Represent

Lobbying
Lobbying by SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL)

Lobbying Relationship

Client

SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL)

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Lobbying firm

SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL)

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Tax Relief and Reform Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 - SBE Council supported U.S. House passage of the legislation and advocated for passage by the U.S. Senate. R&D Tax Credit: Continue to support extending and making permanent full expensing for R&D expenditures for small businesses. Voiced Support for "American Innovation and Jobs Act" (S. 866) in the Senate and "American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act" (H.R. 2673) in the House. Main Street Tax Certainty Act of 2023 (S. 1706, H.R. 4721) - Support House and Senate versions of the legislation to make permanent the 20-percent deduction for small-and individually-owned businesses (Section 199A). Death Tax Repeal Act of 2023 (S. 1108): Support House and Senate bills to permanent repeal the death tax and continue to support action by Congress. Capital Gains Tax Indexing - Voiced support for this reform measure and continue to support action by Congress. Regulation Resolution of Disapproval to Overturn NLRBs Joint Employer Rule (HJ. Res 98) - SBE Council supported U.S. House passage and for the U.S. Senate to quickly follow suit. Basel III Endgame Implementation - SBE Council expressed concern and opposition to the proposal to the U.S. Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit and Insurance Corporation regarding the impact on small business capital access and affordability. Congressional Review Act (CRA) Resolution to Overturn the Department of Labors Independent Contractor Rule: SBE Council supported H.J. Res 116 and S.J. Res 63 to nullify the rule. DOL's Proposed Overtime Rule: Continue to express concern about the proposed rule. Save Local Businesses Act (S.1261, HR 2826) - Continue to support the legislation. Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (S. 567) - Continue to oppose the legislation. The Protect Small Business and Prevent Illicit Financial Activity Act - SBE Council supports S. 3625 to delay implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act. Federal Acquisition Regulation: Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects - SBE Council opposed the final rule. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Pre-Merger Reporting Requirement Proposed Rule - SBE Council opposes the rule and pointed out that the FTC mistakenly certified that small businesses will not be affected by the significant changes being proposed, therefore the rule needs to be pulled. National Labor Relation Board (NLRB) Funding - SBE Council urged House and Senate appropriators to hold the line on increased funding for the NLRB. Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus (CFPBs) Rule Capping Credit-Card Late Fees - SBE Council voiced concern about the rules unintended consequences. That is, backfiring on small business consumers who use credit responsibly and make their payments on time. Prove-It Act (H.R. 7198) - SBE Council supported House Judiciary Committee action that advanced the legislation, which gives small businesses a more effectual voice in federal rulemakings and strengthens federal government accountability when proposed regulations impact small businesses. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet Rule - SBE Council continues to express concerns about intrusive government control of the internet as proposed by the rule and Section 214 regulations under the proposal. The Credit Card Competition Act - SBE Council continues to oppose the legislation. Railway Safety Act (S. 576) - SBE Council continues to express concern about the heavy-handedness of the legislation as well as proposals to further regulate the railroad industry, which is dominated by small businesses. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Proposal on Medicare Advantage Plans - SBE Council expressed concerns about the proposal that would significantly alter the marketing and broker compensation structures of the plans. The Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act - Continue to supported full House passage. Privacy Policy - Continue to express the need for a national regulatory framework, but for Congress to consider a framework that avoids adding to the growing patchwork burden of state privacy laws, and to carefully consider unintended consequences on small businesses. Access to Capital Expanding Access to Capital Act (H.R. 2799) - SBE Council supported House passage. The Budget Further Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2024 - SBE Council supported House passage. Republican FY 2025 Budget Resolution - SBE Council supported the budget resolution framework. President Bidens Budget Proposal - SBE Council voiced concern about the excessive spending in the proposal as well as the various tax increases that would fall on small businesses, investors and the business community. Affordable Health Coverage and Health Care Innovation Voiced ongoing concerns about the rising costs of health coverage, lack of choices, and dwindling choices in many markets against the backdrop of challenging economic conditions. Voiced support for these various reforms: enhancing tax credits for small businesses, expanding and making additional fixes to HSAs, reforming QSEHRAs, and making CARESs Act telehealth provisions permanent. CHOICE Arrangement Act (H.R. 2799) - Supported House passage and continue to support Senate action on the legislation. Tax Credit for Small Businesses: Support making reforms to the restrictive and temporary health care tax credit for small businesses to make it more practical for small businesses. HSA Modernization Act (H.R. 5687) and Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act (H.R. 5688) - Continue to support full House passage. Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023 (H.R. 1843) (S. 1001)- Continue to support full House and Senate passage. Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act (H.R. 3800) - Support full House passage. Paperwork Burden Reduction Act (H.R. 3797) - Support full House passage. Employer Reporting Improvement Act (H.R. 3801) - Support full House passage. Small Business Flexibility Act (H.R. 3798) - Support full House passage. Custom Health Option and Individual Care Expense Arrangement Act (H.R. 3799) - Support full House passage. SMART Prices Act (S. 1264) - Continue to oppose the legislation. Property Rights and IP Submitted Comments to the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) Regarding the Draft Interagency Guidance Framework for Considering the Exercise of March-in Rights-SBE Council urged NIST to withdraw the proposed guidance. Submitted Comments to United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on WIPO IGC Negotiations on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge - SBE Council expressed concern regarding the IGCs proposed mandatory patent disclosure requirements (PDRs) for the origin of genetic resources and traditional knowledge, which would irreparably harm the startup and small business ecosystems that drive innovation. Trade and Global Market Access Digital Trade - The Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions permanent during the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) - SBE Council urged World Trade Organization members to support an extension of the moratorium. Digital Trade Principles - Continue to express concern about the U.S. pulling away from the principles and the need for President Biden to revisit the United State Trade Representatives action to withdraw from for foundational positions on digital trade policy within the World Trade Organization (WTO). Supporting Business Competitiveness and Startup Activity Comprehensive Resources for Entrepreneurs in the Arts to Transform the Economy (CREATE) Act - SBE Council supported Senate introduction of the bill. Paid Leave Policy in U.S. House: Continue to express support for bipartisan exploration in identifying paid leave policy solutions that help support business owners and working families. Access to Broadband and Next Gen Technology BEAD Program Implementation - SBE Council expressed concern about the National Telecommunications and Information Administrations rate regulation provisions for broadband internet service that was specifically prohibited by Congress as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2023 (S.130) (H.R. 3216) - Continue to support the legislation. Development of a National Spectrum Strategy (NSS) - Continue to express support for such a policy and the need for more spectrum to deploy next Gen technologies and 5G.

Duration: January 1, 2008 to present

General Issues: Small Business

Spending: about $4,895,000 (But it's complicated. Here's why.)

Agencies lobbied since 2008: U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Labor - Dept of (DOL), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Commerce - Dept of (DOC), Federal Communications Commission (FCC), President of the U.S., U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Natl Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST), Patent & Trademark Office (PTO), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Federal Reserve System, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Treasury - Dept of, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Justice - Dept of (DOJ), U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC), Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC), Natl Labor Relations Board (NLRB), Small Business Administration (SBA), Natl Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), Natl Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), White House Office, Education - Dept of, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), Postal Regulatory Commission, Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM Bank), Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), Office of the Vice President of the United States, Surface Transportation Board (STB), Office of Management & Budget (OMB), U.S. Postal Service (USPS), Executive Office of the President (EOP), Natl Economic Council (NEC), Energy - Dept of, Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Small Business Adminstration (SBA), State - Dept of (DOS), Federal Accounting Standards Advisory Board (FASAB), Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), Commerce - Dept of (DOC), Agriculture - Dept of (USDA), Homeland Security - Dept of (DHS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), General Services Administration (GSA)

Bills mentioned

S.444: Supporting America's Innovators Act of 2017

Sponsor: Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.)

H.R.1312: Small Business Capital Formation Enhancement Act

Sponsor: Bruce Poliquin (R-Maine)

S.416: Small Business Capital Formation Enhancement Act

Sponsor: Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.)

H.R.3312: Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act of 2017

Sponsor: Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.)

H.R.3641: Free File Permanence Act of 2017

Sponsor: Peter Roskam (R-Ill.)

H.R.3717: Small Business Owners' Tax Simplification Act of 2017

Sponsor: Steven J. Chabot (R-Ohio)

S.584: Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act

Sponsor: James Lankford (R-Okla.)

S.951: Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017

Sponsor: Rob Portman (R-Ohio)

S.34: Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2017

Sponsor: Ron Johnson (R-Wis.)

S.21: Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2017

Sponsor: Rand Paul (R-Ky.)

S.577: Providing Accountability Through Transparency Act of 2017

Sponsor: James Lankford (R-Okla.)

S.579: Early Participation in Regulations Act of 2017

Sponsor: James Lankford (R-Okla.)

H.R.3441: Save Local Business Act

Sponsor: Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.)

S.622: Fair and Open Competition Act

Sponsor: Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.)

H.R.1552: FOCA Act

Sponsor: Dennis Ross (R-Fla.)

H.R.1343: Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2017

Sponsor: Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.)

S.488: JOBS and Investor Confidence Act of 2018

Sponsor: Patrick J. Toomey (R-Pa.)

H.R.1219: Supporting America's Innovators Act of 2017

Sponsor: Patrick T. McHenry (R-N.C.)

H.R.10: Financial CHOICE Act of 2017

Sponsor: Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas)

H.R.1304: Self-Insurance Protection Act

Sponsor: Phil Roe (R-Tenn.)

H.R.372: Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act of 2017

Sponsor: Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.)

H.R.79: HALOS Act

Sponsor: Steven J. Chabot (R-Ohio)

H.R.5: Regulatory Accountability Act of 2017

Sponsor: Robert W. Goodlatte (R-Va.)

H.R.1393: Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act of 2017

Sponsor: Mike Bishop (R-Mich.)

H.R.21: Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2017

Sponsor: Darrell Issa (R-Calif.)

H.R.26: Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2017

Sponsor: Doug Collins (R-Ga.)

H.R.33: Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2017

Sponsor: Steven J. Chabot (R-Ohio)

H.R.1004: Regulatory Integrity Act of 2017

Sponsor: Tim Walberg (R-Mich.)

H.R.290: Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2017

Sponsor: Greg Walden (R-Ore.)

H.R.988: To provide for a study by the Transportation Research Board of the...

Sponsor: Keith Ellison (D-Minn.)

H.R.1430: HONEST Act

Sponsor: Lamar Smith (R-Texas)

H.R.1101: Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2017

Sponsor: Sam Johnson (R-Texas)

H.R.277: American Health Care Reform Act of 2017

Sponsor: Phil Roe (R-Tenn.)

H.R.71: Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act

Sponsor: Tim Walberg (R-Mich.)

H.R.255: Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act

Sponsor: Elizabeth Esty (D-Conn.)

H.R.288: Small Business Broadband Deployment Act

Sponsor: Greg Walden (R-Ore.)

H.R.985: Fairness in Class Action Litigation and Furthering Asbestos Claim...

Sponsor: Robert W. Goodlatte (R-Va.)

H.R.6427: Creating Financial Prosperity for Businesses and Investors Act

Sponsor: Scott Garrett (R-N.J.)

H.R.3784: SEC Small Business Advocate Act of 2016

Sponsor: John Carney (D-Del.)

H.R.6094: Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act

Sponsor: Tim Walberg (R-Mich.)

H.R.5982: Midnight Rules Relief Act of 2016

Sponsor: Darrell Issa (R-Calif.)

H.R.4139: Fostering Innovation Act of 2015

Sponsor: Kyrsten Sinema (ID-Ariz.)

H.R.4168: Small Business Capital Formation Enhancement Act

Sponsor: Bruce Poliquin (R-Maine)

H.R.4498: HALOS Act

Sponsor: Steven J. Chabot (R-Ohio)

H.R.4596: Small Business Broadband Deployment Act

Sponsor: Greg Walden (R-Ore.)

H.R.6100: Protect Family Farms and Businesses Act

Sponsor: Warren Davidson (R-Ohio)

S.3436: Protect Family Farms and Businesses Act

Sponsor: Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)

H.R.5447: Small Business Health Care Relief Act of 2016

Sponsor: Charles Boustany Jr. (R-La.)

S.3060: Small Business Health Care Relief Act of 2016

Sponsor: Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa)

S.3024: Small Business Cyber Security Improvements Act of 2016

Sponsor: David Vitter (R-La.)

H.R.598: Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act

Sponsor: Tim Walberg (R-Mich.)

H.R.4855: Fix Crowdfunding Act

Sponsor: Patrick T. McHenry (R-N.C.)

H.R.5424: Investment Advisers Modernization Act of 2016

Sponsor: Robert Hurt (R-Va.)

H.R.2357: Accelerating Access to Capital Act of 2016

Sponsor: Ann Wagner (R-Mo.)

S.3464: Overtime Reform and Review Act

Sponsor: Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)

H.R.3438: REVIEW Act of 2016

Sponsor: Tom Marino (R-Pa.)

S.1927: REVIEW Act of 2015

Sponsor: Daniel Coats (R-Ind.)

H.R.5063: Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2016

Sponsor: Robert W. Goodlatte (R-Va.)

S.3050: Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2016

Sponsor: James Lankford (R-Okla.)

H.R.5226: Regulatory Integrity Act of 2016

Sponsor: Tim Walberg (R-Mich.)

H.R.5714: Postal Service Reform Act of 2016

Sponsor: Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah)

H.R.5813: Overtime Reform and Enhancement Act

Sponsor: Kurt Schrader (D-Ore.)

H.R.3765: ADA Education and Reform Act of 2015

Sponsor: Ted Poe (R-Texas)

H.R.2315: Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act of 2015

Sponsor: Mike Bishop (R-Mich.)

S.386: Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act of 2015

Sponsor: John Thune (R-S.D.)

H.R.5719: Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act

Sponsor: Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.)

S.3152: Empowering Employees through Stock Ownership Act

Sponsor: Mark Warner (D-Va.)

H.R.3950: Veteran Small Business Tax Credit Act of 2015

Sponsor: Alma Adams (D-N.C.)

H.R.954: CO-OP Consumer Protection Act of 2016

Sponsor: Adrian Smith (R-Neb.)

H.R.5064: Improving Small Business Cyber Security Act of 2016

Sponsor: Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.)

S.2943: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

Sponsor: John McCain (R-Ariz.)

S.3182: Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2016

Sponsor: Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah)

H.R.5523: Restraining Excessive Seizure of Property through the Exploitation of...

Sponsor: Peter Roskam (R-Ill.)

H.R.3791: To raise the consolidated assets threshold under the small bank holding...

Sponsor: Mia Love (R-Utah)

H.R.4852: Private Placement Improvement Act of 2016

Sponsor: Scott Garrett (R-N.J.)

H.R.4850: Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act

Sponsor: Tom Emmer (R-Minn.)

H.R.3340: Financial Stability Oversight Council Reform Act

Sponsor: Tom Emmer (R-Minn.)

S.2707: Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act

Sponsor: Tim Scott (R-S.C.)

H.R.4773: Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act

Sponsor: Tim Walberg (R-Mich.)

H.R.4768: Separation of Powers Restoration Act of 2016

Sponsor: John Ratcliffe (R-Texas)

S.2867: SEC Small Business Advocate Act of 2016

Sponsor: Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.)

H.R.5429: SEC Regulatory Accountability Act

Sponsor: Scott Garrett (R-N.J.)

H.R.4775: Ozone Standards Implementation Act of 2016

Sponsor: Pete Olson (R-Texas)

H.R.3880: Stopping EPA Overreach Act of 2015

Sponsor: Gary Palmer (R-Ala.)

S.J.RES.28: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter...

Sponsor: John McCain (R-Ariz.)

H.R.5328: FACT Act of 2016

Sponsor: Charles Boustany Jr. (R-La.)

H.R.4284: Service Provider Opportunity Clarification Act of 2015

Sponsor: Carlos Curbelo (R-Fla.)

H.R.3714: Small Agriculture Producer Size Standards Improvements Act of 2015

Sponsor: Mike Bost (R-Ill.)

H.R.4332: Maximizing Small Business Competition Act of 2016

Sponsor: Trent Kelly (R-Miss.)

H.R.4325: Unifying Small Business Terminology Act of 2016

Sponsor: Nydia M. Velázquez (D-N.Y.)

H.R.4326: Small and Disadvantaged Business Enhancement Act of 2016

Sponsor: Alma Adams (D-N.C.)

H.R.5283: Deterring Undue Enforcement by Protecting Rights of Citizens from...

Sponsor: F. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.)

H.R.4885: IRS Oversight While Eliminating Spending (OWES) Act of 2016

Sponsor: Jason Smith (R-Mo.)

H.R.5053: Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act

Sponsor: Peter Roskam (R-Ill.)

H.R.4890: To impose a ban on the payment of bonuses to employees of the Internal...

Sponsor: Pat Meehan (R-Pa.)

H.R.3724: Ensuring Integrity in the IRS Workforce Act of 2016

Sponsor: Kristi Noem (R-S.D.)

H.R.4923: American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2016

Sponsor: Kevin Brady (R-Texas)

H.R.3463: Aligning Children's Dental Coverage Act

Sponsor: Morgan Griffith (R-Va.)

H.R.1270: Restoring Access to Medication and Improving Health Savings Act of 2016

Sponsor: Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.)

H.R.5445: Health Care Security Act of 2016

Sponsor: Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.)

H.R.1675: Capital Markets Improvement Act of 2016

Sponsor: Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.)

H.R.4638: Main Street Growth Act

Sponsor: Scott Garrett (R-N.J.)

H.R.1105: Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015

Sponsor: Kevin Brady (R-Texas)

H.R.644: Trade Facilitation and Trade Enforcement Act of 2015

Sponsor: Tom Reed (R-N.Y.)

H.R.1407: Regulatory Improvement Act of 2015

Sponsor: Patrick Murphy (D-Fla.)

S.708: Regulatory Improvement Act of 2015

Sponsor: Angus King (ID-Maine)

S.1607: Independent Agency Regulatory Analysis Act of 2015

Sponsor: Rob Portman (R-Ohio)

H.R.712: Sunshine for Regulations and Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2016

Sponsor: Doug Collins (R-Ga.)

H.R.2017: Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act of 2015

Sponsor: Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.)

H.R.4612: Midnight Rule Relief Act of 2016

Sponsor: Tim Walberg (R-Mich.)

S.2582: Midnight Rule Relief Act of 2016

Sponsor: Joni Ernst (R-Iowa)

H.R.1155: SCRUB Act of 2016

Sponsor: Jason Smith (R-Mo.)

H.R.3459: Protecting Local Business Opportunity Act

Sponsor: John Kline (R-Minn.)

S.2015: Protecting Local Business Opportunity Act

Sponsor: Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)

H.R.1927: Fairness in Class Action Litigation and Furthering Asbestos Claim...

Sponsor: Robert W. Goodlatte (R-Va.)

H.R.2911: Small Business Healthcare Relief Act

Sponsor: Charles Boustany Jr. (R-La.)

S.1698: Treatment of Certain Payments in Eugenics Compensation Act

Sponsor: Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)

S.2499: Health Savings Act of 2016

Sponsor: Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah)

H.R.4469: Health Savings Act of 2016

Sponsor: Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.)

H.R.1671: Government Neutrality in Contracting Act

Sponsor: Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.)

H.R.653: FOIA Act

Sponsor: Darrell Issa (R-Calif.)

S.2232: Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2015

Sponsor: Rand Paul (R-Ky.)

H.R.3442: Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2015

Sponsor: Kenny Marchant (R-Texas)

H.R.3797: SENSE Act

Sponsor: Keith Rothfus (R-Pa.)

S.1890: Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016

Sponsor: Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah)

H.R.1283: Songwriter Equity Act of 2015

Sponsor: Doug Collins (R-Ga.)

H.R.702: To adapt to changing crude oil market conditions.

Sponsor: Joe L. Barton (R-Texas)

H.R.3189: Fed Oversight Reform and Modernization Act of 2015

Sponsor: Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.)

H.R.1737: Reforming CFPB Indirect Auto Financing Guidance Act

Sponsor: Frank Guinta (R-N.H.)

H.J.RES.71: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,...

Sponsor: Edward Whitfield (R-Ky.)

H.J.RES.72: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,...

Sponsor: Edward Whitfield (R-Ky.)

S.1140: Federal Water Quality Protection Act

Sponsor: John Barrasso (R-Wyo.)

H.R.1525: Disclosure Modernization and Simplification Act of 2015

Sponsor: Scott Garrett (R-N.J.)

H.R.3762: To provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 2002 of the concurrent...

Sponsor: Tom Price (R-Ga.)

H.R.1023: Small Business Investment Company Capital Act of 2015

Sponsor: Steven J. Chabot (R-Ohio)

S.552: Small Business Investment Capital Company Act of 2015

Sponsor: Jim Risch (R-Idaho)

H.R.2670: Microloan Modernization Act of 2015

Sponsor: Seth Moulton (D-Mass.)

H.R.432: SBIC Advisers Relief Act of 2015

Sponsor: Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.)

H.R.1334: Holding Company Registration Threshold Equalization Act of 2015

Sponsor: Steve Womack (R-Ark.)

H.R.1723: Small Company Simple Registration Act of 2015

Sponsor: Ann Wagner (R-Mo.)

H.R.2064: Improving Access to Capital for Emerging Growth Companies Act

Sponsor: Stephen Fincher (R-Tenn.)

H.R.2354: Streamlining Excessive and Costly Regulations Review Act

Sponsor: Robert Hurt (R-Va.)

H.R.1553: Small Bank Exam Cycle Reform Act of 2015

Sponsor: Scott Tipton (R-Colo.)

H.R.1839: Reforming Access for Investments in Startup Enterprises Act of 2015 or...

Sponsor: Patrick T. McHenry (R-N.C.)

H.R.3032: Securities and Exchange Commission Reporting Modernization Act

Sponsor: Kyrsten Sinema (ID-Ariz.)

H.R.1624: Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act

Sponsor: Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.)

S.1099: PACE Act

Sponsor: Tim Scott (R-S.C.)

S.1827: Small Business Tax Compliance Relief Act of 2015

Sponsor: David Vitter (R-La.)

S.432: Small Business Fairness in Health Care Act

Sponsor: Michael B. Enzi (R-Wyo.)

H.R.235: Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act

Sponsor: Robert W. Goodlatte (R-Va.)

H.R.961: Permanent Active Financing Exception Act of 2015

Sponsor: Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio)

H.R.1430: Permanent CFC Look-Through Act of 2015

Sponsor: Charles Boustany Jr. (R-La.)

H.R.765: Restaurant and Retail Jobs and Growth Act of 2015

Sponsor: Mike Kelly (R-Pa.)

H.R.2510: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify and make permanent...

Sponsor: Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio)

H.R.2243: Equity in Government Compensation Act of 2015

Sponsor: Edward Royce (R-Calif.)

H.R.766: Financial Institution Customer Protection Act of 2016

Sponsor: Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.)

H.R.1266: Financial Product Safety Commission Act of 2015

Sponsor: Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas)

S.1817: Smarter Regs Act of 2015

Sponsor: Heidi Heitkamp (D-N.D.)

S.1820: Early Participation in Regulations Act of 2015

Sponsor: James Lankford (R-Okla.)

S.1818: Principled Rulemaking Act of 2015

Sponsor: James Lankford (R-Okla.)

H.R.348: RAPID Act

Sponsor: Tom Marino (R-Pa.)

H.R.427: Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2015

Sponsor: Todd Young (R-Ind.)

S.1312: Energy Supply and Distribution Act of 2015

Sponsor: Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska)

S.860: Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015

Sponsor: John Thune (R-S.D.)

H.R.880: American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2015

Sponsor: Kevin Brady (R-Texas)

H.R.160: Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2015

Sponsor: Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.)

S.149: Medical Device Access and Innovation Protection Act

Sponsor: Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah)

S.141: Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act of 2015

Sponsor: John Cornyn (R-Texas)

H.R.1190: Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act of 2015

Sponsor: Phil Roe (R-Tenn.)

H.R.2505: Medicare Advantage Coverage Transparency Act of 2015

Sponsor: Mike Kelly (R-Pa.)

H.R.2400: SIGMA Act of 2015

Sponsor: Peter Roskam (R-Ill.)

S.1368: SIGMA Act of 2015

Sponsor: Pat Roberts (R-Kan.)

H.R.2587: State Trade Coordination Act

Sponsor: Steven J. Chabot (R-Ohio)

H.R.2586: Export Coordination Act of 2015

Sponsor: Steven J. Chabot (R-Ohio)

H.R.1734: Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2015

Sponsor: David McKinley (R-W.Va.)

H.R.2042: Ratepayer Protection Act of 2015

Sponsor: Edward Whitfield (R-Ky.)

H.R.962: Startup Act

Sponsor: Robert Dold (R-Ill.)

H.R.805: DOTCOM Act of 2015

Sponsor: John Shimkus (R-Ill.)

H.R.1732: Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015

Sponsor: Bill Shuster (R-Pa.)

H.R.1195: Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Advisory Boards Act

Sponsor: Robert Pittenger (R-N.C.)

H.R.1759: ALERT Act of 2015

Sponsor: John Ratcliffe (R-Texas)

S.554: Federal Employee Retroactive Pay Fairness Act of 2015

Sponsor: Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.)

H.R.1265: Bureau Advisory Commission Transparency Act

Sponsor: Sean Duffy (R-Wis.)

H.R.1295: Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015

Sponsor: George Holding (R-N.C.)

H.R.709: Prevent Targeting at the IRS Act

Sponsor: Jim Renacci (R-Ohio)

H.R.1026: Taxpayer Knowledge of IRS Investigations Act

Sponsor: Mike Kelly (R-Pa.)

H.R.1562: Contracting and Tax Accountability Act of 2015

Sponsor: Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah)

H.R.1314: Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015

Sponsor: Pat Meehan (R-Pa.)

H.R.4795: Promoting New Manufacturing Act

Sponsor: Steve Scalise (R-La.)

H.R.1422: EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2014

Sponsor: Chris Stewart (R-Utah)

S.2280: A bill to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline.

Sponsor: John Hoeven (R-N.D.)

H.R.5814: To adapt to changing crude oil market conditions.

Sponsor: Joe L. Barton (R-Texas)

H.R.4200: SBIC Advisers Relief Act of 2014

Sponsor: Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.)

H.R.4569: Disclosure Modernization and Simplification Act of 2014

Sponsor: Scott Garrett (R-N.J.)

