programs without providing any additional funding to staff these new obligations. Lobbied against amendments to H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that would require VA to meet 72-hour evaluation timeframe for evaluating high-risk veterans for residential treatment centers without providing adequate funding or putting equivalent credentialing and quality requirements on private programs. Lobbied against a proposal to create a pilot program under which the Secretary would contract out to fill vacancies at a medical facility with non-department health care providers. Lobbied against a provision in H.R. 9438, the No Wrong Door for Veterans Act, reduces the wait time for VA mental health care from the current 20 day to just 3 days. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 9146, Ensuring Continuity in Veterans Health Act, which would require the Secretary to include continuity of care as one of the criteria used to determine when private care would be in the best medical interest (BMI) of a veteran undermining VAs ability to decide when returning a veteran to the VA is the in the best interest of the veteran. Lobbied against the Veterans Mental Health Access Act, which would create a parallel private mental health program that supplants VAs direct care system rather than supplement it when veterans cannot reasonably access VA care. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied for oversight of new VA private contracting program, the Integrated Critical Staffing Program. Lobbied for oversight of VA staffing reductions. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters. Lobbied for better information on scheduling and appointment times for both in-house VA and private care. Lobbied for more information about the costs of VA care. Lobbied against VA raising the ceiling for payment to third party private, Community Care contractors. Lobbied against prohibiting public health care programs from using QALYs to determine price. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act, and urge that it be defeated on the House floor. H.R. 485 would increase already high healthcare costs for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), which covers the vast majority of AFGE members and their families. In additional to FEHBP, the bill would prohibit Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Medicare Part D Plans (PDPs), the VA, and the Defense Health Agency from using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) - a measure that ascertains the value of a drug - to make decisions about a drugs price. Medicare already prohibits the use of QALYs in ways that discriminate against the elderly (such as by valuing the extension of life of an older person as less than extending the life of a younger person). Lobbied against amendments to H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that would: 1) codify Trump-Era access standards responsible for rapid privatization of the VA, prohibits VA from modifying access standards to allow telehealth to satisfy these access standards and requires VA to meet strict timeframes evaluating high-risk veterans for referral to residential treatment and rehabilitative programs without providing any additional funding to staff these new obligations and 2) require VA to meet 72-hour evaluation timeframe for evaluating high-risk veterans for residential treatment centers without providing adequate funding or putting equivalent credentialing and quality requirements on private programs. Lobbied against Amendment to H.R. 8580, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025 forcing VA to apply the same access standards for Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) as for primary care, specialty care, and non-institutional extended care services that would not apply to private RRTP facilities, promoting privatization. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 8371, the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act that would allow decisions between a veteran and a doctor to remain final without VA authorization and provisions that would require strict timeframes for placement of high-risk veterans in mental health treatment programs for VA programs but not private programs. Statements and Correspondence: Submitted a statement for the record for a September 11, 2024 House Veterans Affairs Committee, Health Subcommittee legislative hearing. Submitted a statement for the record for a September 18, 2024 House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Examining VAs Challenges with Ensuring Quality Contracted Disability Compensation Examinations. Testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs at a July 23, 2024 hearing on Is the Veterans Benefits Administration Properly Processing and Deciding Veterans Claims? Testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs at a July 10, 2024, hearing on Pending Legislation. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the "VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of S. 4046/H.R. 9855, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of 2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure, and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at VA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S. 2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support and for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to S. 2649, the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1315, the HEALTH Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Act, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse‐ patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied to preserve changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 7765, the VA Security Screening Pilot Program Act Lobbied for the introduction and support of the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7793 the Veterans Appeals Operations Expansion Act of 2024; Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7917, the Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2024; Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7919, the Veterans Claims Quality Improvement Act of 2024. Lobbied or changes to H.R. 7883, the Toxic Exposures Examination Improvement Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7734 the Personnel Integrity in Veterans Affairs Act of 2024 Lobbied in support of H.R. 9046, the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act Lobbied in support of H.R. 2971, the Veterans Claims Education Act of 2023 Lobbied for changes to H.R. 8874, the Modernizing All Veterans and Survivors Claims Processing Act Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 8879, the Improving VA Training for Military Sexual Trauma Claims Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 8881, the Rural Veterans Improved Access to Benefits Act of 2024. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

Lobbied the House on the six FY 2025 appropriation bills that the House considered: H.R. 8580, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025: Lobbied against amendments proposed for H.R. 8580 when the House considered the measure that would have arbitrarily reduced the salary of a VA official, encouraged the VA to use untested AI for the purpose of expediting claims, restricted the VAs ability to reduce the risk of firearms violence by veterans, and expanded privatization of VA services. Lobbied in support of amendments that would have enabled the VA to help protect veterans from firearms violence, protected the VAs ability to respond to a future COVID-19 outbreak, improved sexual assault nurse examiner (SANE) training for VA nurses, protected the VAs DEI programs, and addressed childcare deficiencies at military installations. H.R. 8752, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025: Lobbied against amendments proposed for H.R. 8752 when the House considered the measure that would have arbitrarily reduced the salaries of various Homeland Security officials, reduced funding for the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and blocked enforcement of Executive Order 14019 - Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting. Lobbied in support of amendments proposed for H.R. 8752, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025, that would have restored funding levels for the TSA National Explosive Detection Canine Teams Program. H.R. 8771, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025: Lobbied against amendments proposed to FY 8771 when the House considered it that would have prohibited funding to USAID, arbitrarily reduced the salaries of various officials, and blocked enforcement of Executive Order 14019 - Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting. H.R. 8774, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2025: Lobbied against amendments proposed for H.R. 8774 when the House considered the measure that would have arbitrarily reduced the salaries of various Defense Department officials, expanded the Defense Departments direct hire authority, blocked enforcement of Executive Order 14019 - Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting, restricted the Defense Departments authority to take certain health measures on military installations in the event of a future COVID-19 outbreak, prohibited certain telework and remote work for employees and contractors of the DoD. and restricted Defense Department diversity and inclusion programs. Lobbied in support of an amendment that would have prohibited the use of funds to collect payments from members of the District of Columbia National Guard who were federal civilian employees or D.C. employees entitled to leave without loss in pay or time from their civilian employment during mobilization. H.R. 8997, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025: Lobbied against amendments proposed to H.R. 8997 when the House considered it that would have arbitrarily reduced that salaries of various officials whose agencies are funded by the bill, blocked enforcement of Executive Order 14019 - Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting, and reduced funding for various Department of Energy offices and programs. H.R. 8998, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025: Lobbied against amendments proposed to H.R. 8997 when the House considered the measure that would have arbitrarily reduced that salaries of various officials whose agencies are funded by the bill, blocked enforcement of Executive Order 14019 - Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting, and reduced or eliminated funding for offices and programs at agencies covered by the bill. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 9494, the Continuing Appropriations and Other Matters Act, 2025. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 to continue to fund the federal government through December 20, 2024.

Lobbied in support of the DC Admissions Act, H.R. 51, and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2025 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, and its provisions addressing the District of Columbia workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown. Lobby against overturning DCs home rule.

FY 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of DHS employees in CIS, ICE-Professionals, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for full funding for FEMA and adequate numbers of full time FEMA employees. Lobbied in support of including workforce language to make sure that bargaining unit employees retain their rights during a transition in a bill that would remove the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), returning it to being an independent agency. Lobbied in support of inclusion of title 5 collective bargaining rights and GS pay for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) in the Rights for the "TSA Workforce Act," H.R. 8370/S. 4334. Lobbied for H.R. 8662 to consider the possibility of credit or compensation to TSOs who for their travel time from remote parking lots to their duty posts. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 871, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3394, the Fund the TSA Act to end the diversion of the passenger security fee to non-aviation security purposes, increase the fee and index it to inflation, and designation a portion of the proceeds to pay and bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers as well as for important technology investments. Lobbied for an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided technical assistance on the development of multiple pieces of legislation to end the fee, including provisions for technology investments. Lobbied for a requirement that Public Charter Flights be subject to passenger screening when they are on fixed routes, sell tickets by the seat and have more than nine passengers. Lobbied for additional regulations on private screening providers in California. Lobbied for additional positions at the Office of Principal Legal Advisory (OPLA) at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency to provide parity in legal teams with immigration judges at the Department of Justice. Lobbied for OPLA attorneys Public Liability Insurance to be paid by the agency. Lobbied for basic medical and technology supplies for nurses serving in the ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC). Lobbied for reauthorization of the CFATS program (H.R. 4470). Lobbied for Menendez amendment to H.R. 4367, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, to support CFATS inspector training. Lobbied for inclusion of CFATS reauthorization in Murray ANS to H.R. 3935, Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Lobbied on approach to cyber workforce proposal affecting DHS and other agencies. Emphasized concerns with a separate pay system and waiver of Title 5 authority. FY 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8752): Lobbied in support of the administrations FY25 funding request for TSA, in support of increased ICE funding to continue hiring for the Office of Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA), and in opposition to the administrations proposal to eliminate TSO staffing of exit lanes.

Lobbied for Julie Su to serve as Secretary of the Department of Labor. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7127/S. 3688, the "Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 7.4%. Lobbied in support of H.R. 856/S. 274, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees twelve weeks of paid leave for instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees. Urged Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to move with all due consideration and speed to confirm nominees to the Federal Labor Relations Authority, and in support of the confirmation of Anne Wagner to be a member of the Authority. Lobbied in support of Suzanne Summerlin to be general counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority. FY 2025 Labor Health and Human Services Appropriations (H.R. 9029): Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Social Security Administration (SSA), in support of upgrading SSA legal assistants and customer service representatives positions, in support of report language directing SSA to roll back the average call handling time goal at teleservice centers and mandate call waiting time estimates to the public, in support of funds to renovate and restore National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) facilities in Bruceton and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, in support of language stating that the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) user fees collected for leading the national respirator conformity assessment activities, including certification of respirators, will not expire with the fiscal year, and in support of increased funding for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Lobbied in support of H.R. 618 / S. 131, the "Improving Access to Workers' Compensation for Injured Federal Workers Act" allowing nurse practitioners and physician assistants to diagnose, prescribe treatment, and certify an injury and the extent of disability for the purpose of compensating federal workers under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA).

FY 2025 Foreign Operations Appropriations --Lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State, U.S. Agency on International Aid (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the U.S. Agency on Global Media (USAGM) and the Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Lobbied for the State Department to remove an employee hosting and writing hate content on an extreme hate website. Lobbied for the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to have more employee input on their reorganization proposal and to have increased oversight of hiring practices and improved whistleblower protections. Lobbied against the use of generative AI voices at the USAGM. Lobbied against any potential RIF at USAGM. Lobbied to increase the administration cap at the MCC in the FY 2025 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. Lobbied against changes at the Voice of American at USAGM that would have the agency ditch its traditional short wave broadcasts in favor of relying on social media.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, or any changes to FEHB retiree benefits. Opposed efforts to increase employee contributions to FEHB. Pointed out threats to federal employee health benefits should any future fiscal commission be allowed to consider this as a source for a deficit deal or appropriations compromises. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees' right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees' ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services. Lobbied to remove barriers to contraception.

Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to preserve language in H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement of GS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re- instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Lobbied for additional training for Board of Veterans Appeals Attorneys. Lobbied in support of ANS to H.R. 1530, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023 and for its introduction in the Senate. Lobbied in support of S. 4046 of "VA Employee Fairness Act, and for its reintroduction in the House of Representatives. Lobbied in support of and for changes to S. 2679, the Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Development (LEAD) Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 7765, the VA Security Screening Pilot Program Act VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 7127/S. 3688, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 and 2025 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied for oversight of new VA private contracting program, the Integrated Critical Staffing Program. Lobbied for oversight of VA staffing reductions. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters. Lobbied for better information on scheduling and appointment times for both in-house VA and private care. Lobbied for more information about the costs of VA care. Lobbied against VA raising the ceiling for payment to third party private, Community Care contractors. Lobbied against prohibiting public health care programs from using QALYs to determine price. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act, and urge that it be defeated on the House floor. H.R. 485 would increase already high healthcare costs for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), which covers the vast majority of AFGE members and their families. In additional to FEHBP, the bill would prohibit Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Medicare Part D Plans (PDPs), the VA, and the Defense Health Agency from using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) - a measure that ascertains the value of a drug - to make decisions about a drugs price. Medicare already prohibits the use of QALYs in ways that discriminate against the elderly (such as by valuing the extension of life of an older person as less than extending the life of a younger person). Lobbied against amendments to H.R. 8070, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 that would: 1) codify Trump-Era access standards responsible for rapid privatization of the VA, prohibits VA from modifying access standards to allow telehealth to satisfy these access standards and requires VA to meet strict timeframes evaluating high-risk veterans for referral to residential treatment and rehabilitative programs without providing any additional funding to staff these new obligations and 2) require VA to meet 72-hour evaluation timeframe for evaluating high-risk veterans for residential treatment centers without providing adequate funding or putting equivalent credentialing and quality requirements on private programs. Lobbied against Amendment to H.R. 8580, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025 forcing VA to apply the same access standards for Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) as for primary care, specialty care, and non-institutional extended care services that would not apply to private RRTP facilities, promoting privatization. Lobbied against provisions In H.R. 8371, the Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act that would allow decisions between a veteran and a doctor to remain final without VA authorization and provisions that would require strict timeframes for placement of high-risk veterans in mental health treatment programs for VA programs but not private programs. Statements and Correspondence: Sente a letter to the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs for an April 16, 2024 subcommittee markup. Sent a letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a May 1, 2024 full committee markup. Testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations on May 16 at a hearing titled Ensuring VA's Security: How Can Congress Best Support VA's Law Enforcement? Testified before the House Veterans Affairs Committee on June 13, 2024 at hearing titled A Call to Action: Meeting the Needs of the Spinal Cord Injury and Disorders (SCI/D) Veteran Community. Testified before the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs at a hearing titled Examining Shortcomings with VAs National Work Queue Veterans Benefits Claims Management System. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the "VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of S. 4046, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of 2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure, and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at VA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support and for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to S. 2649, the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1315, the HEALTH Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse‐ patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied to preserve changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 7765, the VA Security Screening Pilot Program Act Lobbied for the introduction and support of the Board of Veterans Appeals Attorney Retention and Backlog Reduction Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7793 the Veterans Appeals Operations Expansion Act of 2024; Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7917, the Veterans Appeals Efficiency Act of 2024; Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7919, the Veterans Claims Quality Improvement Act of 2024. Lobbied or changes to H.R. 7883, the Toxic Exposures Examination Improvement Act Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7734 the Personnel Integrity in Veterans Affairs Act of 2024

FY 2025 Agriculture Appropriations - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for USDA to improve conditions for workers at the Beltsville Agriculture Research Center. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 of the "Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act" led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern.

FY 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations - Lobbied for increased funding for railroad safety inspectors to 400 inspectors and to add new staff to carry out multidisciplinary safety audits. This represents all inspectors in Occupational Series GS-2121, including specialties of hazardous materials, motive power and equipment, operating practices, signal and train control and track inspectors as well as the grade crossing and trespasser outreach inspectors which are not in the series. Lobbied in support of $160,000 in funding for each position. Lobbied for report language directing the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to review position classification standards of railroad safety inspectors to reflect the increased technological requirements of their positions. Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Lobbied to prevent the aggressive expansion of AI in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and ensure there is adequate oversight over existing AI use.

Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at EPA. FY 2024 and FY 2025 Interior and Environmental Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of Interior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. Lobbied in support of full funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in support of hiring more EPA employees, in support of improving recruitment efforts at the EPA, and in opposition to relocations, consolidation and closure of EPA Facilities. Lobbied in opposition to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) facilities. Lobbied in support of report language that directs the Army Corps of Engineers to recognize the duty station for crew on a dredge to be the dredges home port and to pay for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals on all dredges when they travel further than 100 miles from the home port. Lobbied in support of funds to renovate and restore National Personal Protection Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) facilities in Bruceton and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, in support of language stating that the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL) user fees collected for leading the national respirator conformity assessment activities, including certification of respirators, will not expire with the fiscal year.

FY 2025 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8752): Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of DHS employees including at CIS and ICE. Lobbied in support of the administrations FY25 funding requests, including in support of increased ICE funding to continue hiring for the Office of Principal Legal Advisor (OPLA). Lobbied for basic medical and technology supplies for nurses serving in the ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC). Lobbied for additional positions at the Office of Principal Legal Advisory (OPLA) at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency to provide parity in legal teams with immigration judges at the Department of Justice. Lobbied for OPLA attorneys Public Liability Insurance to be paid by the agency.

Lobbied to ensure the wealthiest American individuals and companies pay their fair share of taxes. Lobbied to protect increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 884 and S. 357, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 638, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high‐level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied to ensure workers at the U.S. Mint have a safe workplace where they are treated equitably and fairly. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4963 and S. 738, the Tax Fairness for Workers Act. Lobbied for H.R. 4535 and S. 1174, a bill to ensure the wealthiest Americans contribute their fair share to Americas social insurance programs, known as the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act. Lobbied to make sure the Trump tax cuts set to sunset in 2025 expire as scheduled.

Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for a 7.4% increase in federal by for 2025 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill, H.R. 8773. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of Income Rates) Act, H.R. 7127 and S. 3688 to provide a 7.4% increase to federal employees pay in 2025. Lobbied for a minimum of parity in the 2025 pay between military and civilian employees to provide at least a 4.5% pay raise. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2025 budget request to continue GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied in support of the Fund the "TSA Act," H.R. 3394. Lobbied in support of the Rights for the "TSA Workforce Act," H.R. 8370 / S. 4334 to provide full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of additional security measures for scheduled charter flights so they are fully subject to TSA screening. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. 3029, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied against FY 2025 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets. Lobbied for changes to S. 3015, the Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Lobbied for changes to S. 4043, the Telework Transparency Act of 2024 to prevent arbitrary office space reductions and/or telework restrictions. Lobbied against the Perry amendment to the NDAA bill (H.R. 8070) to question to role of official time by ordering a biased reporting its use in the federal workplace. Lobbied against a proposed Scott amendment to the NDAA bill (H.R. 8070) to curtail collective bargaining rights for dual status technicians employed by the Defense Department. Lobbied against H.R 4848, the Censorship Accountability Act, which would expose federal employees performing their lawful duties to personal civil liability over purported intrusions into the First Amendment. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023, hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service, provision which was enacted in the NDAA. Lobbied for changes to OPMs proposed governmentwide cybersecurity workforce proposal to preserve title 5 provisions, protect collective bargaining rights, and avoid pay banding systems that are associated with arbitrary or discriminatory treatment. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD

Lobbied against proposals in the Senate and House for the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act to (1) expand the Defense Departments direct hire authority for various vacant civilian positions, (2) direct DoD to issue a misleading report on official time, (3) change the employment status of dual service military technicians, (4) expand Title 5 preference eligibility for DoD civilian positions, and (4) make changes to the Defense Civilian Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration Project. Lobbied in support of restoring language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent the appropriate analysis of the effects of these reductions on Defense Department capabilities. Lobbied in support of language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent an analysis of the effects of such reduction on workload and military readiness of the armed forces. Lobbied against any proposal to prohibit military exchanges and commissaries from selling Chinese-made products. Lobbied against an amendment authorizing direct hire authority for any position supporting the military mission or posture in the Indo-Pacific region. Lobbied in opposition to an amendment 315 prohibiting telework and remote work for certain DoD employees and contractors. Lobbied against an amendment prohibiting funding for Executive Order 14019, relating to Promoting Access to Voting. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to reduce the salaries of various DoD officials. Lobbied against an amendment prohibiting the use of funds to carry out a mask mandate regarding the spread of COVID-19 on military instillations. Lobbied against an amendment to eliminate funding for important DEIA programs at the Defense Department. Lobbied in support of amendments to ensure that federal civilian employees who serve in the D. C. National Guard are treated the same as all other federal civilian employees who serve in the National Guard.

Lobbied to prevent new line speed waivers and reduce existing waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to ensure USDA fixes critical health safety issues at its facilities in Beltsville, MD. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 for the, "Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023" led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied for progressive, worker friendly provisions in the Farm Bill. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8994, the "Pigs and Public Health Act of 2024." Lobbied on the Farm Bill to ensure more labor friendly provisions.

Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in opposition to augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied in support of time and a half true overtime for BOP nurses FY 2025 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations. Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 130 and S. 459, the "Thin Blue Line Act," which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of S. 529, "Eric's Law" which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of full multilingual opportunities and adequate compensation for employees at the Small Business Administration. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3019, Federal Prison Oversight Act. Lobbied in support of S. 4142, the Lieutenant Osvaldo Albarati Stopping Prison Contraband Act introduced by Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) to crack down on the smuggling of contraband cellphones into federal prisons by upgrading the charge for such smuggling from a misdemeanor offense to a felony. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8298 / S. 4327, the Equal Remedies Act of 2024. Lobbied in support of increased funding for the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) for salaries and expenses (S&E) and buildings and facilities (B&F). Lobbied in support of increased funding for BOP Salary Special Pay Table Increase. Lobbied in opposition to the use of augmentation or reassignment at BOP. Lobbied in support of hiring additional correctional officers. Lobbied in support of increasing Unit Officer Staff at High Security Institutions. Lobbied in support of report language to direct the Bureau of Prisons to give nurses full time-and-a-half overtime pay. Lobbied in support of increased funding for staffing at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Lobbied in support of Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System (JPATS) to include report language stating that no funds shall be used to transfer functions of JPATS Las Vegas, Nevada Hub to Kansas City, Missouri. Lobbied in support increased funding for the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC).

Lobbied in support of the DC Admissions Act, H.R. 51, and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2024 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, and its provisions addressing the District of Columbia workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied to ensure the wealthiest American individuals and companies pay their fair share of taxes. Lobbied to protect increased funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 884 and S. 357, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 638, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high‐level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied to ensure workers at the U.S. Mint have a safe workplace where they are treated equitably and fairly. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4963 and S. 738, the Tax Fairness for Workers Act. Lobbied for H.R. 4535 and S. 1174, a bill to ensure the wealthiest Americans contribute their fair share to Americas social insurance programs, known as the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act."

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, or any changes to FEHB retiree benefits. Opposed efforts to increase employee contributions to FEHB. Pointed out threats to federal employee health benefits should a fiscal commission be allowed to consider this as a source for a deficit deal or appropriations compromises. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees' right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees' ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services. Lobbied to remove barriers to contraception.

Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for a 7.4% increase in federal by for 2025 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates) Act, H.R. 7127, and S. 3688 to provide an 7.4% increase in federal employees' pay in 2025. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the Fund the TSA Act, H.R. 3394, and for full title 5 collective bargaining rights for transportation security officers. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of additional security measures for scheduled charter flights so they are fully subject to TSA screening. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. 3029, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied against FY 2024 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets. Lobbied for changes to S. 3015, the Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Lobbied for changes to S. 4043, the Telework Transparency Act of 2024 to prevent arbitrary office space reductions and/or telework restrictions. Lobbied against H.R 4848, the Censorship Accountability Act, which would expose federal employees performing their lawful duties to personal civil liability over purported intrusions into the First Amendment. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023, hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service, provision which was enacted in the NDAA. Lobbied for changes to OPMs proposed governmentwide cybersecurity workforce proposal to preserve title 5 provisions, protect collective bargaining rights, and avoid pay banding systems that are associated with arbitrary or discriminatory treatment. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD

Pursued requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills and CRs: Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD Opposed measures to cut federal employees pay and benefits in appropriations and the continuing resolution and against a government shutdown. Lobbied for a 7.4% in federal by for 2025 in the FY 2025 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for funds for hiring additional personnel at the Federal Labor Relations Authority in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for pay for Transportation Security Officers in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for personnel in the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for more resources for personnel who conduct work in refugee, asylum and other humanitarian programs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for more Railroad Safety Inspectors and better pay for existing inspectors at the Federal Railroad Administration in the FY 2024 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill and in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 1674/S. 576). Lobbied for additional Social Security Administration (SSA) funding in the FY 2024 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of full-year appropriations for FY24 and for short-term continuing appropriations that do not include arbitrary and harmful across-the-board cuts to federal agencies, establish a fiscal commission that would likely recommend deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the federal civil service, and any number of other essential programs and services. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5779, H.R. Fiscal Commission Act of 2023; S. 3262, the Fiscal Stability Act of 2023; and H.R. 710, the Sustainable Budget Act and any other efforts to create a commission charged with cutting or eliminating benefits for federal employees. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 6276, the Use It Act of 2023 and pointed out its detrimental effects on morale, recruitment and retention of employees. Commented on legislation in development in the Senate to incorporate similar building occupancy and utilization assessments. Lobbied in support of language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent an analysis of the effects of such reduction on workload and military readiness of the armed forces. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2882, an FY 2024 minibus appropriations bill, to fund federal agencies, secure pay increases for Transportation Security Officers, and other purposes.

Lobbied for Cathy Harris to serve as Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied for Julie Su to serve as Secretary of the Department of Labor. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7127/S. 3688, the "Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 7.4%. Lobbied in support of H.R. 856/S. 274, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees twelve weeks of paid leave for instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees. Urged Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to move with all due consideration and speed to confirm nominees to the Federal Labor Relations Authority, and in support of the confirmation of Anne Wagner to be a member of the Authority.

FY 2024 Foreign Operations Appropriations --Lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State, U.S. Agency on International Aid (USAID), the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), the U.S. Agency on Global Media (USAGM) and the Development Finance Corporation (DFC). Lobbied for the State Department to remove an employee hosting and writing hate content on an extreme hate website. Lobbied for the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to have more employee input on their reorganization proposal and to have increased oversight of hiring practices and improved whistleblower protections. Lobbied against the use of generative AI voices at the USAGM. Lobbied against any potential RIF at USAGM. Lobbied to increase the administration cap at the MCC in the FY 2024 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill.

Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at EPA. FY 2024 and FY 2025 Interior and Environmental Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of lnterior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. Lobbied in support of full funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Lobbied in support of language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts to restore language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent the appropriate analysis of the effects of these reductions on Defense Department capabilities. The language was not included in the package of FY24 appropriations bills that was enacted in March. Arranged meetings between AFGE members employed by Army, Navy, and Marine Corps fire departments and DoD fire chiefs to discuss labor-management issues.

Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in opposition to augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied in support of time and a half true overtime for BOP nurses FY 2024 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations. Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 130 and S. 459, the Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of S. 529, Eric's Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of full multilingual opportunities and adequate compensation for employees at the Small Business Administration. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3019, Federal Prison Oversight Act.

Lobbied to prevent new line speed waivers and reduce existing waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to ensure USDA fixes critical health safety issues at its facilities in Beltsville, MD. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 for the, "Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023" led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied for progressive, worker friendly provisions in the Farm Bill.

Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to preserve language in H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for reforms to the VBA National Work Queue. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement of GS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Lobbied for additional training for Board of Veterans Appeals Attorneys. Lobbied in support of ANS to H.R. 1530, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023 and for its introduction in the Senate. Lobbied in support S. 4046 of "VA Employee Fairness Act, and for its reintroduction in the House of Representatives. Lobbied in support of and for changes to S. 2679, the Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Development (LEAD) Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 7765, the VA Security Screening Pilot Program Act VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 7127/S. 3688, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied for oversight of new VA private contracting program, the Integrated Critical Staffing Program. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters. Lobbied for better information on scheduling and appointment times for both in-house VA and private care. Lobbied for more information about the costs of VA care. Lobbied against VA raising the ceiling for payment to third party private, Community Care contractors. Lobbied against prohibiting public health care programs from using QALYs to determine price. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act, and urge that it be defeated on the House floor. H.R. 485 would increase already high healthcare costs for the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), which covers the vast majority of AFGE members and their families. In additional to FEHBP, the bill would prohibit Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Medicare Part D Plans (PDPs), the VA, and the Defense Health Agency from using Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) - a measure that ascertains the value of a drug - to make decisions about a drugs price. Medicare already prohibits the use of QALYs in ways that discriminate against the elderly (such as by valuing the extension of life of an older person as less than extending the life of a younger person). Statements and Correspondence: Testified at a March 21, 2024, House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee Hearing on Pending Legislation Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the "VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of S. 4046, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of 2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure, and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at YA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 6531, the TRAIN VA Employees Act. Lobbied in support and for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to S. 2649, the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1315, the HEALTH Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 485, the Protecting Health Care for All Patients Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse‐ patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied to preserve changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for technical changes to S. 3979, to make permanent and codify the pilot program for use of contract physicians for disability examinations, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 7765, the VA Security Screening Pilot Program Act

FY 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations -- Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Lobbied to prevent the aggressive expansion of AI in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and ensure there is adequate oversight over existing AI use.

FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of DHS employees in CIS, ICE-Professionals, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for full funding for FEMA and adequate numbers of full time FEMA employees. Lobbied in support of including workforce language to make sure that bargaining unit employees retain their rights during a transition in a bill that would remove the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), returning it to being an independent agency. Lobbied in support of inclusion of title 5 collective bargaining rights and GS pay for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) in the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act and in the National Defense Authorization Act, and for stand-alone legislation. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 871, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3394, the Fund the TSA Act to end the diversion of the passenger security fee to non-aviation security purposes, increase the fee and index it to inflation, and designation a portion of the proceeds to pay and bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers as well as for important technology investments. Lobbied for additional positions at the Office of Principal Legal Advisory (OPLA) at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency to provide parity in legal teams with immigration judges at the Department of Justice. Lobbied for OPLA attorneys Public Liability Insurance to be paid by the agency. Lobbied for basic medical and technology supplies for nurses serving in the ICE Health Services Corps (IHSC). Lobbied for reauthorization of the CFATS program (H.R. 4470). Lobbied for Menendez amendment to H.R. 4367, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, to support CFATS inspector training. Lobbied for inclusion of CFATS reauthorization in Murray ANS to H.R. 3935, Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Lobbied Senate staff engaged in negotiating provisions of the bipartisan Murphy-Lanford-Sinema measure on border security that the Senate failed to advance in February, specifically on the effect that certain changes to asylum law would have on USCIS asylum operations and procedures along the southwest border and U.S. obligations under international law. Lobbied on approach to cyber workforce proposal affecting DHS and other agencies. Emphasized concerns with a separate pay system and waiver of title 5 authority. Lobbied for changes to S. 3015, the Lankford-Sinema Telework Reform Act of 2023 to preserve competitive hiring and collective bargaining agreements.

Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates) Act, H.R. 536 and S. 124 to provide an 8.7% increase in federal employees' pay in 2024. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. ____, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act Lobbied against FY 2024 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets Lobbied for changes to Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023 hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

FY 2024 Foreign Operations Appropriations --lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees and the funding level for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied to prevent a Reduction in Force (RIF) at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied for the State Department to remove an employee hosting and writing hate content on an extreme hate website. Lobbied for the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to have more employee input on their reorganization proposal and to have increased oversight of hiring practices and improved whistleblower protections. Lobbied against the use of generative AI voices at the USAGM. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Pursued requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Opposed measures to cut federal employees pay and benefits in appropriations and the continuing resolution and against a government shutdown. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for funds for hiring additional personnel at the Federal Labor Relations Authority in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for pay for Transportation Security Officers in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for personnel in the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for personnel who conduct work in refugee, asylum and other humanitarian programs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services be funded through appropriated funds rather than through fees for other CIS services in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for more Railroad Safety Inspectors and better pay for existing inspectors at the Federal Railroad Administration in the FY 2024 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill and in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 1674/S. 576). Lobbied to restore budget and personnel cuts at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, funded through the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5525, the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024, legislation to implement arbitrary and harmful across-the-board cuts to most federal agencies and establish a fiscal commission that would likely recommend deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the federal civil service, and any number of other essential programs and services. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to implement the Holman Rule to reduce salaries of several federal officers to $1, cut DEIA programs in federal agencies, reduce health and safety protections including mask mandates, and amendments to cut funding for several agencies to several appropriations bills: H.R. 4820, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4367, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2024 H.R. 4665, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 Lobbied in support of SA 1092 to the bill H.R. 4366 in the Senate Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5779, Fiscal Commission Act of 2023 and any other efforts to create a commission charged with cutting or eliminating benefits for federal employees. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied on the following issues in the H.R. 2670 Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Authorization in the House and S. 2226 Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate: Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit military commissaries and exchanges from selling Chinese-made good. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to H.R. 2670 that would undermine the Defense Departments authority to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the civilian workforce. Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit official time from being authorized for Department of Defense employees. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would direct the Defense Department to establish a safety performance rating system for prospective contractors based on their record of worker health and safety violations. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would lower the mandatory disclosure threshold for contractors to provide certified cost and pricing information from $2,000,000 to $750,000. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would reform and increase pay for federal wildland firefighters. Lobbied for defeat of amendment offered to S. 2226 that would limit the authority of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to make decisions about its investment offerings. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to S. 2226 that would restrict the use of official time by Defense Department employees engaged in workplace representation. Sent numerous letters to Members of Congress expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 2670 and S. 2226. Provided analysis and feedback to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on provisions in S. 2226 and H.R. 2670 affecting DoD civilian employees. Provided input to a House inquiry concerning proposed changes to the Navys Fleet Readiness Centers aircraft maintenance protocols that would affect civilian employees. Lobbied the House of Representatives on H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024 that the House adopted in September: Lobbied against amendments that would prohibit telework for Defense Department civilian employees, reduce the salaries of senior Defense Department officers, and prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Lobbied in support of an amendment that would restore language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent the appropriate analysis of the effects of these reductions on Defense Department capabilities. Sent numerous letters to House members expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 4365 Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied in support of a strong collective bargaining agreement with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied in support of strong DEIA protections in EPA bargaining contract and comprehensive scientific integrity in the labor contract to ensure that employees can perform the mission of the agency with dignity and respect. Lobbied in support of strong protections for all employees including transgender employees. FY 2024 Interior and Environmental Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department oflnterior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. Lobbied in support of full funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. FY 2024 Energy and Water Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to prevent new line speed waivers and reduce existing waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to ensure USDA fixes critical health safety issues at its facilities in Beltsville, MD. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 of the Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023 led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied for progressive, worker friendly provisions in the Farm Bill. Lobbied against H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. Specifically lobbied against amendments to H.R. 4368 that proposed to reduce the salaries of various Agriculture Department and FDA officials and to reduce funding for the Agricultural Research Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied in support of the DC Admissions Act, H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022 Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2024 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, and its provisions addressing the District of Columbia workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of DHS employees in CIS, ICE-Professionals, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for full funding for FEMA and adequate numbers of full time FEMA employees. Lobbied in support of including workforce language to make sure that bargaining unit employees retain their rights during a transition in a bill that would remove the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), returning it to being an independent agency. Lobbied in support of inclusion of title 5 collective bargaining rights and GS pay for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) in the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act and in the National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 871, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3394, the Fund the TSA Act to end the diversion of the passenger security fee to non-aviation security purposes, increase the fee and index it to inflation, and designation a portion of the proceeds to pay and bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers as well as for important technology investments. Lobbied for additional positions at the Office of Principal Legal Advisory (OPLA) at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency to provide parity in legal teams with immigration judges at the Department of Justice. Lobbied for OPLA attorneys Public Liability Insurance to be paid by the agency. Lobbied for reauthorization of the CFATS program (H.R. 4470) Lobbied for Menendez amendment to H.R. 4367, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, to support CFATS inspector training. Lobbied for inclusion of CFATS reauthorization in Murray ANS to H.R. 3935, Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Lobbied Senate staff engaged in immigration and homeland security matters to raise awareness about the impact of the Department of Homeland Securitys Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Final Rule on USCIS asylum and refugee officers. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, or any changes to FEHB retiree benefits. Opposed efforts to increase employee contributions to FEHB. Pointed out threats to federal employee health benefits should a fiscal commission be allowed to consider this as a source for deficit control. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees' right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees' ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services. Lobbied to remove barriers to contraception. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

FY 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations, Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Lobbied to prevent the aggressive expansion of AI in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and ensure there is adequate oversight over existing AI use. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

FY 2024 Agriculture Appropriations - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for reintroduction of the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act." Lobbied for USDA to improve conditions for workers at the Beltsville Agriculture Research Center. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 of the Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023 led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to ensure the wealthiest American individuals and companies pay their fair share of taxes. Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 884 and S. 357, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 638, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high‐level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied to ensure workers at the U.S. Mint have a safe workplace where they are treated equitably and fairly. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4963 and S. 738, the Tax Fairness for Workers Act. Lobbied for H.R. 4535 and S. 1174, a bill to ensure the wealthiest Americans contribute their fair share to Americas social insurance programs, known as the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to raise awareness among House and Senate staff engaged in immigration and homeland security matters about the impact of the Department of Homeland Securitys Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Final Rule on USCIS asylum and refugee officers. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement ofGS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TB!), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied to amend 38 USC 7422. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act. , which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: Statements and Correspondence: Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 12, 2023, legislative hearing. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health for its July 18, 2023 markup. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 19, 2023, markup. Sent a joint union letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for its July 26, 2023, markup. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee July 26, 2023 hearing titled Implementing the PACT Act: One Year Later. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee July 26, 2023 hearing titled VA Disability Exams: Are Veterans Receiving Quality Services? Specific Legislation: Lobbied for reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at YA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of YA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the "VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act." Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied for confirmation of Julie Su to serve as Secretary of the Department of Labor. Lobbied for confirmation Kalpana Kotagal to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and her ultimate confirmation on July 14, 2023. Lobbied in support ofH.R. 536/S. 124, the "Federal Adjustment oflncome Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 8.7%. Lobbied in support of H.R. 856/S. 274, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees twelve weeks of paid leave for instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees. Urged Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to move with all due consideration and speed to confirm nominees to the Federal Labor Relations Authority when nominations are received from the Administration. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

FY 2024 Foreign Operations Appropriations --lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees and the funding level for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied to prevent a Reduction in Force (RIF) at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied for the State Department to remove an employee hosting and writing hate content on an extreme hate website. Lobbied for the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to have more employee input on their reorganization proposal and to have increased oversight of hiring practices and improved whistleblower protections. Lobbied against the use of generative AI voices at the USAGM. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates) Act, H.R. 536 and S. 124 to provide an 8.7% increase in federal employees' pay in 2024. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. ____, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act Lobbied against FY 2024 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets Lobbied for changes to Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023 hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to ensure the wealthiest American individuals and companies pay their fair share of taxes. Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 884 and S. 357, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 638, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high‐level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied to ensure workers at the U.S. Mint have a safe workplace where they are treated equitably and fairly. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4963 and S. 738, the Tax Fairness for Workers Act. Lobbied for H.R. 4535 and S. 1174, a bill to ensure the wealthiest Americans contribute their fair share to Americas social insurance programs, known as the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement ofGS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TB!), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied to amend 38 USC 7422. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act. , which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: Statements and Correspondence: Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 12, 2023, legislative hearing. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health for its July 18, 2023 markup. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 19, 2023, markup. Sent a joint union letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for its July 26, 2023, markup. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee July 26, 2023 hearing titled Implementing the PACT Act: One Year Later. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee July 26, 2023 hearing titled VA Disability Exams: Are Veterans Receiving Quality Services? Specific Legislation: Lobbied for reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at YA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of YA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the "VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act." Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

FY 2024 Agriculture Appropriations - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for reintroduction of the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act." Lobbied for USDA to improve conditions for workers at the Beltsville Agriculture Research Center. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 of the Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023 led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied in support of the DC Admissions Act, H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022 Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2024 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, and its provisions addressing the District of Columbia workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied on the following issues in the H.R. 2670 Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Authorization in the House and S. 2226 Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate: Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit military commissaries and exchanges from selling Chinese-made good. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to H.R. 2670 that would undermine the Defense Departments authority to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the civilian workforce. Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit official time from being authorized for Department of Defense employees. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would direct the Defense Department to establish a safety performance rating system for prospective contractors based on their record of worker health and safety violations. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would lower the mandatory disclosure threshold for contractors to provide certified cost and pricing information from $2,000,000 to $750,000. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would reform and increase pay for federal wildland firefighters. Lobbied for defeat of amendment offered to S. 2226 that would limit the authority of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to make decisions about its investment offerings. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to S. 2226 that would restrict the use of official time by Defense Department employees engaged in workplace representation. Sent numerous letters to Members of Congress expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 2670 and S. 2226. Provided analysis and feedback to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on provisions in S. 2226 and H.R. 2670 affecting DoD civilian employees. Provided input to a House inquiry concerning proposed changes to the Navys Fleet Readiness Centers aircraft maintenance protocols that would affect civilian employees. Lobbied the House of Representatives on H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024 that the House adopted in September: Lobbied against amendments that would prohibit telework for Defense Department civilian employees, reduce the salaries of senior Defense Department officers, and prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Lobbied in support of an amendment that would restore language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent the appropriate analysis of the effects of these reductions on Defense Department capabilities. Sent numerous letters to House members expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 4365 Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, or any changes to FEHB retiree benefits. Opposed efforts to increase employee contributions to FEHB. Pointed out threats to federal employee health benefits should a fiscal commission be allowed to consider this as a source for deficit control. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees' right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees' ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services. Lobbied to remove barriers to contraception. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to prevent new line speed waivers and reduce existing waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to ensure USDA fixes critical health safety issues at its facilities in Beltsville, MD. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 of the Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023 led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied for progressive, worker friendly provisions in the Farm Bill. Lobbied against H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. Specifically lobbied against amendments to H.R. 4368 that proposed to reduce the salaries of various Agriculture Department and FDA officials and to reduce funding for the Agricultural Research Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to raise awareness among House and Senate staff engaged in immigration and homeland security matters about the impact of the Department of Homeland Securitys Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Final Rule on USCIS asylum and refugee officers. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

FY 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations, Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Lobbied to prevent the aggressive expansion of AI in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and ensure there is adequate oversight over existing AI use. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of DHS employees in CIS, ICE-Professionals, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for full funding for FEMA and adequate numbers of full time FEMA employees. Lobbied in support of including workforce language to make sure that bargaining unit employees retain their rights during a transition in a bill that would remove the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), returning it to being an independent agency. Lobbied in support of inclusion of title 5 collective bargaining rights and GS pay for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) in the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act and in the National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 871, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3394, the Fund the TSA Act to end the diversion of the passenger security fee to non-aviation security purposes, increase the fee and index it to inflation, and designation a portion of the proceeds to pay and bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers as well as for important technology investments. Lobbied for additional positions at the Office of Principal Legal Advisory (OPLA) at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency to provide parity in legal teams with immigration judges at the Department of Justice. Lobbied for OPLA attorneys Public Liability Insurance to be paid by the agency. Lobbied for reauthorization of the CFATS program (H.R. 4470) Lobbied for Menendez amendment to H.R. 4367, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, to support CFATS inspector training. Lobbied for inclusion of CFATS reauthorization in Murray ANS to H.R. 3935, Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Lobbied Senate staff engaged in immigration and homeland security matters to raise awareness about the impact of the Department of Homeland Securitys Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Final Rule on USCIS asylum and refugee officers. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in opposition to augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied in support of time and a half true overtime for BOP nurses FY 2024 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations. Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 130/S. 459, Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of S. 529, Eric's Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the One America Many Voices Act. Lobbied in opposition to removing Puerto Rican holidays from SBA employees in Puerto Rico. Lobbied in support of full multilingual opportunities and adequate compensation for employees at the Small Business Administration. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied in support of a strong collective bargaining agreement with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied in support of strong DEIA protections in EPA bargaining contract and comprehensive scientific integrity in the labor contract to ensure that employees can perform the mission of the agency with dignity and respect. Lobbied in support of strong protections for all employees including transgender employees. FY 2024 Interior and Environmental Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department oflnterior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. Lobbied in support of full funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. FY 2024 Energy and Water Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to raise awareness among House and Senate staff engaged in immigration and homeland security matters about the impact of the Department of Homeland Securitys Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Final Rule on USCIS asylum and refugee officers. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in opposition to augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied in support of time and a half true overtime for BOP nurses FY 2024 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations. Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 130/S. 459, Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of S. 529, Eric's Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the One America Many Voices Act. Lobbied in opposition to removing Puerto Rican holidays from SBA employees in Puerto Rico. Lobbied in support of full multilingual opportunities and adequate compensation for employees at the Small Business Administration. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to ensure the wealthiest American individuals and companies pay their fair share of taxes. Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 884 and S. 357, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 638, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high‐level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied to ensure workers at the U.S. Mint have a safe workplace where they are treated equitably and fairly. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4963 and S. 738, the Tax Fairness for Workers Act. Lobbied for H.R. 4535 and S. 1174, a bill to ensure the wealthiest Americans contribute their fair share to Americas social insurance programs, known as the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied on the following issues in the H.R. 2670 Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Authorization in the House and S. 2226 Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate: Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit military commissaries and exchanges from selling Chinese-made good. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to H.R. 2670 that would undermine the Defense Departments authority to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the civilian workforce. Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit official time from being authorized for Department of Defense employees. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would direct the Defense Department to establish a safety performance rating system for prospective contractors based on their record of worker health and safety violations. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would lower the mandatory disclosure threshold for contractors to provide certified cost and pricing information from $2,000,000 to $750,000. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would reform and increase pay for federal wildland firefighters. Lobbied for defeat of amendment offered to S. 2226 that would limit the authority of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to make decisions about its investment offerings. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to S. 2226 that would restrict the use of official time by Defense Department employees engaged in workplace representation. Sent numerous letters to Members of Congress expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 2670 and S. 2226. Provided analysis and feedback to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on provisions in S. 2226 and H.R. 2670 affecting DoD civilian employees. Provided input to a House inquiry concerning proposed changes to the Navys Fleet Readiness Centers aircraft maintenance protocols that would affect civilian employees. Lobbied the House of Representatives on H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024 that the House adopted in September: Lobbied against amendments that would prohibit telework for Defense Department civilian employees, reduce the salaries of senior Defense Department officers, and prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Lobbied in support of an amendment that would restore language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent the appropriate analysis of the effects of these reductions on Defense Department capabilities. Sent numerous letters to House members expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 4365 Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied in support of the DC Admissions Act, H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022 Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2024 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, and its provisions addressing the District of Columbia workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Pursued requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Opposed measures to cut federal employees pay and benefits in appropriations and the continuing resolution and against a government shutdown. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for funds for hiring additional personnel at the Federal Labor Relations Authority in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for pay for Transportation Security Officers in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for personnel in the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for personnel who conduct work in refugee, asylum and other humanitarian programs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services be funded through appropriated funds rather than through fees for other CIS services in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for more Railroad Safety Inspectors and better pay for existing inspectors at the Federal Railroad Administration in the FY 2024 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill and in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 1674/S. 576). Lobbied to restore budget and personnel cuts at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, funded through the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5525, the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024, legislation to implement arbitrary and harmful across-the-board cuts to most federal agencies and establish a fiscal commission that would likely recommend deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the federal civil service, and any number of other essential programs and services. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to implement the Holman Rule to reduce salaries of several federal officers to $1, cut DEIA programs in federal agencies, reduce health and safety protections including mask mandates, and amendments to cut funding for several agencies to several appropriations bills: H.R. 4820, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4367, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2024 H.R. 4665, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 Lobbied in support of SA 1092 to the bill H.R. 4366 in the Senate Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5779, Fiscal Commission Act of 2023 and any other efforts to create a commission charged with cutting or eliminating benefits for federal employees. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement ofGS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TB!), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied to amend 38 USC 7422. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act. , which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: Statements and Correspondence: Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 12, 2023, legislative hearing. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health for its July 18, 2023 markup. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 19, 2023, markup. Sent a joint union letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for its July 26, 2023, markup. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee July 26, 2023 hearing titled Implementing the PACT Act: One Year Later. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee July 26, 2023 hearing titled VA Disability Exams: Are Veterans Receiving Quality Services? Specific Legislation: Lobbied for reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at YA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of YA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the "VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act." Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of DHS employees in CIS, ICE-Professionals, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for full funding for FEMA and adequate numbers of full time FEMA employees. Lobbied in support of including workforce language to make sure that bargaining unit employees retain their rights during a transition in a bill that would remove the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), returning it to being an independent agency. Lobbied in support of inclusion of title 5 collective bargaining rights and GS pay for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) in the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act and in the National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 871, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3394, the Fund the TSA Act to end the diversion of the passenger security fee to non-aviation security purposes, increase the fee and index it to inflation, and designation a portion of the proceeds to pay and bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers as well as for important technology investments. Lobbied for additional positions at the Office of Principal Legal Advisory (OPLA) at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency to provide parity in legal teams with immigration judges at the Department of Justice. Lobbied for OPLA attorneys Public Liability Insurance to be paid by the agency. Lobbied for reauthorization of the CFATS program (H.R. 4470) Lobbied for Menendez amendment to H.R. 4367, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, to support CFATS inspector training. Lobbied for inclusion of CFATS reauthorization in Murray ANS to H.R. 3935, Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Lobbied Senate staff engaged in immigration and homeland security matters to raise awareness about the impact of the Department of Homeland Securitys Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Final Rule on USCIS asylum and refugee officers. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to prevent new line speed waivers and reduce existing waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to ensure USDA fixes critical health safety issues at its facilities in Beltsville, MD. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 of the Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023 led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied for progressive, worker friendly provisions in the Farm Bill. Lobbied against H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. Specifically lobbied against amendments to H.R. 4368 that proposed to reduce the salaries of various Agriculture Department and FDA officials and to reduce funding for the Agricultural Research Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates) Act, H.R. 536 and S. 124 to provide an 8.7% increase in federal employees' pay in 2024. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. ____, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act Lobbied against FY 2024 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets Lobbied for changes to Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023 hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied for confirmation of Julie Su to serve as Secretary of the Department of Labor. Lobbied for confirmation Kalpana Kotagal to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and her ultimate confirmation on July 14, 2023. Lobbied in support ofH.R. 536/S. 124, the "Federal Adjustment oflncome Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 8.7%. Lobbied in support of H.R. 856/S. 274, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees twelve weeks of paid leave for instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees. Urged Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to move with all due consideration and speed to confirm nominees to the Federal Labor Relations Authority when nominations are received from the Administration. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied in support of a strong collective bargaining agreement with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied in support of strong DEIA protections in EPA bargaining contract and comprehensive scientific integrity in the labor contract to ensure that employees can perform the mission of the agency with dignity and respect. Lobbied in support of strong protections for all employees including transgender employees. FY 2024 Interior and Environmental Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department oflnterior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. Lobbied in support of full funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. FY 2024 Energy and Water Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

FY 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations, Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Lobbied to prevent the aggressive expansion of AI in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and ensure there is adequate oversight over existing AI use. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, or any changes to FEHB retiree benefits. Opposed efforts to increase employee contributions to FEHB. Pointed out threats to federal employee health benefits should a fiscal commission be allowed to consider this as a source for deficit control. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees' right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees' ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services. Lobbied to remove barriers to contraception. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to prevent new line speed waivers and reduce existing waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to ensure USDA fixes critical health safety issues at its facilities in Beltsville, MD. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 for the, "Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023" led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied for progressive, worker friendly provisions in the Farm Bill. Lobbied against H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. Specifically lobbied against amendments to H.R. 4368 that proposed to reduce the salaries of various Agriculture Department and FDA officials and to reduce funding for the Agricultural Research Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Lobbied in support of a strong collective bargaining agreement with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied in support of strong DEIA protections in EPA bargaining contract and comprehensive scientific integrity in the labor contract to ensure that employees can perform the mission of the agency with dignity and respect. Lobbied in support of strong protections for all employees including transgender employees. FY 2024 Interior and Environmental Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of lnterior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. Lobbied in support of full funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to defund the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities in H.R. 4821, the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill.

Lobbied Senate staff and USCIS staff engaged in negotiating provisions of the Biden administrations requested emergency appropriations supplemental on the effect that certain changes to asylum law would have on USCIS asylum operations and procedures along the southwest border and U.S. obligations under international law.

Lobbied to ensure the wealthiest American individuals and companies pay their fair share of taxes. Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 884 and S. 357, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 638, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high‐level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied to ensure workers at the U.S. Mint have a safe workplace where they are treated equitably and fairly. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4963 and S. 738, the Tax Fairness for Workers Act. Lobbied for H.R. 4535 and S. 1174, a bill to ensure the wealthiest Americans contribute their fair share to Americas social insurance programs, known as the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act.

FY 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations -- Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Lobbied to prevent the aggressive expansion of AI in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and ensure there is adequate oversight over existing AI use.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, or any changes to FEHB retiree benefits. Opposed efforts to increase employee contributions to FEHB. Pointed out threats to federal employee health benefits should a fiscal commission be allowed to consider this as a source for a deficit dead or appropriations compromises. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees' right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees' ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services. Lobbied to remove barriers to contraception.

Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to preserve language in H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement of GS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Lobbied for additional training for Board of Veterans Appeals Attorneys. Lobbied in support of ANS to H.R. 1530, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TB!), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the introduction of H.R. 6538, the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023. Lobbied for the introduction of "VA Employee Fairness Act" subsequent to the passage of the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023. Lobbied in support of and for changes to S. 2679, the Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Development (LEAD) Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act., which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied for oversight of new VA private contracting program, the Integrated Critical Staffing Program. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters. Lobbied for better information on scheduling and appointment times for both in-house VA and private care. Lobbied for more information about the costs of VA care. Statements and Correspondence: Provided a Statement for the Record for a October 25, 2023 Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing titled VA Accountability and Transparency: A Cornerstone of Quality Care and Benefits for Veterans. Testified at a November 29, 2023, House Veterans Affairs Committee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee titled Examining the VA Appeals Process: Ensuring High-Quality Decision-Making for Veterans Claims on Appeal. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the "VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure, and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at YA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of YA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support and for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to S. 2649, the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1315, the HEALTH Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied to preserve changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes.

Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates) Act, H.R. 536, and S. 124 to provide an 8.7% increase in federal employees' pay in 2024. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. 3029, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied against FY 2024 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets. Lobbied for changes to S. 3015, the Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023, hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service, provision which was enacted in the NDAA. Lobbied for changes to OPMs proposed governmentwide cybersecurity workforce proposal to preserve title 5 provisions, protect collective bargaining rights, and avoid pay banding systems that are associated with arbitrary or discriminatory treatment. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD

FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of DHS employees in CIS, ICE-Professionals, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for full funding for FEMA and adequate numbers of full time FEMA employees. Lobbied in support of including workforce language to make sure that bargaining unit employees retain their rights during a transition in a bill that would remove the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), returning it to being an independent agency. Lobbied in support of inclusion of title 5 collective bargaining rights and GS pay for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) in the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act and in the National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 871, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3394, the Fund the TSA Act to end the diversion of the passenger security fee to non-aviation security purposes, increase the fee and index it to inflation, and designation a portion of the proceeds to pay and bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers as well as for important technology investments. Lobbied for additional positions at the Office of Principal Legal Advisory (OPLA) at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency to provide parity in legal teams with immigration judges at the Department of Justice. Lobbied for OPLA attorneys Public Liability Insurance to be paid by the agency. Lobbied for reauthorization of the CFATS program (H.R. 4470) Lobbied for Menendez amendment to H.R. 4367, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, to support CFATS inspector training. Lobbied for inclusion of CFATS reauthorization in Murray ANS to H.R. 3935, Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Lobbied Senate staff engaged in negotiating provisions of the Biden administrations requested emergency appropriations supplemental on the effect that certain changes to asylum law would have on USCIS asylum operations and procedures along the southwest border and U.S. obligations under international law. Lobbied on approach to cyber workforce proposal affecting DHS and other agencies. Emphasized concerns with a separate pay system and waiver of title 5 authority. Lobbied for changes to S. 3015, the Lankford-Sinema Telework Reform Act of 2023 to preserve competitive hiring and collective bargaining agreements.

Lobbied for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied in support of Martin OMalley to be confirmed as Commissioner of the Social Security Administration Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 8.7%. Lobbied in support of H.R. 856/S. 274, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees twelve weeks of paid leave for instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees. Urged Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to move with all due consideration and speed to confirm nominees to the Federal Labor Relations Authority when nominations are received from the Administration.

Lobbied on the following issues in the H.R. 2670 Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Authorization in the House, S. 2226 Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate, and the FY24 NDAA conference report enacted in December 2023: Lobbied for removal of a provision in H.R. 2670 that would prohibit military commissaries and exchanges from selling Chinese-made good. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 2670 that would undermine the Defense Departments authority to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the civilian workforce. Sent numerous letters to Members of Congress expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 2670 and S. 2226. Provided analysis and feedback to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on provisions in S. 2226 and H.R. 2670 affecting DoD civilian employees. Provided input to a House inquiry concerning proposed changes to the Navys Fleet Readiness Centers aircraft maintenance protocols that would affect civilian employees. DoD Appropriations: Lobbied against amendments made in order during House debate of H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024, proposing to (1) prohibit regular telework and remote work for Defense Department civilian employees and contractors; (2) strip the Defense Department of its authority to set policy as it pertains to the prevention of COVID-19; (3) invoke the so-called Holman Rule to either reduce the annual salaries of various DoD officials; and (4) reverse important strides the Defense Department has made in recent years to recruit and retain a diverse civilian workforce. Lobbied in favor of a provision to retain language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent a rigorous analysis of the effects of these reductions on workload.

FY 2024 Foreign Operations Appropriations --Lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees and the funding level for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied to prevent a Reduction in Force (RIF) at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied for the State Department to remove an employee hosting and writing hate content on an extreme hate website. Lobbied for the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to have more employee input on their reorganization proposal and to have increased oversight of hiring practices and improved whistleblower protections. Lobbied against the use of generative AI voices at the USAGM.

FY 2024 Agriculture Appropriations - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for reintroduction of the, Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act." Lobbied for USDA to improve conditions for workers at the Beltsville Agriculture Research Center. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 of the Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023 led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern.

Pursued requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills and CRs: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD Opposed measures to cut federal employees pay and benefits in appropriations and the continuing resolution and against a government shutdown. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for funds for hiring additional personnel at the Federal Labor Relations Authority in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for pay for Transportation Security Officers in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for personnel in the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for personnel who conduct work in refugee, asylum and other humanitarian programs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services be funded through appropriated funds rather than through fees for other CIS services in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for more Railroad Safety Inspectors and better pay for existing inspectors at the Federal Railroad Administration in the FY 2024 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill and in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 1674/S. 576). Lobbied to restore budget and personnel cuts at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, funded through the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional Social Security Administration (SSA) funding in the FY 2024 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of full-year appropriations for FY24 and for short-term continuing appropriations that to not include arbitrary and harmful across-the-board cuts to federal agencies, establish a fiscal commission that would likely recommend deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the federal civil service, and any number of other essential programs and services. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5779, H.R. Fiscal Commission Act of 2023; S. 3262, the Fiscal Stability Act of 2023; and H.R. 710, the Sustainable Budget Act and any other efforts to create a commission charged with cutting or eliminating benefits for federal employees. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to implement the Holman Rule to reduce salaries of several federal officers to $1, cut DEIA programs in federal agencies, reduce health and safety protections including mask mandates, and amendments to cut funding for several agencies to several appropriations bills: H.R. 4820, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4367, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2024. H.R. 4665, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4664, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024. Lobbied in support of SA 1092 to the bill H.R. 4366 in the Senate. Lobbied in opposition to an amendment to H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024, to prohibit regular telework and remote work for Defense Department civilian employees and contractors. Lobbied in support of an amendment to H.R. 4365 to restore language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent an analysis of the effects of such reduction on workload and military readiness of the armed forces. Lobbied in opposition to an amendment to H.R. 4664 that would prohibit funds from being used to finalize, implement, or enforce the proposed OPM rule that would prohibit a future administration from transforming thousands of merit-based positions in the Executive Branch into partisan appointments and undermine the merit-based civil service system.

Lobbied in support of a strong collective bargaining agreement with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied in support of strong DEIA protections in EPA bargaining contract and comprehensive scientific integrity in the labor contract to ensure that employees can perform the mission of the agency with dignity and respect. Lobbied in support of strong protections for all employees including transgender employees. FY 2024 Interior and Environmental Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of lnterior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. Lobbied in support of full funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to defund the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities in H.R. 4821, the Interior and Environment Appropriations bill.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, or any changes to FEHB retiree benefits. Opposed efforts to increase employee contributions to FEHB. Pointed out threats to federal employee health benefits should a fiscal commission be allowed to consider this as a source for a deficit dead or appropriations compromises. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees' right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees' ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services. Lobbied to remove barriers to contraception.

Lobbied in support of the DC Admissions Act, H.R. 51, and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the, Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2024 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, and its provisions addressing the District of Columbia workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Pursued requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills and CRs: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD Opposed measures to cut federal employees pay and benefits in appropriations and the continuing resolution and against a government shutdown. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for funds for hiring additional personnel at the Federal Labor Relations Authority in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for pay for Transportation Security Officers in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for personnel in the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for personnel who conduct work in refugee, asylum and other humanitarian programs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services be funded through appropriated funds rather than through fees for other CIS services in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for more Railroad Safety Inspectors and better pay for existing inspectors at the Federal Railroad Administration in the FY 2024 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill and in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 1674/S. 576). Lobbied to restore budget and personnel cuts at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, funded through the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional Social Security Administration (SSA) funding in the FY 2024 Labor-HHS Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of full-year appropriations for FY24 and for short-term continuing appropriations that to not include arbitrary and harmful across-the-board cuts to federal agencies, establish a fiscal commission that would likely recommend deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the federal civil service, and any number of other essential programs and services. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5779, H.R. Fiscal Commission Act of 2023; S. 3262, the Fiscal Stability Act of 2023; and H.R. 710, the Sustainable Budget Act and any other efforts to create a commission charged with cutting or eliminating benefits for federal employees. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to implement the Holman Rule to reduce salaries of several federal officers to $1, cut DEIA programs in federal agencies, reduce health and safety protections including mask mandates, and amendments to cut funding for several agencies to several appropriations bills: H.R. 4820, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4367, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2024. H.R. 4665, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. H.R. 4664, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2024. Lobbied in support of SA 1092 to the bill H.R. 4366 in the Senate. Lobbied in opposition to an amendment to H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024, to prohibit regular telework and remote work for Defense Department civilian employees and contractors. Lobbied in support of an amendment to H.R. 4365 to restore language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent an analysis of the effects of such reduction on workload and military readiness of the armed forces. Lobbied in opposition to an amendment to H.R. 4664 that would prohibit funds from being used to finalize, implement, or enforce the proposed OPM rule that would prohibit a future administration from transforming thousands of merit-based positions in the Executive Branch into partisan appointments and undermine the merit-based civil service system.

Lobbied on the following issues in the H.R. 2670 Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Authorization in the House, S. 2226 Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate, and the FY24 NDAA conference report enacted in December 2023: Lobbied for removal of a provision in H.R. 2670 that would prohibit military commissaries and exchanges from selling Chinese-made good. Lobbied against provisions in H.R. 2670 that would undermine the Defense Departments authority to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the civilian workforce. Sent numerous letters to Members of Congress expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 2670 and S. 2226. Provided analysis and feedback to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on provisions in S. 2226 and H.R. 2670 affecting DoD civilian employees. Provided input to a House inquiry concerning proposed changes to the Navys Fleet Readiness Centers aircraft maintenance protocols that would affect civilian employees.

FY 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations -- Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Lobbied to prevent the aggressive expansion of AI in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and ensure there is adequate oversight over existing AI use.

Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates) Act, H.R. 536, and S. 124 to provide an 8.7% increase in federal employees' pay in 2024. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. 3029, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied against FY 2024 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets. Lobbied for changes to S. 3015, the Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023, hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service, provision which was enacted in the NDAA. Lobbied for changes to OPMs proposed governmentwide cybersecurity workforce proposal to preserve title 5 provisions, protect collective bargaining rights, and avoid pay banding systems that are associated with arbitrary or discriminatory treatment. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation - HUD

Lobbied Senate staff and USCIS staff engaged in negotiating provisions of the Biden administrations requested emergency appropriations supplemental on the effect that certain changes to asylum law would have on USCIS asylum operations and procedures along the southwest border and U.S. obligations under international law.

FY 2024 Agriculture Appropriations - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for reintroduction of the, Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act." Lobbied for USDA to improve conditions for workers at the Beltsville Agriculture Research Center. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 of the Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023 led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern.

Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied to preserve language in H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement of GS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Lobbied for additional training for Board of Veterans Appeals Attorneys. Lobbied in support of ANS to H.R. 1530, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TB!), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the introduction of H.R. 6538, the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023. Lobbied for the introduction of "VA Employee Fairness Act" subsequent to the passage of the VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023. Lobbied in support of and for changes to S. 2679, the Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, and Development (LEAD) Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act., which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied for oversight of new VA private contracting program, the Integrated Critical Staffing Program. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters. Lobbied for better information on scheduling and appointment times for both in-house VA and private care. Lobbied for more information about the costs of VA care. Statements and Correspondence: Provided a Statement for the Record for a October 25, 2023 Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing titled VA Accountability and Transparency: A Cornerstone of Quality Care and Benefits for Veterans. Testified at a November 29, 2023, House Veterans Affairs Committee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee titled Examining the VA Appeals Process: Ensuring High-Quality Decision-Making for Veterans Claims on Appeal. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6538, the "VA Correct Compensation Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. 3194, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure, and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at YA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of YA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4906 "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support and for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition to S. 2649, the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1315, the HEALTH Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied to preserve changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes.

