mr THOMAS WACKER

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monitored, reacted to, and discussed policy concepts that will ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: ERISA: H.R. 6143 Pension Protection Act ERISA Amendments Act of 2008 all sections. H.R. 7327 Worker, Retiree, and Employer Recovery Act of 2008 all sections.

The association often follows measures that are tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area, and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. We continually visit with policymakers about the connection between advanced telecommunications technologies and the ability of rural communities to survive and contribute to the general economic and national security. During the reporting period the association did not specifically lobby on any introduced measures in this category.

Focused attention on the full implementation of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entities such as rural communications providers. During the reporting period the association did not specifically lobby on any introduced measures in this category.

The association follows the federal budget and appropriations process as it relates to agencies and their respective policies that touch on rural telecommunications matters. For example, the association monitors the Federal Communications Commission and its budget and policies, as well as the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and the Rural Utilities Service. During the reporting period the association did not specifically lobby on any introduced measures in this category.

The association often follows measures that are tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. We continually visit with policymakers about the connection between advanced telecommunications technologies and the ability of rural communities to survive and contribute to the general economic and national security. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on several bills related to universal service and broadband, which are listed under the TEC subject heading. The association also focused particular attention on the following legislation: Telework/Telecommute: H.R. 4106- To improve teleworking in executive agencies by developing a telework program that allows employees to telework at least 20 percent of the hours worked in every two administrative workweeks and for other purposes-all sections. H.R. 5727- To authorize the Secretary of Labor to make grants for the establishment of information technology centers in rural areas-all sections. S. 1000-To enhance the Federal Telework Program by requiring each federal executive agency, within a prescribed time period, to establish a policy that to the maximum extent possible, without diminishing employee performance or agency operation, allows for each employee to participate in telework-all sections.

Monitored and reacted to proposals tied to the federal excise tax on communications which is unfairly applied to different communications services, the federal estate tax, which prohibits the transfer of rural telcos and other rural assets to heirs, and other taxation initiatives that may help or hinder the operations of rural community-based communications providers. Also focused attention on the full implementation of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entities such as rural communications providers. During the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: Miscellaneous Tax: H.R. 3861-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the AMT refundable credit amount for individuals with long-term unused credits for prior year minimun tax liability-all sections. H.R. 3996-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions-all sections. Also the resolution for consideration, H. Res. 809. H.R. 5558-To limit the discriminatory taxation of oil pipeline property-all sections. H.R. 6049-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, and to provide individual income tax relief-sections relating to tax expirations affecting small businesses and NTCA. benefit plans. S. 2342-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide alternative minimum tax relief for 2007 and to provide special tax rates for certain capital gains and qualified dividend income for 2007-all sections. S. 2389-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the alternative minimum tax credit amount for individuals with long-term unused credits for prior year minimum tax liability-all sections. Federal Excise Tax: H.R. 1194-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services-all sections. H.R. 3997-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief and protections for military personnal-all sections. H.R. 5793-To restrict any state or local jurisdiction from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services, providers, or property-all sections. H.R. 6081-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide benefits for military personnel-all sections. S. 140-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services-all sections. S. 166-To restrict any state from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services-all sections. S. 170-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services-all sections.

