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LOBBYING REPORT |
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (Section 5) - All Filers Are Required to Complete This Page
2. Address
| Address1 | 1016 W Jackson Blvd |
Address2 | #1073 |
| City | Chicago |
State | IL |
Zip Code | 60607 |
Country | USA |
3. Principal place of business (if different than line 2)
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5. Senate ID# 400348610-12
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6. House ID# 403510000
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| TYPE OF REPORT | 8. Year | 2026 |
Q1 (1/1 - 3/31) | Q2 (4/1 - 6/30) | Q3 (7/1 - 9/30) | Q4 (10/1 - 12/31) |
9. Check if this filing amends a previously filed version of this report
| 10. Check if this is a Termination Report | Termination Date |
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11. No Lobbying Issue Activity |
| INCOME OR EXPENSES - YOU MUST complete either Line 12 or Line 13 | |||||||||
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| 12. Lobbying | 13. Organizations | ||||||||
| INCOME relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period was: | EXPENSE relating to lobbying activities for this reporting period were: | ||||||||
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| Provide a good faith estimate, rounded to the nearest $10,000, of all lobbying related income for the client (including all payments to the registrant by any other entity for lobbying activities on behalf of the client). | 14. REPORTING Check box to indicate expense accounting method. See instructions for description of options. | ||||||||
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Method A.
Reporting amounts using LDA definitions only
Method B. Reporting amounts under section 6033(b)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code Method C. Reporting amounts under section 162(e) of the Internal Revenue Code |
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| Signature | Digitally Signed By: Paul Melmeyer |
Date | 7/16/2026 1:49:28 PM |
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code HCR
16. Specific lobbying issues
Advocated for the passage of the Alleviating Barriers to Caregiving Act
Expressed opposition to effort that caps indirect costs in NIH grants to 15%
Supported the reintroduction of the MVP Act
Supported the reintroduction of the Patient Access Act
Supported the introduction of legislation that would better facilitate wheelchair repair
Supported legislation that increases access to home and community-based services
Supported the HEARD Act
Advocated for the passage of the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act
Filed MDA Comments to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Impacts of Patient-Focused Drug Development Meetings RFI
Joined an ITEM Coalition Letter to Request a Meeting with Administrator Oz to Discuss Pending National Coverage Analysis for Standing Systems in Power Wheelchairs - ITEM Coalition
Led an ALS Organizations Letter to Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries Urging Swift Passage of ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act
Joined a Coalition Letter Sent to Congressional Leadership in Support of NIH
Sent an MDA Letter to Sens. Bill Cassidy and Bernie Sanders Re: Senate HELP Committee Markup of the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act
Joined Coalition Comments to CMS Re: Proposed Rule on Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs - MAPRx
Filed MDA Comments on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses Task Force Hearing on "Universal Basic Fraud: Vulnerabilities in Medicaid Waiver Programs"
Joined Coalition Comments Warning of Massive Coverage Losses under Final Work Reporting Requirement Rule
Coalition Comments Re: Making Improvements to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (HSR) Premerger Notification and Report Form
Filed MDA Comments to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on ICD-10 Code Classification of Ultra-Rare and Genetic Diseases
Joined MDA Statement to Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Markup of the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act
Joined Coalition Comments to Congressional Appropriations Leaders on NIH FY 2027 Appropriations Requests
Filed MDA Comments to U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Plausible Mechanism Framework to Develop Individualized Therapies
Joined Coalition Comments Urging Against Cuts or Policies that Further Impact Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in Budget Reconciliation
Joined Coalition Comments Re: FY 2027 Newborn Screening Programs Appropriations Request
Joined Coalition Comments on NIH FY 2027 Budget Request from the Administration
Joined Coalition Comments on FY 2027 NCATS Alliance Appropriations
Sent MDA Comments in Support of ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026
Joined Coalition Comments to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Significant Concerns with Medicare Competitive Bidding of Ostomy and Urological Supplies
Sent an MDA Statement on ACT for ALS Reauthorization Introduction
Sent MDA Comments to Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors Re: Proposed LCD - Power Mobility Devices
Joined Coalition Comments to Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors Re: Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Wheelchair Options/Accessories
Joined Coalition Comments to Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors Re: Proposed LCD - Power Mobility Devices