Lobbied to ensure the wealthiest American individuals and companies pay their fair share of taxes. Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 884 and S. 357, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 638, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high‐level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied to ensure workers at the U.S. Mint have a safe workplace where they are treated equitably and fairly. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4963 and S. 738, the Tax Fairness for Workers Act. Lobbied for H.R. 4535 and S. 1174, a bill to ensure the wealthiest Americans contribute their fair share to Americas social insurance programs, known as the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act.

Lobbied to prevent new line speed waivers and reduce existing waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to ensure USDA fixes critical health safety issues at its facilities in Beltsville, MD. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 for the, "Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023" led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied for progressive, worker friendly provisions in the Farm Bill. Lobbied against H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. Specifically lobbied against amendments to H.R. 4368 that proposed to reduce the salaries of various Agriculture Department and FDA officials and to reduce funding for the Agricultural Research Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

FY 2024 Foreign Operations Appropriations --Lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees and the funding level for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied to prevent a Reduction in Force (RIF) at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied for the State Department to remove an employee hosting and writing hate content on an extreme hate website. Lobbied for the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to have more employee input on their reorganization proposal and to have increased oversight of hiring practices and improved whistleblower protections. Lobbied against the use of generative AI voices at the USAGM.

Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in opposition to augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied in support of time and a half true overtime for BOP nurses FY 2024 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations. Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 130 and S. 459, the Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of S. 529, Eric's Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of full multilingual opportunities and adequate compensation for employees at the Small Business Administration.

Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the "SHOW UP Act" and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of lncome Rates) Act, H.R. 536 and S. 124 to provide an 8.7% increase in federal employees' pay in 2024. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bills including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries' cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act of 2023" to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied for passage of S. ____, the Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act Lobbied against FY 2024 appropriations amendments to require excessive reporting on telework and remote work, ban mask mandates, and reduce federal spending below Fiscal Responsibility Act targets Lobbied for changes to Telework Reform Act of 2023 to protect competitive service hiring. Provided technical assistance to House Oversight and Accountability Subcommittee on Government Operations and the Federal Workforce for its September 14, 2023 hearing: Oversight of Federal Agencies Post-Pandemic Telework Policies. Lobbied against Senate proposal to expand excepted hiring in the Defense Departments Artificial Intelligence Office. Lobbied for expansion of FMLA eligibility expansion to credit military service. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied for confirmation of Julie Su to serve as Secretary of the Department of Labor. Lobbied for confirmation Kalpana Kotagal to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and her ultimate confirmation on July 14, 2023. Lobbied in support ofH.R. 536/S. 124, the "Federal Adjustment oflncome Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 8.7%. Lobbied in support of H.R. 856/S. 274, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees twelve weeks of paid leave for instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees. Urged Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to move with all due consideration and speed to confirm nominees to the Federal Labor Relations Authority when nominations are received from the Administration. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to prevent new line speed waivers and reduce existing waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to ensure USDA fixes critical health safety issues at its facilities in Beltsville, MD. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 of the Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023 led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied for progressive, worker friendly provisions in the Farm Bill. Lobbied against H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024. Specifically lobbied against amendments to H.R. 4368 that proposed to reduce the salaries of various Agriculture Department and FDA officials and to reduce funding for the Agricultural Research Service and the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

FY 2024 Agriculture Appropriations - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for reintroduction of the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act." Lobbied for USDA to improve conditions for workers at the Beltsville Agriculture Research Center. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 of the Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023 led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

FY 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations, Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Lobbied to prevent the aggressive expansion of AI in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and ensure there is adequate oversight over existing AI use. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Pursued requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Opposed measures to cut federal employees pay and benefits in appropriations and the continuing resolution and against a government shutdown. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for funds for hiring additional personnel at the Federal Labor Relations Authority in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for pay for Transportation Security Officers in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for personnel in the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for personnel who conduct work in refugee, asylum and other humanitarian programs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services be funded through appropriated funds rather than through fees for other CIS services in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for more Railroad Safety Inspectors and better pay for existing inspectors at the Federal Railroad Administration in the FY 2024 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill and in the Railway Safety Act (H.R. 1674/S. 576). Lobbied to restore budget and personnel cuts at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, funded through the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5525, the Continuing Appropriations and Border Security Enhancement Act, 2024, legislation to implement arbitrary and harmful across-the-board cuts to most federal agencies and establish a fiscal commission that would likely recommend deep cuts to Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, the federal civil service, and any number of other essential programs and services. Lobbied in opposition to amendments to implement the Holman Rule to reduce salaries of several federal officers to $1, cut DEIA programs in federal agencies, reduce health and safety protections including mask mandates, and amendments to cut funding for several agencies to several appropriations bills: H.R. 4820, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4821, the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4394, the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4367, the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, 2024 H.R. 4665, the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4368, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4366, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2024 Lobbied in support of SA 1092 to the bill H.R. 4366 in the Senate Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 5779, Fiscal Commission Act of 2023 and any other efforts to create a commission charged with cutting or eliminating benefits for federal employees. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, or any changes to FEHB retiree benefits. Opposed efforts to increase employee contributions to FEHB. Pointed out threats to federal employee health benefits should a fiscal commission be allowed to consider this as a source for deficit control. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees' right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees' ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services. Lobbied to remove barriers to contraception. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied in support of a strong collective bargaining agreement with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied in support of strong DEIA protections in EPA bargaining contract and comprehensive scientific integrity in the labor contract to ensure that employees can perform the mission of the agency with dignity and respect. Lobbied in support of strong protections for all employees including transgender employees. FY 2024 Interior and Environmental Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department oflnterior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. Lobbied in support of full funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. FY 2024 Energy and Water Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied on the following issues in the H.R. 2670 Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Authorization in the House and S. 2226 Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate: Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit military commissaries and exchanges from selling Chinese-made good. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to H.R. 2670 that would undermine the Defense Departments authority to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the civilian workforce. Lobbied for defeat of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would prohibit official time from being authorized for Department of Defense employees. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would direct the Defense Department to establish a safety performance rating system for prospective contractors based on their record of worker health and safety violations. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would lower the mandatory disclosure threshold for contractors to provide certified cost and pricing information from $2,000,000 to $750,000. Lobbied for adoption of an amendment offered to H.R. 2670 that would reform and increase pay for federal wildland firefighters. Lobbied for defeat of amendment offered to S. 2226 that would limit the authority of the Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board to make decisions about its investment offerings. Lobbied for defeat of amendments offered to S. 2226 that would restrict the use of official time by Defense Department employees engaged in workplace representation. Sent numerous letters to Members of Congress expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 2670 and S. 2226. Provided analysis and feedback to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on provisions in S. 2226 and H.R. 2670 affecting DoD civilian employees. Provided input to a House inquiry concerning proposed changes to the Navys Fleet Readiness Centers aircraft maintenance protocols that would affect civilian employees. Lobbied the House of Representatives on H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2024 that the House adopted in September: Lobbied against amendments that would prohibit telework for Defense Department civilian employees, reduce the salaries of senior Defense Department officers, and prohibit diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Lobbied in support of an amendment that would restore language included in previous Defense Appropriations Acts prohibiting the Defense Department from reducing its civilian workforce absent the appropriate analysis of the effects of these reductions on Defense Department capabilities. Sent numerous letters to House members expressing AFGEs views on H.R. 4365 Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of DHS employees in CIS, ICE-Professionals, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for full funding for FEMA and adequate numbers of full time FEMA employees. Lobbied in support of including workforce language to make sure that bargaining unit employees retain their rights during a transition in a bill that would remove the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), returning it to being an independent agency. Lobbied in support of inclusion of title 5 collective bargaining rights and GS pay for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) in the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act and in the National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 871, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3394, the Fund the TSA Act to end the diversion of the passenger security fee to non-aviation security purposes, increase the fee and index it to inflation, and designation a portion of the proceeds to pay and bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers as well as for important technology investments. Lobbied for additional positions at the Office of Principal Legal Advisory (OPLA) at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency to provide parity in legal teams with immigration judges at the Department of Justice. Lobbied for OPLA attorneys Public Liability Insurance to be paid by the agency. Lobbied for reauthorization of the CFATS program (H.R. 4470) Lobbied for Menendez amendment to H.R. 4367, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, to support CFATS inspector training. Lobbied for inclusion of CFATS reauthorization in Murray ANS to H.R. 3935, Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Lobbied Senate staff engaged in immigration and homeland security matters to raise awareness about the impact of the Department of Homeland Securitys Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Final Rule on USCIS asylum and refugee officers. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied in support of the DC Admissions Act, H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022 Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2024 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, and its provisions addressing the District of Columbia workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to raise awareness among House and Senate staff engaged in immigration and homeland security matters about the impact of the Department of Homeland Securitys Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Final Rule on USCIS asylum and refugee officers. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

FY 2024 Foreign Operations Appropriations --lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees and the funding level for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied to prevent a Reduction in Force (RIF) at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied for the State Department to remove an employee hosting and writing hate content on an extreme hate website. Lobbied for the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to have more employee input on their reorganization proposal and to have increased oversight of hiring practices and improved whistleblower protections. Lobbied against the use of generative AI voices at the USAGM. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied to ensure the wealthiest American individuals and companies pay their fair share of taxes. Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 884 and S. 357, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 638, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high‐level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied to ensure workers at the U.S. Mint have a safe workplace where they are treated equitably and fairly. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4963 and S. 738, the Tax Fairness for Workers Act. Lobbied for H.R. 4535 and S. 1174, a bill to ensure the wealthiest Americans contribute their fair share to Americas social insurance programs, known as the Medicare and Social Security Fair Share Act. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement ofGS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TB!), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied to amend 38 USC 7422. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the "Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VA's authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VA's own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023, H.R. 1315, the Health Act and S. 2649, Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 3146, the Veterans Health Care Freedom Act. , which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VA's own healthcare. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: Statements and Correspondence: Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 12, 2023, legislative hearing. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health for its July 18, 2023 markup. Sent letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations for its July 19, 2023, markup. Sent a joint union letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for its July 26, 2023, markup. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee July 26, 2023 hearing titled Implementing the PACT Act: One Year Later. Submitted a Statement for the Record to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee July 26, 2023 hearing titled VA Disability Exams: Are Veterans Receiving Quality Services? Specific Legislation: Lobbied for reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act" to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the "Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act" and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act" as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the "Veterans' Appeals Backlog Improvement Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of2023." Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support" (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at YA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of YA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the "VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act." Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the "Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied for changes to S. 2679, the VA LEAD Act of 2023. Lobbied in opposition H.R. 3520, the Veteran Care Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the "VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the "Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the "VA Medical Center Security Report Act." Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act," which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the "Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act," which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, "Veterans Health Care Freedom Act," which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans' Health Care Eligibility Ace, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the "Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act," which would set minimum nurse patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including YA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Lobbied in support of S. 2718, the Medical Disability Exam Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 3738, a bill To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied for a clean appropriations bill or CR covering these issues that does not cut federal pay or benefits.

Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in opposition to augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied in support of time and a half true overtime for BOP nurses in the FY 2024 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations. Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 130/S. 459 the, "Thin Blue Line Act," which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of S. 529, "Eric's Law" which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the "One America Many Voices Act." Lobbied in opposition to removing Puerto Rican holidays from SBA employees in Puerto Rico. Lobbied in support of full multilingual opportunities and adequate compensation for employees at the Small Business Administration.

Lobbied in support of the DC Admissions Act, H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2024 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, and its provisions addressing the District of Columbia workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied in support of Nancy Anderson Speight to be a Member and Chair of the Federal Labor Relations Authority and Suzanne Elizabeth Summerlin to be General Counsel of the Federal Labor Relations Authority. Lobbied for confirmation of Julie Su to serve as Secretary of the Department of Labor. Lobbied for confirmation Kalpana Kotagal to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 8.7%. Lobbied in support of extending the COVID presumption of workplace exposure for eligibility for FECA from the year 2030 to a later date to allow all eligible recipients to receive the benefit for longer period. Lobbied in support of H.R. 856/S. 274, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees twelve weeks of paid leave for instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees.

Lobbied to prevent new line speed waivers and reduce existing waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to ensure USDA fixes critical health safety issues at its facilities in Beltsville, MD. Lobbied in support of S. 272 and H.R. 805 the, "Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023" led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied for progressive, worker friendly provisions in the Farm Bill.

Lobbied to raise awareness among House and Senate staff engaged in immigration and homeland security matters about the impact of the Department of Homeland Securitys Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Final Rule on USCIS asylum and refugee officers. Lobbied for provisions in FY 2024 Homeland Security appropriations bill to fund humanitarian services at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services including refugee and asylum applications through appropriations rather than through fees for other services. Lobbied for appropriated funds for USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security in place of funding these services through fees because this function is vital to the legal immigration system and border security.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, or any changes to FEHB retiree benefits. Opposed efforts to increase employee contributions to FEHB. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees' right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees' ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services. Lobbied to remove barriers to contraception.

National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) AFGE lobbied on the following issues in the Defense Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2024: 1.Carrying forward section 8012 of Pub. L. 117-328, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 Division C (Dec. 29, 2022) without alteration in opposition to proposal of House Appropriations Committee Defense Subcommittee Chair Ken Calvert (R-CA41) to establish an arbitrary backfill ratio based on attrition to reduce Department of Defense (DoD) civilian workforce. 2.Adding a new provision that would require that contract services comply with budgetary requirements of section 4506 of title 10 to produce funding tables for contracted services in the same appropriations for which funding tables are currently displayed in the Defense Appropriation for DoD civilian employees. AFGE also provided questions for the record to House and Senate Appropriations Committee Defense Subcommittees on total force management, DoD civilian hiring and talent management, and the Defense Health Activity reorganization. Lobbied on the following issues in the Financial Services General Government Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2024: 1.Carrying forward section 741 from of Pub. L. 117-328, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 Division E (Dec. 29, 2022) that would prohibit public-private competitions pursuant to OMB Circular A-76. 2.Modifying section 737 from Pub. L. 117-328, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, Division E (Dec. 29, 2022) by raising the cap on Wage Grade pay increases so that hourly workers get the prevailing rates they are meant to receive while maintaining the floor so that every Wage Grade employee gets at least the average General Schedule raise in the locality where they work. Lobbied on the following issues in the H.R. 2670 Fiscal Year 2024 Defense Authorization in the House and the yet to be numbered Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act in the Senate: 1.Proposed markup amendment to strengthen total force management through amendment of section 129a of title 10. The proposal would amend subsection (b) to clarify the process for documenting DoD civilian workforce sizing decisions. The proposal further amends subsection (c) clarifying responsibilities of the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness). The proposal amends subsection (d) to improve the completeness of the contractor inventory. The proposal would add a new subsection (f) that would require the Department of Defense to brief Congress in each budget submission with specific data analytics linking the DoD civilian workforce to readiness, lethality and stress on the force metrics. The proposal would add a new subsection (g) that would require service contracts be subjected to the same workload validation and prioritization requirements currently applied to military and civilian force structure; and finally, the proposal would add a new subsection (h) that would require funding tables for services contracts similar to the funding tables in each National Defense Authorization Act and Defense Appropriation for the DoD civilian workforce. 2.Proposed consideration of a floor amendment for H.R. 1322 and S. 1888, the Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act, currently re-introduced as H.R. 1322, after its markup in the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. 3.Proposed converting Department of Defense Non-Appropriated Fund Child Care workforce to appropriated fund and raising their pay; commented on a Department of the Army proposal that would allow Non-Appropriated Fund personnel to take on more than one job. 4.Proposed a scholarship program for the medical workforce similar to section 1535 of the H.R. 1776, the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 5.Lobbied for a repeal or waiver of section 865 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) pertaining to the presumptions on Research, Development, Test and Evaluation expenditures by the government versus the private sector for weapon systems relevant to negotiations for access to intellectual property. 6.Lobbied for repeal or waiver of the definition of commercial item in section 103 and 103a of title 41 for sole-source non-competitive procurements of weapon systems. 7.Lobbied for ceasing use of arbitrary time limits on depot carryover. 8.Lobbied for the Department of Defense to use Section 1108, Eligibility of Department of Defense employees in time-limited appointments to compete for permanent appointments to convert term appointments to permanent positions in the ammunition plants, Anniston Army depot and throughout the organic defense industrial base. 9.Lobbied for the Department of Defense to improve its compliance with sections 2464 (core logistics rule), 2466 (50-50 rule) and 2476 (capitol investment requirements for depots) of title 10. 10.Lobbied for the Department of Defense to support amendment of section 737 of the Financial Services General Government (FSGG) appropriation by raising the cap on Wage Grade pay while retaining the floor to improve recruitment and retention of Department of Defense civilian workforce within the organic industrial base. 11.Lobbied the Department of Defense and Congress to increase its use of the organic industrial base to address ammunition, missile, artillery, armored vehicle shortfalls in Ukraine and replenish shortages needed to deter China and other threats to national security. 12.Lobbied Congress and the Department of Defense for repeal or amendment of section 1595 of title 10 to afford faculty at the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) worker protections under title 5. Additionally lobbied to modify section 1595 of title 10 to require strategic human capital risk assessments by restricting the use of annual renewable term appointments for enduring functions of the Future Years Defense. Requested a study to determine whether DLIFLC was handicapped in the program and budget process by having the Army as its Executive Agent; proposed additional funds and Full Time Equivalents to retain Pashtu faculty to avoid under-execution. 13.Lobbied Congress against the DoD legislative proposal, Application of Acquisition Demonstration Project to Department of Air Force Employees Assigned to Support United States Strategic Command and United States Space Command Enterprises; further lobbied Congress to discontinue the Acquisition Demonstration pay-for-performance system. 14.Lobbied Congress to support the DoD legislative proposal for One Year Extension of Temporary Authority to Grant Allowances, Benefits and Gratuities to Civilian Personnel on Official Duty in a Combat Zone. 15.Lobbied Congress to support the DoD legislative proposal for One year extension of Authority to Waive Annual Limitation on Premium Pay and Aggregate Limitations on Pay for Federal Civilian Employees working Overseas. 16.Lobbied to place limitations on the DoD legislative proposal for Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense, amending section 9905 of title 5 related to (1) support operations positions, and (2) positions in support of public safety, law enforcement, and first response. 17.Lobbied against the DoD legislative proposal, Improvements to Use of Cyber and Information Technology Workforce for Enterprise Information Technology, unless conditions laid out in the Strengthening Force Management amendment proposal are enacted and implemented. 18.Lobbied in support of the DoD legislative proposal, Removal of Washington Headquarters Service Direct Support From Personnel Limitation on the Office of the Secretary of Defense. 19.Lobbied to retain limitations on the DoD legislative proposal for Consolidation of Direct Hire Authorities for Candidates with Specified Degrees at Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratories. 20.Lobbied on the DoD legislative proposal for Authority to Provide for Increased Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay for Civilian Employees of the Department of Defense. 21.Provided general arguments against direct hire authority proposals of the Department of Defense and with respect to the Cyber Excepted Service. 22.Lobbied against an Air Force proposal to provide authority for Department of Defense Service Secretaries to establish classification, qualification and pay setting standards for occupations designated as Mission Critical Occupational Series. 23.Lobbied the Defense Business Board on civilian talent management and on behalf of AFGE Local 1263 relating to faculty at Defense Language Institute. 24.Commented on a proposed amendment from Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) that would establish a temporary Cyber Reserve pilot program, limited to 50 personnel, to urge public disclosure of conflicts of interest. Also expressed concerns with an alternative Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) markup amendment that would establish a permanent government-wide Digital Reserve run out of the General Services Administration. 25.Lobbied against privatization of Navy and Air Force lodging. 26.Lobbied against renewal of a proposal to restrict Military Exchanges from selling goods with any component parts manufactured in China. 27.Lobbied for supplementing the Non-Appropriated Fund workforce with Appropriated Funds in response to inflationary impacts. 28.Lobbied against amendment that would limit the investments in the Thrift Savings Plan that would limit investment in issuers where 50 percent or more of their revenue came from countries listed as National Security risks. 29.Lobbied against amendment that targeted the Under Secretary for Personnel and Readiness, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Director for reduction through a manpower study targeting the DoD civilian workforce, 30.Lobbied against amendment that proposed eliminating the Director Cost Assessment and Program Evaluation. 31.Lobbied against Navy proposals to privatize Department of Defense civilian employees currently supporting Program Executive Officer for Nuclear-Powered General Purpose Attack Submarines program. In addition, AFGE legislative staff: 1.Provided questions for the record to Senate Armed Services Committee and House Armed Services Committee hearings related to the Cyber Excepted Service, Artificial Intelligence, Commercial Technologies, Contract Services, Total Force Management, Talent Management, Hiring Reform, Competitive Service, Stealth Privatization, Child Development Centers and Child Care Workforce, Defense Health Activity Reorganization, and the 4th Estate. 2.Provided input to the Government Accountability Office (GAO) discrediting a 2013 McKinsey Study claiming $125 billion in savings from cutting 4th estate DoD organizations that was resurrected during an April 26, 2023, House hearing. GAO will be responding to question for the record on that study. 3.Provided input to the Congressional Budget Office concerning covering all services contracts in Future Years Defense Program analyses. AFGE sent letters to Congress and the Department of Defense opposing proposed DoD civilian workforce reductions, improving civilian talent management, opposing improper use of term and temporary hiring, and supporting the organic industrial base.

Lobbied to ensure the wealthiest American individuals and companies pay their fair share of taxes. Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 884 and S. 357, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 638, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high‐level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied to ensure workers at the U.S. Mint have a safe workplace where they are treated equitably and fairly. Lobbied against IRS funds being reduced as part of a debt ceiling deal. Lobbied in support of the Worker Tax Fairness Act.

FY 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations, Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Lobbied to prevent the aggressive expansion of AI in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and ensure there is adequate oversight over existing AI use.

Lobbied in support of a strong collective bargaining agreement with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied in support of diverse workforce at EPA and strong protections for all employees including transgender employees FY 2024 Interior and Environmental Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of Interior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. Lobbied in support of full funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. FY 2024 Energy and Water Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL.

FY 2024 Foreign Operations Appropriations --lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees and the funding level for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied to prevent a Reduction in Force (RIF) at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied for the State Department to remove an employee hosting and writing hate content on an extreme hate website. Lobbied for the Development Finance Corporation (DFC) to have more employee input on their reorganization proposal and to have increased oversight of hiring practices and improved whistleblower protections.

FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of DHS employees in CIS, ICE-Professionals, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for full funding for FEMA and adequate numbers of full time FEMA employees. Lobbied in support of inclusion of title 5 collective bargaining rights and GS pay for Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) in the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 871, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3394, the Fund the TSA Act to end the diversion of the passenger security fee to non-aviation security purposes, increase the fee and index it to inflation, and designation a portion of the proceeds to pay and bargaining rights for Transportation Security Officers as well as for important technology investments. Lobbied for additional positions at the Office of Principal Legal Advisory (OPLA) at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency to provide parity in legal teams with immigration judges at the Department of Justice. Lobbied for OPLA attorneys Public Liability Insurance to be paid by the agency. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Lobbied Senate staff engaged in immigration and homeland security matters to raise awareness about the impact of the Department of Homeland Securitys Circumvention of Lawful Pathways Final Rule on USCIS asylum and refugee officers.

Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the SHOW UP Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of Income Rates) Act, H.R. 536 and S. 124 to provide an 8.7% increase in federal employees pay in 2024. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against enactment of new excepted service and direct-hire authorities proposed in various bill including the NDAA. Lobbied for greater ethics disclosures for contractors working within the federal government, e.g., within the Cyber Reserve service. Lobbied in favor of higher bonuses for federal workers who recommend cost-saving improvements in their agencies. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the "Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act;" lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank-and-file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the "DC Admissions Act," H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the "Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act." Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the "Equal COLA Act" for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the "Chance to Compete Act of 2023," and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the "Military Spouse Employment Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD

Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement of GS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements). Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied to amend 38 USC 7422. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act. VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for restriction on VAs authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Privatization: Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VAs own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied against H.R. 3520, the Veteran Improvement Act, S 1315, Veterans HEALTH Act of 2023, and the Making Community Care Work for Veterans Act (not introduced as of 7-14-23), which would codify community care access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VAs own healthcare. Lobbied against potential closure or privatization of services at VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia and Coatesville, PA. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: Sent a letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for an April 28, 2023, Committee Markup. Provided a Statement for the Record for the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs hearing titled Reviewing VAs Implementation of the PACT Act on May 16, 2023. Submitted Testimony on behalf of MJ Burke, First Executive Vice President, National VA Council, AFGE who testified at a House Veterans Affairs Committee joint subcommittees on Health and Oversight and Investigation hearing, VHA Recruitment and Retention: Is Bureaucracy Holding Back a Quality Workforce? on May 17, 2023. Submitted Testimony on behalf of AFGE Member David Bump, who testified on behalf of AFGE at a House Veterans Affairs Committee joint subcommittees on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs and Technology Modernization hearing titled From Months to Hours: The Future of VA Benefits Claim Processing on June 6, 2023. Sent a Letter to the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committees calling for additional oversight at the Board of Veterans Appeals on May 22, 2023. Sent a letter to Senate Veterans Affairs Committee commenting on bills under consideration at the July 12, 2023, legislative hearing. Sent a letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee, Health Subcommittee commenting on bills under consideration at the June 21, 2023, legislative hearing. Specific Legislation: Lobbied for reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the "Social Security Fairness Act to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322 the Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act and S. 1658, the Law Enforcement Officers Parity Act as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R. 1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure and certification reimbursement, covid leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at VA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the "VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act." Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring Our PACT Act." Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 4278 / S.2158, the Restore Department of Veterans Affairs Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 366, Korean American VALOR Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 1089, the VA Medical Center Facility Transparency Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1530, the Veterans Benefits Improvement Act of 2023. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3504, the VA Medical Center Security Report Act. Lobbied in support of, S. 1951, the Department of Veterans Affairs Income Eligibility Standardization Act, which would eliminate subcategories of priority for enrollment to make more veterans eligible for enrollment in VA health care. Lobbied in support of the, S. 1954, the Improving Whole Health for Veterans with Chronic Conditions Act, which would create a pilot to provide dental benefits to veterans with diabetes and ischemic heart disease. Lobbied in opposition to S. 1545, Veterans Health Care Freedom Act, which would set up a pilot program to allow veterans to choose community providers at their preference without the need for referral by the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Acc, which establishes the Commission on Eligibility (staffed with bipartisan congressional and presidential appointees) to examine veterans' eligibility for health care from the VA. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 41, VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023, which requires the VA to ensure that when a veteran enrolled in the VA health care system contacts the VA by telephone to schedule an appointment for care or services at a VA facility, the appointment must be scheduled on that same call. Lobbied in support of S. 1113, the Nurse Staffing Standards for Hospital Patient Safety and Quality Care Act, which would set minimum nurse-patient staffing requirements for public and private health care systems, including VA and Department of Defense medical facilities. Lobbied in support of H.R. 542, the "Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act." Brown staffing ratio bill. Same day scheduling bill.

FY 2024 Agriculture Appropriations - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for reintroduction of the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act." Lobbied for USDA to improve conditions for workers at the Beltsville Agriculture Research Center. Lobbied in support of S. 272 and H.R. 805 the, "Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023" led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern.

Lobbied against passage of H.R. 139, the SHOW UP Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied to explain the benefits of telework and remote work for federal employees, for the economy and the environment. Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the FAIR (Federal Adjustment of Income Rates) Act, H.R. 536 and S. 124 to provide an 8.7% increase in federal employees pay in 2024. Lobbied against cutting services at federal agencies, pay and benefits of federal employees, Social Security and Medicare as a precondition of raising the debt ceiling. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 140, the Protecting Speech from Government Interference Act; lobbied to limit the definition of censorship, to reduce or eliminate penalties for rank and file government workers, and to defeat the Perry amendment related to use of union official time. Lobbied in support of the DC Admissions Act, H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the joint resolution removing the deadline for the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, S.J. Res. 4. Lobbied in support of inclusion of public financial disclosure provisions in S. 885, the Department of Homeland Security Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Act. Lobbied in support to H.R. 866, the Equal COLA Act for Federal Employee Retirement System beneficiaries cost-of-living adjustment to be the same as Civil Service Retirement System benefits rather than arbitrarily cut by one full percentage point. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 159 / S. 59, the Chance to Compete Act of 2023, and lobbied against proposed changes to weaken provisions of the bill by providing opt-outs, delaying implementation, and eliminating the passing score requirement. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, and recruitment and retention benefits. Lobbied in support of S. 393, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act, H.R. 871, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against expansion of a GAO study on remote work considered as an amendment to S. 349, the Military Spouse Employment Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82 and S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD

Lobbied to prevent new line speed waivers and reduce existing waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Agriculture Research Service (ARS), Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Lobbied to ensure USDA fixes critical health safety issues at its facilities in Beltsville, MD. Lobbied S. 272 and H.R. 805 of the Industrial Agricultural Accountability Act of 2023 led by Sen. Booker and Rep. McGovern. Lobbied for progressive, worker friendly provisions in the Farm Bill.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, or any changes to FEHB retiree benefits. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees' right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees' ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services.