Monitored, reacted to, and/or developed proposals and/or initiatives that will impact the operations of rural communications providers, their consumers and/or the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets others have often overlooked. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artificial and uneconomic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services policymakers and the public are demanding, and that the association's members are, in fact, providing. Maintaining a balance formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data formats and whether provided via land line or in a moble fashion. The association has from time to time compared notes and informally coordinated messaging with both members and non-member alike, but ultimately identifies, develops, and carries out all lobbying strategies and activities individually, under its own name. The association's advocacy efforts revolve entirely around the premise of informing and educating policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. NTCA, its members, and rural consumers recognize that an appropriate operating environment is essential if rural providers are to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural Americans. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused on concepts and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to develop and distribute some form of public statement on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many members of Congress that are opposed to a reverse auction distribution methodolgy for universal service support. Likewise, we continued discussions on intercarrier compensation as well as phantom traffic and other cost recovery issues. We also discussed spectrum and digital television transmission issues with offices as well as braodband deployment and access to video programming and to the Internet backbone. During the reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following measures and initiatives: Broadband Deployment: H.R. 2419-Farm Bill Extention Act-Title 6 Rural Development subsections related to RUS programs with particular attention to the RUS Broadband Program, broadband mapping and national broadband policy. H.R. 3919-To provide for a comprehensive nationwide inventory of existing broadband service through mapping broadband availability-all sections. H.R. 6124-To provide for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through FY 2012, and for other purposes-emphasis on the Title 6 Rural Development subsections related to the RUS Broadband Program, broadband mapping and national broadband policy. S. 1190-To promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies through mapping broadband availability-all sections. S. 1492-To improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable broadband services to all parts of the nation through mapping broadband availability-all sections. Federal Trade Commission: S. 2831-To reauthorize the Federal Trade Commission-section related to the repeal of the common carrier exemption from the Federal Trade Commission oversight. Government Owned Networks: H.R. 3281-To promote competition and to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband capability and services-all sections. S. 1853-To promote competition and to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband capability and services-all sections. Net Neutrality: H.R. 5353-To establish broadband policy and direct the Federal Communications Commission to conduct a proceeding and public broadband summit to assess competition, consumer protection and consumer choice issues relating to broadband Internet access services-all sections. H.R. 5994-To amend the Clayton Act with respect to competitive and nondiscriminatory access to the Internet-all sections. S. 215-To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality-all sections. Safety and Security: H.R. 3403-To promote and enhance public safety by facilitating the rapid deployment of IP-enabled 911and E-911 services, encourage the nation's transition to a national IP-enabled emergency network, and improve 911 and E-911 access to those with disabilities-all sections. H.R. 3773-To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence-sections relating to retroactive immunity for communications providers that responded to administration demands for warrantless communications surveillance. H.R. 5540-To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence-sections relating to retroactive immunity for communications providers that responded to administration demands for warrantless communications surveillance. S. 2248-To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to modernize and streamline the provisions of that act-sections relating to retroactive immunity for communications providers that responded to administration demands for warrantless communications surveillance. Spectrum: H.R. 1597-To require the Federal Communications Commission to issue a final order regarding television white spaces-all sections. S. 234-To require the Federal Communications Commission to issue a final order regarding television white spaces-all sections. S.337-To require the Federal Communications Commission to issue a final order regarding television white spaces-all sections. President's Budget Request for FY 2009-Discussions surrounding the digital television transition and 700 MHz distribution with emphasis on the initiatives of the association's membership in helping with the DTV transition as well as with regard to the ongoing difficulties they have in acquiring spectrum through the auction process, and thus why it would not be advisable to permanently extend the Federal Communications Commission's authority to auction radio spectrum. Also, held numerous discussions about the Federal Communications Commission's ongoing inability to apply and adhere appropriately to the parameters of Section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934. Spoofing: H.R. 251-To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit manipulation of caller identification information-all sections. H.R. 740-To amend Title 18, United States Code, to prevent caller ID spoofing-all sections. S. 704-To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit manipulation of caller identification information-all sections. S. 1654-To prohibit the sale or provision of caller ID spoofing services-all sections. Spyware: H.R. 964-To protect users of the Internet from unknowing transmissions of their personally identifiable information through spyware programs-all sections. H.R. 1525-To amend Title 18, United States Code, to discourage spyware programs and uses-all sections. S. 2168-To amend Title 18, United States Code, to enable increased federal prosecution of identity theft crimes and to allow for restitution to victims of identity theft. Universal Service/Intercarrier Compensation/Cost Recovery: H.R. 278-To amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Anti-Deficiency Act-all sections. H.R. 2054-Universal Service Reform Act of 2007-To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes-all sections. H.R. 6356-To reform the collection and distribution of universal service support under the Communications Act of 1934-all sections. S. 101-A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934-all sections. S. 609-A bill to amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act-all sections. S. 2919-To promote the accurate transmission of network traffic identification information-all sections.

Monitored, reacted to, and discussed policy concepts that will ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 3652-To amend Title 11, United States Code, to improve protections for employees and retirees in business bankruptcies-all sections. S. 2092-To amend Title 11, United States Code, to improve protections for employees and retirees in business bankruptcies-all sections.