Sent MDA Comments Re: Rare Disease Educational Materials from the Center for Drug Evaluation and Researchs Accelerating Rare Disease Cures Program and the Rare Disease Innovation Hub
Supported the DREAM Caregiver Health and Wellness Act
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Defense - Dept of (DOD)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Joel |
Cartner |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code AVI
16. Specific lobbying issues
Encouraged Congress to maintain its oversight of the implementation of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
Joined Coalition Comments to U.S. Department of Transportation Re: FAA Reauthorization Act Requirements
Supported the introduction of Air Carrier Access Amendments Act
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation - Dept of (DOT)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code BUD
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported robust appropriations for the NIH, CDC, FDA, and other critical agencies for our community
Joined a Coalition Letter Sent to Congressional Leadership in Support of NIH
Joined Coalition Comments Thanking House and Senate Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee Clerks
Joined Coalition Comments Re: (FY) 2027 Funding for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Programs
Joined Coalition Comments to Congressional Appropriations Leaders on NIH FY 2027 Appropriations Requests
Joined Coalition Comments Re: FY 2027 Newborn Screening Programs Appropriations Request
Joined Coalition Comments on NIH FY 2027 Budget Request from the Administration
Joined Coalition Comments on FY 2027 NCATS Alliance Appropriations
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Defense - Dept of (DOD), Education - Dept of, Housing & Urban Development - Dept of (HUD)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Joel |
Cartner |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code MED
16. Specific lobbying issues
Expressed opposition to effort that caps indirect costs in NIH grants to 15%
Supported efforts to add FSHD to the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program
Filed MDA Comments to U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Impacts of Patient-Focused Drug Development Meetings RFI
Led an ALS Organizations Letter to Speaker Johnson and Leader Jeffries Urging Swift Passage of ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act
Sent an MDA Letter to Sens. Bill Cassidy and Bernie Sanders Re: Senate HELP Committee Markup of the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act (S.4472)
Filed MDA Comments to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on ICD-10 Code Classification of Ultra-Rare and Genetic Diseases
Joined MDA Statement to Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health Markup of the ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act (H.R.8205)
Filed MDA Comments to U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Plausible Mechanism Framework to Develop Individualized Therapies
Sent MDA Comments in Support of ACT for ALS Reauthorization Act of 2026
Sent an MDA Statement on ACT for ALS Reauthorization Introduction
Sent MDA Comments Re: Rare Disease Educational Materials from the Center for Drug Evaluation and Researchs Accelerating Rare Disease Cures Program and the Rare Disease Innovation Hub
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Defense - Dept of (DOD), Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Joel |
Cartner |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code MMM
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported the MVP Act
Supported the Patient Access Act
Supported the ALS Better Care Act
Supported the Access to Genetic Counseling Services Act
Supported the Alleviating Barriers to Caregiving Act
Joined an ITEM Coalition Letter to Request a Meeting with Administrator Oz to Discuss Pending National Coverage Analysis for Standing Systems in Power Wheelchairs - ITEM Coalition
Joined Coalition Comments to CMS Re: Proposed Rule on Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs - MAPRx
Filed MDA Comments on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses Task Force Hearing on "Universal Basic Fraud: Vulnerabilities in Medicaid Waiver Programs"
Joined Coalition Comments Warning of Massive Coverage Losses under Final Work Reporting Requirement Rule
Joined Coalition Comments in Support of the Medicare Advantage Improvement Act
Joined Coalition Comments Urging Against Cuts or Policies that Further Impact Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in Budget Reconciliation
Joined Coalition Comments Urging Against Further Cuts or Changes to Medicaid in Budget Reconciliation Legislation
Joined Coalition Comments to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Significant Concerns with Medicare Competitive Bidding of Ostomy and Urological Supplies
Joined MDA Comments to Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors Re: Proposed LCD - Power Mobility Devices
Joined Coalition Comments to Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors Re: Local Coverage Determination (LCD) for Wheelchair Options/Accessories
Joined Coalition Comments to Durable Medical Equipment Medicare Administrative Contractors Re: Proposed LCD - Power Mobility Devices
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Social Security Administration (SSA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Joel |
Cartner |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code INS
16. Specific lobbying issues