Lobbied in support of the DC Admissions Act, H.R. 51 and S. 51 to make the D.C. a state. Lobbied against resolutions of disapproval to overturn DC Laws, including H.J. Res. 24, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022 and H.J. Res. 26, Disapproving the Action of the District of Columbia Council in Approving the Revised Criminal Code Act of 2022. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2024 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, and its provisions addressing the District of Columbia workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Submitted requests for appropriations, report language and legislative language affecting the federal workforce in the following appropriations bills: Agriculture Commerce, Justice, Science Defense Energy and Water Financial Services and General Government Homeland Security Interior, Environment Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Military Construction, Veterans Affairs State, Foreign Operations Transportation-HUD Lobbied for a clean increase to the federal debt ceiling to avoid a default. Lobbied against passage of H.R. 187 the Default Prevention Act, which in lieu of raising the debt ceiling would seek to avoid a default by creating a tiered payment system prioritizing Treasury payments to bondholders at the expense of federal employees, contractors, and others Lobbied for an 8.7% increase in federal by for 2024 in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for funds for hiring additional personal at the Federal Labor Relations Authority in the FY 2024 Financial Services Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for pay for Transportation Security Officers in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for personnel in the Office of Principal Legal Advisor at Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for personnel who conduct work in refugee, asylum and other humanitarian programs at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services be funded through appropriated funds rather than through fees for other CIS services in the FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied for additional funds for more Railroad Safety Inspectors and better pay for existing inspectors at the Federal Railroad Administration in the FY 2024 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill. Lobbied to restore budget and personnel cuts at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting, funded through the State and Foreign Operations appropriations bill

Lobbied on the following issues in the Defense Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2024: 1.Carrying forward section 8012 of Pub. L. 117-328, Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023 Division C (Dec. 29, 2022) without alteration in opposition to proposal of House Appropriations Committee Defense Subcommittee Chair Ken Calvert (R-CA41) to establish arbitrary backfill ratio based on attrition to reduce Department of Defense (DoD) civilian workforce. 2.Adding new provision that would require contract services comply with budgetary requirements of section 4506 of title 10 to produce funding tables for contracted services in the same appropriations for which funding tables are currently displayed in the Defense Appropriation for DoD civilian employees. Provided questions for record to House and Senate Appropriations Committee Defense Subcommittees on total force management, DoD civilian hiring and talent management, and the Defense Health Activity reorganization. Lobbied on the following issues in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024: 1.Proposed markup amendment as member request to strengthen total force management through amendment of section 129a of title 10. The proposal would amend subsection (b) to clarify the process for documenting DoD civilian workforce sizing decisions. The proposal further amends subsection (c) clarifying responsibilities of the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness). The proposal amends subsection (d) to improve the completeness of the contractor inventory. The proposal would add a new subsection (f) that would require the Department of Defense to brief Congress with each budget submission specific data analytics linking the DoD civilian workforce to readiness, lethality and stress on the force metrics. The proposal would add a new subsection (g) that would require service contracts be subjected to the same workload validation and prioritization requirements processes currently applied to military and civilian force structure; and finally the proposal would add a new subsection (h) that would require funding tables for services contracts similar to the funding tables in each National Defense Authorization Act and Defense Appropriation for the DoD civilian workforce for services contracts paid out of the same appropriations as the DoD civilian workforce. 2.Proposed markup and floor amendment for H.R. 159 Chance to Compete Act. 3.Proposed consideration of floor amendment for H.R. 1322 and S. 1888, the Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act, currently re-introduced as H.R. 1322, after its markup in the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability and the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. 4.Proposed converting Department of Defense Non-Appropriated Fund Child Care workforce to appropriated fund. 5.Proposed scholarship program for medical workforce similar to section 1535 of the H.R. 1776, James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024. 6.Lobbied for repeal or waiver of section 865 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2019 (Pub. L. 115-232) pertaining to the presumptions on Research, Development, Test and Evaluation expenditures by the government versus the private sector for weapon systems relevant to negotiations for access to intellectual property. 7.Lobbied for repeal or waiver of the definition of commercial item in section 103 and 103a of title 41 for sole-source non-competitive procurements of weapon systems. 8.Lobbied for ceasing use of arbitrary time limits on depot carryover. 9.H.R. 1776, James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 Section 1108, Eligibility of Department of Defense employees in time-limited appointments to compete for permanent appointments. 10.Lobbied for the Department of Defense to use of Section 1108 Section 1108, Eligibility of Department of Defense employees in time-limited appointments to compete for permanent appointments to convert such appointments to permanent positions in the ammunition plants, Anniston Army depot and throughout the organic defense industrial base. 11.Lobbied for the Department of Defense to improve its compliance with sections 2464 (core logistics rule), 2466 (50-50 rule) and 2476 (capitol investment requirements for depots) of title 10. 12.Lobbied for the Department of Defense to support amendment of section 737 of the Financial Services General Government (FSGG) appropriation by raising the cap on Wage Grade pay while retaining the floor to improve recruitment and retention of Department of Defense civilian workforce within the organic industrial base. 13.Lobbied the Department of Defense and Congress to increase it use of the organic industrial base to address ammunition, missile, artillery, armored vehicle shortfalls in Ukraine and replenish shortages needed to deter China and other threats to national security. 14.Lobbied Congress and the Department of Defense for repeal of section 1595 of title 10 to afford faculty at the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) education in force and other protections under title 5. Additionally lobbied for a study to determine whether DLIFLC was handicapped in the program and budget process by having the Army as its Executive Agent; as well as proposed additional funds and Full Time Equivalents to retain Pashtu faculty to avoid under-execution. 15.Lobbied Congress against DoD legislative proposal, Application of Acquisition Demonstration Project to Department of Air Force Employees Assigned to Support United States Strategic Command and United States Space Command Enterprises. 16.Lobbied Congress to Support DoD legislative proposal for One Year Extension of Temporary Authority to Grant Allowances, Benefits and Gratuities to Civilian Personnel on Official Duty in a Combat Zone. 17.Lobbied Congress to support DoD legislative proposal for One year extension of Authority to Waive Annual Limitation on Premium Pay and Aggregate Limitations on Pay for Federal Civilian Employees working Overseas. 18.Lobbied to place limitations on DoD legislative proposal for Direct Hire Authority for Certain Personnel of the Department of Defense, amending section 9905 of title related to (1) support operations positions, and (2) positions in support of public safety, law enforcement, and first responder. Also suggested that the Departments opposition H.R. 1322 and S. 1888, the Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act, currently re-introduced as H.R. 1322, is at the root of its hiring problems for Law Enforcement Officers. 19.Lobbied against DoD legislative proposal, Improvements to Use of Cyber and Information Technology Workforce for Enterprise Information Technology, and offering to withdraw opposition if all conditions laid out in Strengthening Force Management amendment proposal were enacted and implemented. 20.Lobbied in support of DoD legislative proposal, Removal of Washington Headquarters Service Direct Support From Personnel Limitation on the Office of the Secretary of Defense. 21.Lobbied to retain limitations on DoD legislative proposal for Consolidation of Direct Hire Authorities for Candidates with Specified Degrees at Science and Technology Reinvention Laboratories. 22.Lobbied on DoD legislative proposal for Authority to Provide for Increased Voluntary Separation Incentive Pay for Civilian Employees of the Department of Defense. 23.Provided general arguments against direct hire authority proposals of the Department of Defense and with respect to the Cyber Excepted Service. 24.Lobbied Defense Business Board on civilian talent management and on behalf of AFGE Local 1263 relating to faculty at Defense Language Institute, Foreign Language Center to support repeal of section 1595 of title 10, oppose recommendations to expand use of term or temporary hiring and direct hire authorities. Provided copies to Senate and House Armed Services Committees and lobbied Congress on same issue. AFGE sent the following letters to Congress and the Department of Defense in connection with Defense-related Issues: 1.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to Senate and House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, copied to Senate and House Armed Services Committee Members opposing proposed reductions of the DoD civilian workforce dated February 23, 2023. 2.AFGE National President Letter to Defense Business Board, copied to Congress, on civilian talent management dated February 30, 2023. 3.AFGE Local 1263 President Letter to Defense Business Board, copied to Congress, opposing extension of term and temporary hiring and supporting repeal of section 1595 of title 10 dated March 15, 2023. 4.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to Senate and House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee on appropriations member requests dated March 16, 2023. 5.AFGE National President Letter to Secretary of Defense, copied to Congress, on organic industrial base dated March 27, 2023.

Lobbied for provisions in FY 2024 Homeland Security appropriations bill to fund humanitarian services at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration services including refugee and asylum applications through appropriations rather than through fees for other services. Lobbied for appropriated funds for USCIS Fraud Detection and National Security in place of funding these services through fees because this function is vital to the legal immigration system and border security.

Lobbied for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied for confirmation of Julie Su to serve as Secretary of the Department of Labor. Lobbied for confirmation Kalpana Kotagal to be a Member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 8.7%. Lobbied in support of extending the COVID presumption of workplace exposure for eligibility for FECA from the year 2030 to a later date to allow all eligible recipients to receive the benefit for longer period. Lobbied in support of H.R. 856/S. 274, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees twelve weeks of paid leave for instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees.

Veterans Benefits Administration: Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Board of Veterans Appeals: Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the re-instatement of GS-14 career ladder position. Lobbied for the creation of a journeyman GS-15 position. Lobbied for the re-instatement of experience requirements for Board of Veterans Appeals Members (Veterans Law Judgements), Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. Lobbied to have Congress require the VA to return the HR functions back to VA facilities and to appropriate funding for it. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322/S. (pending reintroduction), the Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act as it pertains to VA Police Officers. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act: Lobbied for restriction on VAs authority to close or reduce services at rural healthcare facilities in the 2024 VA Military Construction appropriations bill. Lobbied against continued increased spending on community care at the expense of VAs own staffing and infrastructure. Lobbied against Congress codifying the community access standards that create a bias toward referral to community care over VAs own healthcare. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: Provided a Statement for the Record for the House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing Building an Accountable VA: Applying Lessons Learned to Drive Future Success on February 28, 2023. Provided a Statement for the Record for the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations hearing on Accountability at VA: Leadership Decisions Impacting its Employees and Veterans on March 9, 2023. Provided a Statement for the Record for the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee hearing on Strengthening Methods of Recruitment and Retention for VAs Workforce, March 22, 2023. Provided comments to the House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee hearing for a March 29, 2023, legislative hearing on: H.R. 41 VA Same-Day Scheduling Act of 2023; H.R. 754, Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act; and H.R. 542, Elizabeth Dole Home-and Community-Based Services for Veterans and Caregivers Act. Provided comments to Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for February 16, 2023, markup of S.10, The VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act. Provided questions to committee members for the House Appropriations Committee, subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies, March 29, 2023. Specific Legislation: Lobbied for reintroduction of the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 536/S. 124, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 866/S. (pending reintroduction) "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82/S. 597, the Social Security Fairness Act to protect VA employees affected by the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). Lobbied in support of H.R. 543, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1322/S. (pending reintroduction), the Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to H.R.1378, the Veterans Appeals Backlog Improvement Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 10 the " VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act of 2023. Lobbied for changes to S. 10, the "VA Clinician Appreciation, Recruitment, Education, Expansion, and Retention Support (CAREERS) Act related to market pay, performance pay, cost of living adjustments, licensure and certification reimbursement, COVID leave flexibility, and recruitment and retention at VA community living centers. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to the inclusion of VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, and Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees. Lobbied to renew a defunded corpsmen and medic vocational education and training program Grow Our Own. Lobbied for the reintroduction of the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied for oversight of the Honoring Our PACT Act.

FY 2024 Foreign Operations Appropriations --lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees and the funding level for the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied to prevent a Reduction in Force (RIF) at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied for the State Department to remove an employee hosting and writing hate content on an extreme hate website.

FY 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations, Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Lobbied to prevent the aggressive expansion of AI in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and ensure there is adequate oversight over existing AI use.

Lobbied to ensure the wealthiest American individuals and companies pay their fair share of taxes. Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 884 and S. 357, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 638, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high‐level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied to ensure workers at the U.S. Mint have a safe workplace where they are treated equitably and fairly. Lobbied to ensure Congress raise taxes on the rich and corporations and use the money to make major investments benefiting working families while also reducing the deficit.

Lobbied in support of a strong collective bargaining agreement with full rights and protections for EPA workers. FY 2024 Interior and Environmental Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of Interior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. Lobbied in support of full funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities. FY 2024 Energy and Water Appropriations Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL.

FY 2024 Agriculture Appropriations - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for reintroduction of the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act."

FY 2024 Homeland Security Appropriations - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of DHS employees in CIS, ICE-Professionals, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for full funding for FEMA and adequate numbers of full time FEMA employees. Lobbied in support the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act" and its pending reintroduction. The legislation would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) collective bargaining rights and GS pay under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2024 budget request for GS-level pay for Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 871, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied for additional positions at the Office of Principal Legal Advisory at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency to provide parity in legal teams with immigration judges at the Department of Justice. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation.

Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in opposition to augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied in support of time and a half true overtime for BOP nurses FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256). Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 72, Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3151 and S. 1721, Eric's Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the One America Many Voices Act. Lobbied in opposition to unilateral return to in person work for employees at the Small Business Administration. Lobbied in support of full multilingual opportunities and adequate compensation for employees at the Small Business Administration Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2617) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2023. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7489, the "Time Off to Vote Act" requiring employers, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 CJS Appropriations bill, H.R. 8256, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the "For the 99.5% Act." Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied for H.R. 7502, the "Babies Over Billionaires Act" to make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share of taxes to fund federal education and health programs. Lobbied in support of new tax revenues in the "Inflation Reduction Act." Lobbied to ensure workers at the U.S. Mint have a safe workplace where they are treated equitably and fairly.

Lobbied in support of a strong collective bargaining agreement with full rights and protections for EPA workers. FY 2023 Interior and Environmental Appropriations (H.R. 8262) -- Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of Interior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in opposition to the NOAA Commissioned Officers Corps initiative to bypass competitive hiring.

FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for passage of S. 2293 the Civilian Reservist Emergency Workforce Act of 2021 to grant certain employee rights to FEMA reservist employees. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6856, the Securing Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against S. 4769, the "Registered Traveler Act of 2021 that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 2021" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of 2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 1, the For the People Act, in particular its provision in support of statehood for the District of Columbia. Lobbied in support of H.R. 51 and S. 51, the "Washington, D.C. Admission Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, H.R. 8254, and its provisions addressing the District of Columbia workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied to impress upon lawmakers the impact of cuts, freezes or insufficient COLAs on federal employees' compensation and benefits including requiring employees to pay additional salary towards retirement. Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for the federal workforce for 2023 and for fairer locality adjustments. FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) -- Lobbied in support of additional funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). FY 2023 Defense Appropriations (H.R. 8236) -- Lobbied in support of limitations on use of appropriated funds for service contracts unless their planning, programming and budgeting is in compliance with section 2329 of title 10 and related total force management statutes. FY 2023 Military Quality of Life Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 8238) - Lobbied in support for funding to hire new employees to fill vacancies; provisions to provide adequate funding for VA health and benefits programs and against further contracting out. Lobbied for the inclusion of language to prevent unilateral implementation of collective bargaining agreements. FY 2023 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 8238) - Lobbied in support of funding for VA healthcare and benefit staff and police officers; lobbied to eliminate funding for the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission. Lobbied to include Senate-proposed language to restrict closure of rural VA healthcare facilities. FY 2023 Interior and Environment Appropriations (H.R. 8262) -- Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (H.R. 8295) -- Lobbied on contracting out, funding cuts to services such as college aid for students, rural healthcare services, and funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and status of collective bargaining. FY 2023 Appropriations (H.R. 8294) - partial omnibus appropriations for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023; Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023; Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act, 2023; Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2023; Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023; and Military Construction, Veterans Affairs and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2023 - lobbied for passage and commented on numerous amendments and provisions. Lobbied for increased Social Security Administration funding and Congressional assistance on the status of collective bargaining. Lobbied to restore adequate funding to the Social Security Administration for field operations and for telework and a review of legal assistant positions in the Office of Hearing Operations. Lobbied on status of reopening offices, downsizing of office space, status of contract in light of Executive Order 14003 to renegotiation portions of contract affected by previous Trump executive orders. Lobbied in support for funding and revitalized infrastructure for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL). Lobbied for full funding and staffing at OSHA and MSHA. FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations (H.R. 8254)-Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for all federal employees, for parity in locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees and for paid family and medical leave. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256)--Lobbied in support of AFGE Council of Prison Locals legislative priorities including higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations (H.R. 8294) --Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees. Lobbied to fully fund authorized rail inspector positions at the Federal Rail Administration and for an upgrade to the GS-13 level for inspectors and for safety equipment for hazardous materials inspectors. FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) --Lobbied against provisions on contracting out of federal employee jobs and funding cuts to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Lobbied against creation of a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef slaughter plants. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in support of full official time rights for federal workers and lobbied in support of good faith bargaining negotiations between AFGE EEOC Council leaders and management specifically related to health and safety provisions related to return to work and adequate telework flexibility. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564 / S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees paid leave to cover all instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act including to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition, care for somebody's own serious health condition, or address circumstances relating to an immediate family member's active-duty. service in the Armed Forces. Lobbied for higher funding levels for the United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Economic Survey, and Bureau of Labor Statistics relocation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 appropriations bills to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2617) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2023.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, particularly with any effects of postal reform legislation. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees' right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees' ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services.

Requested Senate assistance on treatment of labor union and recognized bargaining unit employees at the Export-Import Bank. Lobbied for confirmation of Ernest DuBester to serve as Chair, Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); for Kirk Rumsfeld to serve as General Counsel of FLRA and for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied in support of passage of H.R. 8466, the Chai Suthammanont Healthy Federal Workplaces of 2022 to better protect the federal workforce in the face of the current Covid-19 Pandemic and future pandemics. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied in support of extending the COVID presumption of workplace exposure for eligibility for FECA from the year 2030 to a later date to allow all eligible recipients to receive the benefit for longer period of time. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564/S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" Lobbied in support of COVlD-19 health and safety protections for workers and good faith negotiations between labor and management related to return to in-person work for a number of agency employees including at EPA and EEOC. Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied in support of adequate health and safety protections and good faith negotiations between labor and management for Bureau of Labor Statistics employees relocating from Washington, DC to Suitland, Maryland. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees.

FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations, H.R. 8294 - Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Lobbied to prevent the aggressive expansion of AI in the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and ensure there is adequate oversight over existing AI use.

Lobbied for changes to and oversight of Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury, and catastrophic injury claims. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for changes to the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that improperly authorizes an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied in support of the A.N.S. to H.R. 8510, the "Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act" to remove provisions that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsel's authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible (or will likely soon be eligible) to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make C&P Exams available in every VA Medical Center. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the "VA Accountability Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 202 l Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight of the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act as it pertains to VA Police Officers. Lobbied in support of and for changes to S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increased use of Market Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the "Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022", a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the "National Defense Authorization Act", substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the "Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023" and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support new legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: Provided a Statement for the Record for the House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing Fulfilling our Pact: Ensuring Effective Implementation of Toxic Exposure Legislation on December 7, 2022. Provided questions to committee members for the House Veterans Affairs Committee hearing Fulfilling our Pact: Ensuring Effective Implementation of Toxic Exposure Legislation on December 7, 2022. SFR for December 13, 2022 HVAC hearing on Review of the Role of the VA's Fourth Mission and Pandemic Response. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its amended version. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the "VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, Performance Pay, Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees, and changes for protections for former federal employees in relation to IG investigations. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3372, to amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 3548, the "Veterans Hearing Benefits Act of 2022." Lobbied in support of S. 4141, A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs as Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 4308, the "Veterans Marriage Recognition Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 8888, the Food Security for All Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2800, the "Working to Integrate Networks Guaranteeing Member Access Now Act" or the "WINGMAN Act." Lobbied for changes to and supported H.R. 8510, the "Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs" as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6823, the "Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Service for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2022" as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8260, the "Faster Payments to Veterans' Survivors Act of 2022." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5776, the "Serving Our LGBTQ Veterans Act." Lobbied for in support of and for technical changes to H.R. 8003, the "Restore Veterans Dignity Act of 2022." Lobbied in support of the amended version of H.R. 8313, the "House Every Veterans Act." Lobbied in opposition to the amended version of H.R. 291 the "COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act." Made comments on H.R. 6647, a bill to make certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program, and for other purposes. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7188, the "Modernizing Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Benefit Questionnaires Act." Lobbied for oversight of the "Honoring the PACT Act." Lobbied in support of report language related to Department of Veterans affairs in H.R. 2617, the "Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023," Including: - Support for the Cleland Dole Act and preferred changes to certain provisions. - Support for report language related to the VBA National Work Queue and performance standards for VBA Claims processors. - Support for report language exploring expanded dental coverage for eligible veterans. - Support for the filling of vacancies throughout the department. - Support for funding for the implementation of the "PACT Act" and the Toxic Exposure Fund.

Lobbied to prevent new line speed waivers and reduce existing waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COYID-19 Act." FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) - Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to ensure USDA fixes critical health safety issues at its facilities in Beltsville, MD.

Lobbied on the following issues in H.R. 4373, the Further Additional Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2023, which provides fiscal year (FY) 2023 appropriations to Federal agencies through December 30, 2022, for continuing projects and activities of the Federal Government. Division C Defense: 1. Supported retaining section 8012 language that clearly prohibits using appropriated funds to arbitrarily constrain the DoD civilian workforce to Full Time Equivalent personnel caps, End Strength, or maximum number of employees. Provision also prohibits arbitrary reductions of the programmed civilian full-time equivalents projected over the Future Years Defense Program years absent an appropriate analysis of the impacts on readiness, lethality, stress on the force, operational effectiveness, military force structure, workload and fully burdened costs. 2. Supported inclusion in section 8012 additional language prohibiting use of appropriated funds for term or temporary hiring for "enduring functions." 3. Supported inclusion of language in the FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill that mandates compliance with contract service planning, programming, and budgeting statutory requirements and Total Force Management statutory limitations on privatization (including compliance with the public-private competition moratorium). 4. Verified that continuing resolution carried forward existing Omnibus FY2022 appropriation riders, such as section 8012. 5. Confirmed that FSGG Appropriation Rider No. 741 prohibiting public-private competitions pursuant to OMB Circular A-76 was carried forward. Lobbied on the following provisions within the H.R. 7776, the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023: 1. Lobbied to strike S. 4543, Section 1107, Modification of the effective date of repeal of two-year probationary period for employees, which was stricken from final bill. 2. Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 5705, "Limitation on exception of competitive service requirements," and corresponding S. Amendment No. 5886 that would prevent any position in the competitive service from being reclassified to an excepted service schedule that was created after September 30, 2020, and limits federal employee reclassifications to the five excepted service schedules in use prior to fiscal year 2021. These were not included in the final bill. 3. Lobbied to include S. 3423, Chance to Compete Act and exclude the significantly different H.R. 6967, Chance to Compete Act, pertaining to modernizing and strengthening the competitive service, with the result that nothing was included in the final bill. 4. Lobbied to clarify H.R. 7900, Section 1533, "Comprehensive review of Cyber Excepted Service" and S. 4543, Section 1114, "Report on Cyber Excepted Service," which were included in final bill as Section 1541: Comprehensive Review of Civilian Cyber Excepted Service. 5. Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Title LVIII, Subtitle B, "Rights of the TSA Workforce Act of2022", that includes sections 5931 that would enhance the security operations of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and stability of the transportation security workforce. This was not included in Division G in the final bill. 6. Lobbied against S. 4542, Section 1112, "Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Pilot," H.R. 7900, Section 1112, "National Digital Reserve Corps," and S. Amendment No. 6279 that would establish a civilian Cyber Security Reserve Pilot at the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency. These became Section 1540: Independent assessment of Civilian Cyber Security Reserve for Department of Defense. 7. Lobbied to change and improve H.R. 7900, Section 5867, Department of Defense Cyber and Digital Service Academy, S. 4542, Section 1111, Department of Defense Cyber and Digital Service Academy, and S. Amendment No. 6211, which became Section 1535: Department of Defense Cyber and Digital Service Academy. 8. Lobbied against H.R. 7900 section 631, "Prohibition on sale of Chinese goods in commissary stores and military exchanges," which became Section 651: Prohibition of the sale of certain goods from the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region in commissaries and exchanges. 9. Lobbied against H.R. 7900 section 2814, "Privatization of Navy and Air Force transient housing," and S. Amendment 6375 which was not include but instead directive report language on page 412 of the Joint Explanatory Statement to Accompany H.R. 7776 requires a report to address GAO findings. 10. Lobbied to make adjustments to the Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide Funding tables in H.R. 7900 addressed in the July 12, 2022, Statement of Administration Policy to prevent the use of a Reduction in Force in certain Defense Agencies and Field Activities." Further lobbied to make reductions to contract services accounts working in headquarters but mis-reported in non-headquarters program elements. 11. Lobbied to support H.R. 7900 Section 804, "Life cycle management and product support," which became Section 806: Life cycle management and product support. 12. Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 367, "Clarification of calculation for certain workload carryover of Department of Army," which became Section 377, Clarification of calculation for certain workload carryover of the Department of the Army. 13. Lobbied to clarify H.R. 7900 Section 831, "Key experiences and enhanced pay authority for acquisition workforce excellence," to ensure that participation in "public-private talent exchanges" remains voluntary. This became Section 831: Key experiences and enhanced pay authorities for acquisition workforce excellence. 14. Lobbied to clarify H.R. 7900, Section 802 and S. 4542 Section 822 on "Data requirements for commercial item pricing not based on adequate price competition, which became Section 803: Data requirements for commercial products for major weapon systems. 15. Lobbied to support S. 4542, Section 827, "Progress payment incentive pilot," which was not included in the final bill. 16. Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Title LXII, "District of Columbia National Guard Horne Rule" reflected in Sections 6251 through 6255 and S. Amendment No. 6155, which were not included in the final bill. 17. Lobbied to support H.R. 7900 Section 5907, "Presumption of cause of disability or death due to employment in fire protection activities," and S. Amendment No. 5837 Fairness for Federal Firefighters, which became Section 5305: Fairness for Federal Firefighters in the final bill. 18. Lobbied to support H.R. 7900 Section 5107, "Elimination of Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission," which was not included in the final bill. 19. Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 609E, "Pay for DoD and Coast Guard childcare providers: studies; adjustment." 20. Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 1107, "Inflation bonus pay for certain Department of Defense civilian employees," which was not included in the final bill. 21. Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 1109, "GAO study on Federal Wage System parity with local prevailing wage rate," which was not included in the final bill. 22. Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 5127, "Competitive pay for health care providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs," which became Section 5122, Competitive pay for health care providers of Department of Veterans Affairs. In the final bill. 23. Lobbied to support R.R. 7900, Section 868, "Prohibition on contracting with employers that violated the National Labor Relations Act;" as well as Section 5817, "Prohibition on contracting with persons with willful or repeated violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938," and corresponding S. Amendment No. 6157 on which were not included in the final bill. 24. Lobbied to strike S. 4543, Section 525, "Prohibition on considering State laws and regulations when determining individual duty assignments," which was not included in the final bill. 25. Lobbied to support R.R. 7900, Section 780, "Limitation On Realignment or Reduction of Military Medical Manning End Strength; Certification Requirement and Other Reforms," which was included in the final bill as Section 741: Limitation on reduction of military medical manning and strength certification requirements and other reforms. 26. Lobbied to support and modify H.R. 7900, Section 387, "National Standards For Federal Fire Protection At Military Installations," which became Section 388, "National Standards For Federal Fire Protection At Military Installations, in the final bill. 27. Lobbied to include S. 1888 "The Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act," as an amendment and no amendment was offered. 28. Lobbied about the issue of compliance with existing title 10 "total force management" provisions enacted in prior National Defense Authorization Acts since 2017. 29. Lobbied in support of the $750 million increase in the Defense Commissary Agency Working Capital (DeCA) appropriation in R.R. 7900, and S. Amendment No. 6256 asking for a $550 million increase. The final bill authorized a $350 million increase. 30. Lobbied to support Sec. 1102, Modification and extension of authority to waive annual limitation on premium pay and aggregate limitation on pay for Federal civilian employees working overseas. 31. Lobbied to support Sec. 1103, One-year extension of temporary authority to grant allowances, benefits, and gratuities to civilian personnel on official duty in a combat zone. 32. Lobbied to support Sec. 1104, Standardized credentials for law enforcement officers of the Department of Defense. 33. Commented on Sec. 1106, Enhanced pay authority for certain research and technology positions in science and technology reinvention laboratories. 34. Commented on Sec. 1107, Flexible workplace programs. 35. Lobbied to support Sec. 1108, Eligibility of Department of Defense employees in time-limited appointments to compete for permanent appointments. 36. Commented on Sec. 1109. Modification to personnel management authority to attract experts in science and engineering. 37. Commented on Sec. 1110, Modification and extension of pilot program on dynamic shaping of the workforce to improve the technical skills and expertise at certain department of defense laboratories. 38. Lobbied and suggested modifications to Sec. 1111, Modification of temporary expansion of authority for noncompetitive appointments of military spouses by federal agencies. 39. Lobbied and suggested modifications to Sec. 1112, Modification to pilot program for the temporary assignment of cyber and information technology personnel to private sector organization. 40. Lobbied to support S. Amendment No. 6228, that would increase death gratuities and funeral allowances for federal employees. 41. Lobbied to support S. Amendment No. 6184, First Responders Fair Retirement, that would allow disabled federal first responders (e.g., law enforcement officers, customs and border protection officers, and firefighters) to continue receiving federal retirement benefits in the same manner as though they had not been disabled. This was not included in final bill. 42. Lobbied to support S. Amendment No. 6251, requiring a review of the pay for Department of Defense and Coast Guard Child Care providers. 43. Lobbied to support Section 665: Studies on compensation for DoD childcare providers. 44. Lobbied against S. Amendment No. 6043, that would expand the so- called pilot program on enhanced personnel management system for cybersecurity and legal professionals in the Department of Defense, to the rest of the Departments civilian workforce. This was not included in final bill. 45. Lobbied against S. Amendment No. 5548, that would allow the extension of term appointments for up to six years. This was not included in the final bill. 46. Lobbied against S. Amendment No. 5542 that would modify the Criteria for granting direct-hire authority to agencies. This was not included in the final bill. 47. Lobbied against S. Amendment No. 5555 that would permanently exempt Domestic Defense Industrial Base Facilities, Major Range and Test Facilities Base and the Office of the Director of Test and Evaluation from the examination, certification and appointment provisions of subchapter I of chapter 33 of title 5, United States Code. This was not included in the final bill. 48. Lobbied against S. Amendment No. 5550, that would raise the threshold from 15 percent to 25 percent for hiring recent college graduates into professional or administrative positions in the competitive service without regard to the examination, certification and appointment requirements of title 5. This was excluded from the final bill. 49. Lobbied to oppose S. Amendment No. 5559 that limited the use of scientific information in rulemaking by federal agencies. This was not included in the final bill. 50. Lobbied to oppose S. Amendment No. 5547 that would make changes to the socioeconomic labor threshold for service contracts. This was not included in the final bill. 51. Lobbied to modify S. Amendment No. 5620, relating to the hiring practices in the Department of State Authorization Act related to Section 5502 on the Cyber workforce. This was included in the final bill. 52. Lobbied to support S. Amendment No. 5463, that would regulate how access to public education is to be considered when making basing decisions for the Department of Defense. This was excluded from the final bill. 53. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 5631, that prohibits the reduction of Senior Executive Service positions at the Navy Laboratories and Naval Surface Warfare Centers. 54. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 5632, that prohibits elimination of Chemical Biological Incident Response Force of the Marine Corps. 55. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 5629, that regulates the movement or consolidation of the Joint Spectrum Center to Fort Meade or another appropriate location. 56. Lobbied against S. Amendment No. 5622, directing a study to identify duplicative research programs within the Department of Defense. 57. Lobbied against S. Amendment No. 5623, providing a Sense of the Senate regarding recognizing National debt as a threat to National Security. 58. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 5613, directing a briefing to Congress on the source of the repair decision-making process for depots and the costs and risks to readiness resulting from those decisions. This briefing would include an objective balance of workload between the public and private sectors. 59. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 5604, directing an Air Force assessment of combat-to-dwell policy and health within the remotely piloted aircraft community. 60. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 5598, that directed an assessment of conflicts of interest among consulting firms, such as Deloitte and McKinsey & Company. 61. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 5582, that requires the Department to clarify the roles and responsibilities for force modernization within the Army. 62. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 6349, The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, ensuring non-discrimination and reasonable accommodations among employers of pregnant workers. 63. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 6398, The Electoral Count Reform Act, which was not included in this bill. 64. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 6440, requiring a report and training related to food insecurity among military personnel and their families. 65. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 6081, prohibiting indefinite detention of citizens and lawful permanent residents. 66. Lobbied against S. Amendment No. 6110, arbitrarily restricting Internal Revenue Service hiring, which was not included in the final bill. 67. Lobbied against S. Amendments No. 6217 and 6218, that would require a GAO report on alternative modeling for locality pay formulations, which were not included in the final bill. 68. Lobbied to support S. Amendment No. 5852, providing for leave relating for abortion care and services for members of the Armed Forces, suggesting the need for a similar provision for federal employees and their families. 69. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 5855, requiring a study and report on the rate of cancer -related morbidity and mortality for individuals assigned to Pease Air Force Base and Pease Air National Guard Base. 70. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 5880, requiring disclosure to Congress of Presidential Emergency Action documents. 71. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 5902, of the PLUM Act, that requires a periodically updated public website on political appointee positions. 72. Lobbied against S. Amendment No. 6156, that would arbitrarily reduce by one percent any amount available to a Defense Component in the absence of an unqualified audit opinion. This was not included in the final bill. 73. Commented on of S. Amendment No. 5950, The Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, which was included in the final bill. 74. Lobbied against S. Amendment No. 5561 on the blended workforce that would undercount the number of contractors providing services to federal agencies by relying on counting only contractors with access to agency property or computer systems. 75. Lobbied in support S. of Amendment No. 6294, on the Department of Defense providing support to Defense-affiliated families (military and civilian) supplanted from the Departments child development centers. 76. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 6295, that affirms as one of the main objectives of the NDAA to include the capacity of public shipyards to meet current and anticipated needs of the Navy to maintain and repair ships. 77. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 6326, that would provide that the scorecard for basing decisions used by the military departments be coordinated with the Secretary of Defense to ensure consistency and be published for public comment in the Federal Register. 78. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 5922, directing a Department of Defense report on the adequacy of the cost-of-living allowance for members of the military, requesting it also include the impact on the Departments civilian workforce. 79. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 5819, that would expand the Commissary store doorstop delivery pilot program. 80. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 6007, that would require the Department of Defense to provide its rationale for Active and Reserve end strengths and its civilian workforce projections. 81. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 6013, establishing a framework for Congressional review of National Emergencies. 82. Lobbied in support S. Amendment No. 5729, directing a review by the Department of the Army of its execution of food service contracts. 83. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 6174, requiring a report on credit and debit card user fees imposed on veterans and caregivers at Commissary stores and MWR facilities. 84. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 5831, that would require a report on blood testing of Department of Defense firefighters for exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. 85. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 5751, requiring the Department of Defense to appoint a senior official responsible for addressing food insecurity. 86. Lobbied in support of S. Amendment No. 6046 that would rescind the medals of honor awarded to Soldiers who participated in the Wounded Knee massacre on December 29, 1890. This was not included in the final bill. 87. Lobbied against S. Amendment No. 6049 that would establish a White House position at Cabinet level equivalency that overlaps with the responsibilities of the Office of Personnel Management, the Department of Defense, other federal agencies, and state and tribal governments pertaining to volunteer, Defense and civil service positions. This was not included in final bill. 88. Lobbied in support of Section 665: Studies on compensation for DoD childcare providers. 89. Lobbied in support of Section 714: Maintenance of Core Casualty Receiving Facilities to improve medical force readiness. 90. Lobbied in support of Section 715: Congressional notification requirement to modify scope of services provided at military medical treatment facilities. 91. Lobbied in support of Section 731: Briefing and report on reduction or realignment of military medical manning and medical billets. 92. Commented on Section 742: Feasibility study on establishment of Department of Defense internship programs relating to civilian behavioral health providers. 93. Commented on Section 833: Modifications to Defense Civilian Training Corps. 94. Lobbied in support of Section 2703: Prohibition on conducting additional Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round. 95. Lobbied in support of Section 5124: Technical corrections to honoring our PACT Act of 2022. 96. Commented on TITLE LII-INSPECTOR GENERAL INDEPENDENCE AND EMPOWERMENT MATTERS. AFGE sent the following letters to Congress in connection with FY2023 NDAA: 1. AFGE Legislative Department Letter to Senate Members on Floor Amendments dated October 12, 2022. 2. AFGE Legislative Department Letter to Senate and House Leaders and Appropriators on FY2023 OMNIBUS addressed the TSA Workforce in both the NDAA and appropriation.