Monitored, reacted to, and/or developed proposals and/or initiatives that will impact the operations of rural telecommunications providers, their customers, and/or the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the rural economically challenging markets. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artificial and unecomonic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services policymakers and the public are demanding, and that the associations members are in fact providing. Maintaining a balanced formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association bases its approaches on whether or not policies are flexible in their application to rural carriers that have different needs and capabilities and that have far different economies of scale and competitive opportunities than larger carriers. As in the past, the association does from time to time compare notes and informally coordinate messaging with others, but ultimately identifies, develops, and carries out all lobbying strategies and activities individually, under its own name. The associations advocacy efforts revolve entirely around the premise of informing and educating policymakers and the public about issues that are related to the provision of telecommunications services in rural America. NTCA, its members, and their related rural consumers recognize that an appropriate operating environment is essential if rural providers are to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural Americans. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused on concepts and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to develop and distribute some form of public statement on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure they understood the modifications in the universal service and intercarrier compensation cost recovery mechanisms that rural providers rely upon. We also routinely discuss access to spectrum, video programming and its equitable distribution and data transmission and all that entails. During the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following measures and initiatives: Broadband Deployment: H.R. 2419 Farm Bill Extension Act Title 6 Rural Development subsections related to RUS programs with particular attention to the RUS Broadband Program, broadband mapping, and national broadband policy. H.R. 6124 To provide for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through fiscal year 2012, and for other purposes emphasis on the Title 6 Rural Development subsections related to the RUS Broadband Program, broadband mapping, and national broadband policy. S. 1492 To improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable broadband services to all parts of the nation through mapping broadband availability all sections. Federal Trade Commission: S. 2831 To reauthorize the Federal Trade Commission section related to the repeal of the common carrier exemption from Federal Trade Commission oversight. Government Owned Networks: H.R. 3281 To promote competition and to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband capability and services all sections. S. 1853 To promote competition, and to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband capability and services all sections. Net Neutrality: H.R. 5353 To establish broadband policy and direct the Federal Communications Commission to conduct a proceeding and public broadband summits to assess competition, consumer protection, and consumer choice issues relating to broadband Internet access services all sections. H.R. 5994 To amend the Clayton Act with respect to competitive and nondiscriminatory access to the Internet all sections. S. 215 To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality all sections. Safety & Security: H.R. 3403 To promote and enhance public safety by facilitating the rapid deployment of IP-enabled 911 and E-911 services, encourage the Nations transition to a national IP-enabled emergency network, and improve 911 and E-911 access to those with disabilities all sections. H.R. 3773 To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence sections relating to retroactive immunity for communications providers that responded to administration demands for warrantless communications surveillance. H.R. 5540 To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence sections relating to retroactive immunity for communications providers that responded to administration demands for warrantless communications surveillance. S. 2248 To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978, to modernize and streamline the provisions of that act sections relating to retroactive immunity for communications providers that responded to administration demands for warrantless communications surveillance. Spectrum: Presidents Budget Request for FY 2009 Discussions surrounding the digital television transition, and 700 MHz distribution with emphasis on the initiatives of the associations membership in helping with the DTV transition as well as with regard to the ongoing difficulties they have in acquiring spectrum through the auction process, and thus why it would not be advisable to permanently extend the Federal Communications Commissions authority to auction radio spectrum. Also held numerous discussions about the Federal Communications Commissions ongoing inability to apply and adhere appropriately to the parameters of section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934. H.R.1597 To require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces all sections. Spoofing: H.R. 251 To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit manipulation of caller identification information all sections. H.R. 740 To amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent caller ID spoofing all sections. S. 704 To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit manipulation of caller identification information all sections. S. 1654 To prohibit the sale or provision of caller ID spoofing services all sections. Spyware: H.R. 964 To protect users of the Internet from unknowing transmission of their personally identifiable information through spyware programs all sections. H.R. 1525 To amend title 18, United States Code, to discourage spyware programs and uses all sections. S. 2168 To amend title 18, United States Code, to enable increased federal prosecution of identity theft crimes and to allow for restitution to victims of identity theft. Universal Service/Intercarrier Compensation/Cost Recovery: H.R. 278 To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Anti-Deficiency Act all sections. H.R. 2054 Universal Service Reform Act of 2007 to reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1954 and for other purposes all sections. H.R. 6356 To reform the collection and distribution of universal service support under the Communications Act of 1934 all sections. S.101 A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934 all sections. S. 609 A bill to amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act all sections S. 2919 To promote the accurate transmission of network traffic identification information all sections.

Monitored, reacted to, and discussed policy concepts that will ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following: Health: H.R.758 To require that health plans provide coverage for a minimum hospital stay for mastectomies, lumpectomies, and lymph node dissection for the treatment of breast cancer and coverage for secondary consultations all sections. H.R.2851 To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, the Public Health Service Act, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to ensure that dependent students who take a medically necessary leave of absence do not lose health insurance coverage, and for other purposes all sections. H.R.6983 To amend section 712 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, section 2705 of the Public Health Service Act, and section 9812 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans, and for other purposes all sections. S.334 A bill to provide affordable, guaranteed private health coverage that will make Americans healthier and can never be taken away all sections. S.1693 A bill to enhance the adoption of a nationwide interoperable health information technology system and to improve the quality and reduce the costs of health care in the United States all sections. ERISA: H.R. 1424 To amend section 712 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, section 2705 of the Public Health Service Act, section 9812 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans, to prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment all sections. General: S.558 A bill to provide parity between health insurance coverage of mental health benefits and benefits for medical and surgical services