S.161: Paying a Fair Share Act of 2015

Sponsor: Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

H.R.636: FAA Extension, Safety, and Security Act of 2016

Sponsor: Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio)

S.1: Keystone XL Pipeline Approval Act

Sponsor: John Hoeven (R-N.D.)

H.R.3: Keystone XL Pipeline Act

Sponsor: Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.)

H.R.161: Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act

Sponsor: Mike Pompeo (R-Kan.)

H.R.351: LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act

Sponsor: Bill Johnson (R-Ohio)

H.R.30: Save American Workers Act of 2015

Sponsor: Todd Young (R-Ind.)

S.30: Forty Hours Is Full Time Act of 2015

Sponsor: Susan Collins (R-Maine)

H.R.596: To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health...

Sponsor: Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.)

S.336: ObamaCare Repeal Act

Sponsor: Ted Cruz (R-Texas)

H.R.975: Health Freedom for Seniors Act

Sponsor: Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.)

H.R.185: Regulatory Accountability Act of 2015

Sponsor: Robert W. Goodlatte (R-Va.)

H.R.527: Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2015

Sponsor: Steven J. Chabot (R-Ohio)

H.R.50: Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2015

Sponsor: Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.)

S.226: Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2015

Sponsor: Rand Paul (R-Ky.)

H.R.1030: Secret Science Reform Act of 2015

Sponsor: Lamar Smith (R-Texas)

H.R.1029: EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2015

Sponsor: Frank D. Lucas (R-Okla.)

S.543: EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2015

Sponsor: John Boozman (R-Ark.)

H.R.465: Working Families Flexibility Act of 2015

Sponsor: Martha Roby (R-Ala.)

S.233: Working Families Flexibility Act of 2015

Sponsor: Mike Lee (R-Utah)

H.R.37: Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small Business Burdens Act

Sponsor: Michael G. Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.)

H.R.686: Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage...

Sponsor: Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.)

H.R.414: Burdensome Data Collection Relief Act

Sponsor: Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.)

H.R.924: Responsibility in Federal Contracting Act

Sponsor: Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.)

H.R.540: FAIR Act

Sponsor: Tim Walberg (R-Mich.)

H.R.4718: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to modify and make permanent...

Sponsor: Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio)

H.R.3086: Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act

Sponsor: Robert W. Goodlatte (R-Va.)

H.R.5018: Federal Reserve Accountability and Transparency Act of 2014

Sponsor: Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.)

H.R.5184: National Regulatory Budget Act of 2014

Sponsor: Steve Scalise (R-La.)

H.R.5078: Waters of the United States Regulatory Overreach Protection Act of 2014

Sponsor: Steve Southerland (R-Fla.)

S.2199: Paycheck Fairness Act

Sponsor: Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.)

S.J.RES.19: A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the...

Sponsor: Tom Udall (D-N.M.)

H.R.5405: Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small Business Burdens Act

Sponsor: Michael G. Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.)

H.R.5145: Breast Density and Mammography Reporting Act of 2014

Sponsor: Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.)

H.R.1926: State Trade Coordination Act

Sponsor: Steven J. Chabot (R-Ohio)

H.R.1916: TRADE for Small Businesses and Jobs Act

Sponsor: Scott Tipton (R-Colo.)

H.R.1909: Export Coordination Act of 2013

Sponsor: Sam Graves (R-Mo.)

H.R.3830: Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act of 2014

Sponsor: Dave Camp (R-Mich.)

S.1900: Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act of 2014

Sponsor: Max Baucus (D-Mont.)

H.R.2575: Save American Workers Act of 2014

Sponsor: Todd Young (R-Ind.)

H.R.309: Regulatory Sunset and Review Act of 2013

Sponsor: Randy Hultgren (R-Ill.)

S.2153: National Regulatory Budget Act of 2014

Sponsor: Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)

H.R.1493: Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2013

Sponsor: Doug Collins (R-Ga.)

S.714: Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2013

Sponsor: Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa)

H.R.899: Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2014

Sponsor: Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.)

H.R.2804: ALERRT Act of 2014

Sponsor: George Holding (R-N.C.)

H.R.3193: Consumer Financial Freedom and Washington Accountability Act

Sponsor: Sean Duffy (R-Wis.)

H.R.4012: Secret Science Reform Act of 2014

Sponsor: David Schweikert (R-Ariz.)

H.R.4874: SCRUB Act of 2014

Sponsor: Jason Smith (R-Mo.)

H.R.4438: American Research and Competitiveness Act of 2014

Sponsor: Kevin Brady (R-Texas)

H.R.4457: America's Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2014

Sponsor: Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio)

H.R.1634: Medical FSA Improvement Act of 2013

Sponsor: Charles Boustany Jr. (R-La.)

H.R.45: To repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and health...

Sponsor: Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.)

H.R.903: American Job Protection Act

Sponsor: Charles Boustany Jr. (R-La.)

S.399: American Job Protection Act

Sponsor: Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah)

H.R.4158: SIGMA Act of 2014

Sponsor: Peter Roskam (R-Ill.)

H.R.4118: SIMPLE Fairness Act

Sponsor: Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.)

S.744: Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act

Sponsor: Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.)

H.R.3826: Electricity Security and Affordability Act

Sponsor: Edward Whitfield (R-Ky.)

S.1905: Electricity Security and Affordability Act

Sponsor: Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.)

H.R.2824: Preventing Government Waste and Protecting Coal Mining Jobs in America

Sponsor: Bill Johnson (R-Ohio)

H.R.2641: RAPID Act

Sponsor: Tom Marino (R-Pa.)

H.R.1211: FOIA Act

Sponsor: Darrell Issa (R-Calif.)

H.R.3308: Taxpayer Transparency Act of 2014

Sponsor: Billy Long (R-Mo.)

S.1921: Taxpayer Transparency Act of 2013

Sponsor: Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)

S.2113: Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act

Sponsor: Tom Coburn (R-Okla.)

H.R.2530: Taxpayer Transparency and Efficient Audit Act

Sponsor: Peter Roskam (R-Ill.)

H.R.2531: Protecting Taxpayers from Intrusive IRS Requests Act

Sponsor: Peter Roskam (R-Ill.)

H.R.3865: Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014

Sponsor: Dave Camp (R-Mich.)

S.2011: Stop Targeting of Political Beliefs by the IRS Act of 2014

Sponsor: Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.)

H.R.1105: Small Business Capital Access and Job Preservation Act

Sponsor: Robert Hurt (R-Va.)

H.R.2274: Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage...

Sponsor: Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.)

S.1923: Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage...

Sponsor: Joe Manchin III (D-W.Va.)

S.15: REINS Act

Sponsor: Rand Paul (R-Ky.)

H.R.2668: To delay the application of the individual health insurancemandate, to...

Sponsor: Todd Young (R-Ind.)

S.1188: Forty Hours Is Full Time Act of 2013

Sponsor: Susan Collins (R-Maine)

H.R.2995: Unnecessary Cap Act of 2013

Sponsor: Tom Reed (R-N.Y.)

H.R.714: Startup Act 3.0

Sponsor: Mike Grimm (R-N.Y.)

S.1020: All-Of-The-Above Federal Building Energy Conservation Act of 2013

Sponsor: John Hoeven (R-N.D.)

H.R.2122: Regulatory Accountability Act of 2013

Sponsor: Robert W. Goodlatte (R-Va.)

S.109: Government Neutrality in Contracting Act

Sponsor: David Vitter (R-La.)

H.R.436: Government Neutrality in Contracting Act

Sponsor: Andy Harris (R-Md.)

S.791: Follow the Money Act of 2013

Sponsor: Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)

S.310: Startup Act 3.0

Sponsor: Jerry Moran (R-Kan.)

S.1029: Regulatory Accountability Act of 2013

Sponsor: Rob Portman (R-Ohio)

H.R.1406: Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013

Sponsor: Martha Roby (R-Ala.)

H.R.3: Northern Route Approval Act

Sponsor: Lee Terry (R-Neb.)

S.39: HeLP America Act

Sponsor: Tom Harkin (D-Iowa)

H.R.6079: Repeal of Obamacare Act

Sponsor: Eric Cantor (R-Va.)

H.R.4078: Red Tape Reduction and Small Business Job Creation Act

Sponsor: Tim Griffin (R-Ark.)

H.R.3409: Stop the War on Coal Act of 2012

Sponsor: Bill Johnson (R-Ohio)

H.R.8: American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012

Sponsor: Dave Camp (R-Mich.)

H.R.6169: Pathway to Job Creation through a Simpler, Fairer Tax Code Act of 2012

Sponsor: David Dreier (R-Calif.)

S.3187: Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act

Sponsor: Tom Harkin (D-Iowa)

H.R.3609: Taxpayers Right-To-Know Act

Sponsor: James Lankford (R-Okla.)

H.R.2008: Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act of 2011

Sponsor: Darrell Issa (R-Calif.)

S.3220: Paycheck Fairness Act

Sponsor: Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.)

H.R.9: Small Business Tax Cut Act

Sponsor: Eric Cantor (R-Va.)

H.R.3850: Government Efficiency through Small Business Contracting Act of 2012

Sponsor: Sam Graves (R-Mo.)

H.R.3851: Small Business Advocate Act of 2012

Sponsor: Sam Graves (R-Mo.)

H.R.3893: Subcontracting Transparency and Reliability Act of 2012

Sponsor: Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.)

H.R.3980: Small Business Opportunity Act of 2012

Sponsor: Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-Wash.)

H.R.3985: Building Better Business Partnerships Act of 2012

Sponsor: Bobby Schilling (R-Ill.)

H.R.3987: Small Business Protection Act of 2012

Sponsor: Joe Walsh (R-Ill.)

H.R.4081: Contractor Opportunity Protection Act of 2012

Sponsor: Sam Graves (R-Mo.)

H.R.4206: Contracting Oversight for Small Business Jobs Act of 2012

Sponsor: Mike Coffman (R-Colo.)

H.R.4480: Domestic Energy and Jobs Act

Sponsor: Cory Gardner (R-Colo.)

S.3240: Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2012

Sponsor: Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.)

S.2219: DISCLOSE Act of 2012

Sponsor: Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

H.R.3606: Jumpstart Our Business Startups

Sponsor: Stephen Fincher (R-Tenn.)

H.R.3309: Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act of 2012

Sponsor: Greg Walden (R-Ore.)

H.R.3862: Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act of 2012

Sponsor: Ben Quayle (R-Ariz.)

S.1538: Regulatory Time-Out Act of 2011

Sponsor: Susan Collins (R-Maine)

H.R.373: Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2011

Sponsor: Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.)

H.R.1744: American Job Protection Act

Sponsor: Charles Boustany Jr. (R-La.)

S.20: American Job Protection Act

Sponsor: Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah)

H.R.1370: To repeal the annual fee on health insurance providers enacted by the...

Sponsor: Charles Boustany Jr. (R-La.)

S.1880: Jobs and Premium Protection Act

Sponsor: John Barrasso (R-Wyo.)

H.R.1259: Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act of 2011

Sponsor: Kevin Brady (R-Texas)

H.R.2945: Capital Gains Inflation Relief Act of 2011

Sponsor: Joe Walsh (R-Ill.)

S.1811: Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act of 2011

Sponsor: Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.)

H.R.10: Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2011

Sponsor: Geoff Davis (R-Ky.)

H.R.3010: Regulatory Accountability Act of 2011

Sponsor: Lamar Smith (R-Texas)

H.R.3094: Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act

Sponsor: John Kline (R-Minn.)

S.J.RES.27: A joint resolution disapproving a rule submitted by the Environmental...

Sponsor: Rand Paul (R-Ky.)

S.J.RES.6: A joint resolution disapproving the rule submitted by the Federal...

Sponsor: Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas)

H.R.674: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the imposition of 3...

Sponsor: Wally Herger (R-Calif.)

S.1762: Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2011

Sponsor: Scott Brown (R-Mass.)

S.1831: Access to Capital for Job Creators Act

Sponsor: John Thune (R-S.D.)

H.R.2930: Entrepreneur Access to Capital Act

Sponsor: Patrick T. McHenry (R-N.C.)

S.1791: Democratizing Access to Capital Act of 2011

Sponsor: Scott Brown (R-Mass.)

H.R.1730: Small Business Start-up Savings Accounts Act of 2011

Sponsor: Terri Sewell (D-Ala.)

S.1506: A bill to prevent the Secretary of the Treasury from expanding United...

Sponsor: Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)

H.R.3078: United States-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act

Sponsor: Eric Cantor (R-Va.)

H.R.3079: United States-Panama Trade Promotion Agreement Implementation Act

Sponsor: Eric Cantor (R-Va.)

H.R.3080: United States-Korea Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act

Sponsor: Eric Cantor (R-Va.)

H.R.2569: Free File Program Act of 2011

Sponsor: Peter Roskam (R-Ill.)

H.R.572: Clean Ports Act of 2011

Sponsor: Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.)

H.R.1705: Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation Act of 2011

Sponsor: John Sullivan (R-Okla.)

S.299: REINS Act

Sponsor: Rand Paul (R-Ky.)

S.164: Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2011

Sponsor: Scott Brown (R-Mass.)

H.R.2587: Protecting Jobs From Government Interference Act

Sponsor: Tim Scott (R-S.C.)

H.R.2940: Access to Capital for Job Creators Act

Sponsor: Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)

H.R.294: Museum of Ideas Act of 2011

Sponsor: Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.)

S.336: Tax Relief Certainty Act of 2011

Sponsor: Jim DeMint (R-S.C.)

H.R.696: Tax Relief Certainty Act of 2011

Sponsor: Mike Pence (R-Ind.)

H.R.940: United States Covered Bond Act of 2011

Sponsor: Scott Garrett (R-N.J.)

H.R.4: Comprehensive 1099 Taxpayer Protection and Repayment of Exchange Subsidy...

Sponsor: Dan Lungren (R-Calif.)

H.R.1281: Restoring Economic Certainty Act of 2011

Sponsor: Reid Ribble (R-Wis.)

H.R.1231: Reversing President Obama's Offshore Moratorium Act

Sponsor: Doc Hastings (R-Wash.)

H.R.1229: Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act

Sponsor: Doc Hastings (R-Wash.)

S.940: Close Big Oil Tax Loopholes Act

Sponsor: Robert Menendez (D-N.J.)

H.R.2021: Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011

Sponsor: Cory Gardner (R-Colo.)

S.119: Government Neutrality in Contracting Act

Sponsor: David Vitter (R-La.)

H.R.735: Government Neutrality in Contracting Act

Sponsor: John Sullivan (R-Okla.)

H.R.1249: Leahy-Smith America Invents Act

Sponsor: Lamar Smith (R-Texas)

H.R.1002: Wireless Tax Fairness Act of 2011

Sponsor: Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.)

S.1192: Alaska Safe Families and Villages Act of 2011

Sponsor: Mark Begich (D-Alaska)

S.RES.88: A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate that businesses of the...

Sponsor: Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine)

H.R.2: Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act

Sponsor: Eric Cantor (R-Va.)

S.493: SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011

Sponsor: Mary L. Landrieu (D-La.)

H.R.1: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2013

Sponsor: Harold Rogers (R-Ky.)

H.R.910: Energy Tax Prevention Act of 2011

Sponsor: Fred Upton (R-Mich.)

S.361: Seven Point Plan for Growing Jobs Act

Sponsor: Susan Collins (R-Maine)

S.23: America Invents Act

Sponsor: Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.)

S.364: A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to establish a new...

Sponsor: Mark Pryor (D-Ark.)

S.J.RES.39: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter...

Sponsor: Michael B. Enzi (R-Wyo.)

H.R.5141: Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act

Sponsor: Dan Lungren (R-Calif.)

S.3578: Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act

Sponsor: Mike Johanns (R-Neb.)

H.R.5297: Small Business Jobs Act of 2010

Sponsor: Barney Frank (D-Mass.)

H.R.3149: Equal Employment for All Act

Sponsor: Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.)

S.3772: Paycheck Fairness Act

Sponsor: Harry Reid (D-Nev.)

H.R.983: Government Neutrality in Contracting Act

Sponsor: John Sullivan (R-Okla.)

S.90: Government Neutrality in Contracting Act

Sponsor: David Vitter (R-La.)

S.3217: Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010

Sponsor: Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.)

H.R.5175: DISCLOSE Act

Sponsor: Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.)

H.R.5257: Internet Investment, Innovation, and Competition Preservation Act

Sponsor: Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.)

H.R.3590: Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

Sponsor: Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.)

H.R.4872: Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010

Sponsor: John M. Spratt Jr. (D-S.C.)

H.R.3962: Preservation of Access to Care for Medicare Beneficiaries and Pension...

Sponsor: John D. Dingell (D-Mich.)

H.R.3924: Real Stimulus Act of 2009

Sponsor: Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)

S.1836: Internet Freedom Act of 2009

Sponsor: John McCain (R-Ariz.)

H.R.3991: Emergency Influenza Containment Act

Sponsor: George Miller (D-Calif.)

H.R.3904: Overdraft Protection Act of 2009

Sponsor: Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.)

H.R.3200: America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009

Sponsor: John D. Dingell (D-Mich.)

H.R.2965: Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010

Sponsor: Jason Altmire (D-Pa.)

H.R.1470: Equity for Our Nation's Self-Employed Act of 2009

Sponsor: Ron Kind (D-Wis.)

H.R.1885: Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2009

Sponsor: Maxine Waters (D-Calif.)

S.292: Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2009

Sponsor: Arlen Specter (D-Pa.)

H.R.275: To repeal the imposition of 3 percent withholding on certain payments...

Sponsor: Kendrick B. Meek (D-Fla.)

S.CON.RES.70: A concurrent resolution supporting the observance of "Spirit of '45 Day".

Sponsor: Susan Collins (R-Maine)

H.R.470: Economic Recovery and Middle-Class Tax Relief Act of 2009

Sponsor: Scott Garrett (R-N.J.)

H.R.1509: Home Office Deduction Simplification Act

Sponsor: John M. McHugh (R-N.Y.)

H.R.1409: Employee Free Choice Act of 2009

Sponsor: George Miller (D-Calif.)

S.56: Autonomy for Psychologists and Social Workers Act of 2009

Sponsor: Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii)

H.R.1176: Secret Ballot Protection Act

Sponsor: John Kline (R-Minn.)

S.478: Secret Ballot Protection Act of 2009

Sponsor: Jim DeMint (R-S.C.)

H.R.1: American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Sponsor: David R. Obey (D-Wis.)

S.414: Credit CARD Act of 2009

Sponsor: Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.)

S.3646: Drill Now Act of 2008

Sponsor: Jim DeMint (R-S.C.)

H.R.6214: Home Office Deduction Simplification Act of 2008

Sponsor: John M. McHugh (R-N.Y.)

H.R.3221: Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008

Sponsor: Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)

H.R.1023: To repeal the imposition of withholding on certain payments made to...

Sponsor: Kendrick B. Meek (D-Fla.)

S.777: Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2007

Sponsor: Larry E. Craig (R-Idaho)

H.R.4088: Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act of 2007

Sponsor: Heath Shuler (D-N.C.)

S.2902: Independent Office of Advocacy and Small Business Regulatory Reform Act...

Sponsor: Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine)

H.R.1338: Paycheck Fairness Act

Sponsor: Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.)

H.R.6899: Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act

Sponsor: Nick J. Rahall II (D-W.Va.)

H.R.6219: Private Property Rights Protection and Government Accountability Act

Sponsor: John Sullivan (R-Okla.)

H.R.5244: Credit Cardholders' Bill of Rights Act of 2008

Sponsor: Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.)

H.R.6049: Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008

Sponsor: Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.)

H.R.6275: Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2008

Sponsor: Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.)

H.R.5719: Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of 2008

Sponsor: Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.)

H.R.2831: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007

Sponsor: George Miller (D-Calif.)

S.2191: Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2007

Sponsor: Joseph I. Lieberman (I-Conn.)

S.3036: Lieberman-Warner Climate Security Act of 2008

Sponsor: Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.)

H.R.1360: Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act of 2007

Sponsor: Christopher H. Shays (R-Conn.)

S.785: Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act of 2007

Sponsor: Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.)

H.R.5351: Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008

Sponsor: Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.)

H.R.3660: Equity for Our Nation's Self-Employed Act of 2007

Sponsor: Ron Kind (D-Wis.)

S.2239: Equity for Our Nation's Self Employed Act of 2007

Sponsor: Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M.)

H.R.4458: Small Business Regulatory Improvement Act

Sponsor: Brad Ellsworth (D-Ind.)

H.R.1843: Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2007

Sponsor: Bart Stupak (D-Mich.)

S.988: Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act of 2007

Sponsor: Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.)

H.R.800: Employee Free Choice Act of 2007

Sponsor: George Miller (D-Calif.)

S.1145: Patent Reform Act of 2007

Sponsor: Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.)

H.R.1645: Fostering Innovation Act of 2017

Sponsor: Kyrsten Sinema (ID-Ariz.)

H.R.2201: Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act

Sponsor: Tom Emmer (R-Minn.)

H.R.477: Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage...

Sponsor: Bill Huizenga (R-Mich.)

S.1642: Protecting Consumers' Access to Credit Act of 2017

Sponsor: Mark Warner (D-Va.)

H.R.3299: Protecting Consumers' Access to Credit Act of 2017

Sponsor: Patrick T. McHenry (R-N.C.)

H.R.1: An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the...

Sponsor: Kevin Brady (R-Texas)

H.CON.RES.71: Establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government...

Sponsor: Diane Black (R-Tenn.)

H.R.3718: International Communications Privacy Act

Sponsor: Doug Collins (R-Ga.)

S.2155: Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act

Sponsor: Michael D. Crapo (R-Idaho)

H.R.78: SEC Regulatory Accountability Act

Sponsor: Ann Wagner (R-Mo.)

H.R.4267: Small Business Credit Availability Act

Sponsor: Steve Stivers (R-Ohio)

H.R.4263: Regulation A+ Improvement Act of 2017

Sponsor: Tom MacArthur (R-N.J.)

H.R.4821: Iran Freedom Policy and Sanctions Act

Sponsor: Peter Roskam (R-Ill.)

H.J.RES.122: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,...

Sponsor: Dennis Ross (R-Fla.)

H.R.4265: Sugar Policy Modernization Act of 2017

Sponsor: Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.)

S.2086: Sugar Policy Modernization Act of 2017

Sponsor: Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)

H.R.5266: Financial Product Safety Commission Act of 2018

Sponsor: Dennis Ross (R-Fla.)

S.1454: TITLE Act

Sponsor: Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.)

H.R.4706: Music Modernization Act of 2017

Sponsor: Doug Collins (R-Ga.)

H.R.1057: STOP Act of 2017

Sponsor: Pat Tiberi (R-Ohio)

S.372: STOP Act of 2017

Sponsor: Rob Portman (R-Ohio)

S.1390: STRONGER Patents Act of 2017

Sponsor: Christopher A. Coons (D-Del.)

H.R.5340: STRONGER Patents Act of 2018

Sponsor: Steve Stivers (R-Ohio)

H.R.4916: Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act

Sponsor: Peter Roskam (R-Ill.)

H.R.5444: Taxpayer First Act

Sponsor: Lynn Jenkins (R-Kan.)

H.R.5445: 21st Century IRS Act

Sponsor: Mike Bishop (R-Mich.)

H.R.2905: Justice for Victims of IRS Scams and Identity Theft Act of 2018

Sponsor: David Young (R-Iowa)

H.R.5440: To require notice from the Secretary of the Treasury in the case of any...

Sponsor: Karen Handel (R-Ga.)

H.R.5446: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restrict the immediate...

Sponsor: A. Drew Ferguson (R-Ga.)

H.R.6130: Helping Startups Continue to Grow Act

Sponsor: Keith Rothfus (R-Pa.)

S.588: HALOS Act

Sponsor: Christopher S. Murphy (D-Conn.)

S.2126: Fostering Innovation Act of 2017

Sponsor: Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)

S.2347: Encouraging Public Offerings Act of 2018

Sponsor: Thom Tillis (R-N.C.)

S.3004: Small Business Audit Correction Act of 2018

Sponsor: Tom Cotton (R-Ark.)

S.2765: RBIC Advisers Relief Act of 2018

Sponsor: John Kennedy (R-La.)

H.R.3825: Harmonization of Coverage Act of 2017

Sponsor: Diane Black (R-Tenn.)

H.R.6127: Unlocking Capital for Small Businesses Act of 2018

Sponsor: Ted Budd (R-N.C.)

H.R.6630: Maria Butina NRA Transparency Act

Sponsor: Norma Torres (D-Calif.)

S.3562: Small Business Runway Extension Act of 2018

Sponsor: Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.)

S.J.RES.63: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter...

Sponsor: Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.)

H.R.2655: Small Business Innovation Protection Act of 2017

Sponsor: Dwight Evans (D-Pa.)

S.971: REPAIR Act

Sponsor: John Thune (R-S.D.)

S.3649: First Step Act

Sponsor: Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa)

S.80: Jobs and Premium Protection Act

Sponsor: John Barrasso (R-Wyo.)

H.R.748: CARES Act

Sponsor: Joe Courtney (D-Conn.)

H.R.1398: Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2019

Sponsor: Ami Bera (D-Calif.)

S.172: Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2019

Sponsor: Cory Gardner (R-Colo.)

H.R.1010: To provide that the rule entitled "Short-Term, Limited Duration...

Sponsor: Kathy Castor (D-Fla.)

H.R.987: Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act

Sponsor: Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.)

H.R.593: Small Business Owners' Tax Simplification Act of 2019

Sponsor: Steven J. Chabot (R-Ohio)

H.R.216: Main Street Tax Certainty Act

Sponsor: Jason Smith (R-Mo.)

H.R.1: For the People Act of 2019

Sponsor: John Sarbanes (D-Md.)

H.R.1644: Save the Internet Act of 2019

Sponsor: Mike Doyle (D-Pa.)

H.R.1502: PURPA Modernization Act of 2019

Sponsor: Tim Walberg (R-Mich.)

S.684: Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019

Sponsor: Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.)

H.R.3063: Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2019

Sponsor: Steven J. Chabot (R-Ohio)

S.584: Advancing Human Spaceflight Act

Sponsor: John Cornyn (R-Texas)

S.1419: Early Participation in Regulations Act of 2019

Sponsor: James Lankford (R-Okla.)

S.1420: SMART Act of 2019

Sponsor: Kyrsten Sinema (ID-Ariz.)

H.R.2513: Corporate Transparency Act of 2019

Sponsor: Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.)

H.R.582: Raise the Wage Act

Sponsor: Robert C. Scott (D-Va.)