FY 2023 Foreign Operations Appropriations (H.R. 8282) --lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees. Lobbied to prevent a Reduction in Force (RIF) at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting.

FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act."

Lobbied for full implementation of the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, authorized in 2020. Lobbied for more stable funding for USCIS that does not rely on fees for non-fee elements of the agencys mission. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security appropriations bill, H.R. 8257, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Requested Senate assistance on treatment of labor union and recognized bargaining unit employees at the Export-Import Bank. Lobbied for confirmation of Ernest DuBester to serve as Chair, Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); for Kirk Rumsfeld to serve as General Counsel of FLRA and for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied in support of passage of H.R. 8466, the Chai Suthammanont Healthy Federal Workplaces of 2022 to better protect the federal workforce in the face of the current Covid- 19 Pandemic and future pandemics. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied in support of extending the COVID presumption of workers compensation for FECA from the year 2030 to allow all eligible recipients to receive the benefit for longer. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564/S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" Lobbied in support of COVlD-19 health and safety protections for workers and good faith negotiations between labor and management related to return to in-person work for a number of agency employees including at EPA and EEOC. Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied in support of adequate health and safety protections and good faith negotiations between labor and management for Bureau of Labor Statistics employees relocating from Washington, DC to Suitland, Maryland. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Lobbied in support of good faith bargaining and strong union role in return to work bargaining for EEOC employees.

Defense Appropriations Lobbied on the following issues in H.R. 8236, the Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Appropriations Act: 1. Supported retaining section 8012 language that clearly prohibits using appropriated funds to arbitrarily constrain the DoD civilian workforce to Full Time Equivalent personnel caps, End Strength, or maximum number of employees. Provision also prohibits arbitrary reductions of the programmed civilian full-time equivalents projected over the Future Years Defense Program years absent an appropriate analysis of the impacts on readiness, lethality, stress on the force, operational effectiveness, military force structure, workload and fully burdened costs. Opposed Administration proposal from the President's Budget to strike this provision and replace with a section 8008 that would permit the Department of Defense to constrain the civilian workforce to arbitrary personnel caps and arbitrarily reduce it for any reason. 2.Supported inclusion in section 8012 additional language prohibiting use of appropriated funds for term or temporary hiring for "enduring functions." 3.Supported inclusion of language in the FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill that mandates compliance with contract service planning, programming, and budgeting statutory requirements and Total Force Management statutory limitations on privatization (including compliance with the public-private competition moratorium). 4.Supported provision added by HAC-D that protects the ability of Department of Defense personnel to obtain abortions. 5.Verified that continuing resolution carried forward existing Omnibus FY2022 appropriation riders, such as section 8012. 6.Provided input on impact on Defense-related issues in the House Mini-bus appropriations amendments review for FY2023. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) 1.Lobbied to strike S. 4543, Section 1107, Modification of the effective date of repeal of two-year probationary period for employees. 2.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 5705, Limitation on exception of competitive service requirements. 3.Lobbied to clarify H.R. 7900, Section 1533, Comprehensive review of Cyber Excepted Service and S. 4543, Section 1114, Report on Cyber Excepted Service. 4.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Title LVIII, Subtitle B, Rights of the TSA Workforce Act of 2022, that includes sections 5931 that would enhance the security operations of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and stability of the transportation security workforce. 5.Lobbied against S. 4542, Section 1112, Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Pilot, and H.R. 7900, Section 1112, National Digital Reserve Corps. 6.Lobbied against H.R. 7900 section 631, Prohibition on sale of Chinese goods in commissary stores and military exchanges. 7.Lobbied against H.R. 7900 section 2814, Privatization of Navy and Air Force transient housing. 8.Lobbied to make adjustments to the Operation and Maintenance, Defense-Wide Funding tables in H.R. 7900 addressed in the July 12, 2022, Statement of Administration Policy to prevent the use of a Reduction in Force in certain Defense Agencies and Field Activities. Further lobbied to make reductions to contract services accounts working in headquarters but mis-reported in non-headquarters program elements. 9.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900 Section 804, Life cycle management and product support. 10.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 367, Clarification of calculation for certain workload carryover of Department of Army. 11.Lobbied to clarify H.R. 7900 Section 831, Key experiences and enhanced pay authority for acquisition workforce excellence, to ensure that participation in public-private talent exchanges remains voluntary. 12.Lobbied to clarify H.R. 7900, section 802 and S. 4542 Section 822 on Data requirements for commercial item pricing not based on adequate price competition. 13.Lobbied to support S. 4542, Section 827, Progress payment incentive pilot. 14.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Title LXII, District of Columbia National Guard Home Rule reflected in Sections 6251 through 6255. 15.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900 Section 5907, Presumption of cause of disability or death due to employment in fire protection activities. 16.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900 Section 5107, Elimination of Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission. 17.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 609E, Pay for DoD and Coast Guard childcare providers: studies; adjustment. 18.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 1107, Inflation bonus pay for certain Department of Defense civilian employees. 19.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 1109, GAO study on Federal Wage System parity with local prevailing wage rate. 20.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 5127, Competitive pay for health care providers of the Department of Veterans Affairs. 21.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 868, Prohibition on contracting with employers that violated the National Labor Relations Act; as well as Section 5817, Prohibition on contracting with persons with willful or repeated violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. 22.Lobbied to strike S. 4543, Section 525, Prohibition on considering State laws and regulations when determining individual duty assignments. 23.Lobbied to repudiate the directive report language in S. 4543 that suggests DoD should not continue its efforts to root out extremism in the ranks. Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 1036, Report on threat posed by domestic terrorists and Section 5814, Interagency report on extremist activity. 24.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 780, Limitation On Realignment or Reduction of Military Medical Manning End Strength; Certification Requirement and Other Reforms. 25.Lobbied to support H.R. 7900, Section 387, National Standards For Federal Fire Protection At Military Installations. 26.Lobbied to include in S. 4543, The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2023, S. 1888 The Law Enforcement Officers Equity Act. 27.Lobbied about the issue of compliance with existing title 10 total force management provisions enacted in prior National Defense Authorization Acts since 2017. 28.Lobbied in support of the $750 million increase in the Defense Commissary Agency Working Capital (DeCA) appropriation in H.R. 7900. AFGE sent the following letters to Congress se in connection with FY2023 NDAA: 1.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee on Pre-Conference issues dated August 18, 2022. 2.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee on Pre-Conference issues dated September 16, 2022.

Lobbied for full implementation of the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, authorized in 2020. Lobbied for more stable funding for USCIS that does not rely on fees for non-fee elements of the agencys mission. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security appropriations bill, H.R. 8257, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied Congress to require Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. Lobbied in opposition of augmentation and in support of full staffing, funding and workplace safety for correctional officers and all BOP staff. Lobbied in support of time and a half true overtime for BOP nurses. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256) -- Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 72, Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3151 and S. 1721, Eric's Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the One America Many Voices Act. Lobbied in opposition to unilateral return to in person work for employees at the Small Business Administration. Lobbied in support of full multilingual opportunities and adequate compensation for employees at the Small Business Administration. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7489, the "Time Off to Vote Act" requiring employers, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 CJS Appropriations bill, H.R. 8256, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) -- Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied for passage of S. 2293, the "Civilian Reservist Emergency Workforce Act of 2021" to grant certain employee rights to FEMA reservist employees. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6856, the Securing Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against S. 4769, the "Registered Traveler Act of 2021 that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 2021" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of 2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Security's Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COYID-19 Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations bill, H.R. 8239 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, particularly with any effects of postal reform legislation. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees' right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees' ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services.

FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act."

Lobbied for passage of H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 302, the Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2988, the Whistleblower Protection Improvement Act of 2021, and against including protections for noncareer SES political appointees. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 8873, the Presidential Election Reform Act. Lobbied to amend and improve the Safe Federal Workplaces Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 4623, the AGILE Procurement Act of 2022, to avoid creating loopholes to cost accounting rules for federal contractors. Lobbied in support of H.R. 521, the RETIRE Act of 2021, to provide equitable retirement benefits to first responders and law enforcement officers injured on the job. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474, the "Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act." Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423, the "Chance to Compete Act." Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521, the "America COMPETES Act." Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied in support for a strong collective bargaining contract with full rights and protections for EPA workers. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act" to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the "Time Off to Vote Act" and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8861, the District of Columbia Home Rule Expansion Act of 2022 eliminating the Congressional review period for D.C. legislation. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the "Social Security Expansion Act" to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Supported Senate letter to president urging appointments for SSAs Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner positions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act" to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res. 275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the "Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act" to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the "Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act" that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for inclusion of the legislations provisions in the FY2023 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers' compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Department's mission, including protecting students' civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee. Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen)- Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the "Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 82, the Social Security Fairness Act of 2021 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 1302, the companion legislation to H.R. 82. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723 and S. 3071, the "Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust" Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the "Protecting Our Democracy Act" and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the "Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act" to protect veterans' preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.

Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the "For the 99.5% Act." Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied for H.R. 7502, the "Babies Over Billionaires Act" to make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share of taxes to fund federal education and health programs. Lobbied in support of new tax revenues in the Inflation Reduction Act.

FY 2023 Foreign Operations Appropriations (H.R. 8282) --lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees. Lobbied to prevent a Reduction in Force (RIF) at the Office of Cuba Broadcasting. Lobbied to remove workers at State Department who have a record of radical and racist views. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in the FY 2023 State, Foreign Operations appropriations bill, H.R. 8282 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied for changes to Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma, Traumatic Brain Injury Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for changes to the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that improperly authorizes an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied for changes prior to the introduction of H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs Act to remove provisions that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsel's authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible (or will likely soon be eligible) to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight of the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act." Lobbied for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increased use of Market Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the "Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022", a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the "National Defense Authorization Act", substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the "Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023" and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support new legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: (Add Apostrophe after Veterans for both committees) Letter to the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a Legislative Hearing on July 13, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on July 19, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on July 27, 2022. Letter to the House Veterans Affairs Committee for a Markup on September 21, 2022. Provided questions to members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee for a hearing on September 21, 2022. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its amended version. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Also lobbied for specific changes to the bill related to VA Police Pensions, Continuing Professional Education Benefits, Performance Pay, Collective Bargaining Rights for Title 38 Employees, and changes for protections for former federal employees in relation to IG investigations. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the "Equal COLA Act" to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act Lobbied in support of S. 3372, To amend title 38, United States Code, to strengthen benefits for children of Vietnam veterans born with spina bifida, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 3548, the Veterans Hearing Benefits Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of S. 4141, A bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department of Veterans Affairs as Advisory Committee on United States Outlying Areas and Freely Associated States, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 4308, the Veterans Marriage Recognition Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8888, the Food Security for All Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2800, the Working to Integrate Networks Guaranteeing Member Access Now Act or the WINGMAN Act. Lobbied for changes to and supported H.R. 8510, the Strengthening Whistleblower Protections at the Department of Veterans Affairs as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6823, the Elizabeth Dole Home and Community Based Service for Veterans and Caregivers Act of 2022 as amended. Lobbied in support of H.R. 8260, the Faster Payments to Veterans Survivors Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5776, the Serving Our LGBTQ Veterans Act. Lobbied for in support of and for technical changes to H.R. 8003, the Restore Veterans Dignity Act of 2022. Lobbied in support of the amended version of H.R. 8313, the House Every Veterans Act. Lobbied in opposition to the amended version of H.R. 291 the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Made comments on H.R. 6647, a bill to make certain improvements relating to the eligibility of veterans to receive reimbursement for emergency treatment furnished through the Veterans Community Care program, and for other purposes. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 7188, the Modernizing Department of Veterans Affairs Disability Benefit Questionnaires Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3373, the "Honoring the PACT Act." Lobbied against SA 5185 (Blackburn) to S. 3373. Lobbied against SA 5186 (Toomey) to S. 373.

Lobbied in support of a strong collective bargaining agreement with full rights and protections for EPA workers. FY 2023 Interior and Environmental Appropriations (H.R. 8262) -- Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of Interior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) -- Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in opposition to the NOAA Commissioned Officers Corps initiative to bypass competitive hiring.

FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations, H.R. 8294 - Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 1, the For the People Act, in particular its provision in support of statehood for the District of Columbia. Lobbied in support of H.R. 51 and S. 51, the "Washington, D.C. Admission Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, H.R. 8254, and its provisions addressing the District of Columbia workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Provided written and oral testimony and responded to questions for the record for House Homeland Security Hearing: "On the Frontlines in Turbulent Times: Workforce Perspectives on the State of Transportation Security." Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided comments at markup of H.R. 6827 to accelerate computed technology for TSA screening. Lobbied in support of the Security Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Provided background on legislation to establish a temperature check pilot in airports to combat the spread of disease. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 202 l" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied against confirmation of William Valdez to serve as Undersecretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Securitys Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Defense Appropriations Lobbied on the following issues H.R. 8236, the Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Appropriations Act: 1.Supported retaining section 8012 language that clearly prohibits using appropriated funds to arbitrarily constrain the DoD civilian workforce to Full Time Equivalent personnel caps, End Strength, or maximum number of employees. Provision also prohibits arbitrary reductions of the programmed civilian full-time equivalents projected over the Future Years Defense Program years absent an appropriate analysis of the impacts on readiness, lethality, stress on the force, operational effectiveness, military force structure, workload and fully burdened costs. Opposed Administration proposal from the Presidents Budget to strike this provision and replace with a section 8008 that would permit the Department of Defense to constrain the civilian workforce to arbitrary personnel caps and arbitrarily reduce it for any reason. 2.Supported inclusion in section 8012 additional language prohibiting use of appropriated funds for term or temporary hiring for enduring functions. 3.Supported inclusion of language in the FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill that mandates compliance with contract service planning, programming, and budgeting statutory requirements and Total Force Management statutory limitations on privatization (including compliance with the public-private competition moratorium). National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Lobbied on the following issues for H.R. 7900, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023 NDAA) both in the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee Members based on Member Requests proposals for Amendments for committee and subcommittee markup on the following issues (Senate bill number not assigned yet). 1.Inclusion of language in the FY 2023 NDAA that would strengthen total force management within the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution system of the DoD: a.By reviving the Enterprise Contractor Manpower Reporting Application process for collecting fully burdened cost data from contractors; b.By ensuring near- and long-term strategic readiness includes data analytics for identifying DoD civilian contributions to readiness, leveraging Center for Naval Analysis study previously asked for in the Fiscal Year 2020 NDAA. c.By strengthening and clarifying statutory framework to ensure program and budget reviews challenge, compete, and prioritize contract services requirements instead of the default practice of cutting the DoD civilian workforce. 2.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA to repeal the remaining arbitrary personnel caps on headquarters functions in sections 143, 155, 194, 7014, 8014 and 9014 of title 10. 3.Continuation of the public-private competition moratorium on OMB Circular A-76. Inclusion of language strengthening implementation of section 815 of the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA depending on the Departments implementation of those provisions to enforce compliance with existing statutory restrictions on converting civilian positions to contract performance and to ensure the Department is complying with statutory requirements to consider civilian employees for performance of closely associated with inherently governmental and critical functions. 4.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA that continues the prohibition of another round of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC). 5.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA encouraging the DoD to hire civilian backfills when converting military medical structure to operational requirements in the Military Medical Treatment Facilities. 6.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA encouraging Commissaries to address food insecurity among military families by ending variable pricing and establishing specific pilot programs to provide free produce to eligible military families. 7.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA to improve sustainment planning for major weapon system acquisitions by re-establishing the manpower estimate report process prior to milestone B and C decision on the appropriate mix between Active Component and Reserve Component military. civilian employees, host nation and contract support for operating, training and maintaining major weapon systems. This became section 804. 8.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA terminating authority for alternative compensation frameworks by repealing authority for the Acquisition Demo project which has been documented as discriminatory to women and minorities. 9.Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA prohibiting the misuse of term and temporary hiring authorities for enduring missions. 10.Inclusion in the FY2023 NDAA H.R. 903, The Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2021, as reported in the House Homeland Security Committee. 11.Inclusion of H.R. 962 and S. 1888, The Law Enforcement Equity Act, in the FY2023 NDAA. 12.Inclusion of H.R. 2499 and S. 1116, The Federal Firefighters Fairness Act, in the FY20223 NDAA. 13.Inclusion of H.R. 6967 and S. 3423, Chance to Compete Act of 2022, in the FY2023 NDAA. 14.Inclusion of directive report language in the FY2023 NDAA requesting an Administrative Conference of United States review of the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness from a due process perspective of DoD and government security clearance determinations, as well as a Federally Funded Research and Development demographic survey on whether security clearance adjudications within DoD and other federal agencies have been applied in a discriminatory manner against protected Civil Rights categories and in favor of certain hate groups. 15.Consideration of the adverse effects of limited access to technical data in the organic industrial base and limits to governmental access to certified cost and pricing data under the Truth in Negotiations Act resulting from recent expansions of commercial items and services definitions through the NDADA to sole source procurements that have contributed to escalating sustainment costs and cybersecurity risks for DoD weapon systems. 16.Inclusion of H.R. 3086 and S. 1561, the Locality Pay Equity Act of 2021, in the FY2023 NDAA. Provided input to Rep. Norcross staff on potential floor amendment that would request a GAO review addressing this issue in the shipyards. Recommended expanding amendment to include depots, arsenals and Defense Logistics Agency sites. 17.Inclusion of H.R. 8007 and S. 4374, Stop Price Gauging the Military Act, in the FY2023 NDAA. 18.Clarification of the calculation of deport workload carryover calculations in Readiness subcommittee mark. This became section 367. 19.Opposed inclusion of Rep. Green (R-TN) language prohibiting Commissaries and Exchanges from selling Chinese-manufactured goods because of its impact on 40K Non-Appropriated Fund workers when no such restriction was being proposed for private sector competitors. This became section 631. 20.Clarification of the increase of minimum capital investment in depots from 6 percent to 8 percent in section 363. 21.Opposed inclusion of Air Force proposal entitled, Improvement to use of Cyber and Information Technology Workforce for Enterprise Information Technology, a proposal essentially to exempt the Cyber and IT workforce from the public-private competition moratorium and the underlying requirement to perform public-private competitions. 22.Discussed with Senator Shaheen staff the possibility of language that would help DoD civilian employees and their families, along with military, to take leave to get abortions. 23.Supported Amendment Number 5 proposed by Rep. Norton (D-D.C.) and Rep. Brown (D.-MD) to give the Mayor of the District of Columbia the same authority over the National Guard (NG) that the governors of states and territories have. 24.Supported Amendment Number 11 proposed by Rep. Brownley (D-CA) that would allow FAA Air Traffic Controllers to work at Contract Tower facilities without losing federal retirement benefits. 25.Supported Amendment Number 23 proposed by Rep. Cicilline (D-RI) that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs to evaluate productivity expectations for readjustment counselors of Vet Centers, including by gaining feedback from counselors that must be audited annually for five years by the Government Accountability Office. This amendment would also require the VA to develop and implement a staffing model for Vet Centers, standardize position description responsibilities, and award grants to address food insecurity among veterans and family members of veterans who receive services through Vet Centers or other VA facilities. 26.Supported Amendment Number 28 proposed by Rep. Kilmer (D-WA) that would remove the 180 day waiting period for hiring retired members of Armed Forces into military health system positions. 27.Supported Amendment Number 113 proposed by Rep. Correa (D-CA) that would require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to submit an annual report on women veterans access to gender specific services under arrangements entered into by the VA with non-VA medical providers for the provision of hospital care or medical services. 28.Opposed the following amendments proposed by Rep. Gaetz (R-FL), such as amendment number 2 that combating extremism in the ranks should not be a priority of the Department of Defense; amendment number 3 disparaging the Secretary of Defense; amendment number 7 that would weaken compliance of military members with the vaccine mandate; amendment number 8 that would impede DoD from making PCS moves when the reason for the PCS move is a military members disagreement with state or local law. 29.Opposed the amendment number 9 proposed by Rep. Van Duyne (R-TX) that would permanently suspend the vaccine mandate for DoD contractors. AFGE sent the following letters to Congress and the Department of Defense in connection with FY2023 NDAA: 1.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, on Defense Appropriation Member Request Priorities dated April 26, 2022. 2.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Financial Services General Government Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Financial Services General Government Subcommittee, on FSGG Appropriation Member Request Priorities dated April 26, 2022. Two issues related to carrying forward section 741 language continuing the government-wide public-private competition moratorium and proposing new language prohibiting the use of appropriated funds to interfere with collective bargaining agreements. 3.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee and Senate Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee, copied to Office of Management and Budget and Secretary of Defense, and dated May 23, 2022, strongly opposing Administration proposal to replace section 8012 with section 8008, reinstituting arbitrary personnel caps. Interviewed on Federal News Network about letter and provided interview to Congress, DoD and OMB. 4.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to Defense Business Board dated May 27, 2022, on Upgrading DoD Civilian Talent Management. Letter copied to Congress. 5.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Armed Services Committee pertaining to FY2023 NDAA markup dated June 12, 2022. 6.AFGE Legislative Department Letter to House Rules Committee on H.R. 7900 Amendments dated July, 2022. Other NDAA related activities: Provided several questions for record to SASC Personnel Subcommittee Hearing on April 27, 2022, regarding military and civilian workforce programs in the Department of Defense. The questions for record were submitted by Senator Tillis related to the USD (P&R) total force management responsibilities and how increased use of the civilian workforce could reduce stress on the militarys high demand low density military occupational specialties when insufficient accessions were occurring resulting in military end strength reductions. The questions for record on the Departments plans to program and budget for services contracts and implement standard total force management guidelines to improve compliance with statutory privatization limitations were submitted by Senator Warren. There were later re-packaged for HAC-D Defense Budget Hearing to counter Ranking Member Calverts suggestion that the civilian workforce should be proportionately reduced with military end strength reductions. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Defense Appropriations bill to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations, H.R. 8294 - Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Requested Senate assistance on treatment of labor union and recognized bargaining unit employees at the Export-Import Bank. Lobbied for confirmation of Ernest DuBester to serve as Chair, Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); for Susan Tsui Grundmann to serve as a member of FLRA; for Kirk Rumsfeld to serve as General Counsel of FLRA and for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the Chai Suthammanont Act of 2022 to better protect the federal workforce in the face of the current Covid-19 Pandemic and future pandemics. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied in support of extending the COVID presumption of workers compensation for FECA from the year 2030 to allow all eligible recipients to receive the benefit for longer. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564/S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" Lobbied in support of COVID-19 health and safety protections for workers and good faith negotiations between labor and management related to return to in-person work for a number of agency employees including at EPA and EEOC. Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied in support of adequate health and safety protections and good faith negotiations between labor and management for Bureau of Labor Statistics employees relocating from Washington, DC to Suitland, Maryland. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education.

FY 2023 Foreign Operations Appropriations (H.R. 8282) --lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in the FY 2023 State, Foreign Operations appropriations bill, H.R. 8282 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.

Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the "For the 99.5% Act." Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied for H.R. 7502, the Babies Over Billionaires Act to make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share of taxes to fund federal education and health programs. Lobbied in support of $3.6 trillion in new tax revenues outlined in President Biden's Made in America Tax Plan to finance the important investments included in the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan.

FY 2023 Interior and Environmental Appropriations (H.R. 8262) -- Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of Interior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied to address direct hire and employee rights concerns in CARES Act and USICA.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 1, the For the People Act, in particular its provision in support of statehood for the District of Columbia. Lobbied in support of H.R. 51 and S. 51, the "Washington, D.C. Admission Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, H.R. 8254, and its provisions addressing the District of Columbia workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, particularly with any effects of postal reform legislation. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services.

Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COYID-19 Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations bill, H.R. 8239 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied to impress upon lawmakers the impact of cuts, freezes or insufficient COLAs on federal employees' compensation and benefits including requiring employees to pay additional salary towards retirement. Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for the federal workforce for FY 2023 and for fairer locality adjustments. FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) --Lobbied in support of additional funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). FY 2023 Defense Appropriations (H.R. 8236) --Lobbied in support of limitations on use of appropriated funds for service contracts unless their planning, programming and budgeting is in compliance with section 2329 of title 10 and related total force management statutes. FY 2023 Military Quality of Life/Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 8238)-Lobbied in support for funding to hire new employees to fill vacancies; provisions to provide adequate funding for VA health and benefits programs and against further contracting out. Lobbied for the inclusion of language to prevent unilateral implementation of collective bargaining agreements. FY 2023 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations, H.R. 8238,- Lobbied in support of funding for VA healthcare and benefit staff and police officers; lobbied to restrict funding for the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission. FY 2023 Interior and Environment Appropriations (H.R. 8262) --Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (H.R. 8295)-Lobbied on contracting out, funding cuts to services such as college aid for students, rural healthcare services, and funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied for increased Social Security Administration funding and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied to restore adequate funding to the Social Security Administration for field operations and for telework and a review of legal assistant positions in the Office of Hearing Operations. Lobbied on status of reopening offices, downsizing of office space, status of contract in light of Executive Order 14003 to renegotiation portions of contract affected by previous Trump executive orders. Lobbied in support for funding and revitalized infrastructure for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL). Lobbied for full funding and staffing at OSHA and MSHA. FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations (H.R. 8254) -Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for all federal employees, for parity in locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees and for paid family and medical leave. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256)--Lobbied in support of AFGE Council of Prison Locals legislative priorities including higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations (H.R. 8294) --Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees. Lobbied to fully fund authorized rail inspector positions at the Federal Rail Administration and for an upgrade to the GS-13 level for inspectors and for safety equipment for hazardous materials inspectors. FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) --Lobbied against provisions on contracting out of federal employee jobs and funding cuts to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Lobbied against creation of a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef slaughter plants. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in support of full official time rights for federal workers and lobbied in support of good faith bargaining negotiations between AFGE EEOC Council leaders and management specifically related to health and safety provisions related to return to work and adequate telework flexibility. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564 / S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees paid leave to cover all instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act including to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition, care for somebodys own serious health condition, or address circumstances relating to an immediate family member's active-duty service in the Armed Forces. Lobbied for higher funding levels for the United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Economic Survey, and Bureau of Labor Statistics relocation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 appropriations bills to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act."

Lobbied Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256) Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of language to end augmentation of corrections workers, hire more correctional officers, and phase out the use of private prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 72, Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3151 and S. 1721, Erics Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the One America Many Voices Act. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7489, the Time Off to Vote Act requiring employers, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 CJS Appropriations bill, H.R. 8256, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 1, the For the People Act, in particular its provision in support of statehood for the District of Columbia. Lobbied in support of H.R. 51 and S. 51, the "Washington, D.C. Admission Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government appropriations bill, H.R. 8254, and its provisions addressing the District of Columbia workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COYID-19 Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations bill, H.R. 8239 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied for passage of H.R. 7376/S. 3474 Honoring Civil Servants Killed in the Line of Duty Act. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 6967/S. 3423 Chance to Compete Act. Lobbied for changes to provisions of H.R. 4521 America COMPETES Act. Lobbied in opposition to expanding noncompetitive hiring at the Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development. Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied for passage of the "Time Off To Vote Act." Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, Social Security Expansion Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421/H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398 /S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied against S. 3672 RETURN Act and its provisions that would abrogate collective bargaining agreements. Lobbied for S.Res.275 introduced by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) acknowledging the mistreatment of LGBTQ individuals in all levels of federal service. Specifically, this resolution would apologize for the mistreatment of, discrimination against, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals who served in the United States Armed Forces, Foreign Service and Federal civil service. Expressed concerns about a provision in H.R. 6104, the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act with respect to competitive service examination credits for internships. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7951, the Telework Metrics and Cost Savings Act to encourage expanded telework and ensure managers are informed as to its benefits and use. Lobbied against S. 471, the Members of Congress Pension Opt Out Clarification Act that undermines the value of the earned benefit of the retirement annuity in federal service and politicizes its acceptance by members of Congress. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee and lobbied this issue in the FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied to expand presumption of workplace illness workers compensation through the Federal Employee Compensation Act for Covid-19 cases beyond 2030. Lobbied to renew paid emergency leave for federal employees for Covid-19 personal and family illness and childcare and school needs. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Provided technical background and comment on draft legislation to improve process for evaluation of applicants within the competitive service. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5723, the Social Security 2100: A Sacred Trust Act to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of S. 4365/ H.R. 8005, the Social Security Expansion Act, to expand Social Security benefits, improve solvency and repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 6104 the Building the Next Generation of Federal Employees Act to protect veterans preference and to prevent undue private influence on federal hiring decisions. Lobbied on behalf of S. 4421 / H.R. 304, the "Equal Cola Act" to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, particularly with any effects of postal reform legislation. Lobbied in support of protecting federal employees right to use existing paid sick leave policies to travel across state lines for medical care, including to get an abortion or other reproductive health services. Lobbied in opposition to provisions to limit federal employees ability to use existing paid sick leave to access certain types of healthcare services including abortion and other reproductive healthcare services.

Requested Senate assistance on treatment of labor union and recognized bargaining unit employees at the Export-Import Bank. Lobbied for confirmation of Ernest DuBester to serve as Chair, Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); for Susan Tsui Grundmann to serve as a member of FLRA; for Kirk Rumsfeld to serve as General Counsel of FLRA and for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the Chai Suthammanont Act of 2022 to better protect the federal workforce in the face of the current Covid-19 Pandemic and future pandemics. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates" (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied in support of extending the COVID presumption of workers compensation for FECA from the year 2030 to allow all eligible recipients to receive the benefit for longer. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564/S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" Lobbied in support of COVID-19 health and safety protections for workers and good faith negotiations between labor and management related to return to in-person work for a number of agency employees including at EPA and EEOC. Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA. Lobbied in support of adequate health and safety protections and good faith negotiations between labor and management for Bureau of Labor Statistics employees relocating from Washington, DC to Suitland, Maryland. Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education.

FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations, H.R. 8294 - Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

FY 2023 Interior and Environmental Appropriations (H.R. 8262) -- Lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of Interior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied to address direct hire and employee rights concerns in CARES Act and USICA.

FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) - Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act."