The association follows various budget and appropriations measures that may have an impact on the association, its members, and/or the members consumers. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following: Budget: The Presidents FY 2009 Budget Proposal and related appendices that outline the administrations spending proposals for the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Business Cooperative Service, and the Federal Communications Commission, as well as related telecommunications programs under each of these agencies. Appropriations: H.R. 2638: Making appropriations for the Department of Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2008, and for other purposes. Became Public Law No: 110-329. Note: Division A provides continuing appropriations for all agencies and activities that would be covered by the regular fiscal year 2009 appropriations bills, until enactment of the applicable regular appropriations bill or until March 6, 2009, whichever occurs first. Our interest falls on the FCC that is under Finanancial Services title, and the RUS, RBCS that are under the Agriculture title. S. 3260 - FY 2009 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act. Specific attention paid to the title funding the Federal Communications Commission, and on the General Provisions section that contains items relating to this agency and its programs. S. 3289 - FY 2009 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Specific attention paid to the titles funding the Rural Utilities Service and the Rural Business Cooperative Service, and on the General Provisions section that contains items relating to these programs.

Monitored and reacted to proposals tied to the federal excise tax on communications which is unfairly applied to different communications services, the federal estate tax, which inhibits the transfer of rural telcos and other rural assets to heirs, and other taxation initiatives that may help or hinder the operations of rural community-based communications providers. Also focused attention on the full implementation of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entities such as rural communications providers. During the reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following: Miscellaneous Tax: H.R. 3861 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the AMT refundable credit amount for individuals with long-term unused credits for prior year minimum tax liability all sections. H.R. 3996 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions all sections. Also the resolution for consideration, H. Res. 809. H.R.6049 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, and to provide individual income tax relief sections relating to tax expirations affecting small businesses and NTCA benefit plans. S. 2342 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide alternative minimum tax relief for 2007 and to provide special tax rates for certain capital gains and qualified dividend income for 2007 all sections. S. 2389 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the alternative minimum tax credit amount for individuals with long-term unused credits for prior year minimum tax liability all sections. Federal Excise Tax: H.R. 1194 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services all sections. H.R.3997 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief and protections for military personnel all sections. H.R.5793 To restrict any State or local jurisdiction from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services, providers, or property all sections. H.R.6081 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide benefits for military personnel all sections. S. 140 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services all sections. S.166 To restrict any State from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services all sections. S. 170 To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services all sections. S.3249 A bill to restrict any State or local jurisdiction from imposing a new discriminatory tax on mobile wireless communications services, providers, or property all sections.

Monitored, reacted to, and discussed policy concepts that will ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 3652-To amend Title 11, United States Code, to improve protections for employees and retirees in business bankruptcies-all sections. S. 2092-To amend Title 11, United States Code, to improve protections for employees and retirees in business bankruptcies-all sections.

The association follows various budget and appropriations measures that may have an impact on the association, its members, and/or the member's consumers. During the reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following: Budget: The President's FY 2009 Budget Proposal and related appendices that outline the administration's spending proposals for the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Business Cooperative Service, and the Federal Communications Commission, as well as related telecommunications programs under each of these agencies. Appropriations: Unnumbered drafts of the FY 2009 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Specific attention paid to the titles funding the Rural Utilities Service and the Rural Business Cooperative Service, and on the General Provisions section that contains items related to these programs. Unnumbered drafts and mark-ups of the FY 2009 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act. Specific attention paid to the title funding the Federal Communications Commission and on the General Provisions section that contains items relating to this agency and its programs.

Monitored and reacted to proposals tied to the federal excise tax on communications which is unfairly applied to different communications services, the federal estate tax, which prohibits the transfer of rural telcos and other rural assets to heirs, and other taxation initiatives that may help or hinder the operations of rural community-based communications providers. Also focused attention on the full implementation of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entities such as rural communications providers. During the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: Miscellaneous Tax: H.R. 3861-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the AMT refundable credit amount for individuals with long-term unused credits for prior year minimun tax liability-all sections. H.R. 3996-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions-all sections. Also the resolution for consideration, H. Res. 809. H.R. 5558-To limit the discriminatory taxation of oil pipeline property-all sections. H.R. 6049-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, and to provide individual income tax relief-sections relating to tax expirations affecting small businesses and NTCA. benefit plans. S. 2342-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide alternative minimum tax relief for 2007 and to provide special tax rates for certain capital gains and qualified dividend income for 2007-all sections. S. 2389-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the alternative minimum tax credit amount for individuals with long-term unused credits for prior year minimum tax liability-all sections. Federal Excise Tax: H.R. 1194-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services-all sections. H.R. 3997-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief and protections for military personnal-all sections. H.R. 5793-To restrict any state or local jurisdiction from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services, providers, or property-all sections. H.R. 6081-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide benefits for military personnel-all sections. S. 140-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services-all sections. S. 166-To restrict any state from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services-all sections. S. 170-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services-all sections.