S.1077: NEW START Act of 2019

Sponsor: Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.)

H.R.3: Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act

Sponsor: Frank Pallone (D-N.J.)

H.R.2426: CASE Act of 2019

Sponsor: Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.)

S.1306: Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019

Sponsor: Patty Murray (D-Wash.)

H.R.2474: Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2019

Sponsor: Robert C. Scott (D-Va.)

H.R.4069: Modern Worker Empowerment Act

Sponsor: Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.)

H.R.2477: BENES Act of 2020

Sponsor: Raul Ruiz (D-Calif.)

H.R.5377: Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act

Sponsor: Thomas Suozzi (D-N.Y.)

H.R.5140: Satellite Television Community Protection and Promotion Act of 2019

Sponsor: Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.)

H.R.7010: Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020

Sponsor: Dean Phillips (D-Minn.)

H.R.6776: JOBS Credit Act of 2020

Sponsor: Stephanie Murphy (D-Fla.)

H.R.6403: New Business Preservation Act

Sponsor: Dean Phillips (D-Minn.)

S.3612: Small Business Expense Protection Act of 2020

Sponsor: John Cornyn (R-Texas)

H.R.8265: To amend the Small Business Act and the CARES Act to establish a program...

Sponsor: Steven J. Chabot (R-Ohio)

S.1273: CASE Act of 2019

Sponsor: John Kennedy (R-La.)

H.R.8037: Advancing America’s Interests Act

Sponsor: Suzan K. DelBene (D-Wash.)

H.R.603: Raise the Wage Act of 2021

Sponsor: Robert C. Scott (D-Va.)

S.53: Raise the Wage Act of 2021

Sponsor: Bernard Sanders (ID-Vt.)

H.R.842: Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2021

Sponsor: Robert C. Scott (D-Va.)

S.420: Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2021

Sponsor: Patty Murray (D-Wash.)

H.R.1284: FOCA Act

Sponsor: Ted Budd (R-N.C.)

S.403: FOCA Act

Sponsor: Todd Young (R-Ind.)

H.R.1381: Main Street Tax Certainty Act

Sponsor: Jason Smith (R-Mo.)

S.480: Main Street Tax Certainty Act

Sponsor: Steve Daines (R-Mont.)

H.R.4069: Septic Upgrade Grant Act

Sponsor: Thomas Suozzi (D-N.Y.)

H.R.2286: To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to treat property transferred...

Sponsor: Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-N.J.)

S.CON.RES.14: A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the...

Sponsor: Bernard Sanders (ID-Vt.)

H.R.3: Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act

Sponsor: Frank Pallone (D-N.J.)

H.R.4773: Consumer Financial Protection Commission Act

Sponsor: Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.)

S.2973: A bill to establish an Inspector General of the National Institutes of...

Sponsor: Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)

H.R.3816: American Innovation and Choice Online Act

Sponsor: David Cicilline (D-R.I.)

H.R.3825: Ending Platform Monopolies Act

Sponsor: Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.)

H.R.3826: Platform Competition and Opportunity Act of 2021

Sponsor: Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.)

S.2428: False Claims Amendments Act of 2021

Sponsor: Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa)

H.R.7229: Renewing Investment in American Workers and Supply Chains Act

Sponsor: Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.)

S.4012: Renewing Investment in American Workers and Supply Chains Act

Sponsor: Mike Braun (R-Ind.)

S.3889: Employee Rights Act

Sponsor: Tim Scott (R-S.C.)

S.2992: American Innovation and Choice Online Act

Sponsor: Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

S.3197: Platform Competition and Opportunity Act of 2021

Sponsor: Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

H.R.963: FAIR Act of 2022

Sponsor: Hank Johnson (D-Ga.)

H.R.8152: American Data Privacy and Protection Act

Sponsor: Frank Pallone (D-N.J.)

H.R.7783: Extending America’s Spectrum Auction Leadership Act of 2022

Sponsor: Sharice Davids (D-Kan.)

H.R.7628: IMPROVE the SBA Act

Sponsor: Blaine Luetkemeyer (R-Mo.)

H.R.945: To direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to issue guidance...

Sponsor: Gwen Moore (D-Wis.)

H.J.RES.100: To provide for a resolution with respect to the unresolved disputes...

Sponsor: Donald M. Payne Jr. (D-N.J.)

H.R.8784: Commission on the American Workforce Act

Sponsor: Dave Joyce (R-Ohio)

H.R.23: Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act

Sponsor: Adrian Smith (R-Neb.)

H.R.1: Lower Energy Costs Act

Sponsor: Steve Scalise (R-La.)

H.R.3937: Small Business Jobs Act

Sponsor: Jason Smith (R-Mo.)

H.R.3938: Build It in America Act

Sponsor: Jason Smith (R-Mo.)

H.R.2799: Expanding Access to Capital Act of 2023

Sponsor: Patrick T. McHenry (R-N.C.)

H.R.1843: Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023

Sponsor: Michelle Steel (R-Calif.)

H.R.3800: Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act

Sponsor: Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio)

H.R.3797: Paperwork Burden Reduction Act

Sponsor: Jason Smith (R-Mo.)

H.R.3801: Employer Reporting Improvement Act

Sponsor: Adrian Smith (R-Neb.)

H.R.3798: Small Business Flexibility Act

Sponsor: Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.)

H.R.3799: CHOICE Arrangement Act

Sponsor: Kevin Hern (R-Okla.)

S.1264: SMART Prices Act

Sponsor: Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

H.R.277: REINS Act of 2023

Sponsor: Kat Cammack (R-Fla.)

H.R.1640: Save Our Gas Stoves Act

Sponsor: Debbie Lesko (R-Ariz.)

S.2033: American Innovation and Choice Online Act

Sponsor: Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.)

S.1261: Save Local Business Act

Sponsor: Roger Marshall (R-Kan.)

H.R.2826: Save Local Business Act

Sponsor: James Comer (R-Ky.)

S.567: Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act of 2023

Sponsor: Bernard Sanders (ID-Vt.)

S.1664: Healthy Families Act

Sponsor: Bernard Sanders (ID-Vt.)

S.728: Paycheck Fairness Act

Sponsor: Patty Murray (D-Wash.)

H.R.5687: HSA Modernization Act of 2023

Sponsor: Beth Van Duyne (R-Texas)

H.R.5688: Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act of 2023

Sponsor: Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.)

S.130: Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2023

Sponsor: John Thune (R-S.D.)

H.R.3216: Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2023

Sponsor: Kat Cammack (R-Fla.)

S.2330: Small Business Technological Advancement Act

Sponsor: Todd Young (R-Ind.)

S.576: Railway Safety Act of 2023

Sponsor: Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)

S.866: American Innovation and Jobs Act

Sponsor: Margaret Hassan (D-N.H.)

H.R.2673: American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act of 2023

Sponsor: Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

S.1706: Main Street Tax Certainty Act

Sponsor: Steve Daines (R-Mont.)

H.R.4721: Main Street Tax Certainty Act

Sponsor: Lloyd Smucker (R-Pa.)

H.R.2767: Small Business Investment Act of 2023

Sponsor: David Kustoff (R-Tenn.)

S.1108: Death Tax Repeal Act of 2023

Sponsor: John Thune (R-S.D.)

S.1001: Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023

Sponsor: Steve Daines (R-Mont.)

S.1411: Prove It Act of 2023

Sponsor: Joni Ernst (R-Iowa)

H.J.RES.98: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,...

Sponsor: John James (R-Mich.)

H.J.RES.116: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5,...

Sponsor: Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.)

S.J.RES.63: A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter...

Sponsor: Bill Cassidy (R-La.)

S.3625: Protect Small Business and Prevent Illicit Financial Activity Act

Sponsor: Tim Scott (R-S.C.)

H.R.7198: Prove It Act of 2024

Sponsor: Brad Finstad (R-Minn.)

Show All Mentioned Bills

Lobbyists

Lobbyists named here were listed on a filing related to this lobbying engagement. They may not be working on it now. Occasionally, a single lobbyist whose name is spelled two different ways on filings may be represented twice here.

Lobbyist	Covered positions?
Karen Kerrigan	n/a
Raymond Keating	n/a
Ray Keating	n/a

Disclosures Filed

Once a lobbying engagement begins, the lobbyist or firm is required to file updates four times a year. Those updates sometimes change which lobbyists are involved or add new issues being discussed. When lobbyists stop working for a client, the firm is also supposed to file a report disclosing the end of the relationship.

1st Quarter, 2024

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 22. Original Filing: 301572031.xml

Lobbying Issues

Tax Relief and Reform Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 - SBE Council supported U.S. House passage of the legislation and advocated for passage by the U.S. Senate. R&D Tax Credit: Continue to support extending and making permanent full expensing for R&D expenditures for small businesses. Voiced Support for "American Innovation and Jobs Act" (S. 866) in the Senate and "American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act" (H.R. 2673) in the House. Main Street Tax Certainty Act of 2023 (S. 1706, H.R. 4721) - Support House and Senate versions of the legislation to make permanent the 20-percent deduction for small-and individually-owned businesses (Section 199A). Death Tax Repeal Act of 2023 (S. 1108): Support House and Senate bills to permanent repeal the death tax and continue to support action by Congress. Capital Gains Tax Indexing - Voiced support for this reform measure and continue to support action by Congress. Regulation Resolution of Disapproval to Overturn NLRBs Joint Employer Rule (HJ. Res 98) - SBE Council supported U.S. House passage and for the U.S. Senate to quickly follow suit. Basel III Endgame Implementation - SBE Council expressed concern and opposition to the proposal to the U.S. Federal Reserve and Federal Deposit and Insurance Corporation regarding the impact on small business capital access and affordability. Congressional Review Act (CRA) Resolution to Overturn the Department of Labors Independent Contractor Rule: SBE Council supported H.J. Res 116 and S.J. Res 63 to nullify the rule. DOL's Proposed Overtime Rule: Continue to express concern about the proposed rule. Save Local Businesses Act (S.1261, HR 2826) - Continue to support the legislation. Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act (S. 567) - Continue to oppose the legislation. The Protect Small Business and Prevent Illicit Financial Activity Act - SBE Council supports S. 3625 to delay implementation of the Corporate Transparency Act. Federal Acquisition Regulation: Use of Project Labor Agreements for Federal Construction Projects - SBE Council opposed the final rule. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) Pre-Merger Reporting Requirement Proposed Rule - SBE Council opposes the rule and pointed out that the FTC mistakenly certified that small businesses will not be affected by the significant changes being proposed, therefore the rule needs to be pulled. National Labor Relation Board (NLRB) Funding - SBE Council urged House and Senate appropriators to hold the line on increased funding for the NLRB. Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus (CFPBs) Rule Capping Credit-Card Late Fees - SBE Council voiced concern about the rules unintended consequences. That is, backfiring on small business consumers who use credit responsibly and make their payments on time. Prove-It Act (H.R. 7198) - SBE Council supported House Judiciary Committee action that advanced the legislation, which gives small businesses a more effectual voice in federal rulemakings and strengthens federal government accountability when proposed regulations impact small businesses. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet Rule - SBE Council continues to express concerns about intrusive government control of the internet as proposed by the rule and Section 214 regulations under the proposal. The Credit Card Competition Act - SBE Council continues to oppose the legislation. Railway Safety Act (S. 576) - SBE Council continues to express concern about the heavy-handedness of the legislation as well as proposals to further regulate the railroad industry, which is dominated by small businesses. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Proposal on Medicare Advantage Plans - SBE Council expressed concerns about the proposal that would significantly alter the marketing and broker compensation structures of the plans. The Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act - Continue to supported full House passage. Privacy Policy - Continue to express the need for a national regulatory framework, but for Congress to consider a framework that avoids adding to the growing patchwork burden of state privacy laws, and to carefully consider unintended consequences on small businesses. Access to Capital Expanding Access to Capital Act (H.R. 2799) - SBE Council supported House passage. The Budget Further Consolidated Appropriations Act for 2024 - SBE Council supported House passage. Republican FY 2025 Budget Resolution - SBE Council supported the budget resolution framework. President Bidens Budget Proposal - SBE Council voiced concern about the excessive spending in the proposal as well as the various tax increases that would fall on small businesses, investors and the business community. Affordable Health Coverage and Health Care Innovation Voiced ongoing concerns about the rising costs of health coverage, lack of choices, and dwindling choices in many markets against the backdrop of challenging economic conditions. Voiced support for these various reforms: enhancing tax credits for small businesses, expanding and making additional fixes to HSAs, reforming QSEHRAs, and making CARESs Act telehealth provisions permanent. CHOICE Arrangement Act (H.R. 2799) - Supported House passage and continue to support Senate action on the legislation. Tax Credit for Small Businesses: Support making reforms to the restrictive and temporary health care tax credit for small businesses to make it more practical for small businesses. HSA Modernization Act (H.R. 5687) and Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act (H.R. 5688) - Continue to support full House passage. Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023 (H.R. 1843) (S. 1001)- Continue to support full House and Senate passage. Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act (H.R. 3800) - Support full House passage. Paperwork Burden Reduction Act (H.R. 3797) - Support full House passage. Employer Reporting Improvement Act (H.R. 3801) - Support full House passage. Small Business Flexibility Act (H.R. 3798) - Support full House passage. Custom Health Option and Individual Care Expense Arrangement Act (H.R. 3799) - Support full House passage. SMART Prices Act (S. 1264) - Continue to oppose the legislation. Property Rights and IP Submitted Comments to the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) Regarding the Draft Interagency Guidance Framework for Considering the Exercise of March-in Rights-SBE Council urged NIST to withdraw the proposed guidance. Submitted Comments to United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on WIPO IGC Negotiations on Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge - SBE Council expressed concern regarding the IGCs proposed mandatory patent disclosure requirements (PDRs) for the origin of genetic resources and traditional knowledge, which would irreparably harm the startup and small business ecosystems that drive innovation. Trade and Global Market Access Digital Trade - The Moratorium on Customs Duties on Electronic Transmissions permanent during the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) - SBE Council urged World Trade Organization members to support an extension of the moratorium. Digital Trade Principles - Continue to express concern about the U.S. pulling away from the principles and the need for President Biden to revisit the United State Trade Representatives action to withdraw from for foundational positions on digital trade policy within the World Trade Organization (WTO). Supporting Business Competitiveness and Startup Activity Comprehensive Resources for Entrepreneurs in the Arts to Transform the Economy (CREATE) Act - SBE Council supported Senate introduction of the bill. Paid Leave Policy in U.S. House: Continue to express support for bipartisan exploration in identifying paid leave policy solutions that help support business owners and working families. Access to Broadband and Next Gen Technology BEAD Program Implementation - SBE Council expressed concern about the National Telecommunications and Information Administrations rate regulation provisions for broadband internet service that was specifically prohibited by Congress as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2023 (S.130) (H.R. 3216) - Continue to support the legislation. Development of a National Spectrum Strategy (NSS) - Continue to express support for such a policy and the need for more spectrum to deploy next Gen technologies and 5G.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2023

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 22. Original Filing: 301535976.xml

Lobbying Issues

Taxes and Tax Reform R&D Tax Credit: Continue to support extending and making permanent full expensing for R&D expenditures for small businesses. Voiced Support for "American Innovation and Jobs Act" (S. 866) in the Senate and "American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act" (H.R. 2673) in the House. Main Street Tax Certainty Act of 2023 (S. 1706, H.R. 4721) - Support House and Senate versions of the legislation to make permanent the 20-percent deduction for small-and individually-owned businesses (Section 199A). "Small Business Jobs Act" (HR 3937) - Continue to support House passage of the legislation. "Build It in America Act" (HR 3938) - Continue to support House passage of the legislation. "Small Business Investment Act" (H.R. 2767) - Continue to support full House Action. "Death Tax Repeal Act of 2023" (S. 1108): Support House and Senate bills to permanent repeal the death tax and continue to support action by Congress. Capital Gains Tax Indexing - Voiced support for this reform measure and continue to support action by Congress. Affordable Health Coverage and Health Care Innovation "CHOICE Arrangement Act" (H.R. 2799) - Supported House passage and continue to support Senate action on the legislation. Tax Credit for Small Businesses: Support making reforms to the restrictive and temporary health care tax credit for small businesses to make it more practical for small businesses. Voiced ongoing concerns about the rising costs of health coverage, lack of choices, and dwindling choices in many markets against the backdrop of challenging economic conditions. Voiced support for these various reforms: enhancing tax credits for small businesses, expanding and making additional fixes to HSAs, reforming QSEHRAs, and making CARESs Act telehealth provisions permanent. "HSA Modernization Act" (H.R. 5687) and "Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act" (H.R. 5688) - Continue to support full House passage. "Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023" (H.R. 1843) (S. 1001) - Voiced support for Ways and Means Committee passage and continue to support full House and Senate passage. Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act (H.R. 3800) - Continue to support full House passage. Paperwork Burden Reduction Act (H.R. 3797) - Continue to support full House passage. Employer Reporting Improvement Act (H.R. 3801) - Continue to support full House passage. Small Business Flexibility Act (H.R. 3798) - Continue to support full House passage. Custom Health Option and Individual Care Expense Arrangement Act (H.R. 3799) - Continue to support full House passage. Preserving Telehealth: Joined coalition comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) take action on preserving the benefits of telehealth by ensuring telehealth practitioners working from a home-based (or other) location do not need to report that private residence to the federal government for purposes of either enrollment or billing. "Inflation Reduction Act": Continue to express concern about the impact of price controls on drug innovation, especially for small bio-pharmaceutical firms, urging congressional oversight. "SMART Prices Act" (S. 1264) - Continue to oppose the legislation. Access to Broadband and Digital Policy Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2023 (S.130) (H.R. 3216) - Continue to support the legislation. Development of a National Spectrum Strategy (NSS) - Continue to express support for such a policy and the need for more spectrum to deploy next Gen technologies and 5G. Broadband Infrastructure: Continue to support efforts in the Congress to provide oversight and track Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding to ensure the tens of billions of taxpayer dollars being allocated will be used efficiently to connect those lacking access with high-speed broadband. Also expressed concern to U.S. Commerce about possible price controls for broadband. Access to Capital "Small Business Technological Advancement Act" (S.2330): Support the legislation which would help end the digital gap for many small businesses by allowing SBA Loans to be used for investments in eligible technologies. Basel III Endgame Rule: Provided written testimony to Senate Finance Committee on the downstream negative effects regarding the cost and availability of capital and credit of this proposed Federal Reserve rule. Proposed CFPB Rule on Credit Card Price Caps: Urged the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and President Biden to pull back on this proposed rule given the negative impact on small business access to credit and small financial institutions. Regulation "Providing Opportunities to Show Transparency via Information Technology Act" (POST IT Act): Supported full House passage of the bill. "The Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act": Continue to supported full House passage. "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act" (H.R. 277) - Supported House passage and continue to support Senate action. Privacy Policy in General: Continue to express the need for a national framework, but for Congress to consider a framework that avoid adding to the growing patchwork burden of state privacy laws, and to carefully consider unintended consequences on small businesses. PLA Mandates for Clean Energy Credits: Joined comments to U.S. Treasury/IRS expressing opposition and concern about the mandated use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) in order to qualify for the clean energy tax credit used in conjunction with Inflation Reduction Act projects. "Prove It Act" (S. 1411) - Continue to voice support and passage of this bill requiring agencies to conduct due diligence on how proposed regulations impact small businesses. Filed comments with the North American Securities Administrators Associations (NASAA) on proposed revisions to its model rule on Dishonest or Unethical Business Practices of Broker-Dealers and Agents, expressing concern about impact on small businesses in the sector and the impact on retail investors. Filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opposing the Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), Safeguarding and Securing the Open Internet, given its negative impact on small providers, costs, investment, innovation and access to affordable broadband. Trade and Globa Market Access EU and Digital Trade: Urged President Biden, ahead of the October 20 U.S.-EU Summit, to push back against regulatory overreach and protectionist actions in Europe that threaten to restrict trade, undermine U.S. competitiveness, and stifle innovation. These actions include one that undermine intellectual property rights and regulatory initiatives that discriminate against U.S. companies. Digital Trade Principles: Urged President Biden to revisit the United State Trade Representatives action to withdraw from for foundational positions on digital trade policy within the World Trade Organization (WTO). Labor and Workforce Policy DOL's Proposed Overtime Rule: Continue to express concern about the proposed rule. "Save Local Businesses Act" (S.1261, HR 2826) - Continue to support the legislation. Paid Leave Policy in U.S. House: Continue to express support for bipartisan exploration in identifying paid leave policy solutions that help support business owners and working families. Proposed Independent Contractor Rules: Continued to express opposition to independent contractor rules being proposed and advanced by the Department of Labor that would disrupt this critical model for entrepreneurship. "Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act" (S. 567) - Continue to oppose the legislation. "Railway Safety Act" (S. 576): Expressed concern about the legislation to all members of Congress.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2023

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 20, 2023. Original Filing: 301515471.xml

Lobbying Issues

Taxes and Tax Reform R&D Tax Credit: Continue to support extending and making permanent full expensing for R&D expenditures for small businesses. Voiced Support for "American Innovation and Jobs Act" in the Senate and "American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act" in the House. Main Street Tax Certainty Act of 2023 - Support House and Senate versions of the legislation to make permanent the 20-percent deduction for small-and individually-owned businesses (Section 199A). "Small Business Jobs Act" (HR 3937) - Voiced support for Ways and Means passage of the legislation and continue to support House passage of the legislation. "Build It in America Act" (HR 3938) - Voiced support for Ways and Means passage of the legislation and continue to support House passage of the legislation. "Small Business Investment Act" - Voiced support for the bill and reforming Section 1202 of the tax code and continue to advocate for action on the bill. "Death Tax Repeal Act of 2023": Support House and Senate bills to permanent repeal the death tax and continue to support action by Congress. Capital Gains Tax Indexing - Voiced support for this reform measure and continue to support action by Congress. Affordable Health Coverage and Health Care Innovation "CHOICE Arrangement Act" (H.R. 2799) - Supported House passage and continue to support Senate action on the legislation. Tax Credit for Small Businesses: Support making reforms to the restrictive and temporary health care tax credit for small businesses to make it more practical for small businesses. Voiced ongoing concerns about the rising costs of health coverage, lack of choices, and dwindling choices in many markets against the backdrop of challenging economic conditions. Voiced support for these various reforms: enhancing tax credits for small businesses, expanding and making additional fixes to HSAs, reforming QSEHRAs, and making CARESs Act telehealth provisions permanent. "HSA Modernization Act" (H.R. 5687) and "Bipartisan HSA Improvement Act" (H.R. 5688) - supported House Ways and Means passage of the legislation. "Telehealth Expansion Act of 2023" (H.R. 1843) - Voiced support for Ways and Means Committee passage. Chronic Disease Flexible Coverage Act (H.R. 3800) - Voiced support for Ways and Means Committee passage and support full House Action. Paperwork Burden Reduction Act (H.R. 3797) - Voiced support for Ways and Means Committee passage and support full House passage. Employer Reporting Improvement Act (H.R. 3801) - Voiced support for Ways and Means Committee passage and support full House passage. Small Business Flexibility Act (H.R. 3798) - Voiced support for Ways and Means Committee passage and support full House passage. Custom Health Option and Individual Care Expense Arrangement Act (H.R. 3799) - Voiced support for Ways and Means Committee passage and support full House passage. "Inflation Reduction Act": Continue to express concern about the impact of price controls on drug innovation, especially for small bio-pharmaceutical firms. "SMART Prices Act" (S. 1264) - Continue to oppose the legislation. Senate HELP Committee: Provided input on the new draft legislation to reauthorize the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act (PAHPA), urging Committee members to remove the suggested reasonable pricing language from the bill. Provided written comments to CMS on proposed rule on the Misclassification of Drugs, Program Administration and Program Integrity Updates Under the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program, and voiced concern about impact on small bio-pharmaceutical companies and not to finalize the proposed rule. Access to Broadband and Digital Policy Rural Internet Improvement Act of 2023 (S.130) (H.R. 3216) - Voiced support for the legislation. Development of a National Spectrum Strategy (NSS) - Continue to express support for such a policy and the need for more spectrum to deploy next Gen technologies and 5G. Broadband Infrastructure: Continue to support efforts in the Congress to provide oversight and track Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding to ensure the tens of billions of taxpayer dollars being allocated will be used efficiently to connect those lacking access with high-speed broadband. Access to Capital "Small Business Technological Advancement Act" (S.2330): Support the legislation which would help end the digital gap for many small businesses by allowing SBA Loans to be used for investments in eligible technologies. Regulation Comments to Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Department of Justice (DOJ) on Proposed Merger Guidelines: Voiced concern about the merger guidelines and urged the agencies to pull back on this effort and to not move forward with the proposed guidelines. "Providing Opportunities to Show Transparency via Information Technology Act" (POST IT Act): Supported passage of the bill by House Small Business Committee. "The Small Business Regulatory Reduction Act": Supported passage by House Small Business Committee. "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act" (H.R. 277) - Supported House passage and continue to support Senate action. Privacy Policy in General: Continue to express the need for a national framework, but for Congress to consider a framework that avoid adding to the growing patchwork burden of state privacy laws, and to carefully consider unintended consequences on small businesses. "Prove It Act" (Senate) - Voiced support for the bill to require agencies to conduct due diligence on how proposed regulations impact small businesses. "American Innovation and Choice Online Act" (S.2033): Continue to oppose the legislation that would break up various platforms that serve small businesses in the digital space. Arbitration and Class Action Waivers: Voiced opposition to numerous bills introduced in the Congress that attempt to prohibit arbitration and class action waiver provisions. Labor and Workforce Policy DOL's Proposed Overtime Rule: Continue to express concern about the proposed rule and requested a 60 extension of the comment period to full evaluate the rule's impact on small businesses. "Save Local Businesses Act" (S.1261, HR 2826) - Support the legislation. Paid Leave Policy in U.S. House: Continue to express support for bipartisan exploration in identifying paid leave policy solutions that help support business owners and working families. Nomination of Gwynn Wilcox to serve another term on the National Labor Relations Board: Urged Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee members to delay a vote in order to fully explore nominee's record. Proposed Independent Contractor Rules: Continued to express opposition to independent contractor rules being proposed and advanced by the Department of Labor that would disrupt this critical model for entrepreneurship. "Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act" (S. 567) - Continue to oppose the legislation. "Railway Safety Act" (S. 576): Expressed concern about the legislation to all members of Congress.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2023