Lobbied to impress upon lawmakers the impact of cuts, freezes or insufficient COLAs on federal employees' compensation and benefits including requiring employees to pay additional salary towards retirement. Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for the federal workforce for FY 2023 and for fairer locality adjustments. FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) --Lobbied in support of additional funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). FY 2023 Defense Appropriations (H.R. 8236) --Lobbied in support of limitations on use of appropriated funds for service contracts unless their planning, programming and budgeting is in compliance with section 2329 of title 10 and related total force management statutes. FY 2023 Military Quality of Life/Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 8238)-Lobbied in support for funding to hire new employees to fill vacancies; provisions to provide adequate funding for VA health and benefits programs and against further contracting out. Lobbied for the inclusion of language to prevent unilateral implementation of collective bargaining agreements. FY 2023 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs Appropriations, H.R. 8238,- Lobbied in support of funding for VA healthcare and benefit staff and police officers; lobbied to restrict funding for the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission. FY 2023 Interior and Environment Appropriations (H.R. 8262) --Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2023 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (H.R. 8295)-Lobbied on contracting out, funding cuts to services such as college aid for students, rural healthcare services, and funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied for increased Social Security Administration funding and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied to restore adequate funding to the Social Security Administration for field operations and for telework and a review of legal assistant positions in the Office of Hearing Operations. Lobbied on status of reopening offices, downsizing of office space, status of contract in light of Executive Order 14003 to renegotiation portions of contract affected by previous Trump executive orders. Lobbied in support for funding and revitalized infrastructure for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL). Lobbied for full funding and staffing at OSHA and MSHA. FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations (H.R. 8254) -Lobbied for a 5.1% pay increase for all federal employees, for parity in locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees and for paid family and medical leave. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256)--Lobbied in support of AFGE Council of Prison Locals legislative priorities including higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. FY 2023 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations (H.R. 8294) --Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees. Lobbied to fully fund authorized rail inspector positions at the Federal Rail Administration and for an upgrade to the GS-13 level for inspectors and for safety equipment for hazardous materials inspectors. FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 8239) --Lobbied against provisions on contracting out of federal employee jobs and funding cuts to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Lobbied against creation of a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef slaughter plants. FY 2023 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 8255) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in support of full official time rights for federal workers and lobbied in support of good faith bargaining negotiations between AFGE EEOC Council leaders and management specifically related to health and safety provisions related to return to work and adequate telework flexibility. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564 / S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act" to give federal employees paid leave to cover all instances covered under the Family and Medical Leave Act including to care for an immediate family member with a serious health condition, care for somebodys own serious health condition, or address circumstances relating to an immediate family member's active-duty service in the Armed Forces. Lobbied for higher funding levels for the United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Economic Survey, and Bureau of Labor Statistics relocation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 appropriations bills to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied for full implementation of the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, authorized in 2020. Lobbied for more stable funding for USCIS that does not rely on fees for non-fee elements of the agencys mission. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security appropriations bill, H.R. 8257, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied for changes to Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA Employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied against provisions of S. 2687, the Strengthening Oversight for Veterans Act that would improperly authorize an agency IG to issue testimonial subpoenas to former employees and others without the safeguards provided to current employees. Lobbied against provisions of draft VA whistleblower legislation that would improperly expand the Office of Special Counsels authority at the expense of the neutral Merit Systems Protection Board and afford overly broad protections to SES members. Lobbied against provisions of H.R. 3967, the Honoring the PACT Act, that would unnecessarily expand direct hire authority at the VA. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible (or will likely soon be eligible) to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for the introduction of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 4003. VA Infrastructure: VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221 Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for the increase use of Marked Pay Surveys for Title 38 employees, and for Congress to perform oversight over the VA to ensure these surveys are being completed regularly and accurately. VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Lobbied in support introduction of legislation, existing legislation, and amendments to repeal the AIR Commission. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans Affairs Committee Markup on Pending Legislation (April 6, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on The VA Workforce: Assessing Ways To Bolster Recruitment And Retention (May 3, 2022). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing on Pending Legislation (Hearing postponed, statement submitted for the record) (May 24, 2022). Letter to all Senators with vote recommendations on the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021," and potential floor amendments. House Veterans Affairs Committee Subcommittee on Health Hearing on Pending Legislation (June 22, 2022). Letter to Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate in support of amendment to VA appropriations to prohibit the closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771, the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304/S. 4221, the Equal COLA Act to protect VA employees in FERS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the "Protecting VA Employees Act" to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the "Ensuring Veterans' Smooth Transition Act" or "EVEST Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the "Support The Resiliency of Our Nation's Great Veterans Act of 2022" or the "STRONG Veterans Act of 2022" Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021. Lobbied to repeal the AIR Act and in support of S. 4297, the Elimination of the VA Asset and Infrastructure Review (AIR) Commission Act of 2022, a draft House companion bill, and a proposed amendment to H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization Act, substantially similar to S. 4297. Lobbied to amend H.R. 8238, the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, 2023 and parallel draft Senate legislation to prohibit closure of VA health care facilities based on certain VA recommendations to the AIR Commission. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5051 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5063 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5064 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5071 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in opposition to SA 5075 to H.R. 3697, the "Honoring our PACT Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 5738, the Lactation Spaces for Veteran Moms Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7335, the Improving Military Sexual Trauma Claims Coordination Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 2428, the VA OIG Testimonial Subpoena Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. H.R. 7158, the Long Term Care Veterans Choice Act Lobbied for changes to H.R. 7153, the "Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act." Lobbied in support of S. 4156, the VA Workforce Improvement, Support, and Expansion (WISE) Act of 2022. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 291, the COST SAVINGS Enhancement Act. Lobbied in opposition to H.R. 1216, the Modernizing Veterans Health Care Eligibility Act. Lobbied for oversight of H.R. 6273, the VA Zero Suicide Demonstration Project Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1957, the Veterans Infertility Treatment Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of H.R. 345, the Reproductive Health Information for Veterans Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6422, the VA STRONG Act. Lobbied for changes to a Draft Bill to make certain improvements to the Office of Accountability and Whistleblower Protection of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Military Construction, VA appropriations bill, H.R. 8238 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 8257) - Lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of OHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Provided written and oral testimony and responded to questions for the record for House Homeland Security Hearing: "On the Frontlines in Turbulent Times: Workforce Perspectives on the State of Transportation Security." Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the President's FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided comments at markup of H.R. 6827 to accelerate computed technology for TSA screening. Lobbied in support of the Security Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of H.R. 2616, the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Provided background on legislation to establish a temperature check pilot in airports to combat the spread of disease. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the "Transportation Security Preparation Act of 202 l" to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the "Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of2021" to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied against confirmation of William Valdez to serve as Undersecretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Lobbied in support of changes to the Department of Homeland Securitys Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program during its next reauthorization, including improved training for inspectors, cyber-attack preparation. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 Homeland Security Appropriations bill, H.R. 8257 to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the "No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act." Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the "For the 99.5% Act." Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the "Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act," require large, publicly traded corporations to disclose high level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied for H.R. 7502, the Babies Over Billionaires Act to make the ultra-wealthy pay their fair share of taxes to fund federal education and health programs. Lobbied in support of $3.6 trillion in new tax revenues outlined in President Biden's Made in America Tax Plan to finance the important investments included in the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan.

Lobbied Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. FY 2023 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 8256) Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum-security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of language to end augmentation of corrections workers, hire more correctional officers, and phase out the use of private prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 72, Thin Blue Line Act, which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3151 and S. 1721, Erics Law which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the One America Many Voices Act. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7489, the Time Off to Vote Act requiring employers, upon the request of an employee, to provide the employee with a minimum of two consecutive hours of paid leave in order to vote in a federal election. Government Funding: Lobbied for provisions in FY 2023 CJS Appropriations bill, H.R. 8256, to address the needs of the federal workforce and for timely action throughout the appropriations process to avert the need for continuing resolutions or a government shutdown.

Lobbied Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide safe staffing and workplace safety measures for correctional officers. FY 2022 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 4505)--Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of language to end augmentation of corrections workers, hire more correctional officers, and phase out the use of private prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 72, the "Thin Blue Line Act," which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3151 and S. 1721, "Eric's Law," which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied in support of introduction of the Time Off to Vote Act. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the One America Many Voices Act. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, particularly with any effects of postal reform legislation. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

Lobbied for changes to Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA Employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans' Appeals. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible (or will likely soon be eligible) to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for the introduction of H.R. 6682, the Protecting VA Employees Act to repeal parts of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trump's May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Biden's January 2021 Executive Order 14003: "Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion." Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administration's implementation of Executive Order 14003. VA Infrastructure: VA HR Modernization: Lobbied to address problems created by VA reorganization of its human resources processes including centralization and implementation of new information technology systems, and practices and policies related to filling and posting unfilled positions. VA Compensation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied for the need for increased compensation for mid-grade Title 38 employees in positions covered by the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." VA Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act Lobbied AIR to block the confirmation of the AIR Commission members and prevent implementation of recommendations to close facilities and reduce patient capacity. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Testimony, Statements for the Record, and Letters: House Veterans' Affairs Committee Hearing titled Building A Better VA: Addressing Healthcare Workforce Recruitment And Retention Challenges, Testimony of Ms. MJ Burke, AFGE NVAC 1st Executive Vice President (March 17, 2022). Letter to every representative in support of final passage of H.R. 3697, the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021, (PACT Act) (March 2, 2022). Letter to the House Rules Committee for a hearing on H.R. 3697, the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021, (PACT Act) (February 28, 2022). House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Hearing titled Honoring Our Promise: Reviewing the Effectiveness Of Services For Dependents And Survivors, Statement for the Record (February 8, 2022). Letter to House Veterans' Affairs Committee for a Markup (February 2, 2022). Letter to every representative in support of final passage of H.R. 4673, the Ensuring Veterans Smooth Transition Act or EVEST Act. (January 12, 2022). Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771 the "VA Employee Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888 the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act" and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3693, the "VA CPE Modernization Act," and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518, the "FAIR Act" to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6682, the Protecting VA Employees Act to amend parts of the VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 4673, the Ensuring Veterans Smooth Transition Act or EVEST Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6411, the Support The Resiliency of Our Nations Great Veterans Act of 2022 or the STRONG Veterans Act of 2022 Lobbied in support of H.R. 3697, the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act (PACT) Act of 2021, Provided Comments on the A.N.S. to H.R. 5575, the VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the "Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act." Lobbied for changes to H.R. 5575, the "VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act." Lobbied for changes to draft legislation (now H.R. 7153), the Department of Veterans Affairs Principles of Benefits Automation Act. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

Lobbied for full implementation of the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, authorized in 2020. Lobbied for more stable funding for USCIS that does not rely on fees for non-fee elements of the agencys mission. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act. Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the For the 99.5% Act. Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act, require large, publicly-traded corporations to disclose high-level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied in support of $3.6 trillion in new tax revenues outlined in President Bidens Made in America Tax Plan to finance the important investments included in the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

Lobbied to impress upon lawmakers the impact of cuts, freezes or insufficient COLAs on federal employees' compensation and benefits including requiring employees to pay additional salary towards retirement. FY 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 4431) --Lobbied in support of additional funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). FY 2022 Defense Appropriations (H.R. 4432) --Lobbied in support of limitations on use of appropriated funds for service contracts unless their planning, programming and budgeting is in compliance with section 2329 of title 10 and related total force management statutes. FY 2022 Military Quality of Life/Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 4355)-Lobbied in support for funding to hire new employees to fill vacancies; provisions to provide adequate funding for VA health and benefits programs and against further contracting out. Lobbied for the inclusion of language to prevent unilateral implementation of collective bargaining agreements. FY 2022 Interior and Environment Appropriations (H.R. 4372) --Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2022 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (H.R. 4502)-Lobbied on contracting out, funding cuts to services such as college aid for students, rural healthcare services, and funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied for increased Social Security Administration funding and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied to restore adequate funding to the Social Security Administration for field operations and for telework and a review of legal assistant positions in the Office of Hearing Operations. Lobbied on status of reopening offices, downsizing of office space, status of contract in light of Executive Order 14003 to renegotiation portions of contract affected by previous Trump executive orders. Lobbied in support for funding and revitalized infrastructure for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL). Lobbied for full funding and staffing at OSHA and MSHA. FY 2022 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations (H.R. 4345) -Lobbied for a 3.2% pay increase for all federal employees, for parity in locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees and for paid family and medical leave. FY 2023 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations - Lobbied in support of a 5.1% pay increase for all federal employees. FY 2022 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 4505)--Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. FY 2022 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations (H.R. 4550) --Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees. Lobbied to fully fund authorized rail inspector positions at the Federal Rail Administration and for an upgrade to the GS-13 level for inspectors and for safety equipment for hazardous materials inspectors FY 2022 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 4356) --Lobbied against provisions on contracting out of federal employee jobs and funding cuts to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Lobbied against creation of a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef slaughter plants. FY 2022 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 4549/S. 2605) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in support of safe return to the office for EEOC employees with open and fair negotiations with the union. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564 / S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act." Lobbied for higher funding levels for the United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Economic Survey, and Bureau of Labor Statistics relocation. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

Lobbied for an increase in pay and staffing of the Office of Civil Rights at the Department of Education. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

Requested Senate assistance on treatment of labor union and recognized bargaining unit employees at the Export-Import Bank. Lobbied for confirmation of Ernest DuBester to serve as Chair, Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA); for Susan Tsui Grundmann to serve as a member of FLRA; for Kirk Rumsfeld to serve as General Counsel of FLRA and for Cathy Harris to serve as a member of and Chair of the Merit Systems Protection Board. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6398/S. 3518 the Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act to increase pay for federal employees by 5.1%. Lobbied in support of extending the COVID presumption of workers compensation for FECA from the year 2030 to allow all eligible recipients to receive the benefit for longer. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564/S. 1158 the Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act Lobbied in support of COVID-19 health and safety protections for workers and good faith negotiations between labor and management related to return to in-person work for a number of agency employees including at EPA and EEOC Lobbied in support of full funding and staffing at the Department of Labor including at OSHA and MSHA Lobbied in support of adequate health and safety protections and good faith negotiations between labor and management for Bureau of Labor Statistics employees relocating from Washington, DC to Suitland, Maryland. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

FY 2022 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations--lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

FY 2022 Interior and Environmental Appropriations (H.R. 4372) -- lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of Interior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2022 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 4549/S. 2605) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied to address direct hire and employee rights concerns in H.R. 2225, the National Science Foundation for the Future Act and S. 1260, the Endless Frontier Act. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

Lobbied in support of the U.S. Mint releasing its internal report on racial issues at the agency. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

FY 2022 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 4356) --Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSISs budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

Lobbied on the following issues H.R. 2471, the Fiscal Year 2022 OMNIBUS Subdivision C pertaining to the Defense Appropriation, and continued lobbying on these issues for the Fiscal Year 2023 Defense Appropriation: 1. Supported House section 8012 markup language that clearly prohibited using appropriated funds to arbitrarily constrain the DoD civilian workforce to Full Time Equivalent personnel caps, an End Strength, or maximum number of employees, leveraging the good outcome in section 902 of the S. 1605 Fiscal Year 2022 NDAA to strengthen the case for the House language. 2. Supported House version of section 8012 that would also prohibit the use of appropriated funds for term or temporary hiring for enduring functions. This provision did not make it into final bill and submitted member request for the fiscal year 2023 Defense Appropriation on this issue to Rep. Barbara McCollum (D-MN), Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH), Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ), and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI). 3. Supported inclusion of language in the FY 2022 Defense Appropriations bill that mandates compliance with contract service planning, programming, and budgeting statutory requirements and Total Force Management statutory limitations on privatization (including compliance with the public-private competition moratorium). Leveraged S. 1605 FY2022 NDAA language to strengthen the case for this added proposed rider. This provision did not make it into final bill and submitted member request for the fiscal year 2023 Defense Appropriation on this issue to Rep. Barbara McCollum (D-MN), Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH), Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA), Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (D-AZ), and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI). 4. Lobbied Rep. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ) staff about a rider for the government-wide section of the Financial Services and General Government appropriation that would prohibit overriding collective bargaining agreements. 5. Lobbied Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-PA) and Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D=MD) staff on carrying forward of the public-private competition moratorium language in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2023, separately submitting member request to each office on this issue. National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Lobbied on the following issues for [Bill number not assigned yet] the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 2023 NDAA) both in the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee Members based on Member Requests proposals for Amendments for committee and subcommittee markup on the following issues. (While every member of the House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee was specifically lobbied, separate member requests were submitted to the following members: Rep. Anthony Brown (D-MD), Salud Carbajal (D CA), John Garamendi (D-CA), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Joe Morelle (D-NY), Stephanie Murphy (D-FL), Donald Norcross (D-NJ), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Marc Veasey (D-TX), Elaine Luria (D-VA), Seth Moulton (D-MA), Don Bacon (R-NE), Blake Moore (R-UT), Mike Rogers (R-AL), Stephanie Bice (R-OK), Liz Cheney (R-CO); Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-OK); Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), Sen. Gary Peters (D-MI), Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CN), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Sen. Joe Manchin (D. WV), Sen Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ). 1. Inclusion of language in the FY 2023 NDAA that would strengthen total force management within the Planning, Programming, Budgeting and Execution system of the DoD: a. By reviving the Enterprise Contractor Manpower Reporting Application process for collecting fully burdened cost data from contractors; b. By ensuring near and long term strategic readiness includes data analytics for identifying DoD civilian contributions to readiness, leveraging Center for Naval Analysis study previously asked for in the Fiscal Year 2020 NDAA. c. By strengthening and clarifying statutory framework to ensure program and budget reviews challenge, compete, and prioritize contract services requirements instead of the default practice of cutting the DoD civilian workforce. 2.Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA by repealing the remaining arbitrary personnel caps on headquarters functions in sections 143, 155, 194, 7014, 8014 and 9014 of title 10. 3.Continuation of the public-private competition moratorium on OMB Circular A-76. 4.Inclusion of language strengthening implementation of section 815 of the Fiscal Year 2023 NDAA depending on the Departments implementation of those provisions to enforce compliance with existing statutory restrictions on converting civilian positions to contract performance and to ensure the Department is complying with statutory requirements to consider civilian employees for performance of closely associated with inherently governmental and critical functions. 5. Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA that continues the prohibition of another round of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission (BRAC). 6. Inclusion of language in the FY2023 NDAA encouraging the DoD to hire civilian backfills when converting military medical structure to operational requirements in the Military Medical Treatment Facilities. 7. Inclusion of language in the FY20223 NDAA encouraging Commissaries to address food insecurity among military families by ending variable pricing and establishing specific pilot programs to provide free produce to eligible military families. 8. Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA to improve sustainment planning for major weapon system acquisitions by re-establishing the manpower estimate report process prior to milestone b and C decision on the appropriate mix between Active Component and Reserve Component military. civilian employees, host nation and contract support for operating, training and maintaining major weapon systems. 9. Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA terminating authority for alternative compensation frameworks by repealing authority for the Acquisition Demo project which has been documented as discriminatory to women and minorities. 10. Inclusion of language in FY2023 NDAA prohibiting the misuse of term and temporary hiring authorities for enduring missions. 11. Inclusion in the FY2023 NDAA H.R. 903, The Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2021, as reported in the House Homeland Security Committee. 12. Inclusion of H.R. 962 and S. 1888, The Law Enforcement Equity Act, in the FY2023 NDAA. 13. Inclusion of H.R. 2499 and S. 1116, The Federal Firefighters Fairness Act, in the FY20223 NDAA. 14. Inclusion of H.R. 6967 and S. 3423, Chance to Compete Act of 2022, in the FY2023 NDAA. 15. Inclusion of directive report language in the FY2023 NDAA requesting an Administrative Conference of United States review of the efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness from a due process perspective of DoD and government security clearance determinations, as well as a Federally Funded Research and Development demographic survey on whether security clearance adjudications within DoD and other federal agencies have been applied in a discriminatory manner against protected Civil Rights categories and in favor of certain hate groups. 16. Consideration of the adverse effects of limited access to technical data in the organic industrial base and limits to governmental access to certified cost and pricing data under the Truth in Negotiations Act resulting from recent expansions of commercial items and services definitions through the NDADA to sole source procurements that have contributed to escalating sustainment costs and cybersecurity risks for DoD weapon systems. 17. Inclusion of H.R. 3086 and S. 1561, the Locality Pay Equity Act of 2021, in the FY20223 NDAA. AFGE National President sent following letters to Congress and the Department of Defense in connection with FY2023 NDAA: 1. AFGE NP Everett Kelley Letter to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, copied to Congressional Committees, on the Planning, Programing, Budgeting and Execution System Reform Commission, dated January 21, 2022. 2. AFGE NP Everett Kelley Letter Assistant Secretary of Defense Shawn Skelly, copied to Congressional Committees, on identifying metrics for linking the DoD civilian workforce to readiness, dated January 31, 2022. 3. AFGE NP Everett Kelley Letter to Chairwoman Carolyn Maloney and Ranking Member James Comer on January 19, 2022 Hearing on Price Gauging in Military Contracts, dated February 2, 2022. 4. AFGE Testimony For the Record provided to House Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Military Personnel on Military Personnel Talent Management Modernization and the Effects of Legacy Processes, on February 8, 2022. Testimony focused on the importance of the DoD civilian workforce to DoDs missions and DoD civilian development, talent management and hiring. 5. AFGE Letter to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks, copied to Congressional Committee on commercial items and competition issues, dated March 1, 2022. Other NDAA related activities: Provided talking points for use of HASC Chairman Adam Smith in meeting with the Under Secretary of Defense (Personnel and Readiness) Gil Cisneros on Congressional oversight of FY2023 NDAA issues (of interest to AFGE). Met with Senator Bernie Sanders staff (D-VT) and Matt Williams, analyst for Congressional Budget Office, on capturing services contract fully burdened costs when developing budget costing models for Defense Budget. Met with Senator Bob Caseys staff (D-PA) on wage grade locality and the separate issue of fully burdened costs for contractors in Pennsylvania. Met with Karen Thornton (House Armed Services Committee Counsel), Melanie Harris (House Armed Services Committee Readiness Subcommittee Counsel, Ian Bennit (House Armed Services Committee Professional Staff Member) and Kyle Noyes (House Armed Services Professional Staff Member) on all our member requests. Met with Karen Thornton about privatization report language on cloud computing and provided edits to the report language that required compliance with risk assessments for closely associated with inherently governmental functions and critical functions, as well as changing language so that vendors were not directing Department of Defense on what its requirements should be. Met with Melanie Harris on the PB-22 Report for headquarters, showing that military pay and contract services spending were not included in the report, and only spending for civilian compensation. Met with Jonathan Clark, (Professional Staff Member for Senate Armed Services Committee) and Sean OKeefe (Professional Staff Member for Senate Armed Services Committee) on all member requests for the fiscal year 2023 National Defense Authorization bill. Provided suggested language to Mandy Smithburger, personal staff for Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) on proposals for capping contract services spending, with pros and cons on different approaches. Prepared and submitted questions for record for hearing before House Armed Services Committee on the Defense Budget by Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley on April 6, 2022. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

FY 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 4431) --lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of DHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Provided written and oral testimony and responded to questions for the record for House Homeland Security Hearing: On the Frontlines in Turbulent Times: Workforce Perspectives on the State of Transportation Security. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Lobbied in support of the Presidents FY 2023 budget request for GS-level pay from Transportation Security Officers and an end to the diversion of the passenger security fee. Provided comments at markup of H.R. 6827 to accelerate computed technology for TSA screening. Lobbied in support of the Security Air Travel Act to increase penalties for firearms violations at TSA checkpoints. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," (H.R. 2616) ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Provided background on legislation to establish a temperature check pilot in airports to combat the spread of disease. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the Transportation Security Preparation Act of 2021 to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of 2021 to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support the "Checkpoint Safety Act," to require armed law enforcement at checkpoints in large airports. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied against confirmation of William Valdez to serve as Undersecretary for Management of the Department of Homeland Security. Lobbied to make Congress aware of changes to the accounting system at the Coast Guard which resulted in lengthy lapses in payments, mandatory overtime and uniformed personnel stepping in to assist in clearing the backlog. Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

Lobbied for an increase FSIS's budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COYID-19 Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act," in particular its provision in support of statehood for the District of Columbia. Lobbied in support of H.R. 51 and S. 51, the "Washington, D.C. Admission Act." Government Funding: Lobbied for passage of a full-year omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2471) and against a year-long continuing resolution for FY 2022. Supported an additional continuing resolution (H.J.Res. 75) as a means of achieving the full-year omnibus passage. Lobbied on the effects and costs to the public of government shutdowns and extended delays to programmatic changes.

FY 2022 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 4356) --Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSISs budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act." Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - including paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees and supporting the bills provisions for universal pre-K, extension of the child tax credit, home health care and Medicare provision of hearing loss care.

Lobbied for full implementation of the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, authorized in 2020. Lobbied for more stable funding for USCIS that does not rely on fees for non-fee elements of the agencys mission. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - including paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees and supporting the bills provisions for universal pre-K, extension of the child tax credit, home health care and Medicare provision of hearing loss care.

Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote, especially its inclusion of the Time Off to Vote Act and District of Columbia Statehood. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied for H.R. 302, Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for H.R. 326, Saving the Civil Service Act. Lobbied for H.R. 1272 and S. 392, the COST of Relocations Act. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the "Federal Firefighters Fairness Act" to amend chapter 81 of title 5, creating a presumption that a disability or death of a federal employee in fire protection activities caused by any of certain diseases is the result of the performance of such employee's duty. Lobbied in support of H.R. 393, the "Federal Firefighter Pay Equity Act," to provide for more accurate computation of retirement benefits for federal firefighters. Lobbied in support of H.R. 521 / S. 129, the First Responder Fair RETIRE Act, to ensure federal firefighters, law enforcement officials, Border Patrol officers, and other federal first responders qualify for full retirement benefits if they are injured on the job. Lobbied in support of H.R. 938, the Wildland Firefighter Classification bill, to require the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to create a classification that more accurately reflects the vital role of wildland firefighters. Lobbied in support of S. 231, the PFAS bill, which directs FEMA to train employees on PFAS cancer causing chemicals in firefighting foam materials. Lobbied in support of H.R. 962 and S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act," to include certain federal positions within the definition of law enforcement officer for retirement purposes. Lobbied on effects on workforce of proposed Sustainability Awareness Act. Lobbied in support of the "Equipment Safety for Firefighters Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 603, the "Raise the Wage Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 842, the "Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019." Lobbied against H.R. 1902 the "Do Your Job Act of 2019." Lobbied in support of H.R. 564, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act," that would grant federal workers 12 weeks of paid FMLA and AFGE President Kelley testified at hearing entitled, Leading by Example: The Need for Comprehensive Paid Leave for the Federal Workforce and Beyond on Thursday, June 24, 2021. Lobbied for increased funding for the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency and the Pretrial Services Agency to help them deal with the surge in offenders they have to supervise as a result of the near total shutdown of the courts in D.C. during the pandemic. Lobbied in support of an emergency temporary standard that requires certain employers to develop and implement a comprehensive infectious disease exposure control plan to protect employees in the health care sectors and other employees at elevated risk from exposure to SARS- CoV-2. Lobbied in support of H.R. 900 the Essential Worker Pandemic Compensation Act of 2020, that would amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize a program of death and hospitalization benefits for essential workers who die as a result of COVID-19 or related complications. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the Federal Labor-Management COVID Partnership Act. Lobbied in support of a presumption of worksite illness for employees who apply for workers comp who get COVID-19. Lobbied in support of H.R. 249, the Protecting Federal Workers Act, To provide that certain Executive orders with respect to Federal employee collective bargaining and workplace rights shall have no force or effect. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1357 / S. 476, the Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act. Lobbied in support of introduction of the Fair and Accurate Information Reporting (FAIR) Act to assist consumers with their credit reports during pandemic job loss. Lobbied in support of restoration of annual leave lost by certain Federal employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lobbied in support of maximum telework benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1065, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of restoration of leave that is lost by federal employees during a public health emergency relating to a pandemic. Specifically, restoration of leave for employees of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government that was lost because the employee's accumulated leave exceeded the maximum amount that is otherwise allowable. Lobbied in support of H.R. 978, the Chai Suthammanont Remembrance Act to ensure that personal protective equipment and other equipment and supplies needed to fight coronavirus are provided to employees required to return to Federal offices, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of H.R. 212, the COVID PREPARE Act, to require Federal agencies to submit plans for responding to any resurgence of COVID-19. Lobbied in support of H.R. 348, the Wear Your Mask Act, to require face masks in Federal facilities to prevent the transmission of SARS- CoV-2. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the Federal Labor-Management COVID Partnership Act, to establish a Coronavirus Rapid Response Federal Labor-Management Task Force, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of increasing the amount available under the "Defense Production Act of 1950," to respond to the coronavirus epidemic and expedited procurement of equipment needed to combat COVID-19 under the "Defense Production Act of 1950. Lobbied in support of a flexible award for front line health care workers who have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic that can be used to pay off existing student loans, to obtain further education or to establish a savings account. Lobbied in support of a program for providing portable benefits to eligible workers. Lobbied in support of providing Americans with paid sick time and paid leave so that they can address their own health needs and the health needs of their families. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied on the following issues with the House and Senate Appropriations Committee Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittee Members to submit amendments on the following issues for the Fiscal Year 2022 FSGG Appropriation (H.R. 4345): 1. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 FSGG Appropriations bill that adjusts federal employee pay by 3.2 percent. 2. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 FSGG Appropriations bill that upholds the Public-Private competition moratorium from Section 742 of the FY 2021 FSGG Appropriations bill. 3. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 FSGG bill that aligns Federal Wage System Areas with General Schedule Locality Pay Areas. 4. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 FSGG bill that prohibits any limitation of, reduction of, constraint to, or interference with official time in representing federal employees with respect to workplace discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. 5. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 FSGG bill for additional funds for the Office of Personnel Management to allow OPM to increase staffing, invest in information technology, improve overall human capital services, and shift away from the fee-for-service model. Lobbied in support of H.R. 392 / S. 561, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act," to increase pay for federal employees by 3.2%. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2062 / S. 880 the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act of 2021, revising the evidentiary standard for age discrimination by establishing an unlawful employment practice when the complaining party demonstrates that age was a motivating factor allowing for a mixed motive claim. Lobbied to address direct hire and employee rights concerns in H.R. 2225, the National Science Foundation for the Future Act and S. 1260, the Endless Frontier Act. Lobbied in support of S. 1097, the Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act. Lobbied in support of S. 1330, the Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act. Lobbied in support of S. 1324, the Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act. Lobbied in support of S. 407, the Air America Act. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied for the dismissal of SSA Commissioner Andrew Saul and Deputy Commissioner David Black. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 (Rosen) - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 would fully repeal GPO and WEP. Provided technical background and comment on H.R. 5314, the Protecting Our Democracy Act and specifically its Hatch Act provisions. Provided comment on a proposal to increase special pay for employees of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Urged confirmation of nominees to the Federal Labor Relations Authority and its General Counsel. Continuing Resolution: Lobbied for passage of the CR to fund the federal government until February 18, 2022 and avert federal employee furloughs. Lobbied against allowing the surface transportation authorization to lapse a second time, the first of which resulted in furloughs of 3,700 employees at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - including paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees and supporting the bills provisions for universal pre-K, extension of the child tax credit, home health care and Medicare provision of hearing loss care.

FY 2022 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations--lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - including paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees and supporting the bills provisions for universal pre-K, extension of the child tax credit, home health care and Medicare provision of hearing loss care.

Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act. Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the For the 99.5% Act. Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act, require large, publicly-traded corporations to disclose high-level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied in support of $3.6 trillion in new tax revenues outlined in President Bidens Made in America Tax Plan to finance the important investments included in the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - including paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees and supporting the bills provisions for universal pre-K, extension of the child tax credit, home health care and Medicare provision of hearing loss care.

Requested Senate assistance on treatment of labor union and recognized bargaining unit employees at the Export-Import Bank. Lobbied for appointment and confirmation of a quorum to the Merit Systems Protection Board to address the growing case backlog. Provided comments to Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions staff on behalf of Department of Education Office of Civil Rights employees on the qualifications of Catherine Lhamon to head the office. Lobbied against any attempts the expand the Department of Veterans Affairs' Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act government wide. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act," to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the right of federal employees who are furloughed to be eligible for unemployment compensation. Lobbied in support of back pay for employees in the event of a lapse in appropriations. Lobbied in support of extended leave carryover due to COVID-19 pandemic. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of Protecting Employees' Security Clearances Act (PESCA), which requires consideration of a lapse in appropriations as a mitigating condition when assessing financial consideration for security clearances. Lobbied in support of H.R. 392/S. 561, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act," to provide federal employees with a 3.2% salary adjustment in 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 would fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7/S. 205, the "Paycheck Fairness Act," to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex, and for other purposes. Lobbied against H.R. 1902 to eliminate the use of official time by federal employees. Lobbied for H.R. 1195, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, to require DOL to address workplace violence in the health care and social service sectors. Lobbied for H.R. 603/S. 53, the Raise the Wage Act, to increase the federal minimum wage for regular employees over a 7-year period, for tipped employees, and for newly hired employees who are less than 20 years old. Lobbied in support of the "Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 842/S. 420, the "Protecting the Right to Organize Act." Urged confirmation of nominees to the Federal Labor Relations Authority and its General Counsel. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - including paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees and supporting the bills provisions for universal pre-K, extension of the child tax credit, home health care and Medicare provision of hearing loss care.

FY 2022 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 4356) - lobbied for provisions relating to pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of USDA employees. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSISs budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act." Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - including paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees and supporting the bills provisions for universal pre-K, extension of the child tax credit, home health care and Medicare provision of hearing loss care.

FY 2022 Interior and Environmental Appropriations (H.R. 4372) -- lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of Interior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2022 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 4549/S. 2605) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied to address direct hire and employee rights concerns in H.R. 2225, the National Science Foundation for the Future Act and S. 1260, the Endless Frontier Act. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - including paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees and supporting the bills provisions for universal pre-K, extension of the child tax credit, home health care and Medicare provision of hearing loss care.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act," in particular its provision in support of statehood for the District of Columbia. Lobbied in support of H.R. 51 and S. 51, the "Washington, D.C. Admission Act." Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - including paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees and supporting the bills provisions for universal pre-K, extension of the child tax credit, home health care and Medicare provision of hearing loss care.

Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) Lobbied for changes to Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied to require the VA to include VA Employee input when making changes to the claims process, employee performance standards, and training for claims processors. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership dues for attorneys working at the Board of Veterans Appeals. Lobbied for the creation of a Journeyman GS-15 Attorney position at the Board of Veterans Appeals. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible (or will likely soon be eligible) to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Lobbied for the continued oversight of contract C&P Exams. Lobbied to make sure the VA is in compliance with Section 2002 of the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020. Collective Bargaining Rights: Lobbied for the introduction of legislation that would make changes to the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied in support of the implementation of the withdrawal of President Trumps May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Bidens January 2021 Executive Order 14003: Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion. Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administrations implementation of Executive Order 14003. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act repeal. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the nomination of Mr. Richard C. Loeb as a nominee for the VA AIR Commission. Lobbied for the inclusion of Questions for the Record to the VA Secretary on AIR Commission market assessment data transparency. Reconciliation: Supported the $18 billion investment in VA infrastructure as part of FY 22 reconciliation. Military Construction-VA Appropriations (H.R. 4355) Lobbied MilCon-VA for staffing language to address vacancies. Lobbied Milcon-VA for language to defund the VA AIR Commission. Lobbied Milcon-VA for specific funding related to the Veteran Benefits Administration to hire additional staff, pay for additional overtime, fix technological issues, expand telework, and restore the pre-decisional review process. Lobbied the VA Committee to insert language into Milcon-VA to limit the contracting out of specialty C&P Exams. AFGE Submitted Testimony, Statements for the Record, letters, or Questions for the Record for the following hearings: House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health Legislative Hearing (October 13, 2021). House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs titled Supporting Survivors: Assessing VA's Military Sexual Trauma Programs" (November 17, 2021). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee An End-Of-Year Look at the State of VA (December 1, 2021). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Markup (December 15, 2021). Comments for the Federal Register on VA MISSION Act access standards (December 6, 2021). Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771 the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888 the Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied for H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act, and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied against S. 2041, the VA Provider Accountability Act. Lobbied for H.R. 392/S. 561, the FAIR Act to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied for H.R. 5562, a bill to amend title 38, United States Code, to expand eligibility for hospital care, medical services, and nursing home care from the Department of Veterans Affairs to include veterans of World War II. Lobbied in support of S. 1664, the Department of Veterans Affairs Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Processing Claims Improvement Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of S. 1944, the Vet Center Improvement Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of S. 3293, the Post-9/11 Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of S. 3025, the Servicemembers and Veterans Empowerment and Support Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of S. 3163, the RURAL Exams Act of 2021. Lobbied against Draft Legislation to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program on substance use and alcohol use disorder recovery for homeless veterans, and for other purposes. Lobbied for changes to Draft Legislation to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to carry out a pilot program on grants for care for elderly homeless veterans, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of S. 3017, the Veterans Dental Enhancement and Expansion Act. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 5575, the VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act. Lobbied in support of prior changes made to S. 1093, To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied against H.R. 4626, the VA AIM Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 2041, the Department of Veterans Affairs Provider Accountability Act. Lobbied against S. 1863, the Guaranteeing Healthcare Access to Personnel Who Served Act. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - including paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees and supporting the bills provisions for universal pre-K, extension of the child tax credit, home health care and Medicare provision of hearing loss care.

FY 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 4431) --lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of DHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Provided written and oral testimony and responded to questions for the record for House Homeland Security Hearing: On the Frontlines in Turbulent Times: Workforce Perspectives on the State of Transportation Security. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Provided technical assistance and communications with Committee members in preparation for House Homeland Security Committee markup of H.R. 903 on July 28, 2021. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," (H.R. 2616) ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Provided background on legislation to establish a temperature check pilot in airports to combat the spread of disease. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the Transportation Security Preparation Act of 2021 to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of 2021 to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support the "Checkpoint Safety Act," to require armed law enforcement at checkpoints in large airports. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Provided statement for the record for House Homeland Security Committee hearing: 20 Years After 9/11: The State of the Transportation Security Administration. September 29, 2021. Provided suggested changes to draft legislation to create a Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - including paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees and supporting the bills provisions for universal pre-K, extension of the child tax credit, home health care and Medicare provision of hearing loss care.

Lobbied Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide additional safety measures for correctional officers during the COVID-19 pandemic. FY 2022 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 4505) --Lobbied against proposals to compromise the Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions (EEOC) ability to protect employees from employment discrimination, including staffing cuts and contracting out. FY 2022 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 4505)--Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of language to end augmentation of corrections workers, hire more correctional officers, and phase out the use of private prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6427, the "PANDEMIC ACT," to prevent the transfer of prisoners between Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lobbied in support of H.R. 72, the "Thin Blue Line Act," which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3151 and S. 1721, Erics Law, which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied Department of Justice to maintain the statutory labor rights of the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ) and to review and urge reversal of the Federal Labor Relations Authoritys (FLRA) November 2, 2020 decision that stripped the NAIJ of their unit certification by incorrectly classifying all of the 500 non-supervisory Immigration Judges as management officials. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act," in particular its provisions to expand the participation of eligible voters in elections and its support for statehood for the District of Columbia. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5, the "Equality Act," which prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in a wide variety of areas including public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 1065, the "Pregnant Workers Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3992, the Protect Older Job Applicants (POJA) Act to prohibit employers from limiting, segregating, or classifying job applicants based on an applicant's age. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3110, the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act to expand workplace protections for employees with a need to express breast milk. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2062, the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act of 2021 Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - including paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees and supporting the bills provisions for universal pre-K, extension of the child tax credit, home health care and Medicare provision of hearing loss care.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, particularly with any effects of postal reform legislation. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - including paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees and supporting the bills provisions for universal pre-K, extension of the child tax credit, home health care and Medicare provision of hearing loss care.

Lobbied to impress upon lawmakers the impact of cuts, freezes or insufficient COLAs on federal employees' compensation and benefits including requiring employees to pay additional salary towards retirement. FY 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 4431) --Lobbied in support of additional funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). FY 2022 Defense Appropriations (H.R. 4432)--Lobbied in support of limitations on use of appropriated funds for service contracts unless their planning, programming and budgeting is in compliance with section 2329 of title 10 and related total force management statutes. FY 2022 Military Quality of Life/Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 4355)-Lobbied in support for funding to hire new employees to fill vacancies; provisions to provide adequate funding for VA health and benefits programs and against further contracting out. Lobbied for the inclusion of language to prevent unilateral implementation of collective bargaining agreements. FY 2022 Interior and Environment Appropriations (H.R. 4372)--Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2022 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (H.R. 4502)-Lobbied on contracting out, funding cuts to services such as college aid for students, rural healthcare services, and funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied for increased Social Security Administration funding and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied to restore adequate funding to the Social Security Administration for field operations and for telework and a review of legal assistant positions in the Office of Hearing Operations. Lobbied on status of reopening offices, downsizing of office space, status of contract in light of Executive Order 14003 to renegotiation portions of contract affected by previous Trump executive orders. Lobbied in support for funding and revitalized infrastructure for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL). Lobbied for full funding and staffing at OSHA and MSHA. FY 2022 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations (H.R. 4345) -Lobbied for a 3.2% pay increase for all federal employees, for parity in locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees and for paid family and medical leave. FY 2022 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 4505)--Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. FY 2022 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations (H.R. 4550) --Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees. Lobbied to fully fund authorized rail inspector positions at the Federal Rail Administration and for an upgrade to the GS-13 level for inspectors and for safety equipment for hazardous materials inspectors. FY 2022 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 4356)--Lobbied against provisions on contracting out of federal employee jobs and funding cuts to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Lobbied against creation of a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef slaughter plants. FY 2022 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 4549/S. 2605) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in support of full official time rights for federal workers including monitoring and ensuring the EEOC official time final rule is not implemented. Lobbied in support of a Congressional Review Act disapproval for the EEOC conciliation final rule and lobbied in support of empowering EEOC employees by granting subpoena power to administrative judges. Lobbied in opposition to a GAO study of EEOC ordered by Ranking Member Virginia Foxx (R-VA). Lobbied in support for ensuring cases are adequately handled and adjudicated at EEOC Lobbied in support of the "Recognizing the Environmental Gains in Overcoming Negligence Act" (REGION Act) to ensure that no EPA office be closed, consolidated, or eliminated using funds made available in any appropriations act for any fiscal year. Lobbied in support for the FAST Act and the reauthorization of the Highway Trust Fund to ensure AFGE EPA Council 238 members at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration were not furloughed. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act. Lobbied in support of universal paid family leave in the Build Back Better Budget Reconciliation to include all federal employees through Medicare HI tax eligibility. Lobbied for higher funding levels for the United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Economic Survey, and Bureau of Labor Statistics relocation. Continuing Resolution: Lobbied for passage of the CR to fund the federal government until February 18, 2022 and avert federal employee furloughs. Lobbied against allowing the surface transportation authorization to lapse a second time, the first of which resulted in furloughs of 3,700 employees at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - including paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees and supporting the bills provisions for universal pre-K, extension of the child tax credit, home health care and Medicare provision of hearing loss care.

FY 2022 Foreign Operations Appropriations (H.R. 4373) --lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - including paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees and supporting the bills provisions for universal pre-K, extension of the child tax credit, home health care and Medicare provision of hearing loss care.

FY 2022 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 4356) - lobbied for provisions relating to pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of USDA employees. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSISs budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act." Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

FY 2022 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 4356) --lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSISs budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act." Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act. Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the For the 99.5% Act. Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act, require large, publicly-traded corporations to disclose high-level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied in support of $3.6 trillion in new tax revenues outlined in President Bidens Made in America Tax Plan to finance the important investments included in the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

FY 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 4431) --lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of DHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Provided technical assistance and communications with Committee members in preparation for House Homeland Security Committee markup of H.R. 903 on July 28, 2021. Lobbied to encourage cosponsors of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," (H.R. 2616) ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Provided background on legislation to establish a temperature check pilot in airports to combat the spread of disease. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 and S. 2717, the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the Transportation Security Preparation Act of 2021 to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of 2021 to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support the "Checkpoint Safety Act," to require armed law enforcement at checkpoints in large airports. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Provided statement for the record for House Homeland Security Committee hearing: 20 Years After 9/11: The State of the Transportation Security Administration. September 29, 2021. Provided suggested changes to draft legislation to create a Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Lobbied for changes to Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. Lobbied for reimbursement for Bar Membership attorneys working at the Board of Veterans Appeals. C&P Exams: Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible (or will likely soon be eligible) to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Collective Bargaining Rights: Shared proposals for a bill to eliminate two provisions of the VA Accountability Act. Lobbied for the withdrawal of President Trumps May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Bidens January 2021 Executive Order 14003: Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion. Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administrations implementation of Executive Order 14003. Lobbied for the introduction of the VA Employee Fairness Act H.R. 1948/S. 771 VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act repeal. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the nomination of Mr. Richard C. Loeb as a nominee for the VA AIR Commission VA Budget: Reconciliation: Supported the $18 billion investment in VA infrastructure as part of FY 22 reconciliation. Military Construction-VA Appropriations (H.R. 4355) Lobbied MilCon-VA for staffing language to address vacancies. Lobbied Milcon-VA for language to defund the VA AIR Commission. Lobbied Milcon-VA for specific funding related to the Veteran Benefits Administration to hire additional staff, pay for additional overtime, fix technological issues, expand telework, and restore the pre-decisional review process. Lobbied the VA Committee to insert language into Milcon-VA to limit the contracting out of specialty C&P Exams. National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4350): Advocated in support of the Newman (D-IL) Amendment that Directs the Department of Defense to conduct a study on herbicide agent exposure, such as Agent Orange and Agent Purple in the Panama Canal Zone between January 1, 1958 - December 31, 1999, or the day in which a member of armed services departed from official duty in the Panama Canal Zone. Advocated in support of the Lynch (D-MA) and Green (R-TX) Amendment that establishes a presumption of service connection for veterans with diseases associated with toxic exposure, during deployments for support missions into Afghanistan between 2001 to 2005, to substances found at Karshi-Khanabad (K2) Air Base in Uzbekistan. Advocated in support of the Meng (D-NY) Amendment that Includes veterans who participated in the cleanup of Enewetak Atoll between January 1, 1977 and December 31, 1980 as radiation-exposed under the Department of Veterans Affairs presumption of service-connection for specified cancers, which would allow these veterans to be awarded health care benefits and disability compensation for conditions that are presumed to be caused by circumstances of military service in the Enewetak Atoll. AFGE Submitted Testimony, Statements for the Record, or letters for the following hearings: House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs titled VA Appeals Program: Examining the State of Modernization Efforts." Gillian Slovick, a member of AFGE Local 17, testified on AFGEs behalf during this hearing (July 13, 2021). House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations titled Modernizing the VA Police Force: Ensuring Accountability. (July 13, 2021). House Veterans Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on Health Legislative Hearing (July 14, 2021). Senate Veterans Affairs Committee Markup (June 23, 2021). Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771 the VA Employee Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888 the Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of certain provisions of H.R. 2429, the VA Police Improvement and Accountability Act. Lobbied for H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act, and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied against S. 2041, the VA Provider Accountability Act. Lobbied for S. 458, the Veterans Claim Transparency Act of 2021. Lobbied for small changes to S. 1031, To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on disparities associated with race and ethnicity with respect to certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied for H.R. 392/S. 561, the FAIR Act to raise pay for federal employees at the VA. Lobbied against S. 1071, the VA AID Act of 2021. Lobbied for changes to H.R. 5575, the VA Nurse and Physician Assistant RAISE Act. Lobbied in support of prior changes made to S. 1093, To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Lobbied against H.R. 4626, the VA AIM Act. Lobbied for changes to S. 2041, the Department of Veterans Affairs Provider Accountability Act. Lobbied against S. 1863, the Guaranteeing Healthcare Access to Personnel Who Served Act. Local Issues: Lobbied Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Representative Jason Smith (R-MO) on mold issues at the Poplar Bluff, MO VA Medical Center. Lobbied Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) on reported suicides at the Seattle, WA VBA Regional Office. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

FY 2022 Interior and Environmental Appropriations (H.R. 4372) -- lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of Interior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2022 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 4549/S. 2605) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied to address direct hire and employee rights concerns in H.R. 2225, the National Science Foundation for the Future Act and S. 1260, the Endless Frontier Act. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Lobbied to impress upon lawmakers the impact of cuts, freezes or insufficient COLAs on federal employees' compensation and benefits including requiring employees to pay additional salary towards retirement. FY 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations (H.R. 4431) --Lobbied in support of additional funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). FY 2022 Defense Appropriations (H.R. 4432)--Lobbied in support of limitations on use of appropriated funds for service contracts unless their planning, programming and budgeting is in compliance with section 2329 of title 10 and related total force management statutes. FY 2022 Military Quality of Life/Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 4355)-Lobbied in support for funding to hire new employees to fill vacancies; provisions to provide adequate funding for VA health and benefits programs and against further contracting out. Lobbied for the inclusion of language to prevent unilateral implementation of collective bargaining agreements. FY 2022 Interior and Environment Appropriations (H.R. 4372)--Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2022 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations (H.R. 4502)-Lobbied on contracting out, funding cuts to services such as college aid for students, rural healthcare services, and funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied for increased Social Security Administration funding and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied to restore adequate funding to the Social Security Administration for field operations and for telework and a review of legal assistant positions in the Office of Hearing Operations. Lobbied on status of reopening offices, downsizing of office space, status of contract in light of Executive Order 14003 to renegotiation portions of contract affected by previous Trump executive orders. Lobbied in support for funding and revitalized infrastructure for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL). Lobbied for full funding and staffing at OSHA and MSHA. FY 2022 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations (H.R. 4345) -Lobbied for a 3.2% pay increase for all federal employees, for parity in locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees and for paid family and medical leave. FY 2022 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 4505)--Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. FY 2022 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations (H.R. 4550) --Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees. Lobbied to fully fund authorized rail inspector positions at the Federal Rail Administration and for an upgrade to the GS-13 level for inspectors and for safety equipment for hazardous materials inspectors FY 2022 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 4356)--Lobbied against provisions on contracting out of federal employee jobs and funding cuts to the Food Safety and Inspection Service. Lobbied against creation of a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef slaughter plants. (Sandra) FY 2022 Energy and Water Appropriations (H.R. 4549/S. 2605) --Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in support of full official time rights for federal workers including monitoring and ensuring the EEOC official time final rule is not implemented. (Fiona) Lobbied in support of a Congressional Review Act disapproval for the EEOC conciliation final rule and lobbied in support of empowering EEOC employees by granting subpoena power to administrative judges. Lobbied in opposition to a GAO study of EEOC ordered by Ranking Member Virginia Foxx (R-VA). Lobbied in support for ensuring cases are adequately handled and adjudicated at EEOC Lobbied in support of the "Recognizing the Environmental Gains in Overcoming Negligence Act" (REGION Act) to ensure that no EPA office be closed, consolidated, or eliminated using funds made available in any appropriations act for any fiscal year. Lobbied in support for the FAST Act and the reauthorization of the Highway Trust Fund to ensure AFGE EPA Council 238 members at the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration were not furloughed. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act and AFGE President Kelley testified at hearing entitled, Leading by Example: The Need for Comprehensive Paid Leave for the Federal Workforce and Beyond on Thursday, June 24, 2021. Lobbied in support of universal paid family leave in the Build Back Better Budget Reconciliation to include all federal employees through Medicare HI tax eligibility. Lobbied for higher funding levels for the United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Economic Survey, and Bureau of Labor Statistics relocation. Continuing Resolution: Lobbied for passage of the CR to fund the federal government until December 3, 2021 and avert federal employee furloughs. Lobbied against allowing the surface transportation authorization to lapse, which resulted in furloughs of 3,700 employees at the U.S. Department of Transportation. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, particularly with any effects of postal reform legislation. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

FY 2022 Foreign Operations Appropriations (H.R. 4373) --lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Lobbied for appointment and confirmation of a quorum to the Merit Systems Protection Board to address the growing case backlog. Provided comments to Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions staff on behalf of Department of Education Office of Civil Rights employees on the qualifications of Catherine Lhamon to head the office. Lobbied against any attempts the expand the Department of Veterans Affairs' Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act government wide. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act," to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the right of federal employees who are furloughed to be eligible for unemployment compensation. Lobbied in support of back pay for employees in the event of a lapse in appropriations. Lobbied in support of extended leave carryover due to COVID-19 pandemic. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of Protecting Employees' Security Clearances Act (PESCA), which requires consideration of a lapse in appropriations as a mitigating condition when assessing financial consideration for security clearances. Lobbied in support of H.R. 392/S. 561, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act," to provide federal employees with a 3.2% salary adjustment in 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 would fully repeal GPO and WEP. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7/S. 205, the "Paycheck Fairness Act," to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 to provide more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex, and for other purposes. Lobbied against H.R. 1902 to eliminate the use of official time by federal employees. Lobbied for H.R. 1195, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, to require DOL to address workplace violence in the health care and social service sectors. Lobbied for H.R. 603/S. 53, the Raise the Wage Act, to increase the federal minimum wage for regular employees over a 7-year period, for tipped employees, and for newly hired employees who are less than 20 years old. Lobbied in support of the "Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 842/S. 420, the "Protecting the Right to Organize Act." Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Lobbied Federal Bureau of Prisons to provide additional safety measures for correctional officers during the COVID-19 pandemic. FY 2022 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 4505) --Lobbied against proposals to compromise the Equal Employment Opportunity Commissions (EEOC) ability to protect employees from employment discrimination, including staffing cuts and contracting out. FY 2022 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations (H.R. 4505)--Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of language to end augmentation of corrections workers, hire more correctional officers, and phase out the use of private prisons. Lobbied in support of H.R. 6427, the "PANDEMIC ACT," to prevent the transfer of prisoners between Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lobbied in support of H.R. 72, the "Thin Blue Line Act," which would make murdering a law enforcement officer an aggravated factor in sentencing for a capital crime. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3151 and S. 1721, Erics Law, which would allow the empaneling of a new jury if a jury fails to reach a unanimous verdict in a trial involving the murder of a law enforcement officer. Lobbied Department of Justice to maintain the statutory labor rights of the National Association of Immigration Judges (NAIJ) and to review and urge reversal of the Federal Labor Relations Authoritys (FLRA) November 2, 2020 decision that stripped the NAIJ of their unit certification by incorrectly classifying all of the 500 non-supervisory Immigration Judges as management officials. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act," in particular its provisions to expand the participation of eligible voters in elections and its support for statehood for the District of Columbia. Lobbied in support of H.R. 5, the "Equality Act," which prohibits discrimination based on sex, sexual orientation, and gender identity in a wide variety of areas including public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 1065, the "Pregnant Workers Fairness Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 3992, the Protect Older Job Applicants (POJA) Act to prohibit employers from limiting, segregating, or classifying job applicants based on an applicant's age. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3110, the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act to expand workplace protections for employees with a need to express breast milk. Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2062, the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act of 2021 Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Lobbied on Department of Defense Senate Confirmed Nominations with Questions and Questions for Record and Proposed Advanced Policy Questions related to Secretary of Navy Carlos Del Torro, Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Gilbert Cisneros Jr., Deputy Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller) Kathleen Miller, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategy, Plans and Capabilities Dr. Mara Karlin, and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Michael Connor. Lobbied on the following issues for the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act by requesting House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee Members based on Member Requests Amendments previously submitted on the following issues: 1. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA that clarifies the civilian personnel cap prohibition in Section 129 of title 10 by removing ambiguous and contradictory language and clarifying prohibitions against using term or temporary hiring authorities for enduring functions. 2. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA that requires compliance with contract service planning, programming, and budgeting statutory requirements and Total Force Management statutory limitations on privatization (including compliance with the public-private competition moratorium). This became section 802 of the Senate Armed Services Committee Chairmans mark and the Norcross Amendment 717 (adopted Chairmans Mark En Bloc Nr. 1), which became section 814 of H.R. 4350. 3. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA that aligns the Federal Wage System Areas with General Schedule Locality Pay Areas. This became directive report language in the Senate Armed Services Committee Chairmans mark and the Norcross amendment 713 (adopted Readiness Subcommittee En Bloc Nr. 1), which became section 1114 of H.R. 4350. 4. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA that requires compliance of Reductions in Force procedures under Section 3502 of Title 5 (Seniority, Veterans Preference, Performance) repealing inconsistent provisions included in Section 1597(f) of title 10, United States Code, enacted in section 1101 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016. This was included in the Chairmans mark section 1107 of H.R. 4350. 5. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA that prohibits the downsizing of military medical treatment facilities by requiring Military Department Surgeon General Certifications and Government Accountability Office reviews addressing TRICARE quality of care standards and capacity; third party collections; readiness impacts; and efforts to backfill military structure with government civilian employees. 6. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 prohibiting the merger of commissaries with exchanges, carrying forward and making permanent the prohibition in the FY 2021 NDAA. This was mooted by August 2021 communication by the Department of Defense to Congress committing not to merge commissaries and exchanges that acknowledged this would not result in savings. 7. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA prohibiting global household goods contracts, repealing the authority for this exception to normal procurement practices and the public-private competition moratorium that was provided in Section 375 of the FY 2020 NDAA. 8. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA clarifying governmental access to technical data for spare parts for major weapon systems, repealing Section 865 of the FY 2019 NDAA. 9. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA to improve workforce planning for major weapon systems sustainment by mandating the manpower estimate requirement of the military civilian and contract support requirements for operating, maintaining, and sustaining major weapon systems, formerly required by Section 2434 of title 10 that was repealed in the FY 2017 NDAA. 10. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA that would require reporting of borrowed military manpower, reviving the reporting requirement that was in Section 482 of title 10, prior to repeal in the FY 2013 NDAA. 11. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA requiring a Government Accountability Office review on whether DoD security clearance determinations have been applied in a discriminatory manner. This was revised to instead ask for an Administrative Conference of United States review of the procedures and demographic survey by a Federally Funded Research and Development Center, such as RAND. 12. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 to provide paid family and medical leave to federal employees by including care of a sick child, spouse, or parent. This was mooted by activity surrounding the reconciliation process and American Recovery Act still on-going. 13. Inclusion of language repealing Section 1599e of title 10 that provides a two-year probationary period to DoD employees as an exception to the one-year probationary period applicable across the rest of the federal government in sections 3321 and 3393(d) of title 5. This was included in section 1108 of Chairmans mark of H.R. 4350. Lobbied against proposals under consideration for the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act from the Final Recommendations and Report of the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service in the following sections: Subtitle C: Modernization of Federal Personnel System Sec. 344. Noncompetitive eligibility for high-performing civilian employees. Sec. 345. Flexibility for Temporary and Term Appointments. Sec. 346. Criteria for granting direct hire authority to agencies. Sec. 347. Cafeteria Plan for Federal Employees. Sec. 348. Modern Benefits Pilot Program. Sec. 349. Demonstration Project Flexibility for Office of Personnel Management. Sec. 350. Advanced Assessment Tools for Executive Agency Hiring. Sec. 351. Competency Standards for Human Resources Specialists for downsized HR offices to better service their customers. Sec. 352. Evaluation of Improvements to the Federal Civil Service Personnel System. Sec. 353. Proposals for Modern Talent Management System. Sec. 354. Annual Report on Blended Federal Workforce. Subtitle D: Students, Recent Graduates, and Critical Skills Sec. 361. Federal Fellowship and Scholarship Center. Sec. 362. Public Service Corps. Sec. 363. Public Service Academy Grants. Sec. 364. Public Service Cadet Programs at Military Service Academies. Sec. 366. Establishment of Pathways Program. Sec. 368. Aggregate Number of Hires of Recent College Graduates and Post-Secondary Students. Sec. 372. Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Pilot Project. Sec. 374. Personnel Policy Demonstration Project for federal Agencies with Employees in STEM fields. Sec. 375. Development of proposal for simplified personnel system for Veterans Health Administration. Lobbied against the following proposals under consideration for the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act from the Final Recommendations of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence: 1. Part-time reserve digital service corps; and 2. Digital Academy as pathway into Civil Service. Lobbied against three proposals from industry coalitions related to commercial items determinations by contracting officers. Lobbied on the following issues for the Fiscal Year 2022 Defense Appropriation by requesting of House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense and Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense members that they submit the following amendment proposals for committee markup: 1. Reintroducing House section 8012 markup language from the FY 2021 Defense Appropriation that had been rendered ambiguous in Conference for the FY2021 Omnibus. Lobbied against Government Accountability Office recommendations to reduce DoD civilian Full Time Equivalent funding based on under-execution in various Defense Components. 2. Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 Defense Appropriations bill that mandates compliance with contract service planning, programming, and budgeting statutory requirements and Total Force Management statutory limitations on privatization (including compliance with the public-private competition moratorium). Leveraged H.R. 4350 section 814 language and prior House directive report language. Lobbied House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense, House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee in support of directive report language relating to DoD civilian career programs and human capital planning in effort to strengthen title 5 and require plans for eliminating title 10 exceptions to title 5. Discussed the application of operations research queueing theory to the federal hiring process. Lobbied House Armed Services Committee to repeal title 10 personnel caps on headquarters in sections 143, 194, 7014, 8014 and 9014 of title 10, specifically in connection with what became directive report language in the Readiness subcommittee markup on the reductions previously made to the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy. Lobbied against changes proposed in the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee for public-private talent exchanges inconsistent with what was negotiated for section 1599g in title 10 in the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied against extension of the Acquisition Demonstration pay for performance system in section 1762 of title 10. Lobbied against proposals to create preference for hiring military family member dependents in overseas areas. Lobbied against reductions in the Naval audit service. Lobbied to ask Senator Mark Kelly (AZ) and Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (1st C.D. AZ) assistance in sending a letter to the Pentagon on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base resistance to implementing Presidents Executive Order on strengthening the federal workforce based on Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) litigation against the base. Discussed with the National Security Council, Office of Management and Budget, Department of Defense and Office of Personnel Management in support of President Bidens Revitalization of the National Security Workforce Inter-Agency Working Group: Letter to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks on stealth privatization and services contracts budgeting dated April 5, 2021, copied to Defense committees in Congress. Letter to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks on title 10 exceptions to title 5 and their adverse impacts in recruiting and retaining civilian employees in DoD dated May 5, 2021, copied to Defense committees in Congress and Office of Personnel Management. Continued lobbying using Testimony for Record for the House Armed Services Committee opposing recommendations from the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service, dated May 19, 2021. Lobbied on Representative Crow amendment that became Section 553 of H.R. 4350 pertaining to expansion and codification of matters covered by diversity training in the Department of Defense involving military, civilian employees and defense contractors. Lobbied the Rules Committee and the House of Representatives on the following proposed floor amendments to H.R. 4350: 1.Floor Amendment Nr. 70 (Rule Nr. 363) proposed by Representative Brown that adds installation support services to intergovernmental service agreements in order to protect individuals with disabilities. 2.Floor Amendment Nr. 167 (Rule Nr. 361) proposed by Representative Gottheimer requiring USD (P&R) to do nationwide cost of living analysis for members of DoD. 3.Floor Amendment Nr. 225 (Rule Nr. 66) proposed by Representative Kilmer that would provide Fair Labor Standards Act protected overtime pay for Navy employees working on Navy vessels Outside the Continental United States. 4.Floor Amendment Nr. 309 (Rule Nr. 582) proposed by Representative Neguse that would establish a housing stipend for federal wildland firefighters. 5.Floor Amendment Nr. 312 (Rule Nr. 83) proposed by Representative Newman that would study the various toxins and chemicals veterans were exposed to during their service, which would help streamline the process for the Veterans Administration employees AFGE represents. 6.Floor Amendment Nr. 317 (Rule Nr. 29) proposed by Representative Norton that would clarify that D.C. National Guard members who are federal employees are entitled to leave without loss of pay during mobilization. 7.Floor Amendment Nr. 376 (Rule Nr, 584) proposed by Representative Schneider that would include parental bereavement leave as eligible paid leave for federal employees. 8.Floor Amendment Nr. 468 (Rule Nr. 367) proposed by Representative Williams that would reestablish the National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force. 9.Floor Amendment Nr. 458 (Rule Nr. 665) by Representative Gonzales that would establish a National Digital Reserve Corps. Lobbying expressed concerns with this amendment and supported instead Amendment not ruled in order by Rules Committee, Rule Nr. 295 proposed by Representative Panetta which would have established a Civilian Cyber Reserve Pilot at Cyber Command. Also lobbied Senator Rosens office for proposed changes to similar provision included in Senate Armed Services Committee markup section 1109 that establishes a Civilian Cyber Reserve Pilot at Cyber Command. 10.Rules Committee Amendment Nr. 30 not ruled in order proposed by Representative Norton related to D.C. National Guard. 11.Rules Committee Amendment Nr. 150 proposed by Representative Lynch and Nr. 202 proposed by Representative Green not ruled in order that would direct studies of exposure of veterans to toxins. 12.Rules Committee Amendment Nr. 150 not ruled in order proposed by Representative Roy that would interfere with COVID-19 vaccinations of military. 13.Rules Committee Amendment Nr. 131 ruled in order proposed by Representative Salazar to raise sole source thresholds for small businesses. 14.Rules Committee Amendment Nr. 55 not ruled in order proposed by Representative Roy prohibiting funds for Diversity Officers. 15.Rules Committee Amendment Nr. 89 not ruled in order proposed by Representative Speier that would change the standard for hostile environment based on a single perception. 16.Rules Committee Amendment Nr. 116 not ruled in order proposed by Representative Biggs that would reduce Defense Components by 0.5 percent based on financial audit. 17.Rules Committee Amendment Nr. 131 not ruled in order proposed by Representative Lee that would reduce Defense Components by 1 percent based on financial audit. 18.Rules Committee Amendment Nr. 142 not ruled in order proposed by Representative Rosendale that interfered with Covid-19 vaccinations by Defense contractors. 19.Rules Committee Amendment Nr. 131 not ruled in order proposed by Representative Lynch related to U.S Coast Guard Scituate closing. 20.Rules Committee Amendment Nr. 347 proposed and withdrawn by Representative Turner that would direct a public web site report on commercial items determinations. 21.Rules Committee Amendment Nr. 562 not ruled in order proposed by Representative Neguse that would provide relief from Goldwater-Nichols personnel caps on headquarters for environmental risk management. 22.Rules Committee Amendment Nr. 633 not ruled in order proposed by Representative Phillips that would require publication of all DoD ethics opinions. 23.Rules Committee Amendment Nr. 702 not ruled in order proposed by Representative Buck that would strike H.R. 4350 diversity and inclusion subtitles. 24.Rules Committee Amendments Nr. 145 not ruled in order proposed by Representative Cloud; Nrs. 167, 170, 171, 176, 315 and 317 proposed by Representative Boebert; Nr. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 proposed by Representative Gohmert, Nr. 158 and 434 proposed by Representative. Rosendale, and nr. 796 proposed by Representative Bishop as frivolous amendments not relevant to DoD. Lobbied on Amendment Nr. 2136 proposed by Senator Van Hollen to the bipartisan infrastructure bill that would have stricken language without regard to the Civil Service laws on page 1152 lines 11 and 12 to conform hiring authorities of the Advanced Research Projects Agency- Infrastructure to the provisions applicable to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. Shared this provision with certain members of House of Representatives. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