Monitored, reacted to, and/or developed proposals and/or initiatives that will impact the operations of rural communications providers, their consumers and/or the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets others have often overlooked. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artificial and uneconomic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services policymakers and the public are demanding, and that the association's members are, in fact, providing. Maintaining a balance formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data formats and whether provided via land line or in a moble fashion. The association has from time to time compared notes and informally coordinated messaging with both members and non-member alike, but ultimately identifies, develops, and carries out all lobbying strategies and activities individually, under its own name. The association's advocacy efforts revolve entirely around the premise of informing and educating policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. NTCA, its members, and rural consumers recognize that an appropriate operating environment is essential if rural providers are to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural Americans. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused on concepts and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to develop and distribute some form of public statement on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many members of Congress that are opposed to a reverse auction distribution methodolgy for universal service support. Likewise, we continued discussions on intercarrier compensation as well as phantom traffic and other cost recovery issues. We also discussed spectrum and digital television transmission issues with offices as well as braodband deployment and access to video programming and to the Internet backbone. During the reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following measures and initiatives: Broadband Deployment: H.R. 2419-Farm Bill Extention Act-Title 6 Rural Development subsections related to RUS programs with particular attention to the RUS Broadband Program, broadband mapping and national broadband policy. H.R. 3919-To provide for a comprehensive nationwide inventory of existing broadband service through mapping broadband availability-all sections. H.R. 6124-To provide for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through FY 2012, and for other purposes-emphasis on the Title 6 Rural Development subsections related to the RUS Broadband Program, broadband mapping and national broadband policy. S. 1190-To promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies through mapping broadband availability-all sections. S. 1492-To improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable broadband services to all parts of the nation through mapping broadband availability-all sections. Federal Trade Commission: S. 2831-To reauthorize the Federal Trade Commission-section related to the repeal of the common carrier exemption from the Federal Trade Commission oversight. Government Owned Networks: H.R. 3281-To promote competition and to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband capability and services-all sections. S. 1853-To promote competition and to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband capability and services-all sections. Net Neutrality: H.R. 5353-To establish broadband policy and direct the Federal Communications Commission to conduct a proceeding and public broadband summit to assess competition, consumer protection and consumer choice issues relating to broadband Internet access services-all sections. H.R. 5994-To amend the Clayton Act with respect to competitive and nondiscriminatory access to the Internet-all sections. S. 215-To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality-all sections. Safety and Security: H.R. 3403-To promote and enhance public safety by facilitating the rapid deployment of IP-enabled 911and E-911 services, encourage the nation's transition to a national IP-enabled emergency network, and improve 911 and E-911 access to those with disabilities-all sections. H.R. 3773-To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence-sections relating to retroactive immunity for communications providers that responded to administration demands for warrantless communications surveillance. H.R. 5540-To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence-sections relating to retroactive immunity for communications providers that responded to administration demands for warrantless communications surveillance. S. 2248-To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to modernize and streamline the provisions of that act-sections relating to retroactive immunity for communications providers that responded to administration demands for warrantless communications surveillance. Spectrum: H.R. 1597-To require the Federal Communications Commission to issue a final order regarding television white spaces-all sections. S. 234-To require the Federal Communications Commission to issue a final order regarding television white spaces-all sections. S.337-To require the Federal Communications Commission to issue a final order regarding television white spaces-all sections. President's Budget Request for FY 2009-Discussions surrounding the digital television transition and 700 MHz distribution with emphasis on the initiatives of the association's membership in helping with the DTV transition as well as with regard to the ongoing difficulties they have in acquiring spectrum through the auction process, and thus why it would not be advisable to permanently extend the Federal Communications Commission's authority to auction radio spectrum. Also, held numerous discussions about the Federal Communications Commission's ongoing inability to apply and adhere appropriately to the parameters of Section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934. Spoofing: H.R. 251-To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit manipulation of caller identification information-all sections. H.R. 740-To amend Title 18, United States Code, to prevent caller ID spoofing-all sections. S. 704-To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit manipulation of caller identification information-all sections. S. 1654-To prohibit the sale or provision of caller ID spoofing services-all sections. Spyware: H.R. 964-To protect users of the Internet from unknowing transmissions of their personally identifiable information through spyware programs-all sections. H.R. 1525-To amend Title 18, United States Code, to discourage spyware programs and uses-all sections. S. 2168-To amend Title 18, United States Code, to enable increased federal prosecution of identity theft crimes and to allow for restitution to victims of identity theft. Universal Service/Intercarrier Compensation/Cost Recovery: H.R. 278-To amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Anti-Deficiency Act-all sections. H.R. 2054-Universal Service Reform Act of 2007-To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes-all sections. H.R. 6356-To reform the collection and distribution of universal service support under the Communications Act of 1934-all sections. S. 101-A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934-all sections. S. 609-A bill to amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act-all sections. S. 2919-To promote the accurate transmission of network traffic identification information-all sections.