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 19, 2023. Original Filing: 301484938.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2023

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 20, 2023. Original Filing: 301465789.xml

Lobbying Issues

Taxes Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act, H.R. 23 - Supported House passage of the legislation. R&D Tax Credits: Continue to support extending and making permanent full expensing for R&D expenditures for small businesses. Tax Hikes in President Bidens Budget: Expressed opposition to various tax increase measures in President Bidens budget, including capital gains increases, increases in the top individual income tax rate, increasing and expanding the Net Income Investment Tax, making permanent harmful loss limitation rules, gutting the grantor trust rules and imposing a new minimum tax on larger family businesses. Death Tax Repeal Act of 2023: Support House and Senate bills to permanent repeal the death tax. Affordable Health Coverage and Health Care Innovation Tax Credit for Small Businesses: Support making reforms to the restrictive and temporary health care tax credit for small businesses to make it more practical for small businesses. Provided House Ways and Means Testimony on Health Care and Small Business: Voiced ongoing concerns about the rising costs of health coverage, lack of choices, and dwindling choices in many markets against the backdrop of challenging economic conditions. Voiced support for these various reforms: enhancing tax credits for small businesses, expanding and making additional fixes to HSAs, reforming QSEHRAs, and making CARESs Act telehealth provisions permanent. Inflation Reduction Act and Pharmaceuticals: Expressed concern about the impact of price controls on drug innovation, especially for small bio-pharmaceuticals. Affordable Energy The Lower Energy Costs Act, H.R. 1: Supported House passage of the legislation. Access to Broadband and Digital Policy Broadband Infrastructure: Support efforts in the Congress to provide oversight and track Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding to ensure the tens of billions of taxpayer dollars being allocated will be used efficiently to connect those lacking access with high-speed broadband. FCC Comments on Digital Discrimination: Regarding an Implementing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Prevention and Elimination of Digital Discrimination NPRM, urged the agency to explore a host of complex and related issues to ensure the rules or proposals being designed to not have unintended consequences on efforts to deploy broadband, make if more affordable, or undermining innovation. Economic Regulation Federal Trade Commission (FTC) proposal to Ban NonCompete Agreements: Expressed opposition to the FTCs proposed regulation imposing a sudden, nationwide, blanket prohibition on voluntary employer-employee noncompete agreements. ESG Mandates: Expressed general concern about environmental, social and governance (ESG) mandates across government and specifically in investment activity and financial sector. Labor and Workforce Policy Black Check Investigations: Expressed concerns about exhaustive and unprecedented investigations being pursued by Senate HELP Committee majority titled Authorization for Investigation into Violations of Federal Labor Law by Major Corporations. Paid Leave Policy in U.S. House: Expressed support for bipartisan exploration in identifying paid leave policy solutions that help support business owners and working families. Nomination of Julie Su as DOL Labor Secretary: Expressed concerns about the nomination, and oppose the nomination. Proposed Independent Contractor Rules: Continued to express opposition to independent contractor rules being proposed and advanced by the Department of Labor. Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) in CHIPS Package: Expressed strong opposition to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo about a PLA preference policy for businesses participating in the CHIPS program. Railroad Regulation: Expressed general concern about efforts to inappropriately regulate railroads in a way that has nothing to do with the safety issues lawmakers and regulators portend to be addressing. Procurement and Government Contracting Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Councils proposal to require significant and major contractors to disclose certain information concerning greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) and make certain climate-related financial risk disclosures, and to require major contractors to set science-based targets to reduce their GHG emissions: Urged the relevant agencies to abandon and withdraw the proposal entirely.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2022

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 20, 2023. Original Filing: 301439565.xml

Lobbying Issues

ACCESS TO CAPITAL JOBS Act 4.0: Continue to support this legislative package of access to capital measures and regulatory improvements introduced by Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA). Improving Crowdfunding Rules: Continue to express support for enhancements to equity and debt-based crowdfunding (Title III crowdfunding) that would lower costs, unleash additional capital, and improve reporting and regulatory compliance for startups and small businesses. Connecting Small Business to Capital Act (H.R. 945): Support the legislation. TAX AND SPENDING POLICY R&D Tax Credits: Advocated for the restoration of the R&D tax credit and its improvement for startups and small businesses. "Inflation Reduction Act" (IRA): Opposed the legislation, as it raises business taxes and fuels inflationary pressures through new government spending. Specifically, in IRA: Expressed concern and opposition to: the various tax increases including corporate taxes, extending the limitation on Main Street pass-through businesses to claim losses for two years without extending the 20% small business deduction; the size of the spending package and its impact on inflation and fiscal condition of the federal government; price controls on drugs; and the new spending for the IRS without implementing needed reforms and checks. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA): Continue to express support for the permanency of various provisions of the TCJA including Section 199A, lower personal tax rates, expensing provisions and estate tax changes. Main Street Certainty Act, H.R. 1381/S. 480: Continue to support the advancement of this bill to make permanent the 20% small business deduction in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. EBITDA: Continue to support the reinstatement of the IBITDA standard for business interest deductions. Renewing Investment in American Workers and Supply Chains Act, H.R. 7229/S.4012: Support this legislation to allow accelerated depreciation for all structures. "Wealth Taxes:" Continue to oppose various schemes to tax wealth based on unrealized gains on property. REGULATION AND COMPETITION POLICY Fair and Open Competition Act, S. 403/H.R. 1284: Continue to support this legislation, which would prevent the Administration from using project labor agreement (PLAs) in federal procurement contracts. Project Labor Agreements (PLAs): Continue to express opposition to President Bidens Executive Order on the use of PLAs on federal procurement projects, including the bipartisan infrastructure package. Employee Rights Act, S.3889: Continue to support this bill introduced by Senator Tim Scott to protect the status of independent contractors. New Overtime Rules: Continue to express concern about DOL efforts to again alter overtime rules. Independent Contractor Rule: Continue to express general support for streamlining and modernizing the independent contractor rule and oppose proposals that would make many independent workers inappropriately (and against their will and wishes) categorized at employees. Submitted comments to the Department of Labor regarding the proposed Employee or Independent Contractor Classification Under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 87 Fed. Reg. 62218, and urged them to withdraw the proposal and allow a March 2021 rule to stand. Joint Employer: Expressed concern for changing "joint employer" rules as they were recently improved and modernized. Submitted comments to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) urging a withdrawal of the proposed Standard for Determining Joint-Employer Status, 87 Fed. Reg. 54641. Franchise Rule: Have expressed support for the current franchise rule as it is undergoing a periodic decennial review by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Continue to express concern about Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice action and changes to the regulatory framework governing M&A review and how this would impact the innovation and startup ecosystem in the United States. President Biden Competition Executive Order: Continue to express concerns about the premise and actions behind the EO to regulate and micro-manage various sectors of the economy including technology, energy, bio-pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, railroads and other sectors that are dominated by small-to-mid-size businesses (SMBs). Targeted Tech Legislation and Anti-Trust: Continue to express concerns about the impact and unintended consequences of legislation, regulation and anti-trust re-writes at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) aimed at big tech and how it would impact small business access to markets and capital, and the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in general. American Innovation and Online Choice Act, S.2992: Oppose the legislation. Platform Competition and Opportunity Act, H.R. 3826/S.3197: Oppose the legislation. Energy and Gas Prices: Continue to express concern about restrictive energy policies with respect to developing energy in the U.S. and how such restrictions are contributing to higher energy prices. Continue to express concern about the potential for higher taxes on this sector via a "windfall profits tax," restrictions and limitations placed on energy development on public lands, and red tape and lengthy reviews for permits and energy infrastructure projects. Electronic Payments and Credit Card Regulation: Continue to voice concern about new regulations on the payments system, specifically credit routing requirements and how they undermine payment-systems innovation that has provided small businesses a lifeline during the pandemic and payments options for small businesses and startups. Expressed opposition to the Credit Card Competition Act of 2022. Privacy Policy and Legislation: Support a national framework for privacy that is inclusive and equitable to all industries. Expressed areas where the "American Data Privacy and Protection Act" (H.R. 8152) could be improved for small businesses. Filed Joint comments with the FTC expressing concerns with an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking pertaining to so-called commercial surveillance and lax security practices. Railroad Strike: Supported H.J. Res 100 to avoid a rail strike. Expressed concern about the potential for a rail strikes and its impact on supply chains, inflation and economic disruption in general. Implementation of the "Corporate Transparency Act": Continue to express concerns about the impact of the legislation (and implementing regulations) on small businesses. AFFORDABLE AND COMPETITIVE HEALTH COVERAGE Affordability/More Choices: Continue to urge members of Congress and the Administration to advance market-oriented reforms that will lower health coverage costs for small businesses and increase choices in the marketplace like improved health savings accounts, support for transitional plans and local-direct health care. Oppose efforts, generally, to impose new mandates and taxes that will add to small business costs and reduce access to health care. Price Controls on Drugs: Continue to express concern about the impact of price controls on drugs either through Medicare negotiation, an international pricing mechanism, drug importation, and the effort to use march-in rights under the Bayh-Dole Act. Virtual Health Care and Telehealth: Urged Congress to reinstate virtual care access advanced during COVID-19 that enabled employers and health plans to provide pre-deductible coverage for telehealth services for individuals with HDHP-HSAs. ACCESS TO BROADBAND Extending America's Spectrum Leadership Act (H.R. 7783): SBE Council supported the legislation. Continue to express support for freeing up spectrum to allow next gen broadband (such as 5G) to be more available to communities nationwide. NTIA Rules on the Infrastructure Package: Continue to urge the adoption of simple, transparent rules and practices to ensure the effectiveness of these programs and taxpayer resources in delivering broadband to those lacking access, and to avoid waste and abuse of funds. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS World Health Organization COVID IP Waiver: Continue to express opposition to the Biden Administrations support of a petition before the World Trade Organization that would waive vital intellectual property (IP) rights for COVID-19 vaccines and US innovators, which would essentially undercut American IP rights for U.S.-made innovations. Bayh-Dole Act: Continue to express support for the principals and rational behind Bayh-Dole (which strengthened IP rights) and against effort to undermine its effectiveness such as the misuse of march-in rights to take away IP protections. TRADE & GLOBAL MARKET ACCESS Trade Agreements: Continue to push for U.S. leadership on trade deals and opening global markets for U.S. businesses. International Trade Commission: Support general reforms that prevent foreign companies from abusing loopholes that undermine U.S. businesses and competitiveness. GOOD GOVERNMENT Improve the SBA Act (H.R. 7628): SBE Council continues to supports the legislation. Monetary Policy: Continue to express the need for the Federal Reserve to rein in the supply of money, and leave interest rates to the market. Workforce Policy/Access to Skilled Labor Continue to express support for policies that will increase the supply of labor and skilled labor such as immigration reform, new service-sector visas, second-chance initiatives, improving the earned-income tax credit, and fixing penalties on social security benefits for those who return to work. Commission on the American Workforce Act (H.R. 8784): Support the legislation.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2022

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 24, 2022. Original Filing: 301420915.xml

Lobbying Issues

ACCESS TO CAPITAL JOBS Act 4.0: Continue to support this legislative package of access to capital measures and regulatory improvements introduced by Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA). Improving Crowdfunding Rules: Continue to express support for enhancements to equity and debt-based crowdfunding (Title III crowdfunding) that would lower costs, unleash additional capital, and improve reporting and regulatory compliance for startups and small businesses. TAX AND SPENDING POLICY Build Back Better Act (BBB)"/"Inflation Reduction Act" (IRA): Opposed this variation of BBB that raises taxes and fuels inflationary pressures through new government spending. Specifically, in IRA: Expressed concern and opposition to: the various tax increases including corporate taxes, tax changes to carried interest and extending the limitation on Main Street pass-through businesses to claim losses for two years without extending the 20% small business deduction; the size of the spending package and its impact on inflation and fiscal condition of the federal government; price controls on drugs; and the new spending for the IRS without implementing needed reforms and checks. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA): Continue to express support for the permanency of various provisions of the TCJA including Section 199A, lower personal tax rates, expensing provisions and estate tax changes. Main Street Certainty Act, H.R. 1381/S. 480: Continue to support the advancement of this bill to make permanent the 20% small business deduction in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Renewing Investment in American Workers and Supply Chains Act, H.R. 7229/S.4012: Support this legislation to allow accelerated depreciation for all structures. "Wealth Taxes:" Continue to oppose various schemes to tax wealth based on unrealized gains on property. REGULATION AND COMPETITION POLICY Fair and Open Competition Act, S. 403/H.R. 1284: Continue to support this legislation, which would prevent the Administration from using project labor agreement (PLAs) in federal procurement contracts. Project Labor Agreements (PLAs): Continue to express opposition to President Bidens Executive Order on the use of PLAs on federal procurement projects, including the bipartisan infrastructure package. Employee Rights Act, S.3889: Continue to support this bill introduced by Senator Tim Scott to protect the status of independent contractors. New Overtime Rules: Continue to express concern about changing overtime rules. Independent Contractor Rule: Continue to express general support for streamlining and modernizing the independent contractor rule, and oppose proposals that would make many independent workers inappropriately (and against their will and wishes) categorized at employees. Joint Employer: Expressed concern for changing "joint employer" rules as they were recently improved and modernized. Franchise Rule: Have expressed support for the current franchise rule as it is undergoing a periodic decennial review by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). SEC Climate Disclosure Rule: Filed joints comments against the rule, and its costs, complexity and unworkability for small businesses. Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Continue to express concern about Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice action and changes to the regulatory framework governing M&A review and how this would impact the innovation and startup ecosystem in the United States. President Biden Competition Executive Order: Continue to express concerns about the premise and actions behind the EO to regulate and micro-manage various sectors of the economy including technology, energy, bio-pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, railroads and other sectors that are dominated by small-to-mid-size businesses (SMBs). Targeted Tech Legislation and Anti-Trust: Continue to express concerns about the impact and unintended consequences of legislation, regulation and anti-trust re-writes at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) aimed at big tech and how it would impact small business access to markets and capital, and the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in general. American Innovation and Online Choice Act, S.2992: Oppose the legislation. Platform Competition and Opportunity Act, H.R. 3826/S.3197: Oppose the legislation. Energy and Gas Prices: Continue to express concern about restrictive energy policies with respect to developing energy in the U.S. and how such restrictions are contributing to higher energy prices. Continue to express concern about the potential for higher taxes on this sector via a "windfall profits tax," restrictions and limitations placed on energy development on public lands, and red tape and lengthy reviews for permits and energy infrastructure projects. Electronic Payments and Credit Card Regulation: Continue to voice concern about new regulations on the payments system, specifically credit routing requirements and how they undermine payment-systems innovation that has provided small businesses a lifeline during the pandemic and payments options for small businesses and startups. Expressed opposition to the Credit Card Competition Act of 2022. Privacy Policy and Legislation: Support a national framework for privacy that is inclusive and equitable to all industries. Expressed areas where the "American Data Privacy and Protection Act" (H.R. 8152) could be improved for small businesses. Railroad Strike: Expressed concern about the potential for a rail strikes and its impact on supply chains, inflation and economic disruption in general. AFFORDABLE AND COMPETITIVE HEALTH COVERAGE Affordability/More Choices: Continue to urge members of Congress and the Administration to advance market-oriented reforms that will lower health coverage costs for small businesses and increase choices in the marketplace like improved health savings accounts, support for transitional plans and local-direct health care. Oppose efforts, generally, to impose new mandates and taxes that will add to small business costs and reduce access to health care. Price Controls on Drugs: Continue to express opposition to efforts that place price controls on drugs either through Medicare negotiation, an international pricing mechanism, drug importation, and the misdirected effort to use march-in rights under the Bayh-Dole Act. Virtual Health Care and Telehealth: Urged Congress to reinstate virtual care access advanced during COVID-19 that enabled employers and health plans to provide pre-deductible coverage for telehealth services for individuals with HDHP-HSAs. ACCESS TO BROADBAND Extending America's Spectrum Leadership Act (H.R. 7783): SBE Council supported the legislation. NTIA Rules on the Infrastructure Package: Following our filing of comments before the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Development (BEAD) and Digital Equity Planning Grant programs in the infrastructure package, we continue to urge the adoption of simple, transparent rules and common-sense principles to ensure the effectiveness of these programs in delivering broadband to those lacking access, and to avoid waste and abuse of funds. Spectrum: Continue to express support for and the need to unleash mid-band spectrum in order to enable 5G rollout and deployment across the country. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS World Health Organization COVID IP Waiver: Continue to express opposition to the Biden Administrations support of a petition before the World Trade Organization that would waive vital intellectual property (IP) rights for COVID-19 vaccines and US innovators, which would essentially undercut American IP rights for U.S.-made innovations. Bayh-Dole Act: Continue to express support for the principals and rational behind Bayh-Dole (which strengthened IP rights) and against effort to undermine its effectiveness such as the misuse of march-in rights to take away IP protections. TRADE & GLOBAL MARKET ACCESS Trade Agreements: Continue to push for U.S. leadership on trade deals and opening global markets for U.S. businesses. Moratorium on Customs Duties and Electronic Transmissions: SBE Council supported the renewing of the moratorium before the World Trade Organization (WTO). GOOD GOVERNMENT Improve the SBA Act (H.R. 7628): SBE Council supports the legislation. Monetary Policy: Continue to express the need for the Federal Reserve to rein in the supply of money, and leave interest rates to the market. Workforce Policy/Access to Skilled Labor Continue to express support for policies that will increase the supply of labor and skilled labor such as immigration reform, new service-sector visas, improving the earned-income tax credit, and fixing penalties on social security benefits for those who return to work.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2022

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 20, 2022. Original Filing: 301393056.xml

Lobbying Issues

ACCESS TO CAPITAL JOBS Act 4.0: Support this legislative package of access to capital measures and regulatory improvements introduced by Senator Pat Toomey (R-PA). TAX AND SPENDING POLICY Build Back Better Act (BBB): Opposed new variations of BBB that raise taxes on small-to-mid size businesses and fuel inflationary pressures through government spending. Specifically, in Build Back Better: Expressed concern and opposition to: the various tax increases on SMBs including death and new wealth taxes, eliminating stepped-up basis, increasing the personal rates, and applying the Net Investment Income Tax to active owners of small businesses; the size of the spending package and its impact on inflation and fiscal condition of the federal government; price controls on drugs in the legislation; and regulatory initiatives that would raise costs for small employers in the workplace. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA): Continue to express support for the permanency of various provisions of the TCJA including Section 199A, lower personal tax rates, expensing provisions and estate tax changes. Main Street Certainty Act, H.R. 1381/S. 480: Continue to support the advancement of this bill to make permanent the 20% small business deduction in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Renewing Investment in American Workers and Supply Chains Act, H.R. 7229/S.4012: Support this legislation to allow accelerated depreciation for all structures. REGULATION AND COMPETITION POLICY Fair and Open Competition Act, S. 403/H.R. 1284: Support the legislation, which would prevent the Administration from using project labor agreement (PLAs) in federal procurement contracts. Project Labor Agreements (PLAs): Continue to express opposition to President Bidens Executive Order on the use of PLAs on federal procurement projects, including the bipartisan infrastructure package. Employee Rights Act, S.3889: Continue to support this bill introduced by Senator Tim Scott to protect the status of independent contractors. New Overtime Rules: Continue to express concern about changing overtime rules. Independent Contractor Rule: Continue to express general support for streamlining and modernizing the independent contractor rule, and oppose proposals that would make many independent workers inappropriately (and against their will and wishes) categorized at employees. Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A): Filed comments expressing concern to the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice about potential changes to the regulatory framework governing M&A review and how this would impact the innovation and startup ecosystem in the United States. Private Fund Advisers Rule: Submitted comments to the Securities and Exchange Commission that urged the agency to refrain from moving forward with a proposed rule, as the Commission did not cite any instance of market failure, and the fact that the new rule would curtail investment activity and disproportionately harm smaller, and women and minority-owned firms. The Franchise Rule: Expressed support for the current rule, as the Federal Trade Commission embarks upon a decennial review of the rule. President Biden Competition Executive Order: Continue to express concerns about the premise and actions behind the EO to regulate and micro-manage various sectors of the economy including technology, energy, bio-pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, railroads and other sectors that are dominated by small-to-mid-size businesses (SMBs). Targeted Tech Legislation and Anti-Trust: Continue to express concerns about the impact and unintended consequences of legislation, regulation and anti-trust re-writes at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) aimed at big tech and how it would impact small business access to markets and capital, and the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in general. American Innovation and Online Choice Act, S.2992: Oppose the legislation. Platform Competition and Opportunity Act, H.R. 3826/S.3197: Oppose the legislation. Energy and Gas Prices: Continue to express concern about restrictive energy policies with respect to developing energy in the U.S. and how such restrictions are contributing to higher energy prices. For example, expressed concern about the potential for higher taxes on this sector via a "windfall profits tax," restrictions and limitations placed on energy development on public lands, and red tape and lengthy reviews for permits and energy infrastructure projects. Electronic Payments: Continue to voice concern about new regulations on the payments system, specifically credit routing requirements and how they undermine payment-systems innovation that has provided small businesses a lifeline during the pandemic and payments options for small businesses and startups. Privacy Policy and Legislation: Support a national framework for privacy that is inclusive and equitable to all industries. Expressed areas where the "American Data Privacy and Protection Act" (H.R. 8152) could be improved for small businesses. Re-regulation of Railroads: Delivered our views to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee members about how rules promoting forced/switching - forced/access - and crew sizes will disrupt this sector and the healing of supply chains. AFFORDABLE AND COMPETITIVE HEALTH COVERAGE Affordability/More Choices: Continue to urge members of Congress and the Administration to advance market-oriented reforms that will lower health coverage costs for small businesses and increase choices in the marketplace like improved health savings accounts, support for transitional plans and local-direct health care. Oppose efforts, generally, to impose new mandates and taxes that will add to small business costs and reduce access to health care. Price Controls on Drugs: Continue to express opposition to efforts that place price controls on drugs either through Medicare negotiation, an international pricing mechanism, drug importation, and the misdirected effort to use march-in rights under the Bayh-Dole Act. Virtual Health Care and Telehealth: Urged Congress to reinstate virtual care access advanced during COVID-19 that enabled employers and health plans to provide pre-deductible coverage for telehealth services for individuals with HDHP-HSAs. ACCESS TO BROADBAND Extending America's Spectrum Leadership Act (H.R. 7783): SBE Council supports the legislation. NTIA Rules on the Infrastructure Package: Following our filing of comments before the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Development (BEAD) and Digital Equity Planning Grant programs in the infrastructure package, we continue to urge the adoption of simple, transparent rules and common-sense principles to ensure the effectiveness of these programs in delivering broadband to those lacking access, and to avoid waste and abuse of funds. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS World Health Organization COVID IP Waiver: Continue to express opposition to the Biden Administrations support of a petition before the World Trade Organization that would waive vital intellectual property (IP) rights for COVID-19 vaccines and US innovators, which would essentially undercut American IP rights for U.S.-made innovations. Bayh-Dole Act: Continue to express support for the principals and rational behind Bayh-Dole (which strengthened IP rights) and against effort to undermine its effectiveness such as the misuse of march-in rights to take away IP protections. TRADE & GLOBAL MARKET ACCESS Trade Agreements: Continue to push for U.S. leadership on trade deals and opening global markets for U.S. businesses. Moratorium on Customs Duties and Electronic Transmissions: SBE Council supported the renewing of the moratorium before the World Trade Organization (WTO). NOMINATIONS Don Cravens as Undersecretary of the Minority Business Development Agency: Support the Nomination currently before the U.S. Senate. GOOD GOVERNMENT Improve the SBA Act (H.R. 7628): SBE Council supports the legislation.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2022

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 20, 2022. Original Filing: 301366888.xml

Lobbying Issues

TAX AND SPENDING POLICY Build Back Better Act: Opposed the legislation, and variation of proposals that raise taxes on small-to-mid size businesses. Specifically, in Build Back Better: Expressed concern and opposition to the various tax increases on SMBs, the size of the spending package and its impact on inflation, price controls on drugs in the legislation, and regulatory initiatives that would raise costs for small employers in the workplace. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA): Continue to express support for the permanency of various provisions of the TCJA including Section 199A, lower personal tax rates, expensing provisions and estate tax changes. Main Street Certainty Act, H.R. 1381/S. 480: Continue to support the advancement of this bill to make permanent the 20% small business deduction in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Renewing Investment in American Workers and Supply Chains Act, H.R. 7229/S.4012: Support this legislation to allow accelerated depreciation for all structures. Stepped-up Basis: Continue to oppose efforts to eliminate stepped-up basis, as included within the Sensible Taxation and Equity Promotion (STEP) Act in the Senate and House, H.R. 2286. REGULATION AND COMPETITION POLICY Fair and Open Competition Act, S. 403/H.R. 1284: Support the legislation, which would prevent the Administration from using project labor agreement (PLAs) in federal procurement contracts. Project Labor Agreements (PLAs): Signaled opposition to President Bidens Executive Order on the use of PLAs on federal procurement projects, including the bipartisan infrastructure package. Employee Rights Act, S.3889: Supported the bill introduced by Senator Tim Scott to protect the status of independent contractors. New Overtime Rules: Expressed concern about the consideration of changing overtime rules, and urged Department of Labor Secretary and his team to engage small businesses on this issue as they consider revising rules. DOLs Vax and Text Mandate: Expressed support for the Department of Labors (DOLs) Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) announcement about the withdrawal of the vaccine and testing emergency temporary standard for employers with 100 or more workers as an enforceable emergency temporary standard. President Biden Competition Executive Order: Continue to express concerns about the premise and actions behind the EO to regulate and micro-manage various sectors of the economy including technology, energy, bio-pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, railroads and other sectors that are dominated by small-to-mid-size businesses (SMBs). Targeted Tech Legislation and Anti-Trust: Continue to express concerns about the impact and unintended consequences of legislation, regulation and anti-trust efforts at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) aimed at big tech and how it may impact small business access to markets and capital, and the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in general. American Innovation and Online Choice Act, S.2992: Oppose the Senate legislation. Platform Competition and Opportunity Act, H.R. 3826/S.3197: Oppose the Senate legislation. 5G in the C-Band: Expressed concerns about the delay of the rollout of 5G using the c-band, and encouraged federal agencies to communicate and resolve the issue. Energy and Gas Prices: Expressed general concern that policies restricting development at home are contributing to higher energy prices. Electronic Payments: Voiced concern about new regulations on the payments system, specifically credit routing requirements and how they undermine payment-systems innovation that has provided small businesses a lifeline during the pandemic. Privacy Policy and Legislation: Support a national framework for privacy that is inclusive and equitable to all industries. Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal (FAIR) Act, H.R. 963: Opposed this legislation that would which would effectively ban arbitration provisions in private contracts. Reciprocal Switching: Filed comments before the Surface Transportation Board against the consideration of a rule promoting forced/switching - forced/access. ITC Reform: Expressed support for reforming practices at the International Trade Commission (ITC) such as those embedded within the Advancing Americas Interests Act, which would help stop the abuse of the system by patent trolls. AFFORDABLE AND COMPETITIVE HEALTH COVERAGE Affordability/More Choices: Continue to urge members of Congress and the Administration to advance market-oriented reforms that will lower health coverage costs for small businesses and increase choices in the marketplace. Oppose efforts, generally, to impose new mandates and taxes that will add to small business costs and reduce access to health care. Price Controls on Drugs: Continue to express opposition to efforts that place price controls on drugs either through Medicare negotiation, an international pricing mechanism, drug importation, and the misdirected effort to use march-in rights under the Bayh-Dole Act. Virtual Health Care and Telehealth: Urged Congress to reinstate virtual care access advanced during COVID-19 that enabled employers and health plans to provide pre-deductible coverage for telehealth services for individuals with HDHP-HSAs. ACCESS TO BROADBAND NTIA Rules on the Infrastructure Package: Filed Comments before the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on the Broadband Equity, Access, and Development (BEAD) and Digital Equity Planning Grant programs in the infrastructure package and urged the adoption of simple, transparent rules and common-sense principles to ensure the effectiveness of these programs in delivering broadband to those lacking access, and to avoid waste and abuse of funds. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS World Health Organization COVID IP Waiver: Continued to express opposition to the Biden Administrations support of a petition before the World Trade Organization that would waive vital intellectual property (IP) rights for COVID-19 vaccines and US innovators, which would essentially undercut the American IP rights. Bayh-Dole Act: Continue to express support for the principals and rational behind Bayh-Dole (which strengthened IP rights) and against effort to undermine its effectiveness such as the use of march-in rights to take away IP protections. NOMINATIONS DOL Wage and Hour Nominee: Continue to express opposition to and concern about the candidacy of David Weil as DOL Wage and Hour Administrator, and his Senate confirmation.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2021