Supported the reintroduction of the Patient Access Act
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, U.S. SENATE, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Joel |
Cartner |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code TRA
16. Specific lobbying issues
Joined Coalition Comments to U.S. Department of Transportation Re: FAA Reauthorization Act Requirements
MDA and AAPD Filed Comments Re: Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) Re: Accessibility Standards for Universal Changing Stations
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Transportation - Dept of (DOT), U.S. Access Board - Architectural & Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code EDU
16. Specific lobbying issues
Joined a Statement Signed by MDA on Department of Education IAAs and Impact on Students
Supported the IDEA Full Funding Act
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
Education - Dept of, U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code LAW
16. Specific lobbying issues
Joined a CCD Coalition Letter to Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice Re: Extension of Compliance Dates for Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability; Accessibility of Web Content and Mobile Applications of Recipients of Departmental Financial Assistance - CCD Rights TF
Coalition Comments Re: Making Improvements to the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (HSR) Premerger Notification and Report Form
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Justice - Dept of (DOJ)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Shannon |
Wood |
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Joel |
Cartner |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code HOU
16. Specific lobbying issues
Joined Coalition Comments Re: (FY) 2027 Funding for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Programs
Joined Coalition Comments Re: Request for HUD to Release Section 811 Project-Based Rental Assistance Notice of Funding Opportunity
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Housing & Urban Development - Dept of (HUD)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Shannon |
Wood |
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Paul |
Melmeyer |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code VET
16. Specific lobbying issues
Joined Coalition Comments to U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) in Support of the Veterans STAND Act
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Veterans Affairs - Dept of (VA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Paul |
Melmeyer |
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Shannon |
Wood |
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Joel |
Cartner |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
LOBBYING ACTIVITY. Select as many codes as necessary to reflect the general issue areas in which the registrant engaged in lobbying on behalf of the client during the reporting period. Using a separate page for each code, provide information as requested. Add additional page(s) as needed.
15. General issue area code WEL
16. Specific lobbying issues
Joined Coalition Comments Re: Farm Bill Proposed Changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
17. House(s) of Congress and Federal agencies Check if None
U.S. SENATE, U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Agriculture - Dept of (USDA)
18. Name of each individual who acted as a lobbyist in this issue area
| First Name | Last Name | Suffix | Covered Official Position (if applicable) | New |
Shannon |
Wood |
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19. Interest of each foreign entity in the specific issues listed on line 16 above Check if None
Information Update Page - Complete ONLY where registration information has changed.
20. Client new address
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21. Client new principal place of business (if different than line 20)
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22. New General description of client’s business or activities
LOBBYIST UPDATE
23. Name of each previously reported individual who is no longer expected to act as a lobbyist for the client
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ISSUE UPDATE
24. General lobbying issue that no longer pertains
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AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
25. Add the following affiliated organization(s)
Internet Address:
| Name | Address |
Principal Place of Business (city and state or country) |
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26. Name of each previously reported organization that is no longer affiliated with the registrant or client
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
FOREIGN ENTITIES
27. Add the following foreign entities:
| Name | Address |
Principal place of business (city and state or country) |
Amount of contribution for lobbying activities | Ownership percentage in client | ||||||||||
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28. Name of each previously reported foreign entity that no longer owns, or controls, or is affiliated with the registrant, client or affiliated organization
| 1 | 3 | 5 |
| 2 | 4 | 6 |
CONVICTIONS DISCLOSURE
29. Have any of the lobbyists listed on this report been convicted in a Federal or State Court of an offense involving bribery,
extortion, embezzlement, an illegal kickback, tax evasion, fraud, a conflict of interest, making a false statement, perjury, or money laundering?
| Lobbyist Name | Description of Offense(s) |