Monitored, reacted to, and discussed policy concepts that will ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: Military Personnel: H.R. 463-To amend Title 38, United States Code, to terminate the administrative freeze on the enrollment into the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs of veterans in the lowest priority category for enrollment (referred to as "Priority")-all sections. S. 1147- To amend Title 38, United States Code, to terminate the administrative freeze on the enrollment into the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs of veterans in the lowest priority category for enrollment (referred to as "Priority 8")-all sections ERISA: H.R. 1424-To amend Section 712 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Section 2705 of the Public Health Service Act, Section 9812 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans, to prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment-all sections. General: S. 558-A bill to provide parity between health insurance coverage of mental health benefits and benefits for medical and surgical services-all sections.

Monitored and reacted to and develop proposals that will impact the operations of rural communications providers and the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets few or no other entities have cared to serve. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artificial and uneconomical hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services companies are providing to rural Americans. Maintaining a balanced formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data formats and whether provided via land line or in a mobile fashion. The association from time to time compared notes and informally coordinated messaging with both members and non-members alike, but ultimately identifies, develops, and carries out all lobbying strategies and activities individually, under its own name. The association's advocacy efforts revolve entirely around the premise of informing and educating policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. NTCA, its members and the rural populace recognize that an appropriate opeerating environment is essential if small rural providers are to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural Americans. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused on issues and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or issue some form of public statement, letter, memo on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many member of Congress that wanted to see the Federal State Joint Board recommendations on universal service implemented. Likewise, we continued discussions in intercarrier compensation as well as phantom traffic and other cost recovery issues. We also wise, we discussed spectrum and digitial television transition issues with offices as well as baordband deployment and rural policy in general. During the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following bills: H.R. 278-To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act-all sections. H.R. 2054-Universal Service Reform Act of 2007-all sections. H.R. 2419-Farm Bill Extension Act - Title 6 Rural Development-subsections related to RUS programs with particular attention on the Boardband Program. H.R. 3281-Community Broadband Act of 2007-all sections. H.R. 3403-A bill to promote and enhance public safety by facilitating the rapid deployment of IP-enabled 911 and E-911 access to those with disabilities. H.R. 3541-To amend the Do-not-call Implementation Act of eliminate the automatic removal of telephone numbers registered on the federal "do-not-call" registry. H.R. 3919-Broadband Census of America Act of 2007-all sections. H.R. 5353-To establish broadband policy and direct the Federal Commnunications Commission to conduct a proceeding and public broadband summits to assess competition, consumer protection, and consumer choice issues relating to broadband Internet access services, and for other purposes. S. 101-A bill to update and reinvigorate universal services provided under the Communications Act of 1934-all sections. S. 215-Internet Freedom Preservation Act-A bill to ensure net neutrality-all sections. S. 609-A bill to amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service conributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antidificiency Act-all sections. S. 1492-Broadband Date Improvement Act-all sections. S. 1853-Community Broadband Act of 2007-all sections. S. 2302-A bill to provide for the continuation of agriculture programs through fY 2012-sections related to Rural Utilities Service Broadband Program.

Monitored and responded to policies that ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 3185-To amend the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 to provide special reporting and disclosure rules for individual account plans and to establish in the Department of Labor an Advisory Council on Improving Employer-Employee Retirement Practices-all sections.

Monitored and commented on the concept of rural economic development and talked to different policy makers about the connection between advanced telecommunications technologies and the ability of rural communities to survive and contribute to the general economic and national security. During the reporting period the association focused particular attention on several bills realted to universal service and broadband which are listed under the TEC subject hearing.

The association follows various budget and appropriations measures as well as related bills, that in one way or another either relate to funding for a specific program the organization's members may be able to utilize, or that are tied to the ongoing operations of agencies that are important to the operations of the association and its members. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following: The President's FY2009 Budget Proposal and related appendices that outline the administration's spending proposals for the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Business Cooperatives Services and the Federal Communications Commission, as well as related telecommunications programs under each of these agencies. Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008, and drafts of the FY 2009 language. Specific attention paid to the Rural Utilities Service programs and the Rural Business Cooperative Service programs. H.R. 2829 - Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2008, and drafts of the FY 2009 language. Specific attention paid to the Federal Communications Commission funding and related provisions.

The association follows various budget and appropriations measures as well as related bills, that in one way or another either relate to funding for a specific program the organization's members may be able to utilize, or that are tied to the ongoing operations of agencies that are important to the operations of the association and its members. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following:

Monitored and commented on the concept of rural economic development and talked to different policy makers about the connection between advanced telecommunications technologies and the ability of rural communities to survive and contribute to the general economic and national security. During this reporting period the association focused particular attention on several bills related to universal service and broadband which are listed under the TEC subject heading.