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Feb. 1, 2022. Original Filing: 301340489.xml

Lobbying Issues

TAX AND SPENDING POLICY Build Back Better Act: Opposed the legislation. Specifically, in Build Back Better: Expressed concern and opposition to the various tax increases on SMBs, the size of the spending package and its impact on inflation, new powers provided to the IRS that would invade small business-taxpayer privacy, and price controls on drugs in the legislation. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA): Continue to express support for the permanency of various provisions of the TCJA including Section 199A, lower personal tax rates, expensing provisions and estate tax changes. Main Street Certainty Act, H.R. 1381/S. 480: Support passage to make permanent the 20% small business deduction in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Stepped-up Basis: Opposed efforts to eliminate stepped-up basis, as included within the Sensible Taxation and Equity Promotion (STEP) Act in the Senate and House, H.R. 2286. REGULATION AND COMPETITION POLICY President Biden Competition Executive Order: Continue to express concerns about the premise and actions behind the EO to regulate and micro-manage various sectors of the economy including technology, energy, bio-pharmaceuticals, telecommunications, railroads and other sectors that are dominated by small-to-mid-size businesses (SMBs). Targeted Tech Legislation and Anti-Trust: Continue to express concerns about the impact and unintended consequences of legislation, regulation and anti-trust efforts at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) aimed at big tech and how it may impact small business access to markets and capital, and the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in general. American Innovation and Online Choice Act: Oppose the Senate legislation. Platform Competition and Opportunity Act: Oppose the Senate legislation. 5G using the C-Band: Expressed concerns about the delay of the rollout of 5G using the c-band, and encouraged federal agencies to communicate and resolve the issue. Energy and Gas Prices: Expressed general concern that policies restricting development at home are contributing to higher energy prices. SBA Direct Lending: Opposed policies pushing direct lending by the Small Business Administration. Supported legislation introduced by Rep. Blain Luetkemeyer (R-MO) prohibiting direct government lending. Electronic Payments: Voiced concern about new regulations on the payments system, specifically credit routing requirements and how they undermine payment-systems innovation that has provided small businesses a lifeline during the pandemic. False Claims Amendments Act of 2021, S. 2428. Expressed concerns about the legislation without a full hearing. Supported the Cotton Amendment to S. 2428, which would require a full GAO study on the effectiveness of the False Claims Act before taking action. Privacy Policy and Legislation: Support a national framework for privacy that is inclusive and equitable to all industries. Affordable and Competitive Health Coverage Affordability/More Choices: Continue to urge members of Congress and the Administration to advance market-oriented reforms that will lower health coverage costs for small businesses and increase choices in the marketplace. Oppose efforts, generally, to impose new mandates and taxes that will add to small business costs and reduce access to health care. Price Controls on Drugs: Continue to express opposition to efforts that place price controls on drugs either through Medicare negotiation, an international pricing mechanism, or drug importation. NOMINATIONS Nomination of Reta Jo Lewis as President of U.S. Export-Import Bank: Supported the nomination. DOL Wage and Hour Nominee: Continue to express opposition to and concern about the candidacy of David Weil as DOL Wage and Hour Administrator, and his Senate confirmation. TESTIMONY Testified before House Small Business Committee on Entrepreneurship in the New Economy, and policies to support startup success such as tax simplicity and relief, less regulation and a more stable policy climate overall that would promote business and investor certainty.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2021

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 22, 2021. Original Filing: 301315976.xml

Lobbying Issues

Tax Reform and Tax and Budget Policy Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA): Continue to express support for the permanency of various provisions of the TCJA including Section 199A, lower personal tax rates, expensing provisions and estate tax changes. Main Street Certainty Act, H.R. 1381/S. 480: Support passage to make permanent the 20% small business deduction in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Stepped-up Basis: Opposed efforts to eliminate stepped-up basis, as included within the Sensible Taxation and Equity Promotion (STEP) Act in the Senate and House, H.R. 2286. Supported S. Amdt #3106 to S.Con Res. 14, the Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Resolution, introduced by Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) Expressed continued support for stepped-up basis. S. Con. Res. 14 - FY22 Budget Resolution: Opposed the legislation. Proposed Tax Increases Considered by House Ways and Means as Part of $3.5 Trillion Reconciliation Package: Opposed the proposals to raise rates on pass-throughs and C corporations, capping the Section 199A deduction, increases to the capital gains tax, imposition of capital gains at death, changes to TCJA death tax provisions, and corporate tax rates. Comprehensive Account Reporting of Financial and Bank Account Information to the IRS: Oppose Biden/U.S. Treasury reporting scheme, and efforts in the Congress to utilize such to pay for the $3.5 trillion spending package. PRO Act Tax Increase: Oppose efforts to include the PRO Act within an unemployment insurance reform measure in the $3.5 trillion package as a pay-for, which would mean higher taxes and costs for millions of small businesses. (The Wyden-Bennet proposal.) Affordable and Competitive Health Coverage Affordability/More Choices: Continue to urge members of Congress and the Administration to advance market-oriented reforms that will lower health coverage costs for small businesses and increase more flexible choices in the marketplace. Oppose efforts, generally, to impose new mandates and taxes that will add to small business costs and reduce access to health care. Price Controls on Drugs: Expressed opposition to efforts that place price controls on drugs either through Medicare negotiation, an international pricing mechanism, or drug importation. H.R. 3, the Lower Drug Costs Now Act of 2019: Oppose. Federal Government Procurement Escobar Amendment (#499) to the Rules Committee: Opposed the amendment. Regulation Expressed general concern to Congress and the Biden Administration about imposing new regulatory burdens on small businesses, and the impact during the fragile recovery period. Biden Executive Order on Competition: Expressed concern about the Promoting Competition in the American Economy Executive Order, as it is more about massive regulation than competition policy. COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate: Oppose efforts by the Administration and OSHA to oppose this mandate given the success of businesses working through this issue without government interference or a one-size-fits-all and punitive approach. PRO Act, H.R. 842/S.420: Oppose the Protecting the Right to Organize Act Consumer Financial Protection Commission Act, H.R. 4773: Support the legislation. Modern Worker Empowerment Act, H.R. 4069/S. 2973: Support the legislation. Fair and Open Competition Act, H.R. 1284/S. 403: Support the legislation. Privacy Legislation: Support a national framework for privacy that is inclusive and equitable to all industries. Comments to DOL to establish negotiated rulemaking committees to prepare proposed regulations for programs authorized under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA): Filed comments supporting an inclusive approach to all educational providers including online courses and models of learning. American Choice and Online Innovation Act, H.R. 3816: Opposed the legislation. Ending Platforms Monopolies Act, H.R. 3825: Opposed the legislation. Platform Competition and Opportunity Act, H.R. 3826: Opposed the legislation. Nomination and Appointments DOL Wage and Hour Nominee: Expressed opposition to the candidacy of David Weil as DOL Wage and Hour Administrator, and his Senate confirmation. SBA Deputy Administration: Expressed support to the U.S. Senate for the nomination of Dilawar Syed to the post of Deputy Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA).

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2021

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Aug. 9, 2021. Original Filing: 301294088.xml

Lobbying Issues

General Small Business Issues Infrastructure Bills - Voiced concerns about provisions in INVEST in American Act that could undermine small business competitiveness. PRO Act, S. 420 - Continue to voice opposition to the legislation whether advanced separately, or as part of the American Jobs Plan infrastructure package, or another spending vehicle. Expressed concern through congressional hearings - written testimony for the record. Modern Worker Empowerment Act, H.R. 4069 and S. 2973 - Support the legislation. Antitrust Activity in House and Senate, including efforts focused on Big Tech - Expressed general concern about breaking up and hyper-regulating the technology platforms that are enabling small business survival, opportunity and growth during COVID-19 and the unintended consequences for small businesses and all consumers. Expressed concern to Congress and the Biden Administration about imposing new regulatory burdens generally on small businesses, and the impact during the fragile recovery period. Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) - Expressed opposition to the use of PLAs to Congress and Administration in federal procurement projects and forthcoming infrastructure plans through coalition letters, testimony for the record in congressional hearings. Fair and Open Competition Act, H.R. 1284 and S. 403 - Support the legislation. Taxes and Tax Reform Main Street Certainty Act, H.R. 1381 and S. 480 - Support passage of this bill to make permanent the 20% small business deduction in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Tax Increases: Expressed concern to Congress and Biden Administration about raising taxes during the recovery period and its impact on small business survival, growth, capital access and investment. Specific tax proposals include raising individual rates, capital gains rates, corporate rates and elimination of stepped-up basis. Intellectual Property Protection Expressed opposition to petition before the World Health Organization to force U.S. based companies to give away their COVID-19 IP protections. Voiced opposition to the Biden Administrations support of the petition. Access to Broadband Infrastructure package: Urged Congress to allow all providers access to infrastructure dollars and not favor local government-owned networks. Also urged Congress not to use the infrastructure package as a vehicle for more regulation and red tape, which would slow deployment efforts. General Government Reform United States Postal Service: Continue to call attention to fiscal and other challenges at the USPS and how this impacts small businesses.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2021

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on May 5, 2021. Original Filing: 301270530.xml

Lobbying Issues

Regulation Raise the Wage Act, H.R. 603 and S. 53 - Opposed House passage and Senate action. PRO Act, H.R. 842 and S. 420 - Oppose and opposed the legislation whether advanced separately, or as part of the American Jobs Plan infrastructure package. Modern Worker Empowerment Act, H.R. 4069 and S. 2973 - Support the legislation. Antitrust Activity in House and Senate, including efforts focused on Big Tech - Expressed general concern about breaking up and hyper-regulating the technology platforms that are enabling small business survival, opportunity and growth during COVID-19. DOLs Independent Contractor Rule: Supported final rule advanced by the Department of Labor (DoL) in early January 2021, and opposed efforts by the incoming Administration to pull and repeal the rule. Expressed concern to Congress and the Biden Administration about imposing new regulatory burdens generally on small businesses, and the impact during the fragile recovery period. Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) - Expressed opposition to the use of PLAs to Congress and Administration in federal procurement projects and forthcoming infrastructure plans. Fair and Open Competition Act, H.R. 1284 and S. 403 - Support the legislation. Taxes and Tax Reform Opposed Retroactive Repeal of Net Operating Loss (NOL) Relief in CARES Act. Main Street Certainty Act, H.R. 1381 and S. 480 - Support passage of this bill to make permanent the 20% small business deduction in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Tax Increases: Expressed concern to Congress and Biden Administration about raising taxes generally during the recovery and its impact on small business survival, growth, capital access and investment. Specific tax proposals include raising individual rates, capital gains rates, corporate rates. New Thresholds for Form 1099-K: Expressed concern about passage on new reporting thresholds associated with Form 1099-K in the American Rescue Plan, and support efforts to delay and reform thresholds. COVID Relief PPP: Supported additional relief dollars in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), extending the program to December 31, 2021, and changes to eligibility and thresholds to make it more inclusive to very small businesses and those with high overhead costs. EIDL Caps: Supported the move of the SBA to lift arbitrary COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) caps from $150,000 to $500,000. Access to Capital Title III Regulated Crowdfunding - Supported the reform changes advanced and made permanent by Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rulemaking in March 2021. Intellectual Property Protection Expressed opposition to petition before the World Health Organization to force U.S. based companies to give away their COVID-19 IP protections. Bayh-Dole and March-in Rights: Provided comments to the National Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) affirming the principles, intention and mission of Bayh-Dole, and in support of NISTs proposed changes that maintain the principles and congressional intent. Access to Broadband Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program: Submitted comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on how to implement the program smartly and efficiently to maximize access and support to intended targets. Nominations: Supported Expeditious Action to confirm a Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator. Supported Isabel Guzmans confirmation for SBA Administrator. General Government Reform United States Postal Service: Continue to call attention to fiscal and other challenges at the USPS and how this impacts small businesses.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2020

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Feb. 8, 2021. Original Filing: 301247954.xml

Lobbying Issues

Access to Capital and COVID-19: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Advocated for an extension/restoration of the expired PPP loan program, increasing funds for the program, and fixes that include greater flexibility in use of funds for forgiveness (for example, PPE and cloud-based services), allowing small businesses to select their window for forgiveness, removing the 60-40 payroll-to-operational expense ratio to broaden the use of the program for more small businesses, clarifying that PPP forgiven expenses are tax deductible as intended by Congress in the original CARES Act, simplifying the forgiveness process, and greater targeting of the program to the smallest of businesses and disadvantaged businesses. Voiced support for full transparency of the PPP program. Supported PPP continuance as voted upon by the U.S. Senate in the Continuing Paycheck Protection Act. Supported the year-end spending and stimulus package passed by Congress and signed by President Trump that included PPP re-up, expansion and reform. Supported a temporary, legal safe harbor for small businesses as provided by in the Safe to Work Act. Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program: Advocated for small businesses to access the $10,000 grant as provided for by CARES Act legislation, for the Small Business Administration to remove the arbitrary $150,000 loan cap placed on loans, and additional EIDL funds in general, as called for and passed in the year-end spending and stimulus package. Main Street Recovery Co-Investment Fund: Advocated for a government match co-investment fund for small businesses that would utilize the regulatory framework for investment crowdfunding, which will help to broadly deliver capital to small businesses across the country. Other: Supported the development of a loan program for small businesses with low interest rates and long-term payment terms in order to help them recover from the shock of COVID-19. Urged the Congress to advance a COVID-19 recovery and relief package. SEC Action on Regulated Crowdfunding: Supported the final rules released by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on November 2, 2020 to: Increase the maximum, a company can raise from $1.07 million to $5 million; Amend the investment limits for investors in Regulation Crowdfunding offerings by not applying any investment limits to accredited investors while revising the calculation method for investment limits for non-accredited investors to allow them to rely on the greater of their annual income or net worth when calculating the limit on how much they can invest; Permit issuers to test-the-waters prior to filing an offering document with the Commission; Permit demo day communications that would not be deemed general solicitation or general advertising; Permit the use of Special Purpose Vehicles to facilitate investing in Regulation Crowdfunding issuers; and Extend for 18 months the existing temporary relief providing an exemption from certain Regulation Crowdfunding financial statement review requirements for issuers offering $250,000 or less of securities in reliance on the exemption within a 12-month period. Access to Affordable Health Care: Most Favored Nation Policy: Continue to oppose the Administrations most favored nation policy for U.S. drugs given its impact on costs, innovation and investment in this sector. This policy, also known as an International Price Index, marks foreign prices to U.S. drugs and many of these nations impose price controls. Access to Broadband and Telecommunications Policy: Broadband Infrastructure: Continue to support a federal allocation of funds to build out broadband in underserved and rural areas of the country. Supported the inclusion of infrastructure funds in the year end COVID-19 stimulus and relief package being considered by Congress. Urged the Administration to oppose 5G nationalization. FCC Action: Supported four orders advanced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on October 27, 2020 that included the establishment a 5G fund for rural America, increased unlicensed wireless opportunities in TV white spaces, a remand of the Restoring Internet Freedom Order, and the streamlining of state and local approval of certain wireless structure modifications to further accelerate the deployment of 5G. Regulatory Reform, Relief and Transparency: Corporate Transparency Act: Opposed this measure in the National Defense Authorization Act, which imposes new requirements on every small business in America. DOL Comments: Filed comments in support of the Department of Labors proposed rule on Fiduciary Duties Regarding Proxy Voting and Shareholder Rights on Retirement Savings. DOL Comments: Filed comments in general support of the Department of Labors proposed tule on Financial Factors in Selecting Plan Investments in relation to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing. FCC Comments: Filed comments on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) CG Docket No. 02-278 Rules and Regulations Implementing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 and CG Docket No. 18-152 Consumer and Government Affairs Bureau Seeks Comments on Interpretation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) in Light of the D.C. Circuits ACA International Decision. Comments focused on our organizations support of TCPA modernization given the broad adoption and standard use of technology by small businesses and consumers in two-way communications with each other. EPA Transparency/Benefit-Cost Analysis Rule: Supported the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPAs) final rule: Increasing Consistency and Transparency in Considering Benefits and Costs in the Clean Air Act (CAA) Rulemaking Process. Competition and Anti-Trust Policy: Technology Regulation and Actions: Expressed concern about the Federal Trade Commissions (FTCs) actions against Facebook and the impact on small business users of the platform to reach, market to and engage with customers and others. Intellectual Property Rights CASE Act (H.R. 2426, S. 1273): Supported passage of the Copyright Alternative in Small Claims Enforcement Act (CASE Act). Advancing Americas Interests Act of 2020 (H.R. 8037): Support the legislation.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2020

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Nov. 11, 2020. Original Filing: 301226472.xml

Lobbying Issues

Access to Capital and COVID-19: Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): Advocated for an extension of the expired PPP loan program as well as reforms including: greater flexibility in use of funds for forgiveness (for example, PPE and cloud-based services), allowing small businesses to select their time frame for forgiveness, removing the 60-40 payroll-to-operational expense ratio to broaden the use of the program for more small businesses, simplifying the forgiveness process, and greater targeting of the program to the smallest of businesses. Voiced support for full transparency of the PPP program. As part of PPP reform legislation, also supported a temporary, legal safe harbor for small businesses. The Senates Continuing Small Business Recovery and Paycheck Protection Program Act, included liability safe harbor protection in the Safe to Work Act. Discharge Petition on H.R. 8265: Supported this petition that would provide for an immediate vote on H.R. 8265, which provides for needed changes to PPP (as described above) and the continuation and restoration of the program. Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program: Advocated for small businesses to access the $10,000 grant as provided for by the legislation, for the Small Business Administration to remove the arbitrary $150,000 loan cap placed on loans, and additional EIDL funds in general. Support 6.227, the "Ensuring Increased Disaster Loans (EIDL) for Small Businesses Act. Main Street Recovery Co-Investment Fund: Advocated for a government match co-investment fund for small businesses that would utilize the regulatory framework for investment crowdfunding, which will help to broadly deliver capital to small businesses across the country. Other: Support the development of a loan program for small businesses with low interest rates and long-term payment terms in order to help them recover from the shock of COVID-19. Congressional Testimony: SBE Council president & CEO Karen Kerrigan testified before the House Financial Services Committee, Subcommittee on Diversity and Inclusion on the challenges women and minority-owned businesses face in accessing capital during the pandemic. Access to Affordable Health Care: Most Favored Nation Policy: Opposed the Administrations most favored nation policy for U.S. drugs given its impact on costs, innovation and investment in this sector. This policy, also known as an International Price Index, marked foreign prices to U.S. drugs and many of these nations impose price controls. Access to Broadband and Telecommunications Policy: Broadband Infrastructure: Continue to support a federal allocation of funds to build out broadband in underserved and rural areas of the country. Supported the inclusion of funds in a stimulus package being considered by Congress, as access to broadband has become essential during COVID-19. TCPA Reform: Filed comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on the need to modernize the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) to allow for seamless text and mobile communications between businesses and consumers without the cloud of legal action due to the outdated nature of TCPA. This type of communication has become more critical during the COVID-19 era. Specifically filed comments related to: CG Docket No. 02-278 Rules and Regulations Implementing the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 and CG Docket No. 18-152 Consumer and Government Affairs Bureau Seeks Comments on Interpretation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act in Light of the D.C. Circuits ACA International Decision. Regulatory Reform, Relief and Transparency Cost-Benefit Analysis and EPA Rulemakings: Filed comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on the proposal: Increasing Consistency and Transparency in Considering Benefits and Costs in the Clean Air Act (CAA) Rulemaking Process. SBE Council supported the proposed framework, the aim of which is to create a best practice process for regulations promulgated under the CAA. (Docket ID No: EPA-HQ-OAR-2020-00044). DOL Comments on Retirement Savings: Filed comments to the Department of Labor in support of the proposal, Financial Factors in Selecting Plan Investments in relation to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) investing and the related proposed rule on Fiduciary Duties Regarding Proxy Voting and Shareholder Rights (RIN 1210-AB91). NEPA Reform: Supported the final rulemaking of a modernized National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) to streamline red-tape, time frames and processes associated with the approval of infrastructure projects.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2020

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Aug. 12, 2020. Original Filing: 301205152.xml

Lobbying Issues

Access to Capital and COVID-19 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP): SBE Council continued to support changes and more flexibility for PPP including a lifting of the payroll to other essential expenses ratio for loan forgiveness; expanding the 8-week window of usage for loan forgiveness to 24 weeks; expanding the list of eligible forgivable expenses to include personal protective equipment (PPE) and platform-based cloud services costs; and extending the PPP program to year-end or at the discretion of the SBA Administrator. Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act, H.R. 7010: Supported House and Senate passage on the legislation. Urged the U.S. Treasury to on-ramp and deploy fin-tech companies to provide more rapid and broad access of PPP loans to small businesses. Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program: Advocated for lifting the arbitrary $150,000 loan cap established by SBA, which was not in authorizing legislation passed by Congress (it was $2 million), and for the SBA to review all loans given to determine if applicants are eligible for additional funds without the caps and to provide such loans funds to eligible small business applicants. Also urged Congress and the SBA to re-open the EIDL application portal to all small businesses, as it was only open to agricultural-related businesses for a period of time. COVID-19 Recovery Loans: Support efforts in the Congress to create a new long-term, flexible, low-interest rate loan program for small businesses. Related COVID-19 Issues Legal Reform and COVID-19: Advocated for a safe harbor for small businesses (not immunity) from litigation that protects businesses when appropriate standards of care have been met to reduce COVID-19 exposure and spread. Bad Debts Deduction: Advocated for a temporary legislative modification (to Section 166 of the tax code) to account for COVID-19 that would loosen the facts-and-circumstances test on bad debt business deductions and accelerate these deductions into the present taxable year. The JOBS Credit Act of 2020 (H.R. 6776): Supported the bill and its inclusion in future legislative package addressing COVID-19. Fuel Tax Relief: Supported efforts to suspend fuel taxes paid by non-commercial operators, which are predominantly small to mid-size businesses, similar to what the commercial airlines received. New Business Preservation Act (H.R. 6403): Supported the inclusion of this legislation in CARES Act package. CMS Temporary Regs Made Permanent: Urged that temporary regulatory changes made to telehealth, professional licensing, physician supervision and privacy during COVID-19 be made permanent. Clarification on PPP Loan Forgiveness: Supported efforts to amend the CARES Act to explicitly include language that waives Code Section 265 from applying to PPP loan forgiveness. The Small Business Expense Protection Act (S. 3612,): Supported this legislation that would allow the customary deduction of business expenses for small business recipients of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Net Operating Losses (NOL): Advocated for the preservation of the NOL carryback and suspension of limitation of excess busines loss provisions contained in the CARES Act. Pandemic Anti-Monopoly Act: Opposed this legislation that would ban all mergers during the economic and public health emergency (the COVID-19 period). SEC Conditional Rules on Regulated Crowdfunding: Supported Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) conditional rules for small businesses utilizing Regulation Crowdfunding as an option to raise capital during the COVID-19 economic period. Access to Broadband, 5G and Communications Issues Advocating for funding of the Broadband Data Act that was signed into law to ensure up-to-date broadband access mapping of underserved areas of the nation. Infrastructure Spending: In consideration of funding for broadband infrastructure projects currently being considered before Congress, advocated for the continuation of a light regulatory touch and limited restrictions, mandates and conditions, which could slow broadband deployment. TV White SPACES: Filed joint comments with the Federal Communications Commission to show continued support for the use of TV White Spaces to help improve communications across the country. (ET Docket No. 20-36) FCCs 5G Upgrade Order: Supported this order advancing modernization of rules that would accelerate the deployment of 5G. Emergency Purposes Communications Modernization: Supported a petition filed by the American Bankers Association to the FCC to allow for an emergency purposes exemption from the Telephone Consumer Protection Acts (TCPAs) consent requirement, which would allow banks, credit unions and other customer-facing financial institutions to call or text their customers regarding specific matters that they need to know during the COVID-19 pandemic. STELAR and the Distant Signal License: Advocated for the preservation of access to vital television programming in rural America through action by the Congress in delaying the expiration of the Copyright Acts distant network signal license to December 31, 2020. Regulatory Reform and Relief Supported the Administrations Regulatory Relief to Support Economic Recovery Executive Order. Establishing Beneficial Ownership Information Reporting Requirements: Continue to oppose efforts in the Congress to impose these new regulatory and reporting requirements on small businesses. EPA Proposal on Benefit-Cost Analysis: Voiced support for the Environmental Protection Agencys proposal to establish a best-practices framework for regulations promulgated under the Clean Air Act. Drug Importation and International Pricing Index: Continue to oppose proposal by the Department of Health and Human Services to allow for unsafe importation of drugs and pegging the price of U.S. drugs to countries that impose price controls. Intellectual Property Protection Patent Protection and Reform: Submitted comments to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) supporting the offices proposed changes to PTABs Rules of Practice for Instituting on All Patent Claims and All Ground and Eliminating the Presumption of Institution Favoring Petitions as to Testimonial Evidence (Docket No. PTO-P-2019-0024). Good Government U.S. Postal Service Accountability: Voiced continued support of financial reforms at the USPS, and opposed reforms to bailout the agency.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2020