FY 2022 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations--lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act," in particular its provision in support of statehood for the District of Columbia. Lobbied in support of H.R. 51 and S. 51, the "Washington, D.C. Admission Act." Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

FY 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations--lobbied on provisions on CPB, CIS, and ICE relating to contracting out, pay, benefits, staffing levels, safety, and job security of these DHS employees. Lobbied for full implementation of the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, authorized in 2020. Lobbied for more stable funding for USCIS that does not rely on fees for non-fee elements of the agencys mission. Build Back Better: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Lobbied for House passage of H.R. 1, the For the People Act to protect the right to vote. Lobbied for H.R. 302, Preventing a Patronage System Act or the PPSA Act. Lobbied for H.R. 326, Saving the Civil Service Act. Lobbied for H.R. 1272 and S. 392, the COST of Relocations Act. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the "Federal Firefighters Fairness Act" to amend chapter 81 of title 5, creating a presumption that a disability or death of a federal employee in fire protection activities caused by any of certain diseases is the result of the performance of such employee's duty. Lobbied in support of H.R. 393, the "Federal Firefighter Pay Equity Act," to provide for more accurate computation of retirement benefits for federal firefighters. Lobbied in support of H. R. 521 / S. 129, the First Responder Fair RETIRE Act, to ensure federal firefighters, law enforcement officials, Border Patrol officers, and other federal first responders qualify for full retirement benefits if they are injured on the job. Lobbied in support of H.R. 938, the Wildland Firefighter Classification bill, to require the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to create a classification that more accurately reflects the vital role of wildland firefighters. Lobbied in support of S. 231, the PFAS bill, which directs FEMA to train employees on PFAS cancer causing chemicals in firefighting foam materials. Lobbied in support of H.R. 962 and S. 1888, the "Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act," to include certain federal positions within the definition of law enforcement officer for retirement purposes. Lobbied on effects on workforce of proposed Sustainability Awareness Act. Lobbied in support of the "Equipment Safety for Firefighters Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 603, the "Raise the Wage Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 842, the "Protecting the Right to Organize Act." Lobbied against H.R. 1902 the "Do Your Job Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 564/S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act," that would grant federal workers 12 weeks of paid FMLA and AFGE President Kelley testified at a hearing entitled, Leading by Example: The Need for Comprehensive Paid Leave for the Federal Workforce and Beyond on Thursday, June 24, 2021. Lobbied in support of an emergency temporary standard that requires certain employers to develop and implement a comprehensive infectious disease exposure control plan to protect employees in the health care sectors and other employees at elevated risk from exposure to SARS- CoV-2. Lobbied in support of H.R. 900 the Essential Worker Pandemic Compensation Act of 2020, that would amend the Public Health Service Act to authorize a program of death and hospitalization benefits for essential workers who die as a result of COVID-19 or related complications. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the Federal Labor-Management COVID Partnership Act. Lobbied in support of a presumption of worksite illness for employees who apply for workers comp who get COVID-19. Lobbied in support of H.R. 249, the Protecting Federal Workers Act, To provide that certain Executive orders with respect to Federal employee collective bargaining and workplace rights shall have no force or effect. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1357 / S. 476, the Pandemic Heroes Compensation Act. Lobbied in support of introduction of the Fair and Accurate Information Reporting (FAIR) Act to assist consumers with their credit reports during pandemic job loss. Lobbied in support of restoration of annual leave lost by certain Federal employees due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lobbied in support of maximum telework benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1065, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act. Lobbied in support of restoration of leave that is lost by federal employees during a public health emergency relating to a pandemic. Specifically, restoration of leave for employees of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government that was lost because the employee's accumulated leave exceeded the maximum amount that is otherwise allowable. Lobbied in support of H.R. 978, the Chai Suthammanont Remembrance Act to ensure that personal protective equipment and other equipment and supplies needed to fight coronavirus are provided to employees required to return to Federal offices, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of H.R. 212, the COVID PREPARE Act, to require Federal agencies to submit plans for responding to any resurgence of COVID-19. Lobbied in support of H.R. 348, the Wear Your Mask Act, to require face masks in Federal facilities to prevent the transmission of SARS- CoV-2. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of the Federal Labor-Management COVID Partnership Act, to establish a Coronavirus Rapid Response Federal Labor-Management Task Force, and for other purposes. Lobbied in support of increasing the amount available under the "Defense Production Act of 1950," to respond to the coronavirus epidemic and expedited procurement of equipment needed to combat COVID-19 under the "Defense Production Act of 1950. Lobbied in support of a flexible award for front line health care workers who have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic that can be used to pay off existing student loans, to obtain further education or to establish a savings account LD2. Lobbied in support of directing the President to use existing authorities under the Defense Production Act of 1950 with respect to the production of ventilators, N-95 respirator masks, and specified personal protective equipment to address COVID-19. Lobbied in support of a program for providing portable benefits to eligible workers. Lobbied in support of providing Americans with paid sick time and paid leave so that they can address their own health needs and the health needs of their families. Lobbied in support of a congressional resolution recognizing COVID-19 frontline workers. Lobbied for legislation to make the payroll tax deferral optional for federal employees. Lobbied against forced retirement or termination of federal employees who have been injured on the job and have had their medical treatment delayed because of COVID-19. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Lobbied on behalf of Social Security workforce on agency funding, the collective bargaining agreement, telework, Covid response and return to office space. Lobbied for the dismissal of SSA Commissioner Andrew Saul and Deputy Commissioner David Black. Lobbied on the following issues with the House and Senate Appropriations Committee Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Subcommittee Members to submit amendments on the following issues for the Fiscal Year 2022 FSGG Appropriation: 1.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 FSGG Appropriations bill that adjusts federal employee pay by 3.2 percent. 2.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 FSGG Appropriations bill that upholds the Public-Private competition moratorium from Section 742 of the FY 2021 FSGG Appropriations bill. 3.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 FSGG bill that aligns Federal Wage System Areas with General Schedule Locality Pay Areas. 4.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 FSGG bill that prohibits any limitation of, reduction of, constraint to, or interference with official time in representing federal employees with respect to workplace discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information. 5.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 FSGG bill for additional funds for the Office of Personnel Management to allow OPM to increase staffing, invest in information technology, improve overall human capital services and shift away from the fee-for-service model. Lobbied in support of H.R. 392 /S. 561, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act," to increase pay for federal employees by 3.2%. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs)rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code. Lobbied in support of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Officers Act," H.R. 2616, granting public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty. Assisted Local 2814 in provision of a statement on Railroad Safety Inspectors needs before the Federal Railroad Administrations Railroad Safety Advisory Committee, April 16, 2021. Lobbied for lawmakers to support efforts to restart collective bargaining with Department of Education employees and provide adequate funding and oversight of the Departments mission, including protecting students civil rights and fairly and equitably provide student loans. Lobbied for confirmation of Kiran Ahuja to be director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Lobbied for passage of H.R. 2062, the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act of 2021 Lobbied to address direct hire and employee rights concerns in H.R. 2225, the National Science Foundation for the Future Act and S. 1260, the Endless Frontier Act. Provided technical background and comment on S. 1097 - Federal Rotational Cyber Workforce Program Act, S. 1330 - Facilitating Federal Employee Reskilling Act, S. 1324 - Civilian Cyber Security Reserve Act, and S. 407 the Air America Act. Lobbied in support of H.R. 2337, the Public Servants Protection and Fairness Act of 2021 and H.R. 82 / S. 1302 to would fully repeal GPO and WEP. American Jobs Plan: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Lobbied against negative impact on federal employees' compensation and benefits including requiring employees to pay additional salary towards retirement. FY 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations--Lobbied in support for additional funding of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Coast Guard (USCG), Federal Protective Service (FPS), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). FY 2022 Defense Appropriations--Lobbied in support of limitations on use of appropriated funds for service contracts unless their planning. programming and budgeting is in compliance with section 2329 of title 10 and related total force management statutes. FY 2022 Military Quality of Life/Veterans Affairs Appropriations (H.R. 4355)-Lobbied in support for funding to hire new employees to fill vacancies; provisions to provide adequate funding for VA health and benefits programs and against further contracting out. Lobbied for the inclusion of language to prevent unilateral implementation of collective bargaining agreements. FY 2022 Interior and Environment Appropriations (H.R. 4372)--Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2022 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations-Lobbied on contracting out, funding cuts to services such as college aid for students, rural healthcare services, and funding the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied against Administration proposal to close and transfer Forest Service Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers. Lobbied for increased Social Security Administration funding and status of collective bargaining. Lobbied to restore adequate funding to the Social Security Administration for field operations and for telework and a review of legal assistant positions in the Office of Hearing Operations. Lobbied on status of reopening offices, downsizing of office space, status of contract in light of Executive Order 14003 to renegotiation portions of contract affected by previous Trump executive orders. FY 2022 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations (H.R. 4345) -Lobbied for a 3.2% pay increase for all federal employees, for parity in locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees and for paid family and medical leave. FY 2022 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations - Lobbied for higher funding levels for Bureau of Prisons (BOP) and continued prohibition of closure of minimum security camps; lobbied for funding to hire adequate numbers of correctional staff; end the use of augmentation to compensate for lack of hiring correctional officer positions; alleviating overcrowding at high-security institutions; need to increase unit officer staff at high security institutions; and reduce the use of BOP contract prisons. Lobbied in support of language to end augmentation of corrections workers, hire more correctional officers, and phase out the use of private prisons. FY 2022 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations--Lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees. Lobbied to fully fund authorized rail inspector positions at the Federal Rail Administration and for an upgrade to the GS-13 level for inspectors and for safety equipment for hazardous materials inspectors. FY 2022 Agriculture Appropriations (H.R. 4356)--Lobbied for provisions relating to pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of USDA employees. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSISs budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. FY 2022 Energy and Water Appropriations--Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL) facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied in support of full official time rights for federal workers including monitoring and ensuring the EEOC official time final rule is not implemented. Lobbied in support of expanded EEOC agency work place rights. Lobbied in support of a Congressional Review Act disapproval for the EEOC conciliation final rule and lobbied in support of empowering EEOC employees by granting subpoena power to administrative judges. Lobbied in support of the "Recognizing the Environmental Gains in Overcoming Negligence Act" (REGION Act) to ensure that no EPA office be closed, consolidated, or eliminated using funds made available in any appropriations act for any fiscal year. Lobbied in support of H.R. 564/S. 1158, the "Comprehensive Paid Leave for Federal Employees Act and AFGE President Kelley testified at a hearing entitled, Leading by Example: The Need for Comprehensive Paid Leave for the Federal Workforce and Beyond" on Thursday, June 24, 2021. Lobbied for higher funding levels for the United States Census Bureau, American Community Survey, Economic Survey, and Bureau of Labor Statistics relocation. American Jobs Plan: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Lobbied for changes to Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA) employee performance standards. Lobbied for increased oversight and changes to performance standards for Legal Administrative Assistants in the VBA National Call Centers. Lobbied for comprehensive changes to internal VBA processes for claims, including changes to the VBA National Work Queue. Lobbied on the processing of complex claims within the Veterans Benefits Administration, including how it relates to Military Sexual Trauma and Traumatic Brain Injury. Lobbied for the specialization of claims processing for highly complex cases. C&P Exams: Submitted a Statement for the Record on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee titled Supporting Disabled Veterans: The State of Claims Processing During and After COVID-19. Lobbied against contracting out of Compensation and Pension (C&P) Exams and bringing those exams back into the VA. Lobbied to keep all specialty C&P Exams including but not limited to Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), veterans who served as Prisoners of War (POWs), veterans who suffered catastrophic injuries, and veterans who are currently eligible (or will likely soon be eligible) to pursue toxic exposure claims. Lobbied for the VA to utilize more internal C&P Providers by hiring more staff and returning staff to C&P positions who had previously been reassigned. Lobbied to keep Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) Exams within the VA. Collective Bargaining Rights: Shared proposals for a bill to eliminate two provisions of the, VA Accountability Act Lobbied for the withdrawal of President Trumps May 2018 Executive Orders 13836, 13837, and 13839. Lobbied in support of the implementation of President Bidens January 2021 Executive Order 14003: Protecting the Federal Workforce in a timely fashion. Lobbied for oversight into the Biden Administrations implementation of Executive Order 14003. Submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigation titled, Transforming the VA Workforce: Assessing Progress on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives. VA Infrastructure: Lobbied for Asset Infrastructure Review (AIR) Act repeal. Submitted comments to Federal Register on AIR Commission scope. Lobbied for the VA to hire staff to fill its tens of thousands of vacancies. Lobbied for the nomination of Mr. Richard C. Loeb as a nominee for the VA AIR Commission Submitted a Statement for the Record on a House Veterans Affair Committee hearing titled INVESTING IN A BETTER VA: Examining the Role of Infrastructure in Veterans Access to Care and Benefits. VA Budget: Submitted a Statement for the Record on a House Veterans Affair Committee hearing titled U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Budget Request For Fiscal Year 2022. Specific Legislation: Lobbied in support of H.R. 1948/S. 771 the VA Employee Fairness Act. Submitted a Statement for the Record for a House Veterans Affairs Committee markup on pending legislation in support of H.R. 1948. Lobbied in support of H.R. 962/S. 1888 the Law Enforcement Officer Equity Act and the importance of this bill to the VA Police Force. Lobbied in support of certain provisions of H.R. 2429, the VA Police Improvement and Accountability Act. Lobbied for H.R. 3693, the VA CPE Modernization Act, and its importance to VA Clinicians. Lobbied against S. 2041 the, VA Provider Accountability Act. Lobbied for S. 458, the Veterans Claim Transparency Act of 2021. Lobbied for small changes to S. 1031, To require the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on disparities associated with race and ethnicity with respect to certain benefits administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes. Lobbied against S. 1071, the VA AID Act of 2021. Lobbied in support of prior changes made to S. 1093, To amend title 38, United States Code, to establish in the Department the Veterans Economic Opportunity and Transition Administration, and for other purposes. Milcon-VA: Lobbied MilCon-VA for staffing language to address vacancies. Lobbied Milcon-VA for language to defund the VA AIR Commission. Lobbied Milcon-VA for specific funding related to the Veteran Benefits Administration to hire additional staff, pay for additional overtime, fix technological issues, expand telework, and restore the pre-decisional review process. Lobbied the VA Committee to insert language into Milcon-VA to limit the contracting out of specialty C&P Exams. Toxic Exposure Legislation: AFGE commented in support of the following House bills on how they would help with the presumption of toxic exposure in processing claims: H.R. 1273, the Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Study Act. H.R. 2268, the Keeping Our Promises Act. H.R. 2607, the FASTER Presumptions Act. H.R. 2825, the Fort McClellan Health Registry Act. H.R. 2436, the Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act of 2021. H.R. 2372, the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act. H.R. 2742, PFAS Registry Act of 2021. H.R. 2530, the Enewetak Atoll Cleanup Radiation Study Act. H.R. 1585, the Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act of 2021. H.R. 1355, the K2 Veterans Care Act of 2021. H.R. 2368, the COVENANT Act. H.R. 2580, the Palomares Veterans Act of 2021. H.R. 1972, the Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2021. H.R.2569, the Veterans Exposure Equity Act; and H.R. 2127, the TEAM Act. AFGE commented on the following Senate bills on how they would help with the presumption of toxic exposure in processing claims: S. 437, Veterans Burn Pits Exposure Recognition Act. S. 565, the Mark Takai Atomic Veterans Healthcare Parity Act of 2021. S. 657, To modify the presumption of service connection for veterans who were exposed to herbicide agents while serving in the Armed Forces in Thailand during the Vietnam era, and for other purposes. S. 810, the Fair Care for Vietnam Veterans Act of 2021. S. 927, the TEAM Act; S. 952, the Presumptive Benefits for War Fighters Exposed to Burn Pits and Other Toxins Act of 2021. S. 1039, To amend title 38, United States Code, to improve compensation for disabilities occurring in Persian Gulf War veterans, and for other purposes. S. 1188, the SFC Heath Robinson Burn Pit Transparency Act. American Jobs Plan: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

FY 2022 Agriculture Appropriations--lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSISs budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act." American Jobs Plan: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Lobbied to protect the Federal Employee Health Benefits Plan and against any premium increases, particularly with any effects of postal reform legislation. American Jobs Plan: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

FY 2022 Foreign Operations Appropriations--lobbied on the provisions related to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of Department of State employees. American Jobs Plan: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

FY 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations--lobbied on provisions on CPB, CIS, and ICE relating to contracting out, pay, benefits, staffing levels, safety, and job security of these DHS employees. Lobbied for full implementation of the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, authorized in 2020. Lobbied for more stable funding for USCIS that does not rely on fees for non-fee elements of the agencys mission. American Jobs Plan: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Lobbied in support of H.R. 1, the "For the People Act," in particular its provision in support of statehood for the District of Columbia. Lobbied in support of H.R. 51, and S. 51, the "Washington, D.C. Admission Act." American Jobs Plan: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Lobbied on Department of Defense Senate Confirmed Nominations with Questions and Questions for Record and Proposed Advanced Policy Questions related to Secretary of Defense Austin and Deputy Secretary of Defense Hicks. Lobbied on the following issues for the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act by requesting House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee Members submit Member Requests Amendments on the following issues: 1.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA that clarifies the civilian personnel cap prohibition in Section 129 of title 10 by removing ambiguous and contradictory language and clarifying prohibitions against using erm or temporary hiring authorities for enduring functions. 2.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA that requires compliance with contract service planning, programming, and budgeting statutory requirements and Total Force Management statutory limitations on privatization (including compliance with the public-private competition moratorium). 3.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA that aligns the Federal Wage System Areas with General Schedule Locality Pay Areas. 4.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA that requires compliance of Reductions in Force procedures under Section 3502 of Title 5 (Seniority, Veterans Preference, Performance) repealing inconsistent provisions included in Section 1597(f) of title 10, United States Code, enacted in section 1101 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016. 5.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA that prohibits the downsizing of military medical treatment facilities by requiring Military Department Surgeon General Certifications and Government Accountability Office reviews addressing TRICARE quality of care standards and capacity; third party collections; readiness impacts; and efforts to backfill military structure with government civilian employees. 6.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 prohibiting the merger of commissaries with exchanges, carrying forward and making permanent the prohibition in the FY 2021 NDAA. 7.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA prohibiting global household goods contracts, repealing the authority for this exception to normal procurement practices and the public-private competition moratorium that was provided in Section 375 of the FY 2020 NDAA. 8.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA clarifying governmental access to technical data for spare parts for major weapon systems, repealing Section 865 of the FY 2019 NDAA. 9.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA to improve workforce planning for major weapon systems sustainment by mandating the manpower estimate requirement of the military civilian and contract support requirements for operating, maintaining, and sustaining major weapon systems, formerly required by Section 2434 of title 10 that was repealed in the FY 2017 NDAA. 10.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA that would require reporting of borrowed military manpower, reviving the reporting requirement that was in Section 482 of title 10, prior to repeal in the FY 2013 NDAA. 11.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 NDAA requiring a Government Accountability Office review on whether DoD security clearance determinations have been applied in a discriminatory manner. 12.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 to provide paid family and medical leave to Federal employees by including care of a sick child, spouse, or parent. 13.Inclusion of language repealing Section 1599e of title 10 that provides a two-year probationary period to DoD employees as an exception to the one-year probationary period applicable across the rest of the federal government in sections 3321 and 3393(d) of title 5. Lobbied against proposals under consideration for the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act from the Final Recommendations and Report of the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service in the following sections: Subtitle C: Modernization of Federal Personnel System Sec. 344. Noncompetitive eligibility for high-performing civilian employees. Sec. 345. Flexibility for Temporary and Term Appointments. Sec. 346. Criteria for granting direct hire authority to agencies. Sec. 347. Cafeteria Plan for Federal Employees. Sec. 348. Modern Benefits Pilot Program. Sec. 349. Demonstration Project Flexibility for Office of Personnel Management. Sec. 350. Advanced Assessment Tools for Executive Agency Hiring. Sec. 351. Competency Standards for Human Resources Specialists for downsized HR offices to better service their customers. Sec. 352. Evaluation of Improvements to the Federal Civil Service Personnel System. Sec. 353. Proposals for Modern Talent Management System. Sec. 354. Annual Report on Blended Federal Workforce. Subtitle D: Students, Recent Graduates, and Critical Skills Sec. 361. Federal Fellowship and Scholarship Center. Sec. 362. Public Service Corps. Sec. 363. Public Service Academy Grants. Sec. 364. Public Service Cadet Programs at Military Service Academies. Sec. 366. Establishment of Pathways Program. Sec. 368. Aggregate Number of Hires of Recent College Graduates and Post-Secondary Students. Sec. 372. Civilian Cybersecurity Reserve Pilot Project. Sec. 374. Personnel Policy Demonstration Project for federal Agencies with Employees in STEM fields. Sec. 375. Development of proposal for simplified personnel system for Veterans Health Administration. Lobbied against the following proposals under consideration for the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act from the Final Recommendations of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence: 1.Part-time reserve digital service corps; and 2.Digital Academy as pathway into Civil Service. Lobbied against three proposals from industry coalitions related to commercial items determinations by contracting officers. Lobbied on the following issues for the Fiscal Year 2022 Defense Appropriation by requesting of House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense and Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense members that they submit the following amendment proposals for committee markup: 1.Reintroducing House section 8012 markup language from the FY 2021 Defense Appropriation that had been rendered ambiguous in Conference for the FY2021 Omnibus. 2.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 Defense Appropriations bill that mandates compliance with contract service planning, programming, and budgeting statutory requirements and Total Force Management statutory limitations on privatization (including compliance with the public-private competition moratorium). 3.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 Defense Appropriations bill that requires compliance of Reductions in Force with Section 3502 of Title 5, which provides for the order of retention for Reductions in Force in the following order: seniority, veterans preference, followed by the performance rating. 4.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 Defense Appropriations bill prohibiting the downsizing of military medical treatment facilities. 5.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 Defense Appropriations bill prohibiting the merger of commissaries and exchanges. 6.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 Defense Appropriations bill prohibiting a global household goods contract. 7.Inclusion of language in the FY 2022 Defense Appropriations bill providing for temporary supplemental funding similar to language included by the House in the HEROES Act last year, for salaries and other needs for non-appropriated fund employees in child-care centers, lodges, food operations, exchanges and other recreational activities that are normally paid for by revenue generating accounts that have been detrimentally affected by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Lobbied in support of H.R. 3086 and S. 1561, Locality Pay Equity Act of 2021, sponsored by Rep. Matt Cartwright (8th C.D., PA) and Sen. Robert Casey (PA). Lobbied House Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense, House Armed Services Committee and Senate Armed Services Committee in support of directive report language relating to DoD civilian career programs and human capital planning in effort to strengthen title 5 and require plans for eliminating title 10 exceptions to title 5. Lobbied House Armed Services Committee to repeal title 10 personnel caps on headquarters in sections 143, 194, 7014, 8014 and 9014 of title 10. Lobbied against Army and Air Force legislative proposals for exceptions to section 2461 of title 10 limitations on privatization in the case of Cyber functions. Lobbied against changes proposed in the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee for public-private talent exchanges inconsistent with what was negotiated for section 1599g in title 10 in the Fiscal Year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act. Lobbied against extension of the Acquisition Demonstration pay for performance system in section 1762 of title 10. Lobbied against proposals to create preference for hiring military family member dependents in overseas areas. Lobbied against reductions in the Naval audit service. Lobbied to ask Senator Mark Kelly (AZ) and Rep. Ann Kirkpatrick (1st C.D. AZ) assistance in sending a letter to the Pentagon on Davis-Monthan Air Force Base resistance to implementing Presidents Executive Order on strengthening the federal workforce based on Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) litigation against the base. Developed letters to lobby on the following defense issues: Letter to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks on stealth privatization and services contracts budgeting dated April 5, 2021, copied to Defense committees in Congress. Letter to Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks on title 10 exceptions to title 5 and their adverse impacts in recruiting and retaining civilian employees in DoD dated May 5, 2021, copied to Defense committees in Congress and Office of Personnel Management. Letter to Acting Director of Office of Management and Budget, Shalanda Young on commercial items impediments to governmental access to certified cost and pricing data and technical data packages needed by depots, dated June 4, 2021, copied to Defense committees in Congress and Office of Secretary of Defense. Prepared Testimony for Record for the House Armed Services Committee opposing recommendations from the National Commission on Military, National, and Public Service, dated May 19, 2021. Submitted questions for record on civilian reductions in the planning, programming and budgeting and services contracts planning, programming and budgeting and privatization management controls for confirmation hearing on Department of Defense Comptroller Michael McCord and Director of Cost Assessment Program Evaluation Susannah Blume. Submitted questions for record for the U.S. Transportation Command budget hearing with the SASC. Submitted questions for record for Department of Defense Cyber Workforce Hearing with the SASC. Submitted questions for record for Department of Defense Acquisition Workforce Hearing with SASC. Submitted questions for record on modernizing organic industrial base with HASC. Submitted questions for record on Department of Defense financial audit with HASC and SASC. Submitted questions for record on Defense Health Program with Senate Appropriations Committee Subcommittee on Defense. Submitted questions for record on National Guard budget with House Appropriations Committee subcommittee on Defense. American Jobs Plan: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Lobbied to increase funding for the IRS and better target IRS tax enforcement. Lobbied for H.R. 1786 and S. 725, a bill to end offshore corporate tax avoidance, and for other purposes, known as the, No Tax Breaks for Outsourcing Act. Lobbied for S. 994, a bill to reinstate estate and generation-skipping taxes, and for other purposes, known as the, For the 99.5% Act. Lobbied for H.R. 3007 and S. 1545, the Disclosure of Tax Havens and Offshoring Act, require large, publicly-traded corporations to disclose high-level financial information (i.e., profits, revenues, taxes, number of employees, and assets) on a country-by-country basis to shine a spotlight on tax avoidance strategies and contribute to a fair and transparent tax system. Lobbied in support of $3.6 trillion in new tax revenues outlined in President Bidens Made in America Tax Plan to finance the important investments included in the American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan. American Jobs Plan: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

FY 2022 Interior and Environmental Appropriations--lobbied on provisions relating to the pay, benefits, staffing levels, job security, and contracting out of Department of Interior (DOI) employees. Lobbied on provisions relating to full funding and staffing, implementation of Executive Order 14003, preventing the relocation, consolidation or closure of any EPA facility, and adequate health and safety protocols. FY 2022 Energy and Water Appropriations--Lobbied on provisions relating to consolidation or closure of any National Energy Technology Laboratories (NETL facilities, human capital authority at NETL and cuts in funding for fossil fuel research conducted at NETL. Lobbied to address direct hire and employee rights concerns in H.R. 2225, the National Science Foundation for the Future Act and S. 1260, the Endless Frontier Act. American Jobs Plan: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

FY 2022 Homeland Security Appropriations--lobbied on provisions on the pay, benefits, contracting out, staffing levels, funding, and job security of DHS employees in CIS, ICE, CIS, FEMA, FPS, USCG, and TSA. Lobbied on issues surrounding safe workplaces under the coronavirus pandemic and standards for reopening of all agencies within Homeland Security. Lobbied in support of hiring more Title 5 full time employees at FEMA and FPS. Lobbied in support of H.R. 903 and S. 1856, the "Rights for the Transportation Security Administration Workforce Act," which would grant Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) rights under Title 5 of the U.S. code and for preparation for reintroduction of similar legislation in the Senate. Presented testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee in support of the legislation, May 4, 2021. Lobbied to encourage original cosponsors for reintroduction of the "Honoring Our Fallen TSA Heroes Act," ensuring public safety officer benefits to TSOs killed or injured in the line of duty and for additional cosponsors after introduction as H.R. 2616. Lobbied against any legislation that would allow for the privatization of airport ID checks and allowing private companies to determine whether a passenger is subject to secondary screening. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1813 the "Funding for Aviation Screeners and Threat Elimination Restoration (FASTER) Act," to amend title 49, United States Code, to ensure that revenues collected from passengers as aviation security fees are used to help finance the costs of aviation security screening by repealing a requirement that a portion of such fees be credited as offsetting receipts and deposited in the general fund of the Treasury, and allowing funds to be used to pay the TSA workforce in the event of a government shutdown. Lobbied for original cosponsors prior to Senate introduction of the same legislation. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1893, the Transportation Security Preparation Act of 2021 to provide for planning and preparation in the event of a future communicable disease outbreak. Lobbied in support of H.R. 1877, the Security Screening During COVID-19 Act of 2021 to develop safe screening procedures during the ongoing pandemic. Lobbied in support the "Checkpoint Safety Act," to require armed law enforcement at checkpoints in large airports. Lobbied in support of Hazardous Duty Pay for frontline employees and reintroduction of legislation. Lobbied for more PPE for TSOs, for requiring passengers to wear masks and on the notion of TSOs doing temperature screenings at checkpoints. Provided comment on the introduction of legislation addressing health safety at checkpoints and in airports. Provided Statement for the Record on Building the Coast Guard America Needs: Achieving Diversity, Equity and Accountability within the Service. before the House Homeland Security Committee (June 23, 2021). Provided statement for the record of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittees hearing, TSA: Pandemic and Post-Pandemic Implications for Budget and Operations. May 5, 2021. American Jobs Plan: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

FY 2022 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations--lobbied on contracting out, pay, benefits, and working conditions of federal employees in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. American Jobs Plan: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

Provided statement for the record for the Senate Finance Committees hearing on Social Security During COVID: How the Pandemic Hampered Access to Benefits and Strategies for Improving Service Delivery. April 29, 2021. Provided comments to Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions staff on behalf of Department of Education Office of Civil Rights employees on the qualifications of Catherine Lhamon to head the office. Lobbied for appointment and confirmation of a quorum to the Merit Systems Protection Board to address the growing case backlog. Lobbied against any attempts the expand the Department of Veterans Affairs' Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act government wide. Lobbied in support of H.R. 304, the "Equal COLA Act," to achieve parity between the cost-of-living adjustment to an annuity under the Federal Employees Retirement System and an annuity under the Civil Service Retirement System. Lobbied in support of the right of federal employees who are furloughed to be eligible for unemployment compensation. Lobbied in support of back pay for employees in the event of a lapse in appropriations. Lobbied in support of extended leave carryover due to COVID-19 pandemic. Lobbied in support of reintroduction of Protecting Employees' Security Clearances Act (PESCA), which requires consideration of a lapse in appropriations as a mitigating condition when assessing financial consideration for security clearances. Lobbied in support of H.R. 392/S. 561, the "Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act," to provide federal employees with a 3.2% salary adjustment in 2022. Lobbied in support of H.R. 82, the "Social Security Fairness Act," to repeal the government pension offset and windfall elimination provisions. Lobbied in support of H.R. 7/S. 205, the "Paycheck Fairness Act," to amend the "Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938" to provide more effective remedies to victims of discrimination in the payment of wages on the basis of sex, and for other purposes. Lobbied against H.R. 1902 to eliminate the use of official time by federal employees. Lobbied for H.R. 1195, the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, to require DOL to address workplace violence in the health care and social service sectors. Lobbied for H.R. 603/S. 53, the Raise the Wage Act, to increase the federal minimum wage for regular employees over a 7-year period, for tipped employees, and for newly hired employees who are less than 20 years old. Lobbied in support of the "Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act." Lobbied in support of H.R. 842/S. 420, the "Protecting the Right to Organize Act." American Jobs Plan: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.

FY 2022 Agriculture Appropriations - lobbied for provisions relating to pay, benefits, staffing levels, and job security of USDA employees. Lobbied against the contracting out of federal employee jobs and potential food and public risks. Lobbied against funding cuts of the meat and poultry inspection program. Lobbied against further expanding the program of putting plant employees, not inspectors, in charge of quality control and contamination. Lobbied for an increase FSISs budget for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies of Food Inspectors and Consumer Safety Inspectors. Lobbied to fully fund the budgets of the Economic Research Service (ERS) and National Institute on Food and Agriculture (NIFA) for full-time employees in order to fill all current vacancies and return ERS and NIFA to a full staffing complement. Lobbied to prohibit funds from being spent to create a modernized beef slaughter inspection system or issue line speed waivers to beef, poultry, or hog slaughter plants. Lobbied for H.R. 1815 and S. 713, the "Safe Line Speeds in COVID-19 Act." American Jobs Plan: Lobbied for inclusion of federal employee priorities - title 5 rights for Transportation Security Officers, paid family and medical leave for federal employees, less restrictive student loan forgiveness, equalizing locality pay boundaries for wage-grade employees, and restoring the employee contribution to the Federal Employee Retirement System to 0.8% for all federal employees.