Monitored and reacted to proposals tied to the federal excise tax on communications which is unfairly applied to different communications services, the federal estate tax, which inhibits the transfer of rural telcos and other rural assets to heirs, and other taxation initiatives that may help or hinder the operations of rural community based communications providers. Also focused attention on the full implementation of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small

S. 93 - A bill to authorize NTIA to borrow against anticipated receipts of the Digital Television and Public Safety Fund to initiate migration to a national IP-enabled emergency network capable of receiving and responding to all citizen activated emergency communications. S. 101 - A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934. S. 124 - A bill to provide certain counties with the ability to receive television broadcast signals of their choice. S. 215 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality. S. 234 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. S. 236 - A bill to require reports to Congress on federal agency use of data mining. S. 337 - A bill to require the FCC to issue a final order regarding white spaces and for other purposes. S. 609 - A bill to amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, U. S. Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. S. 711 - Universal Service for the 21st Century Act. S. 1032 - A bill to amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Department of Agriculture and for other purposes. S. 1190 - A bill to promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies and for other purposes. S. 1439 - A bill to reauthorize the broadband loan and loan guarantee program under Title IV of the Rural Electrification Act. S. 1492 - A bill to improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable braodband services to all parts of the nation. S. 1769 - To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to facilitate number portability in order to increase consumer choice of voice service provider. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artifical and unecomomic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services companies are providing to rural Americans. Maintaining a balanced formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with numerous coalitions and alliances, some of which are operating in a more formal manner than others, such as the Coalition to Keep America Connected, which conducts grassroots oriented activities to inform and educate policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. The rural population that is served by the association's members agrees with the belief that it is essential that an appropriate operating environment is able to exist for these small businesses to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural America. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused o issues and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to issue some form of public statement, letter, memo on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many member of Congress that wanted to see the Federal State Joint Board recommendation on cappng universal service support to wireless carriers ultimately implemented. Likewise, we discussed the issue of fair roaming access with many offices and the fact that rural carriers continue to have a hard timefairly participating in the spectrum auction process. We also focused heavily on ensuring that the digital television transition remains on track to ensure the spectrum is ultimately freed up that will yield additional auctions of this resource to the private sector. In addition, during the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 278 - To amend section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act. H.R. 608 - To further inform consumers about the transition to digital television. H.R. 1597 - To require the FCC to issue a final order regarding television white spaces. H.R. 2035 - To tailor the rural broadband program to better serve those living in rural areas. H.R. 2054 - To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes. H.R. 2174 - To amend the Rural Electrification Act of 1936 to establish an Office of Rural Broadband initiatives in the Dept. of Agriculture and for other purposes. H.R. 2419 - Farm, Nutrition and Bioenergy Act of 2007-(Farm Bill). H.R. 2569 - To codify certain changes proposed by the Dept. of Agriculture to the rules governing eligibility for the rural broadband access program and for other purposes. S. 92 - A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the unlawful acquisition and use of confidential customer proprietary network information and for other purposes. Monitor, react to, and develop proposals that will impact the operations of rural communications providers and the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets few or no other entities have cared to serve.

Monitor and respond to policies that ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: Unintroduced-ongoing discussions with House, Senate, Dept of Labor and Dept.of Treasury regarding technical corrections to the Pension Protection Act passed in the prior Congress.

Also focused attention on the full implementation of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entities such as rural communications providers. During the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 755 - To require annual oral testimony before the Financial Services Commitee of the Chairperson or a designee of the Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, relating to their efforts to promote transparency in financial reporting. H.R. 1194 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services. S. 140 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services. S. 170 - To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services. Monitor and react to proposals tied to the federal excise tax on communicaitons which is unfairly applied to different communications services, the federal death tax, which inhibits the transfer of rural telcos and other rural assets to heirs, and other taxation initiatives that may help or hinder the operations of rural community based communications providers.

Monitor and comment on the concept of rural economic development and talk to different policy makers about the connection between advanced telecommunications technologies and the ability of rural communities to survive and contribute to the general economic and national security. During this reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following:. S. 1093-The New Homestead Act of 2007 designed to foster rural community growth and economic improvement.