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on May 22, 2020. Original Filing: 301183437.xml

Lobbying Issues

COVID 19 Response Supported broad measures to provide capital, regulatory and tax relief and support to small businesses in response to the COVID-19 economic crisis. Also supported liability reform (a liability shield), reforming the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) once signed into law, as well as the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. Expressed concerns about paid-leave mandates and other burdens on small businesses during the COVID-19 crisis. Specific legislative efforts included: Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act: Supported House and Senate passage. PPP Reform: Advocated to extend the June 30 covered period to year-end, providing flexibility in the 8-week window to 24 weeks, repealing the 75-25 forgivable expense ratio, and allowing for technology/software costs to be included as a forgivable expense. Tax Relief: Continue to support efforts on payroll tax relief, and making the small-business provisions of the Tax Cuts and Relief Act permanent. FinTech Lenders: Voiced strong support for allowing fin-tech lenders to receive approval for PPP loan processing and loan disbursement. Voiced support for second tranche of PPP funds advanced by Congress. Access to Capital SEC Harmonization Rules: Voiced support for Securities and Exchange Commissions proposed changes to improve capital access for small businesses, including those related to regulation crowdfunding that would make it more practical and affordable for small businesses. Crowdfunding Improvements: Advocacy efforts continued for urging Congress to support updates to regulation crowdfunding, including: raising the cap from $1.07 million to $10 million, revising individual investors limits, streamlining compliance and related measures. Regulation Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), H.R. 2474: Against House passage. Comments to Surface Transportation Board: Supported efforts to adopt cost-benefit analysis for rulemakings. Comments to the Council on Environmental Quality: In support of proposed National Environmental Policy Act reforms. Comments to the Federal Drug Administration: Expressed opposition to the importation of Prescriptions Drugs. Joint Employer: Voiced support for the Department of Labors final joint employer rules. Voiced support for ongoing efforts to develop a national governing framework for privacy and data regulation. Trade United-States-Mexico Agreement (USMCA): Continued to voice support for the agreement including U.S. Senate passage and its signing by President Trump. Buy American Executive Order: Expressed concerns about the order, including new costs and restrictions on market access for U.S. small businesses. Expressed support for a new free trade agreement with Taiwan. Defending American Security from Kremlin Aggression Act (DASKA): Expressed concern about how the downstream impact of DASKA would effect the small business supply chain in the U.S. Broadband Access $20.4 billion Rural Digital Opportunity Fund: Supported the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) final rules on the fund. Spectrum: Voiced support for FCCs proposal on the use of the C-band spectrum to make more available for 5G. Government Reform Comments to Postal Regulatory Commission: Regarding USPSs financial condition and the need for improved financial management Commission to thoroughly reconsider its proposal that would enable the Postal Service to significantly increase mail prices on services that are already financially effective. Also provided comments on the need for USPS to focus on reforms and changes on inefficiencies and failures in achieving proposed cost savings that have caused the USPS to withstand recurring financial losses for the last decade. Nominations Jovita Carranza as SBA Administrator: Expressed support to the U.S. Senate for this nomination and confirmation.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2019

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Feb. 12, 2020. Original Filing: 301131697.xml

Lobbying Issues

Affordable Health Coverage and Access to Health Care: Jobs and Premium Protection Act (S. 80, H.R. 2477) - Support this bill to repeal the health insurance tax, and the inclusion of this measure in the year-end spending package signed by the President. Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019 (H.R. 748) - Support this legislation to repeal the Cadillac tax and its inclusion in the year-end spending package for repeal signed by the President. Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019 (S. 684): Support this legislation to repeal the Cadillac Tax on health plans and its inclusion in the year-end package for repeal signed by the President. Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 1398, S. 172) - Supported the legislation to extend the moratorium on the health insurance tax. Expressed opposition to H.R. 3, the "Lower Drug Costs Now Act," and its passage in the U.S. House. Expressed general support to legislation that would repeal the Medical Device Tax. Voiced concern about Medicare for All and Single Payer type proposals regarding their impact on small business costs, choices, quality of care and taxes. HHS Proposed International Pricing Index (IPI) for Medicare Part D Drugs: Continue to express opposition and concern about this regulatory proposal regarding its impact on investment, innovation and small bio-pharmaceutical firms. Surprise Billing: Continue to express support for action by the Congress, and House and Senate for a solution to address surprise medical bills (specifically to include a market-based in-network rate) and opposition to "binding arbitration." Access to Capital and Capital Formation: Continue to Urge Congress, House Financial Services Committee and Senate Banking Committee to focus on bipartisan solutions (such as JOBS Act 3.0 in the last Congress) and activity to help entrepreneurs access needed financing and capital. Advocated for reforms to equity and debt-based crowdfunding (Title III regulated crowdfunding) including lifting the limit on the amount that can be raised to $10 million or $20 million, testing the waters, single purpose vehicles, lifting some investor limits, among other changes. Taxes, Tax Reform and Simplification: The Small Business Owners Tax Simplification Act of 2019 (H.R. 593) - Support the legislation to modernize the tax code for small businesses. The Main Street Tax Certainty Act of 2019 (H.R. 216) - Support the legislation to make permanent the 20% deduction for small businesses in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act, H.R. 5377. Opposed House passage of the legislation. Business Activity Tax Simplification Act (H.R. 3063): Support the legislation. Small Business Startups Act, Trade and Global Markets, Intellectual Property Protection: Continue to advocate for passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) in the House and Senate. Supported the signing of the U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement. Support H.R. 2426, the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act (CASE Act), and House passage of the legislation. Continue to express concerns about the impact of new and/or threatened tariffs from the Trump Administration on small businesses, as well as the uncertainty that the tariffs inflict on small businesses. Continue to urge the Trump Administration to reach a trade deal with China on IP protections, market access and lowering barriers, and reaching a deal generally in order to bring certainty to markets, small businesses, and to boost business investment. Expressed support for "Phase One" trade agreement. Continue to express support for trade agreements with the United Kingdom, European Union, and other nations to open new markets and lower barriers to trade for U.S. entrepreneurs and small businesses. Small Business Regulatory Reform, Relief and Action: Regulatory Reform for Small Business: Continue to support modernization of the regulatory process and providing small businesses a more meaningful voice in the process through the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (S. 584 in previous Congress), the Early Participation in Regulations Act (S 1419) and the Setting Manageable Analysis Requirements in Text (SMART) Act (S.1420). Expressed opposition to the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act in the Senate (S. 1306) and House (H.R. 2474). Opposed House passage of the legislation. Announced support for the formation of the Governors Initiative on Regulatory Innovation announced by President Trump. Announced support for Executive Orders signed by President Trump on two regulatory initiatives: Transparency and Fairness and Bringing Guidance Out of the Darkness. Continue to support efforts underway at the Department of Labor and National Labor Relations Board to fix and modernize the "joint employer" standard. The Modern Worker Empowerment Act, H.R. 4069, support the legislation. Continue to voice action by the Congress for a national regulatory framework for Privacy and Data Protection. Corporate Transparency Act (H.R. 2513): Oppose the legislation to impose complex rules and requirements on all small businesses with regard to beneficial ownership, and House action on the legislation. Affordable Energy: PURPA Modernization Act of 2019 (H.R. 1502) - Support the legislation to modernize PURPA. Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (PURPA). Support reform and efforts underway at the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to reform the statute and submitted comments expressing such. U.S. Postal System (USPS) and Costs: Continued to voice support for reforms at the Universal Postal Union that would bring cost equity to American small businesses. Small Business and Entrepreneurial Support/Support for Nominations: Support the Confirmation of Keith Sonderling as an EEOC Commissioner. Supported of the nomination and confirmation of Dan Brouillette for U.S. Energy Secretary: Supported the nomination of Jovita Carranza as Administrator, U.S. Small Business Administration. Access to Broadband and Other Telecommunications Issues Spectrum. Supported NPRM by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reallocate 75 megahertz of spectrum in the 5.9 GHz band to be made available for more productive and innovative purposes, such as for unlicensed uses for WiFi. Satellite Television Extension and Localism Reauthorization Act (STELAR). Supported the reauthorization and opposed the alternative H.R. 5140, the Satellite Television Community Protection and Promotion Act of 2019.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2019

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Nov. 18, 2019. Original Filing: 301091336.xml

Lobbying Issues

Affordable Health Coverage and Access to Health Care: Jobs and Premium Protection Act (S. 80) - Support this bill to repeal the health insurance tax. Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019 (H.R. 748) - Support this legislation to repeal the Cadillac tax. Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019 (S. 684): Support this legislation to repeal the Cadillac Tax on health plans. Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 1398, S. 172) - Support the legislation to extend the moratorium on the health insurance tax. Expressed opposition to H.R. 3, the "Lower Drug Costs Now Act." Expressed general support to legislation that would repeal the Medical Device Tax. Voiced concern about Medicare for All and Single Payer type proposals regarding their impact on small business costs, choices, quality of care and taxes. HHS Proposed International Pricing Index (IPI) for Medicare Part D Drugs: Continue to express opposition and concern about its impact on investment, innovation and small bio-pharmaceutical firms. Surprise Billing: Expressed support to Congress and Senate HELP Committee for a solution to address surprise medical bills (specifically to include market-based in network prices) and opposition to "binding arbitration." Access to Capital and Capital Formation: Continue to Urge Congress, House Financial Services Committee and Senate Banking Committee to focus on bipartisan solutions (such as JOBS Act 3.0 in the last Congress) and activity to help entrepreneurs access needed financing and capital. Advocated for reforms to equity and debt-based crowdfunding including lifting the limit on the amount that can be raised to $10 million or $20 million, testing the waters, single purpose vehicles, lifting some investor limits, among other changes. Submitted House Financial Services Committee testimony on Examining Private Market Exemptions as a Barrier to IPOs and Retail Investment to encourage a discussion focused on bringing down barriers that would allow startups and small businesses to access U.S. capital markets. Taxes, Tax Reform and Simplification: The Small Business Owners Tax Simplification Act of 2019 (H.R. 593) - Support the legislation to modernize the tax code for small businesses. The Main Street Tax Certainty Act of 2019 (H.R. 216) - Support the legislation to make permanent the 20% deduction for small businesses in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Business Activity Tax Simplification Act (H.R. 3063): Support the legislation. Indexing Capital Gains Taxes: Expressed support to the U.S. Treasury Secretary to take administrative action to index capital gains for inflation. Trade and Global Markets, Intellectual Property Protection: Continue to advocate for passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA) in the House and Senate. Support H.R. 2426, the Copyright Alternative in Small-Claims Enforcement Act (CASE Act) Continue to express concerns about the impact of new and/or threatened tariffs from the Trump Administration on small businesses, as well as the uncertainty that the tariffs inflict on small businesses. Continue to urge the Trump Administration to reach a trade deal with China on IP protections, market access and lowering barriers, and reaching a deal generally in order to bring certainty to markets, small businesses, and to boost business investment. Small Business Regulatory Reform, Relief and Action: Regulatory Reform for Small Business: Continue to support modernization of the regulatory process and giving small businesses a bigger voice in the process through the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (S. 584 in previous Congress), the Early Participation in Regulations Act (S 1419) and the Setting Manageable Analysis Requirements in Text (SMART) Act (S.1420). Expressed opposition to the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act in the Senate (S. 1306) and House (H.R. 2474). Expressed support for H.R. 4069, the Modern Worker Empowerment Act. Continue to voice support for SBA Chief Counsel for Advocacy nominee David Tryon. Continue to voice action by the Congress on a national regulatory framework for Privacy and Data Protection. Corporate Transparency Act (H.R. 2513): Oppose the legislation to impose complex rules and requirements on all small businesses with regard to beneficial ownership. Raise the Wage Act (H.R. 582): Expressed opposition to this legislation that would raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2024. Affordable Energy: PURPA Modernization Act of 2019 (H.R. 1502) - Support the legislation to modernize PURPA. U.S. Postal System (USPS) and Costs: Continued to voice support for reforms at the Universal Postal Union that would bring cost equity to American small businesses. Small Business and Entrepreneurial Support/Support for Nominations: Supported the Nomination and Confirmation of Eugene Scalia as the next U.S. Labor Secretary. Supported the Confirmation of Keith Sonderling as an EEOC Commissioner. New Start Act (S. 1077): Support for the legislation. Small Business Administration Reauthorization: Supported Senator Marco Rubio's mark (the Chairman's mark) for SBA reauthorization. Urged House and Senate Appropriation Leaders to avoid shutdown of the flagship 7a SBA lending program and advance reforms to fox the federal credit subsidy rate.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2019

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Aug. 20, 2019. Original Filing: 301061288.xml

Lobbying Issues

Affordable Health Coverage and Access to Health Care: Jobs and Premium Protection Act (S. 80) - Support this bill to repeal the health insurance tax. Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019 (H.R. 748) - Support this legislation to repeal the Cadillac tax. Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2019 (S. 684): Support this legislation to repeal the Cadillac Tax on health plans. Health Insurance Tax Relief Act of 2019 (H.R. 1398, S. 172) - Support the legislation to extend the moratorium on the health insurance tax. H.R. 1010 - Opposed this legislation that would repeal new rules designed to make transitional health coverage more practical and affordable for entrepreneurs through short-term limited-duration health plans. Strengthening Health Care and Lowering Prescription Drug Costs Act (H.R. 987) - Opposed the legislation, which would repeal transitional health coverage for entrepreneurs (short-term limited-duration plans.) Voiced concern about Medicare for All and Single Payer type proposals regarding their impact on small business costs, choices, quality of care and taxes. HHS Proposed International Pricing Index (IPI) for Medicare Part D Drugs: Continued to express opposition and concern about its impact on investment, innovation and small bio-pharmaceutical firms. Surprise Billing: Expressed support to Congress and Senate HELP Committee for a solution to address surprise medical bills (specifically to include market-based in network prices) and opposition to "binding arbitration" as a solution. Binding Arbitration in Medicare Part B and Part D: Expressed opposition to the use of binding arbitration as a strategy for lowering drug prices in Medicare Part B and possibly in Medicare Part D. Access to Capital and Capital Formation: Urged House Financial Services Committee to focus on bipartisan solutions (such as JOBS Act 3.0 in the last Congress) and activity to help entrepreneurs access needed financing and capital. Advocated for reform to equity and debt-based crowdfunding including lifting the limit on the amount that can be raised to $20 million, testing the waters, single purpose vehicles, among other changes. Taxes, Tax Reform and Simplification: The Small Business Owners Tax Simplification Act of 2019 (H.R. 593) - Support the legislation to modernize the tax code for small businesses. The Main Street Tax Certainty Act of 2019 (H.R. 216) - Support the legislation to make permanent the 20% deduction for small businesses in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Business Activity Tax Simplification Act (H.R. 3063): Support the legislation. Indexing Capital Gains Taxes: Expressed support to the U.S. Treasury Secretary for taking administrative action to index capital gains for inflation. Trade and Global Markets: Expressed support and advocated for passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA). Expressed concerns regarding the impact of new and/or threatened tariffs from the Trump Administration on small businesses. Continue to urge the Trump Administration to reach a trade deal with China to bring certainty to markets, costs certainty for small businesses, boost business investment and the economy. Section 301 Tariffs: Expressed opposition to increased tariffs to USTR given their disproportionate impact on small businesses, their employees and customers Small Business Regulatory Reform, Relief and Action on Key Administration Nominees: Regulatory Reform for Small Business: Continue to support modernization of the regulatory process and giving small businesses a bigger voice in the process through the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (S. 584 in previous Congress), the Early Participation in Regulations Act (S 1419) and the Setting Manageable Analysis Requirements in Text (SMART) Act (S.1420). Continue to voice support for SBA Chief Counsel for Advocacy nominee David Tryon. Voiced support and action for national legislation to address Privacy Regulation. Voiced support for the Senate to confirm an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) member in order to reach quorum on key issues before the commission. Save the Internet Act (H.R. 1644) - Opposed this legislation that would harm small ISP providers, raise costs for small businesses and hurt innovation within the internet ecosystem. Corporate Transparency Act (H.R. 2513): Oppose the legislation to impose complex rules and requirements on all small businesses with regard to beneficial ownership. Raise the Wage Act (H.R. 582): Expressed opposition to this legislation that would raise the minimum wage to $15 by 2024. Affordable Energy: PURPA Modernization Act of 2019 (H.R. 1502) - Support the legislation to modernize PURPA. Infrastructure Legislation: Urged House members to include energy infrastructure projects in consideration of broader infrastructure legislation. Competitive Wholesale Electricity Markets: Expressed support for FERC to continue reviewing ways to improve the cost-effectiveness and reliability of electricity markets. U.S. Postal System (USPS) and Costs: Postal Regulatory Commission Actions and Oversight: Through comments filed, urged continued action and commended the PRC for their oversight of USPS with regard to their financial condition, and to closely watch proceedings of the Universal Postal Union to guide key decisions moving forward Small Business and Entrepreneurial Support New Start Act (S. 1077): Expressed support for the legislation.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2019

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on May 22, 2019. Original Filing: 301041099.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2018

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Feb. 2, 2019. Original Filing: 301019618.xml

Lobbying Issues

ACCESS TO CAPITAL The JOBS and Investor Confidence Act (JOBS Act 3.0): Advocated for Senate action following House passage. H.R. 6130, Helping Startups Continue to Grow Act. Support. Unlocking Small Business Access to Capital Act, H.R. 6127: Support. Other issues: Continue to advocate for reforms to improve the rules governing equity and debt-based crowdfunding. TAX REFORM & TAX POLICY H.R. 3717, Small Business Tax Simplification Act of 2017. Continue to support legislation. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Section 199A, 20% Small Business Deduction: Supportive of proposed regulations by the Internal Revenue Service. Deferred Section 965 Tax Liabilities. Urged the Internal Revenue Service/Treasury Department to revise relevant guidance to allow taxpayers with deferred 965 tax liabilities to choose how their tax overpayments are applied. REGULATORY REFORM AND MODERNIZATION Continue to support reforms that make the regulatory process more transparent, accountable and that provide for meaningful input from small businesses. Also support: cost-benefit analysis, look-back provisions, and sunsetting. Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (S.584): Support full Senate passage. Regulatory Accountability Act (S.951): Support full Senate passage. Midnight Rules Relief Act (S.34): Support full Senate passage. Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (S.21): Support full Senate passage. Provide Accountability Through Transparency Act (S.577): Support full Senate passage. Early Participation in Regulations Act (S.579): Support full Senate passage. Support forthcoming action by the National Labor Relation Board on the joint employer standard. Privacy Regulation: Urging the Congress to design and advance one national rule for data privacy. Terminal Dues Rates Set by the Universal Postal Union (UPU): Supportive of the Trump Administrations actions to bring parity to U.S. small businesses by reforming the rates paid by overseas shippers. Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services Proposed Rule, Medicare Programs, International Pricing Index (IPI) Model for Medicare Part B Drugs: Submitted comments in opposition to the IPI model, which imports price controls. Small Business Runway Extension Act (H.R. 6630/S. 3562): Supported House and Senate passage and the signing into law. Support Federal Communication Commission (FCC) action (on TV White Spaces) to dedicate at least three usable channels (below 700 MHZ) to remain available in markets across the country to increase access to broadband. HEALTH CARE REFORM Continue to support reform efforts to fix provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that are driving costs higher and making the marketplace less competitive for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Including: Repeal of taxes within the ACA including the Health Insurance Tax (HIT Tax), net investment tax and Cadillac tax. Also support repealing the employer mandate and liberalizing the mandates and types of coverage required of health plans. SJ Res. 63, Disapproval of Short Term, Limited Duration Insurance Rule: Opposed SJ Res. 63 Health Insurance Tax (HIT): Advocated for the extension of the 2019 moratorium of the HIT through 2020 and 2021. Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs): Supportive of the proposed regulations advanced by the Department of Labor to improve HRAs. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Continue to educate and advocate on the importance of protecting and strengthening IP for small businesses. Small Business Innovation Act (H.R. 2655/S.971). Supported House and Senate passage and the Presidents signature into law. The STRONGER Patents Act of 2017 (S.1390 and H.R. 5340). Support the legislation. TRADE & GLOBAL MARKETS Continue to support trade expansion and trade agreements to open overseas markets to small businesses. United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): Supported President Trumps signing of the agreement and support Congressional approval of the accord. Trade Agreement with Japan, EU and Great Britain: Supportive of Administrations intentions to negotiate agreements with the three entities. Tariffs: General education aimed at Congress and Administration about the impact of tariffs on small businesses and the economy. GOVERNMENT REFORM First Step Act of 2018 (S.3649): Supported passage in the Senate and House.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2018

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 22, 2018. Original Filing: 300997958.xml

Lobbying Issues

ACCESS TO CAPITAL Advocated for various capital formation and access bills as part of House-passed "JOBS Act 3.0" (S. 488, JOBS and Investor Confidence Act) including: Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act (H.R. 79), Fostering Innovation Act (H.R. 1645), Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales and Brokerage Simplification Act of 2017 (H.R. 477), Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act (H.R. 2201), SEC Regulatory Accountability Act (H.R. 78), Small Business Credit Availability Act (H.R. 4267), Regulation A+ Improvement Act of 2017 (H.R. 4263), Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act of 2017 (H.R. 3312), and Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act (H.R. 4821). Support Action by the Senate H.R. 6130, Helping Startups Continue to Grow Act. Support. Unlocking Small Business Access to Capital Act, H.R. 6127: Support. Title III Crowdfunding: Expressed support to Securities and Exchange Commission to lift the fundraising cap from $1 million to $20 million. Small Business Stock: Urging Congress to update the threshold (last updated in 1978) to Section 1224 Small Business Stock, which allows investors to deduct losses taken on investments in C Corp startups. Other issues: Continue to advocate for reforms to improve the rules governing equity and debt-based crowdfunding, and policies that lighten the regulatory burden on community banks and the financial system in general to improve capital formation and capital access for startups and entrepreneurs. This includes changes to Dodd-Frank, reform of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and SEC regulatory reforms to reduce red tape and costs for small firms. TAX REFORM & TAX POLICY H.R. 3717, Small Business Tax Simplification Act of 2017. Continue to support legislation. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Section 199A, 20% Small Business Deduction: Supportive of proposed regulations by the Internal Revenue Service. REGULATORY REFORM, WORKPLACE AND HUMAN CAPITAL ISSUES Continue to support reforms that make the regulatory process more transparent, accountable and that provide for meaningful input from small businesses. Also support: cost-benefit analysis, look-back provisions, and sunsetting. Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (S.584): Support full Senate passage. Regulatory Accountability Act (S.951): Support full Senate passage. Midnight Rules Relief Act (S.34): Support full Senate passage. Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (S.21): Support full Senate passage. Provide Accountability Through Transparency Act (S.577): Support full Senate passage. Early Participation in Regulations Act (S.579): Support full Senate passage. Association Retirement Plans: Supported President Trumps Executive Order to create a framework for these plans. Small Business Regulatory Improvements Act (S. 584): Testified before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee on the importance of fundamental regulatory reform and passing S. 584. Support forthcoming action by the National Labor Relation Board on the joint employer standard. House Joint Resolution 129 Congressional Review Act to Restore Internet Regulation: Oppose the CRA in the U.S. House. Telecommunications Policy and Access to Broadband Comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on action to reaffirm the national framework for regulating cable infrastructure, which includes facilities used to deliver broadband. SBE Council supported the action. 5G: Supported various actions and votes by the FCC to help transition to 5G including a NPRM on freeing up 3.7-4.2 GHz of mid-band spectrum, streamlining rules (and establishing a time limit) on small-cell site approvals and limiting what local governments could charge service providers for such sites. Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) of 1991: Urged the FCC to make changes to update and fix the outdated TCPA. Support FCC action (on TV White Spaces) to dedicate at least three usable channels (below 700 MHZ) to remain available in markets across the country. HEALTH CARE REFORM Continue to support reform efforts to fix provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that are driving costs higher and making the marketplace less competitive for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Including: Repeal of taxes within the ACA including the Health Insurance Tax (HIT Tax), net investment tax and Cadillac tax. Also support repealing the employer mandate and liberalizing the mandates and types of coverage required of health plans. Improving and expanding health savings accounts (HSAs), health reimbursement accounts (HRAs), short-term limited duration plans. Final Rule from the Departments of Treasury, Health and Human Services and Labor on Short-Term Limited-Duration Health Plans: Supported the final rule. Durbin-Grassley Amendment on Direct-To-Consumer Advertising Mandate: Opposed this proposed amendment to the Defense-Labor-HHS Appropriations package. Continue to urge Senators to develop a consensus bill that provides marketplace stability, and small businesses with cost relief, more choices and affordable health coverage options. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Continue to educate and advocate on the importance of protecting and strengthening IP for small businesses. The Music Modernization Act of 2017, H. R. 4706. Supported House and Senate passage. The Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Protection Act (STOP ACT), H.R. 1057 and S.372. Supported the legislation and House/Senate passage. Comments to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) regarding proposed changes to the claim construction standard used in Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) hearings. SBE Council supports the proposed changes. The STRONGER Patents Act of 2017 (S.1390 and H.R. 5340). Support the legislation. TRADE & GLOBAL MARKETS Continue to support trade expansion and trade agreements to open overseas markets to small businesses. Continued to educate about the benefits of NAFTA, and the need to update some of the provisions (with respect to intellectual property, for example) but to maintain the core agreement to encourage commerce and business growth for U.S. small businesses. Section 232 Automobile Parts Imports Investigation: Comments and verbal testimony to United States Trade Representative expressing concern about tariffs/increasing tariffs in the automobile sector. Trade Agreements: Voiced support for advancing trade agreements with the European Union, finishing up the new NAFTA agreement with strong IP protections and keeping the agreement a trilateral one. The U.S. Postal Service and Shipping Rates Comments to the Postal Rate Commission on global postal rate parity and reforming terminal dues rates at the Universal Postal Union. SBE Council supports reforms to modernize terminal dues to create level playing field for U.S. small businesses. Supportive of President Trumps Memorandum - Modernizing the Monetary Reimbursement Model for the Delivery of Goods Through the International Postal System and Enhancing the Security and Safety of International Mail - to bring global shipping rate parity to small businesses. Legal Reform and Judges Nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the United States Supreme Court: Expressed support for Judge Kavanaugh. Government Procurement Project Labor Agreements (PLA): Expressed support and urged President Donald Trump to repeal Obama-era PLA executive order, which is a cost barrier for small businesses to compete on government contracts.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2018