H.R. 1424 - Paul Wellstone Mental Health and Addiction Equity Act of 2007, which is a bill to extend parity to treatment limits and beneficiary financial requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. S. 558 - Mental Health Parity Act of 2007, which is to extend parity to treatment limits and beneficiary financial requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974. Monitor and react to policies that ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During this reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following:

H.R. 3146 and S. 1349 To eliminate certain local cable franchising requirements HRes 230 To express the Sense of the House on Broadband over Powerlines H.R. 5027 Universal Service Reform Act of 2006 H.R. 5085 America Broadband for Communities Act H.R. 5252 Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act of 2006 H.R. 5352 Small Business Reauthorization Act of 2006 S. 241 To Exempt Universal Service from the Anti-Deficiency Act S. 284 To distribute non-rural universal service support according to a new formula S. 497 Rural Access to Broadband Service Act S. 535 Native Americans Connectivity Act S. 1147 To amend the IR code to provide for the expensing of broadband Internet access expenditures S. 1294 To preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband services without restrictions S. 1504 To establish a market-driven telecommunications marketplace through deregulation S. 1583 To strengthen the universal service program and support mechanisms S. 1932 Deficit Reconciliation Omnibus Act of 2005 and H.R. 4241 Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 with emphasis on advancing the digital television migration provisions as the association members would like to utilize the 700 megahertz spectrum the broadcasters vacate. S. 2113 Digital Age Communications Act - emphasis on its universal service programs S. 2256 Internet and Universal Service Act of 2008 S. 2327 Wireless Innovation Act of 2006 S. 2686 Communications, Consumer Choice, and Broadband Deployment Act of 2006 S. 2332 American Broadband for Communities Act S. 1349 The Video Choice Act of 2005 H.R. 5414 Internet Freedom and Non-discrimination Act of 2006 S. 2917 Internet Freedom Preservation Act S. 2178 and H.R. 4709 Law Enforcement and Phone Privacy Protection Act of 2006 To pursue a regulatory environment that allows the association's incumbent rural telecom providers to continue serving the high cost markets no other entities have cared to, without facing uneconomic, artifically induced competition. The association believes in a strong universal service program and full cost recovery via that program, intercarrier compensation, and consumer rates. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data format. The association has also worked as a partner with the Coalition to Keep America Connected to educate the public and in limited circumstances, the Congress, about these issues. The association also works with relevant regulatory bodies and other federal policymakers to ensure the operating environment for small businesses is of a nature that will allow them to successfully fulfill their mission of service to rural consumers. Specific emphasis was directed toward discussing elements of the ongoing full enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entitites such as rural communications providers. The association's interest in all of the measures listed below stems from these perspectives. H.R. 102 Children's Access to Technology Act H.R. 144 Rural America Digital Accessibility Act H.R. 146 Grants for Broadband Economic Development H.R. 214 To promote deployment and investment in Internet Protocol oriented advanced Internet communications services H.R. 1479 Rural Access to Broadband Services H.R. 1730 To Reinstate FCC Authority to Regulate Cable Rates H.R. 2418 and S. 1063 To promote and enhance public safety with regard to Internet Protocol enabled voice services H.R. 2533 and S. 241 To exempt universal service funds and programs from the federal Anti-Deficiency Act H.R. 2726 To prohibit municipal governments from offering telecommunications, information or cable services except in certain cases With regard to the measures listed below, the association has the following interests:

S. 675 New Homestead Act of 2005 H.R. 5380 New Homestead Act of 2005 Monitor and comment on the concept of rural economic development and talk to different policy makers about the connection between advanced telecommunications technologies and the ability of rural communities to survive and contribute to the general economic and national security.

H.R. 4 Pension Protection Act of 2006 H.R. 2830 Pension Protection Act of 2005 S. 219 National Employee Savings and Trust Equity Guarantee Act of 2005 S. 1783 Pension Security and Transparency Act of 2005 Monitor and respond to policies that will impact NTCA's ability to continue providing quality affordable pension plan options to their members and their employees.

S. 1503 Healthy America Act of 2005 H.R. 2682 Long Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2005 S. 1244 Long Term Care and Retirement Security Act of 2005 S. 4 Healthy America Act of 2005 Monitor and react to policies that ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Group Health Plan to members and their employees at affordable rates.

HR 2830 Pension Protection Act of 2005 S 219 National Employee Savings and Trust Equity Guarantee Act of 2005. Monitor and respond to policies that will impact NTCA's ability to continue providing quality affordable pension plan options to their members and their employees.

Monitor and comment on the concept of rural economic development and talk to different policy makers about the connection between advanced telecommunications technologies and the ability of rural communities to survive and contribute to the general economic and national security.

HR 2744 Agriculture Appropriations, Rural Utilities Service and General Provisions. Ensure adequate financing for RUS telecom program. HR2862 Commerce Justice State Appropriations, FCC NTIA, General Provisions. Ensure universal service program operates effectively. HR 3057 Foreign Operations Approps, USAID Cooperative Development - Maintain funds for pcooperative development in other countries. HR 1268/PL 109-13 USAID Assistance for the Independent Statesw of the Former Soviet Union. Secure funs for continuation of cooperative telecom oriented project in Ukraine.