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 20, 2018. Original Filing: 300976449.xml

Lobbying Issues

ACCESS TO CAPITAL Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, S. 2155. Supported House passage and the President's signing of the bill. Working on various capital formation and access bills as part of a "JOBS Act 3.0" package including: Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act (H.R. 79), Fostering Innovation Act (H.R. 1645), Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales and Brokerage Simplification Act of 2017 (H.R. 477), Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act (H.R. 2201), SEC Regulatory Accountability Act (H.R. 78), Small Business Credit Availability Act (H.R. 4267), Regulation A+ Improvement Act of 2017 (H.R. 4263), Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act of 2017 (H.R. 3312), and Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act (H.R. 4821). H.R. 6130, Helping Startups Continue to Grow Act. Support. House Financial Services Committee, provided testimony on Empowering a Pro-Growth Economy through Tax Cuts and regarding the benefits of the tax cuts and the need to move legislation that would improve capital access. Supported Securities and Exchange Commission action to increase the threshold smaller reporting company definition to allow more small companies to take advantage of certain regulatory relief. Testified before Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee in support of specific bills to improve capital formation and access for entrepreneurs, including: S. 588, Helping Angels Lead Our Startups Act; S. 2126, Fostering Innovation Act; S. 2347, Encouraging Public Offerings Act; S. 3004, Small Business Audit Correction Act; S. 2765, RBIC Advisers Relief Act. Small Business Stock: Urging Congress to update the threshold (last updated in 1978) to Section 1224 Small Business Stock, which allows investors to deduct losses taken on investments in C Corp startups. Other issues: Continue to advocate for reforms to improve the rules governing equity and debt-based crowdfunding, and policies that lighten the regulatory burden on community banks and the financial system in general to improve capital formation and capital access for startups and entrepreneurs. This includes changes to Dodd-Frank, reform of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and SEC regulatory reforms to reduce red tape and costs for small firms. TAX REFORM & TAX POLICY H.R. 3717, Small Business Tax Simplification Act of 2017. Continue to support legislation. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Section 199A: Requested that U.S. Treasury allow for aggregating or grouping of business entities for purposes of calculating the new 20 percent small business deduction in the new tax law. REGULATORY REFORM, RELIEF & FEDERAL PROGRAM REFORM, Financial Regulatory Reform Continue to support reforms that make the regulatory process more transparent, accountable and that provide for meaningful input from small businesses. Also support: cost-benefit analysis, look-back provisions, and sunsetting. Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (S.584): Support full Senate passage. Regulatory Accountability Act (S.951): Support full Senate passage. Midnight Rules Relief Act (S.34): Support full Senate passage. Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (S.21): Support full Senate passage. Provide Accountability Through Transparency Act (S.577): Support full Senate passage. Early Participation in Regulations Act (S.579): Support full Senate passage. SBA Chief Counsel for Advocacy - Supported the nomination and support the pending confirmation of David C. Tryon to be the next Chief Counsel of the Office of Advocacy. H.R. 5266, the Financial Product Safety Commission Act of 2018. Support. H.R. 3825, Harmonization of Coverage Act. Support. Congressional Review Act Resolution to Overturn the FCCs Restoring Internet Freedom Order. Opposed Senate passage and continue to oppose in the House. Support announcement by the National Labor Relations Board on forthcoming efforts to fix the joint employer standard. Support of Federal Communication Commission (FCC) agenda and orders related to 5G, which will accelerate deployment and investment of this technology. Opposed Congressional Review Act (CRA) action by the U.S. Senate to overturn the FCCs Internet Freedom order, which will bring back Title II regulation of the internet and carve big tech companies out of privacy policy rules. Support FCC action (on TV White Spaces) to dedicate at least three usable channels (below 700 MHZ) to remain available in markets across the country. The Foxx-Davis Amendment to the 2018 Farm Bill to Modernize the Outdated Sugar Program. SBE Council supported. H.R. 4265/S. 2086, the Sugar Policy Modernization Act. Support. Postal Service: Support President Trumps executive order to establish a Task Force on the U.S. Postal Service. Schedule B Filing for 501(c) Organizations: Voiced support to the Administration for advancing a rule that would protect free speech by eliminating Schedule B Form filing. HEALTH CARE REFORM Continue to support reform efforts to fix provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that are driving costs higher and making the marketplace less competitive for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Including: Repeal of taxes within the ACA including the Health Insurance Tax (HIT Tax), net investment tax and Cadillac tax. Also support repealing the employer mandate and liberalizing the mandates and types of coverage required of health plans. Improving and expanding health savings accounts (HSAs), health reimbursement accounts (HRAs), short-term limited duration plans. Employer Mandate Penalties in the Affordable Care Act: Expressed concerns to the U.S. Treasury, Health and Human Services, and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services regarding how tax penalties are being assessed under the employer mandate of the Affordable Care Act. Urged suspension of the assessment and a full repeal of the mandate. Supported the final Department of Labor Rule on Association Health Plans. Continue to urge Senators to develop a consensus bill that provides marketplace stability, and small businesses with cost relief and affordable health coverage choices. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Continue to educate and advocate on the importance of protecting and strengthening IP for small businesses. The Music Modernization Act of 2017, H. R. 4706. Supported House passage. The Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Protection Act (STOP ACT), H.R. 1057 and S.372. Support the legislation and House passage. Support keeping NAFTA, and making sure modernization includes stronger IP protections and fixes related to cross-border data issues. The STRONGER Patents Act of 2017 (S.1390 and H.R. 5340). Support the legislation. TRADE & GLOBAL MARKETS Continue to support trade expansion and trade agreements to open overseas markets to small businesses. Continue to educate about the benefits of NAFTA, and the need to update some of the provisions (with respect to intellectual property, for example) but to maintain the core agreement to encourage commerce and business growth for U.S. small businesses. Testified before the U.S. House Small Business Committee on The State of Trade and Small Business, April 11, 2018. Voiced general support for NAFTA, resuming activity to develop new trade agreements, and outlined concerns about tariffs proposed by Administration. Submitted Comments to the United States Trade Representative expressing concerns regarding proposed Section 301 actions - specifically tariffs - in response to Chinese acts and policies on technology transfer, intellectual property and innovation. NAFTA Re-Negotiation: Continue to urge the Administration to stay in NAFTA and to elevate the priority of intellectual property issues within the agreement.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2018

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on May 10, 2018. Original Filing: 300959999.xml

Lobbying Issues

ACCESS TO CAPITAL Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, S. 2155. Supported Senate passage of the bill. Support House inclusion of various other access to capital measures in S. 2155 once the House considers the bill (or separate Senate action on these bills), including: Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act (H.R. 79), Fostering Innovation Act (H.R. 1645), Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales and Brokerage Simplification Act of 2017 (H.R. 477), Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act (H.R. 2201), SEC Regulatory Accountability Act (H.R. 78), Small Business Credit Availability Act (H.R. 4267), Regulation A+ Improvement Act of 2017 (H.R. 4263), Systemic Risk Designation Improvement Act of 2017 (H.R. 3312), and Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act (H.R. 4821). H.J. Res. 122, providing for congressional disapproval of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureaus Small-Dollar Loan Rule. Supported passage of the CRA rescinding the rule. Other issues: Continue to advocate for reforms to improve the rules governing equity and debt-based crowdfunding, and policies that lighten the regulatory burden on community banks and the financial system in general to improve capital formation and capital access for startups and entrepreneurs. This includes changes to Dodd-Frank, reform of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and SEC regulatory reforms to reduce red tape and costs for small firms. TAX REFORM & TAX POLICY Provided a statement for the record for the House Ways and Means Committee Member Day, January 20, 2018, in support of the Small Business Tax Simplification Act of 2017, (H.R. 3717). Supported inclusion of language to fix the grain glitch - a drafting error in The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act - within the FY 2018 omnibus spending bill. REGULATORY REFORM, RELIEF & FEDERAL PROGRAM REFORM Continue to support reforms that make the regulatory process more transparent, accountable and that provide for meaningful input from small businesses. Also support: cost-benefit analysis, look-back provisions, and sunsetting. Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (S.584): Support full Senate passage. Regulatory Accountability Act (S.951): Support full Senate passage. Midnight Rules Relief Act (S.34): Support full Senate passage. Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (S.21): Support full Senate passage. Provide Accountability Through Transparency Act (S.577): Support full Senate passage. Early Participation in Regulations Act (S.579): Support full Senate passage. Save Local Business Act (H.R.3441), supported House passage of the legislation, and action by the Senate. Also supported inclusion with the FY 2018 omnibus spending bill. Sugar Policy Modernization Act (H.R. 4265 and S.2086). Support the legislation. The Financial Product Safety Commission Act of 2018 (H.R. 5266). Support the legislation. True Incorporation Transparency for Law Enforcement (TITLE) Act (S.1454). Oppose the legislation. SBA Chief Counsel for Advocacy - Supported the nomination and support the pending confirmation of David C. Tryon to be the next Chief Counsel of the Office of Advocacy. Access to Broadband Support of Federal Communication Commission (FCC) agenda and orders related to 5G, which will accelerate deployment and investment of this technology. Also supported creation of the "Office of Economics and Analytics at the FCC. Oppose Congressional Review Act (CRA) action by the U.S. Senate to overturn the FCCs Internet Freedom order, which will bring back Title II regulation of the internet and carve big tech companies out of privacy policy rules. Support FCC action (on TV White Spaces) to dedicate at least three usable channels (below 700 MHZ) to remain available in markets across the country. HEALTH CARE REFORM Continue to support reform efforts to fix provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that are driving costs higher and making the marketplace less competitive for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Including: Repeal of taxes within the ACA including the Health Insurance Tax (HIT Tax), net investment tax and Cadillac tax. Also support repealing the employer mandate and liberalizing the mandates and types of coverage required of health plans. Improving and expanding health savings accounts (HSAs), health reimbursement accounts (HRAs), short-term limited duration plans, and the creation of Association Health Plans as outlined in a proposed rule by the Department of Labor. Continue to urge Senators to develop a consensus bill that provides marketplace stability, and small businesses with cost relief and affordable health coverage choices. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Continue to educate and advocate on the importance of protecting and strengthening IP for small businesses. The Music Modernization Act of 2017, H. R. 4706. Supported House passage. The Synthetics Trafficking and Overdose Protection Act (STOP ACT), H.R. 1057 and S.372. Support the legislation. Also provided testimony for the record to the House Ways and Means Committee on April 24 in support of the STOP Act for the hearing Opioids and the International Postal System. Support keeping NAFTA, and making sure modernization includes stronger IP protections and fixes related to cross-border data issues. The STRONGER Patents Act of 2017 (S.1390 and H.R. 5340). Support the legislation. TRADE & GLOBAL MARKETS Continue to support trade expansion and trade agreements to open overseas markets to small businesses. Continue to educate about the benefits of NAFTA, and the need to update some of the provisions (with respect to intellectual property, for example) but to maintain the core agreement to encourage commerce and business growth for U.S. small businesses. Testified before the U.S. House Small Business Committee on The State of Trade and Small Business, April 11, 2018. Voiced general support for NAFTA, resuming activity to develop new trade agreements, and outlined concerns about tariffs proposed by Administration. Provided testimony for the record on the House Ways and Means hearing on the U.S. Trade Policy Agenda, March 21, 2018. Detailed the importance of global markets and trade agreements to small businesses, concerns about emerging protectionism and proposed tariffs by the Administration. Filed comments with the United States Postal Service on February 20, 2018 urging Commissioners to take action and urge the State Department to work to level the playing field for U.S. small businesses, and in support of the Commissions proposal to unseal the revenue, cost, and weight data for all inbound items, by UPU country group and shape, for 2017. GOOD GOVERNMENT Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act, H.R. 4916. Support the legislation. Supported House passage of a package of bills to reorganize and modernize the IRS, including: The Taxpayer First Act, H.R. 5444; The 21st Century IRS Act, H.R. 5445; The Justice for Victims of IRS Scams and Identity Theft Act, H.R. 2905; H.R. 5440 requires notice from the Secretary of the Treasury in the case of any closure of a Taxpayer Assistance Center; and H.R. 5446 amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restrict the immediate sale of seized property by the Secretary of the Treasury to perishable goods.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2017

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 22, 2018. Original Filing: 300936454.xml

Lobbying Issues

Access to Capital Systemic Risk Designation Act (H.R.3312) - Supported House passage and similar reform legislation in the U.S. Senate. Fostering Innovation Act (H.R. 1645) - Supported House passage. Micro-Offering Safe Harbor Act (H.R. 2201)- Supported House passage. Small Business Mergers, Acquisition, Sales, Brokerage and Simplification Act (H.R. 477) - Supported House passage. Protecting Consumers' Access to Credit Act (S.1642 and H.R. 3299) - Support the legislation. Other issues: Continue to advocate for reforms to improve the rules governing equity and debt-based crowdfunding, and policies that lighten the regulatory burden on community banks and the financial system in general to improve capital formation and capital access for startups and entrepreneurs. This includes changes to Dodd-Frank, reform of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and SEC regulatory reforms to reduce red tape and costs for small firms. Tax Relief and Reform Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (H.R. 1) - supported passage of the major pieces of tax reform legislation in the House and Senate and conference report that passed both Chambers and to President Trump's desk for signature. Continue to support other reforms of the U.S. tax code to make it fair and less complex for small businesses and startups. With respect to elements of H.R. 1 and the tax reform packages that moved through the House and Senate SBE Council focused on lower tax rates in general, elimination of death and AMT taxes, lower individual and corporate rates, lower capital gains taxes, full expensing, a territorial system, expanded Section 179 expensing, modernizing thresholds and reporting requirements. Free File Permanency Act (H.R.3641) - support passage. Small Business Owners' Tax Simplification Act (H.R.3717) - support passage and urged tax writers to include it in larger tax package (H.R. 1) Regulatory Reform, Relief and Transparency Continue to support reforms that make the regulatory process more transparent, accountable and that provides a voice and meaningful input for small businesses. Also support: cost-benefit analysis, look-back provisions, and sunsetting. Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (S.584): Support full Senate passage. Regulatory Accountability Act (S.951): Support full Senate passage. Midnight Rules Relief Act (S.34): Support full Senate passage. Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (S.21): Support full Senate passage. Provide Accountability Through Transparency Act (S.577): Support full Senate passage. Early Participation in Regulations Act (S.579): Support full Senate passage. Save Local Business Act (H.R.3441) - supported House passage of the legislation. H.R. Res 111 - supported Senate passage of the Congressional Review Act resolution on CFPB's Anti-Arbitration Rule. Department of Labor Comments: Urged the DoL, Secretary Acosta, to repeal All Agency Memorandum (AAM) 212 issued by the Wage and Hour Division in March 2013, which expanded Davis-Bacon by the memo. SBA Chief Counsel for Advocacy - Voiced support for the nomination and confirmation of David C. Tryon to be the next Chief Counsel of the Office of Advocacy. Health Care Reform Continue to support legislative efforts to reform and repeal major parts of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) including repeal of the tax increases and taxes imposed by the law, mandates such as the individual and employer mandates, and other regulations that are driving up costs and eliminating choice in the marketplace. Specficic taxes include: the Health Insurance Tax, the Net Investment Tax, the medical device tax, and Cadillac Tax. With respect to these taxes, have urged repeal or two year or longer delays. Support a national marketplace for health insurance, broad efforts to improve and strengthen HSAs so that small businesses and their employees have flexible, affordable choices in insurance coverage, expanding health reimbursement accounts, restoring strong Flexible Savings Accounts, tax credits for health coverage and other reforms that allow for innovation and new market entrants into the health insurance marketplace. Continue to urge Senators to develop a consensus bill that provides marketplace stability and small businesses with cost relief and affordable health coverage choices. Prescription Drugs: Urged Senate to refrain from offering potential amendment (in the FY 2018 Budget Resolution) that would allow for prescription drug importation. Intellectual Property- General Government Reform - the Budget Intellectual Property: Continue to educate and advocate on the importance of protecting and strengthening IP. Fair and Open Competition Act, S. 622/H.R. 1552: Support the legislation H.Con Res.71, FY 2018 Budget Resolution - supported passage of the budget resolution in the House and Senate. Access to Affordable Broadband Voiced support for Federal Communications Commission efforts to accelerate the deployment of broadband to rural and underserved markets. Continue to voice support for the FCC Restoring Internet Freedom order, and supported the affirmative vote on the order. TV White Spaces - Continue to voice support for TV white spaces to be used for deploying broadband in rural and underserved areas. Workforce Issues Encouraging Employee Ownership Act (H.R. 1343/S.488) - Supported House and Senate passage. Confirmation of Federal Department and Agency Heads Continue to support and advocate for timely confirmation of President Trump's nominees to allow for government to function efficiently and effectively for small businesses. SBA Office of Advocacy - As noted above supported the nomination, and support the confirmation, of David C. Tryon to the Chief Counsel's position. Trade - Global Markets - International Commerce Continue to support trade expansion and trade agreements to open overseas markets to small businesses. Continue to educate about the benefits of NAFTA, and the need to update some of the provisions (with respect to intellectual property, for example) but to maintain the core agreement to encourage commerce and business growth for U.S. small businesses. Convention on the Assignment of Receivables in International Trade - Support its ratification and have urged Senators to support its enactment. International Communications Privacy Act (H.R. 3718) - Support the legislation. Federal Government Procurement Small Business Payments - Urged OMB to permanently extend an important policy of making timely/accelerated payments to small business federal contractors.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2017

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Nov. 12, 2017. Original Filing: 300919083.xml

Lobbying Issues

Access to Capital Supporting America's Innovators Act (S.444) - Supported Senate passage. Small Business Capital Formation Act (H.R.1312/S.416) - Supported House and Senate passage. Systemic Risk Designation Act (H.R.3312) - Advocating for House passage. Other issues: Continue to advocate for reforms to improve the rules governing equity and debt-based crowdfunding, and policies that lighten the regulatory burden on community banks and the financial system in general to improve capital formation and capital access for startups and entrepreneurs. This includes changes to Dodd-Frank, reform of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and SEC regulatory reforms to reduce red tape and costs for small firms. Tax Relief and Reform Continue to support fundamental reform of the U.S. tax code to make it fair, less complex and more competitive for small businesses and startups. SBE Council is focusing on lower rates, elimination of death and AMT taxes, lower individual and corporate rates, lower capital gains taxes, full expensing, a territorial system, expanded Section 179 expensing, modernizing thresholds and reporting requirements. Provided feedback through written statements to House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee on tax reform priorities. Free File Permanency Act (H.R.3641) - support passage. Small Business Owners' Tax Simplification Act (H.R.3717) - support passage. Regulatory Reform, Relief and Transparency Continue to support reforms that make the regulatory process more transparent, accountable and that provides a voice and meaningful input for small businesses. Also support: cost-benefit analysis, look-back provisions, and sunsetting. Have provided feedback to U.S. Department of Labor and Department of Energy regarding their regulatory review process as required by President Trump's executive orders on regulatory reform and regulatory relief. Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act (S.584): Support Senate passage. Regulatory Accountability Act (S.951): Support Senate passage. Midnight Rules Relief Act (S.34): Support Senate passage. Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (S.21): Support Senate passage. Provide Accountability Through Transparency Act (S.577): Support Senate passage. Early Participation in Regulations Act (S.579): Support Senate passage. Save Local Business Act (H.R.3441) - supporting House passage. H.R. Res 111 - supporting Senate passage of the Congressional Review Act resolution on CFPB's Anti-Arbitration Rule. Department of Labor Comments: Provided comments on DOL's request for information on the Overtime Rule - support changes to the rule. Department of Energy: Provided comments to the department on their regulatory review efforts focusing on streamlining LNG export permit approvals, and cost-benefit analysis and new approaches to imposing "energy efficiency" regulations and mandates. Health Care Reform Continue to support legislative efforts to reform and repeal major parts of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) including repeal of the tax increases and taxes imposed by the law, mandates such as the individual and employer mandates, and other regulations that are driving up costs and eliminating choice in the marketplace. Specficic taxes include: the Health Insurance Tax, the Net Investment Tax, and Cadillac Tax. Support a national marketplace for health insurance, broad efforts to improve and strengthen HSAs so that small businesses and their employees have flexible, affordable choices in insurance coverage, expanding health reimbursement accounts, restoring strong Flexible Savings Accounts, tax credits for health coverage and other reforms that allow for innovation and new market entrants into the health insurance marketplace. Urged Senators to develop a consensus bill to provide small businesses with cost relief and affordable health coverage choices. Intellectual Property- General Government Reform Intellectual Property: Continue to educate and advocate on the importance of protecting and strengthening IP. Support President Trump's Executive Memorandum directing the USTR to consider investigating China's laws, policies and actions that may undermine American IP. Fair and Open Competition Act, S. 622/H.R. 1552: Support the legislation Access to Affordable Broadband Voiced support for Federal Communications Commission efforts that give small business and ISPs a voice in the regulatory process and broader efforts to accelerate the deployment of broadband to rural and underserved markets. Voiced support for the FCC Restoring Internet Freedom order. Provided written comments to FCC supporting the Restoring Internet Freedom order. TV White Spaces - Provided written comments supporting tv white spaces to be used for deploying broadband in rural and underserved areas. Workforce Issues Encouraging Employee Ownership Act (H.R. 1343/S.488) - Supported House and Senate passage. Confirmation of Federal Department and Agency Heads Continue to support and advocate for timely confirmation of President Trump's nominees to allow for government to function efficiently and effectively for small businesses. Provided joint letter of support for General Services Administration (GSA) nominee Emily Murphy. Supported the reconfirmation of Ajit Pai as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Trade and Global Markets Continue to support trade expansion and trade agreements to open overseas markets to small businesses. Continue to educate about the benefits of NAFTA, and the need to update some of the provisions (with respect to intellectual property, for example) but to maintain the core agreement to encourage commerce and business growth for U.S. small businesses.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2017

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 21, 2017. Original Filing: 300898068.xml

Lobbying Issues

Access to Capital Supporting America's Innovators Act, H.R. 1219 - Supported House passage. The Financial CHOICE Act, H.R. 10 - supported House passage. Other issues: Continue to advocate for reforms to improve the rules governing equity and debt-based crowdfunding, and policies that lighten the regulatory burden on community banks and the financial system in general to improve capital formation and capital access for startups and entrepreneurs. This includes major changes to Dodd-Frank, reform of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and SEC regulatory reforms to reduce red tape and costs for small firms. Tax Relief and Reform Continue to support fundamental reform of the U.S. tax code to make it fair, less complex and more competitive for small businesses and startups. SBE Council focuses on lower rates, elimination of death and AMT taxes, lower individual and corporate rates, lower capital gains taxes and full expensing, and a territorial system. Regulatory Reform, Relief and Transparency Continue to support reforms that make the regulatory process more transparent, accountable and that provides a voice and meaningful input for small businesses. Also support: cost-benefit analysis, look-back provisions, and sunsetting. Have provided feedback to U.S. Treasury under their regulatory review process as required by President Trump's executive orders on regulatory reform on regulatory relief measures that would unleash and lower the cost of capital for small businesses. Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act, S. 584: Support the legislation Regulatory Accountability Act, S.951: Support Midnight Rules Relief Act, S. 34: Support Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act, S. 21: Support Provide Accountability Through Transparency Act, S. 577: Support Early Participation in Regulations Act, S.579: Support Health Care Reform Continue to support legislative efforts to reform and repeal major parts of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) including repeal of the tax increases and new taxes imposed by the law, mandates such as the individual and employer mandates, and other regulations that are driving up costs and eliminating choice in the marketplace. Support a national marketplace for health insurance, broad efforts to improve and strengthen HSAs so that small businesses and their employees have flexible, affordable choices in insurance coverage, expanding health reimbursement accounts, restoring strong Flexible Savings Accounts, tax credits for health coverage and other reforms that allow for innovation and new market entrants into the health insurance marketplace. Self-Insurance Protection Act, H.R. 1304: Supported House passage Good Government and Reform Intellectual Property: Continue to educate and advocate on the importance of protecting and strengthening IP. Fair and Open Competition Act, S. 622/H.R. 1552: Support the legislation Access to Broadband Have voiced support on Federal Communications Commission efforts that give small business and ISPs a voice in the regulatory process and broader efforts to accelerate the deployment of broadband to rural and underserved markets. Voiced support for the FCC Restoring Internet Freedom order. Legal Reform Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act, H.R. 372: Support the legislation Workforce Issues Encouraging Employee Ownership Act, H.R. 1343: Supported House passage Confirmation of Federal Department and Agency Heads HHS Secretary Nominee Tom Price. M.D.: Supported Senate confirmation SBA Administrator Nominee Linda McMahon: Supported Senate confirmation U.S. Labor Secretary Nominee Andrew Puzder: Supported nomination prior to Mr. Puzder withdrawing from consideration Trade and Global Markets Continue to support trade expansion and trade agreements to open overseas markets to small businesses. Have pointed out the benefits of NAFTA to Congress and the Administration.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2017

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on May 8, 2017. Original Filing: 300879907.xml

Lobbying Issues

Access to Capital Helping Angels Lead Our Startups Act (HALOS Act), H.R. 79: Supported House passage SEC Regulatory Accountability Act, H.R. 5: Supported House passage Supporting Americas Innovators Act, H.R. 1219: Support the legislation Other issues: Continue to advocate for reforms to improve the rules governing equity and debt-based crowdfunding, and policies that lighten the regulatory burden on community banks and the financial system in general to improve capital formation and capital access for startups and entrepreneurs. This includes major changes to Doff-Frank, reform of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and SEC regulatory reforms to reduce red tape and costs for small firms. Tax Relief and Reform Continue to support fundamental reform of the U.S. tax code to make it fair, less complex and more competitive for small businesses and startups. SBE Council focuses on lower rates, elimination of death and AMT taxes, lower individual and corporate rates, lower capital gains taxes and full expensing. Mobile Workforce State Income Tax Simplification Act, H.R. 1393: Supported House passage Regulatory Reform, Relief and Transparency Continue to support reforms that make the regulatory process more transparent, accountable and that provides a voice and meaningful input for small businesses. Also support: cost-benefit analysis, look-back provisions, and sunsetting. Midnight Rules Relief Act, H.R. 21: Supported House passage. Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (REINS Act), H.R. 26: Supported House passage. Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act, H.R. 33: Support the legislation Regulatory Integrity Act, H.R. 1004: Support the legislation Federal Communications Process Reform Act, H.R. 290: Supported House passage Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act (SCRUB ACT), H.R. 988: Support the legislations CRA to Disapprove of the FCC Duplicative Privacy Rule, S.J. 34: Supported Senate and House passage Honest and Open EPA New Science Treatment Act, H.R. 1430: Supported House passage Regulatory Accountability Act, H.R. 5: Supported House passage Health Care Reform Continue to support legislative efforts to reform and repeal major parts of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) including repeal of the tax increases and new taxes imposed by the law, mandates such as the individual and employer mandates, and other regulations that are driving up costs and eliminating choice in the marketplace. Support a national marketplace for health insurance, broad efforts to improve and strengthen HSAs so that small businesses and their employees have flexible, affordable choices in insurance coverage, expanding health reimbursement accounts, tax credits for health coverage and other reforms that allow for innovation and new market entrants into the health insurance marketplace. Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act, H.R. 372: Supported House passage Small Business Health Fairness Act, H.R. 1101: Supported House passage American Health Care Act, H.R. 277: Supported the legislation Self-Insurance Protection Act, H.R. 1304: Supported House passage Good Government and Reform Taxpayers Right to Know Act, H.R. 71: Supported House passage Intellectual Property: Continue to educate and advocate on the importance of protecting and strengthening IP. Fair and Open Competition Act, S. 622/H.R. 1552: Support the legislation Promoting Women in Entrepreneurship Act, H.R. 255: Supported House and Senate passage Access to Broadband Small Business Broadband Deployment Act, H.R. 288: Supported House passage Legal Reform Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act, H.R. 372: Support the legislation Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act, H.R. 985: Supported House passage Workforce Issues Encouraging Employee Ownership Act, H.R. 1343: Supported House passage Confirmation of Federal Department and Agency Heads HHS Secretary Nominee Tom Price. M.D.: Supported Senate confirmation SBA Administrator Nominee Linda McMahon: Supported Senate confirmation U.S. Labor Secretary Nominee Andrew Puzder: Supported nomination prior to Mr. Puzder withdrawing from consideration

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2016

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 31, 2017. Original Filing: 300859616.xml

Lobbying Issues

Access to Capital: SBE Council continues to advocate for reforms and solutions to improve capital formation in the U.S. and access to capital for small businesses. Specific bills include: H.R. 6427, Creating Financial Prosperity for Businesses and Investors Act. Supported House passage. H.R. 3784, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Small Business Advocate Act. Supported Senate passage. Regulatory Reform and Modernization: SBE Council continues to voice support for comprehensive reform including streamlining regulations, more openness and transparency in the regulatory process, giving small businesses a meaningful voice in rulemakings, cost-benefit analysis, and looks-backs and sunsetting of regulations. Specific bills include: Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act (H.R. 6094): Supported House passage. H.R. 5982, Midnight Rules Relief Act. Supported House passage. H.R. Regulatory Accountability Act. Continued to push for Senate action and making the bill a priority in the 115th Congress. Overtime regulation: Advocated for changes to limit the impact on small businesses by phasing in increases and making other changes to the final Department of Labor regulation. H.R. 4139, Fostering Innovation Act. Urged Senate action on the House-passed bill. H.R. 4168, Small Business Capital Formation Enhancement Act. Urged Senate action on this House-passed bill. H.R. 4498, Helping Angels Lead Our Startups Act (HALOs Act). Urged Senate action on this House-passed bill. H.R. 4596, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act. Urged Senate action on this House-passed bill. Federal Communications Commission rules on Set-Top-Box: Oppose proposed rulemaking and pushed for changes and a more open process. Tax Reform and Relief: SBE Council continues to engage with Congress and the Administration on the need for tax system overhaul, fairness and simplicity for small businesses. Specific bills and actions include: Section 385 regulatory changes by U.S. Treasury: Expressed concern and opposed hasty changes. New Valuation Rules by the U.S. Treasury on estates. Expressed concerns and opposed changes. Protect Family Farms and Businesses Act (H.R. 6100 and S. 3436): Support both bills. International Trade, Competitiveness and Tariff Relief, Intellectual Property: SBE Council continues to voice support for trade agreements and efforts to improve and simplify exporting for small businesses, and strengthening IP protections. Affordable Health Coverage and ACA Reform: SBE Council continues to support multiple efforts to fully reform the Affordable Care Act and replace with market-based alternatives and solutions that produce competition and lower costs for small businesses. Specific bills include: Fixing Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) to make sure small businesses can use the accounts without being unduly punished through harsh financial penalties. The fix was included within the 21st Century Cures Act, and SBE Council supported House and Senate passage of the full act. Original bills were H.R. 5447 and S. 3060. Privacy and Cybersecurity: Improving Small Business Cybersecurity Act (S.3024): Supported Senate bill and passage OTHER: Postal Rates Submitted Comments to the Postal Regulatory Commission opposing the rate hike in first class mail. Good Government H.R. 598, Taxpayers Right-to-Know Act. Urged Senate action of this House-passed bill.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2016

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 20, 2016. Original Filing: 300835197.xml

Lobbying Issues

Access to Capital: SBE Council continues to advocate for reforms and solutions to improve capital formation in the U.S. and access to capital for small businesses. Specific bills include: Fix Crowdfunding Act of 2016 (H.R. 4855): Supported House passage. Investment Advisers Modernization Act of 2016 (H.R. 5424): Supported House passage. Accelerating Access to Capital Act of 2015 (H.R. 2357): Supported House passage. Regulatory Reform and Modernization: SBE Council continues to voice support for comprehensive regulatory reform including streamlining regulations, more openness and transparency in the regulatory process, giving small businesses a meaningful voice in rulemakings, cost-benefit analysis, and looks-backs and sunsetting of regulations. Specific bills include: Regulatory Relief for Small Businesses, Schools, and Nonprofits Act (H.R. 6094): Supported House passage. Overtime Reform and Review Act (S. 3464): Support. The Financial CHOICE Act: Support House bill to reform Dodd-Frank and the financial regulatory system. Require Evaluation Before Implementing Executive Wishlists Act (REVIEW Act) of 2015 (H.R. 3438 and S. 1927): Supported House passage and Senate bill. Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2016 (H.R. 5063 and S. 3050): Supported House passage and Senate bill. Regulatory Integrity Act of 2016 (H.R. 5226): Supported House passage. Federal Communications Commission rules on Set-Top-Box: Oppose proposed rulemaking and pushed for changes and a more open process. Postal Service Reform Act (H.R. 5714): Expressed concern to U.S. House about this bill. Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act: Support. Overtime Reform and Enhancement Act (H.R. 5813): Support. EPA and the Clean Air Science Advisory Committee (CASAC): Urged the EPA to add diverse and neutral members of this advisory council. ADA Education and Reform Act of 2016 (H.R. 3765): Support Tax Reform and Relief: SBE Council continues to engage with Congress and the Administration on the need for tax system overhaul, fairness and simplicity for small businesses. Specific bills and actions include: Section 385 regulatory changes by U.S. Treasury: Expressed concern and opposed hasty changes. Mobile Workforce State Income Tax and Simplification Act of 2015 (H.R. 2315 and S. 386): Supported House passage and Senate bill. Empowering Employees Through Stock Ownership Act (H.R. 5719 and S. 3152): Supported House passage and Senate bill. U.S. Treasury regulatory changes to Estate, Gift, and Generation-skipping Transfer Taxes: Restrictions on Liquidation of an Interest: Oppose regulatory changes proposed by Treasury. Protect Family Farms and Businesses Act (H.R. 6100 and S. 3436): Support both bills. International Trade, Competitiveness and Tariff Relief, Intellectual Property: SBE Council continues to voice support for trade agreements and efforts to improve and simplify exporting for small businesses, and strengthening IP protections. Affordable Health Coverage and ACA Reform: SBE Council continues to support multiple efforts to fully reform the Affordable Care Act and replace with market-based alternatives and solutions that produce competition and lower costs for small businesses. Specific bills include: Halt Tax Increases on the Middle Class and Seniors Act (H.R. 3950): Supported House passage. CO-OP Consumer Protection Act of 2016 (H.R. 954): Supported House passage. Small Business Health Care Relief Act (S. 3060): Continue to push for Senate passage. Privacy and Cybersecurity: Improving Small Business Cybersecurity Act (H.R. 5064): Supported House passage Improving Small Business Cybersecurity Act (S. 3024): Support Senate bill. OTHER: Expressed support for Section 806 in S. 2943, the Senate version of the 2017 NDAA. Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2016 (S.3182): Support. Clyde-Hirsch-Sowers RESPECT Act (H.R. 5523): Supported House Passage.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2016

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Aug. 1, 2016. Original Filing: 300823074.xml

Lobbying Issues

Access to Capital: SBE Council continues to advocate for reforms and solutions to improve capital formation in the U.S. and access to capital for small businesses. Some specific bills include: H.R. 4498: Helping Angels Lead Our Startups (HALOS) Act - SBE Council supported House passage. H.R. 3791: A bill to increase the consolidated asset threshold for small banks - SBE Council supported House passage. H.R. 4139: The Fostering Innovation Act - SBE Council supported House passage. H.R. 4852: The Private Placement Improvement Act of 2016 - SBE Council expressed support and continues to advocate for House passage. H.R. 4855: Fix Crowdfunding Act of 2016 - SBE Council continues to advocate for full House passage. H.R. 4850: Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act - SBE Council supports this legislation. Regulatory Reform and Modernization: SBE Council continues to voice support for comprehensive regulatory reform including streamlining regulations, more openness and transparency in the regulatory process, giving small businesses a meaningful voice in rulemakings, cost-benefit analysis, and looks-backs and sunsetting of regulations. We weighed in on efforts in the House (the Speakers working groups) on both the regulatory reform plan and financial regulatory system overhaul Better Way proposals. Some specific bills include: H.R. 3340: The Financial Stability Council Reform Act - SBE Council supported House passage. S. 2707 and H.R. 4773: Protecting Workplace Advancement and Opportunity Act - SBE Council supports House and Senate bills. H.R. 4768: Separation of Powers Restoration Act - SBE Council supports House passage and action on a similar bill in the Senate. S. 2867: The SEC Small Business Advocate Act of 2016 - SBE Council supports Senate action on the legislation. H.R. 5429: The SEC Regulatory Accountability Act - SBE Council supports this legislation. H.R. 4775: Ozone Standards and Implementation Act of 2016 - SBE Council supports this legislation. H. R. 3880: Stopping EPA Overreach Act - SBE Council supports this legislation. S.J. Res 28: Duplicative Regulation of Catfish - SBE Council is supportive of the resolution. H.R. 5328: The Federal Agency Complete Transparency (FACT) Act - SBE Council supports this legislation. Tax Reform and Relief: SBE Council continues to engage with Congress and the Administration on the need for tax system overhaul, fairness and simplicity for small businesses. We provided feedback to a working group in the House on the Better Way tax reform plan. Federal Government Procurement/Access to Contracts. Specific bills include: H.R. 4284, H.R. 3714, H.R. 4332, H.R. 4325, H.R. 4326 - a package of bills supporting small business government contractors, access to contracts and fair competition. SBE Council supported House passage. Perry Amendment to MilCon/Va Approps: Ensuring Fair and Open Competition for Federal Construction Contracts - SBE Council supported. Government Reform and Accountability/Good Government Bills. Specific bills include: H.R. 5283: Deterring Undue Enforcement by Protecting Rights of Citizens from Excessive Searches and Seizures Act of 2016 (Due Process Act) - SBE Council supports. H.R. 4885: The IRS Oversight While Eliminating Spending (OWES) Act of 2016 - SBE Council supported House passage. H.R. 5053: Preventing IRS Abuse and Protecting Free Speech Act - SBE Council supported. H.R. 4890: Related to IRS Performance and Bonuses - SBE Council supported House passage. H.R. 3724: Ensuring Integrity in the IRS Workforce Act of 2016 - SBE Council supported House passage. Taxpayer Bill of Rights Regarding IRS Examination Process - SBE Council continues to support efforts in the House and Senate to address shortcomings in the system and advance reforms. International Trade, Competitiveness and Tariff Relief, Intellectual Property: SBE Council continues to voice support for trade agreements and efforts to improve and simplify exporting for small businesses. Specific bills include: H.R. 4923: American Manufacturing Competitiveness Act of 2016 - SBE Council supported House passage. Affordable Health Coverage and ACA Reform: SBE Council continues to support multiple efforts to fully reform the Affordable Care Act and replace with market-based alternatives and solutions that produce competition and lower costs for small businesses. Specific bills include: H.R. 5447: Small Business Health Care Relief Act - Legislation to Allow for Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) - SBE Council supported House passage and continues to support S. 3060, the Senate companion bill. Coalition Letter on H.R. 3463: Aligning Childrens Dental Coverage Act of 2015 - SBE Council supports. H.R. 1270: Restoring Access to Medication and Improving Health Savings Act of 2016 - SBE Council supports this legislation. H.R. 5445: The Health Care Security Act of 2016 - SBE Council supports this legislation.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2016

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 20, 2016. Original Filing: 300799806.xml

Lobbying Issues

Access to Capital and Capital Formation: H.R. 4168, Small Business Access to Capital Enhancement Act: Supported House passage, voiced support for legislation in Senate. H.R. 1675, Capital Markets Improvements Act: Supported House passage. H.R. 4498, Helping Angels Lead Our Startups Act (HALOS Act): Advocated for and supported committee passage on legislation. H.R. 4638, Main Street Growth Act: Advocated for and supported committee passage. Tax Reform and Relief: Tax Reform: Advocated for broad-based tax reform focused on lowering rates for small business/individual and corporate taxpayers, full expensing, closing loopholes, and simplifying the tax system. Death Tax Repeal: Advocated for the Senate to act on House-passed repeal legislation (H.R. 1105). Trade and Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement: Trade Facilitation and Enforcement Act of 2015 Conference Report (H.R. 644): Supported Senate passage of the legislation, which included the Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act. Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement: Educated members of Congress and policymakers about TPPs content, specifically its small business provisions and responded to general myths about the agreement. Regulation and Regulatory Reform: Regulatory Reform: Continued to support action for broad-based regulatory reform and activity related to advancing such, including the formation of the Senate Regulations Caucus, support for the National Regulatory Budget Act of 2014, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS Act), a Regulatory Cost Budget and legislation as detailed below: Regulatory Improvement Act of 2015 (H.R. 1407, S. 708): Support this bill to develop a commission to identify outdated and duplicative regulations. Independent Agency Regulatory Analysis Act (S. 1607): Support this bill to require agencies to publish cost-benefit analysis, private sector impact of rules and more information on regulations they intend to publish. H.R. 712, Sunshine and Regulatory Decrees and Settlement Act: Supported House passage. H.R. 2017, Common Sense Nutrition Disclosure Act: Supported House passage. H.R. 4612, S.2582, Midnight Rule Relief Act: Voiced support for legislation and committee passage in the House. H.R. 4596, Small Business Broadband Deployment Act: Supported House passage. Resolution of Disapproval on EPA's Waters Rule: Supported House passage. H.R. 1155: Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome Act (SCRUB Act): Supported House passage. Specific Regulations and Comments Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): Advocated for keeping the standard as is, rather than increasing due to the economic and environmental damage caused by the ethanol mandate. Also support RFS repeal. EPAs New Ozone Standard: Voiced concern about the new standard, and continue to educate the public and policymakers about its impact on small businesses, local economies, workers and various sectors, especially as it relates to implementation and the complexity of "background ozone." Submitted Comments to EPA on "background ozone" DOLs Proposed Fiduciary Regulation: Continue to educate Congress about the harm the proposed rule would have for small businesses trying to provide retirement accounts for their employees. Met with OMB to discuss concerns about final DOL proposal. DOLs Proposed Overtime Regulations: Continue to educate Congress about the harm the proposed rule would have for the workplace, employees and small businesses. Joint Employer Standard: Continued to support legislation (H.R. 3459 and S. 2015) that would modify the NLRBs decision on the standard, which disproportionately harms small businesses and franchises. Legal Reform: H.R. 1927, Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act: Supported House passage. Healthcare Reform: Small Business Healthcare Relief Act (H.R. 2911, S.1698): Continue to support House and Senate passage of this bill to fix Health Reimbursement Account contributions that have been made illegal in the Affordable Care Act. S.2499 and H.R. 4469, Health Savings Act of 2016: Voiced support for the bills in House and Senate. Government Procurement: H.R. 1671, Voiced support for Government Neutrality in Contracting Act Government Accountability and Reform: H.R. 598, Taxpayers Right-to-Know Act: Supported House passage. H.R. 653, FOIA Oversight and Implementation Act: Supported House passage. S.2232, Federal Reserve Transparency Act: Voiced support for legislation. H.R. 3442, Debt Management and Fiscal Responsibility Act: Supported House passage. Affordable Energy and Reform: Energy Policy Modernization Act: Voiced support of the bill in U.S. Senate. H.R. 3797, Satisfying Energy Needs and Saving the Environment Act (SENSE Act): Supported House passage. DOE Comments on LNG: Supported the department's findings on the economic impact of liquified natural gas (LNG) exports. Oil Tax in President's Budget: Expressed concerns about the $10 per barrel proposed tax. Intellectual Property: S.1890 Defend Trade Secrets Act: Voiced support for legislation and Senate passage. H.R. 1283, Songwriters Equity Act: Voiced support for the legislation.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2015

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 28, 2016. Original Filing: 300785518.xml

Lobbying Issues

Tax Reform and Relief: Section 179 and Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit Permanency: Supported making permanent expanded levels of Section 179 expensing and strengthening and making permanent the R&D tax credit as provided and passed by Congress and signed by President Obama in the omnibus package at year end. Also supported other tax provisions in the legislation related to extending bonus depreciation, the capital gains tax exclusion for small businesses and other measures related to depreciation by small retailers and entities. Tax Reform: Continued to advocate for broad-based tax reform focused on lowering rates for individuals and corporate taxpayers and simplifying the tax system. Internet Access Taxes: Continued to support making the ban on Internet access taxes permanent as provided for in the Trade Facilitation and Enforcement Act of 2015 Conference Report (passed by House). Trade and Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement: Trade Facilitation and Enforcement Act of 2015 Conference Report: Supported House passage and continued to support Senate passage of the legislation. Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement: Educated members of Congress and policymakers about TPPs content, specifically its small business provisions and responded to general myths about the agreement. Regulation and Regulatory Reform Regulatory Reform: Continued to support action for broad-based regulatory reform and activity related to advancing such, including the formation of the Senate Regulations Caucus, support for the National Regulatory Budget Act of 2014, the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS Act) and other pieces of legislation as detailed below Regulatory Improvement Act of 2015 (H.R. 1407, S. 708): Support this bill to develop a commission to identify outdated and duplicative regulations. Independent Agency Regulatory Analysis Act (S. 1607): Support this bill to require agencies to publish cost-benefit analysis, private sector impact of rules and more information on regulations they intend to publish. Office of Advocacy: Supported the nomination and Senate confirmation of the new Chief Counsel for the SBAs Office of Advocacy. Specific Regulations and Comments Lifting the Ban on Crude Oil Exports: Supported measure in the omnibus bill, signed by President Obama, to lift the ban on crude oil exports (H.R. 702). Federal Oversight and Reform and Modernization Act of 2015 (H.R. 3189): Supported House passage of this bill to make the Federal Reserve more accountable and transparent in rulemaking process. Reforming CFPB Indirect Auto Financing Guidance Act, H.R. 1737: Supported this bill to rescind CFPB guidance related to auto financing. Supported H.J. Res. 71 and H.J. Res. 72 to stop EPAs costly carbon mandates, which will drive costs higher for small businesses and burden small firms in the energy and manufacturing sector. Joint Resolution of Disapproval on WOTUS Rule: Support House and Senate action to overturn the controversial Waters of the U.S. Regulation finalized by the EPA. Also supported the Federal Water Quality Protection Act, S.1140. Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): Advocated for keeping the standard as is, rather than increasing due to the economic and environmental damage caused by the ethanol mandate. Also support RFS repeal. EPAs Clean Power Plan: Voiced opposition to the federal regulatory takeover of the electricity grid and its impact on small businesses. EPAs New Ozone Standard: Voiced concern about the new standard, and continue to educate the public and policymakers about its impact on small businesses, local economies, workers and various sectors. SEC Small Business Advocate Act of 2015 (H.R. 3784): Support House passage of this bill to provide small businesses with a voice and representation at the SEC on regulatory matters. Disclosure Modernization and Simplification Act (H.R. 1525): Supported House passage of this bill to make changes to filings at the SEC. DOLs Proposed Fiduciary Regulation: Continue to educate Congress about the harm the proposed rule would have for small businesses trying to provide retirement accounts for their employees. DOLs Proposed Overtime Regulations: Continue to educate Congress about the harm the proposed rule would have for the workplace, employees and small businesses. Joint Employer Standard: Continued to support legislation (H.R. 3459 and S. 2015) that would modify the NLRBs decision on this standard, which disproportionately harms small businesses and franchises. Catfish Rules: Expressed concern about new, duplicative Dept. of Agriculture rules on catfish inspection to OMB. Healthcare Reform Small Business Healthcare Relief Act (H.R. 2911, S.1698): Continue to support House and Senate passage of this bill to fix Health Reimbursement Account contributions that have been made illegal in the Affordable Care Act. Restoring Americas Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 (H.R. 3762): Supported House and Senate passage of this bill to repeal specific provisions of Obamacare that are harming small businesses including its mandates and penalties, the Cadillac and medical device tax, and wasteful funding provisions.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2015

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 20, 2015. Original Filing: 300764965.xml

Lobbying Issues

Access to Capital & Financial System Regulatory Reform H.R. 1023, the Small Business Investment Company Capital Act: Supported House passage. Also voiced support for the Senate companion bill S. 552. H.R. 2670, the Microloan Modernization Act: Supported House passage. H.R. 432, the SBIC Advisors Relief Act: Supported House passage. H.R. 1334, the Holding Company Registration Threshold Equalization Act of 2015: Supported House passage. H.R. 1723, the Small Company Simple Registration Act: Supported House passage. H.R. 2064, the Improving Access to Capital for Emerging Growth Companies Act: Supported House passage. H.R. 2354, the Streamlining Excessive and Costly Regulations Review Act: Voiced support for H.R. 2354. SBA Lending Cap: Supported House and Senate passage of legislation to lift the loan cap on the SBA 7(a) lending program, which President Obama signed into law. H.R. 1553, Small Bank Exam Cycle Reform Act of 2015: Supported House passage. H.R. 1737, the Reforming CFPB Indirect Auto Financing Guidance Act: Voiced support for H.R. 1737. H.R. 1839, the Reforming Access for Investments in Startup Enterprises (RAISE) Act of 2015: Supported House passage. H.R. 3032, the Securities and Exchange Commission Reporting Modernization Act: Voiced support for H.R. 3032. Human Capital and Employee Benefits Affordable Care Act Reform: Continue to advocate for various changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including repeal of individual and employer mandate, changes to the 30 hour rule to 40 hours, and allowing employers to contribute to employees' health care expenses. H.R. 1624 and S. 1099, the Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employers Act (PACE Act): Continued to voice support for this legislation and for Congress to act in a timely manner. H.R. 1270, the Restoring Access to Medication Act of 2015: Voiced support for this legislation. H.R. 1675, the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2015: Voiced support for H.R. 1675. Department of Labor (DoL) Proposed Overtime Regulations: Expressed concerns and opposition to proposed changes to overtime regulations to DoL and Congress. Filed comments on the rulemaking. Department of Labor (DoL) Fiduciary Standards: Expressed concern and opposition to proposed regulations that would hurt small business ability to provide and maintain retirement plans for employees. Filed comments on the rulemaking. S. 2015 and H.R. 3459, the Protecting Local Businesses Opportunity Act: Voiced support for this legislation, and continue to express general concern about the disruptive nature of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRBs) new joint employer standard. Taxes and Tax Reform Continued to voice support for comprehensive tax reform focused on lower rates and less complexity for small businesses, as well as making permanent small business provisions like Section 179 expensing and the R&D tax credit. S. 1827, Small Business Tax Compliance and Relief Act: Voiced support for the legislation. S. 432, the Internet Tax Freedom Forever Act and H.R. 235, the Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act: Continue to voice support for making permanent the extension of not allowing internet access taxes. H.R. 961 - Voiced support for this bill to bring parity to small businesses operating globally. H.R. 1430, the Permanent CFC Look-Through Act of 2015: Voiced support for H.R. 1430. H.R. 765, the Restaurant and Retail Jobs and Growth Act: Voiced support for H.R. 765. H.R. 2510: A bill that would modify and make permanent bonus depreciation. Voiced support for H.R. 2510. Government Reform, Transparency and Good Governance H.R. 2243, the Equity in Government Compensation Act of 2015: Voiced support for H.R. 2243. H.R. 3189, the Federal Oversight Reform and Modernization Act of 2015: Voiced support for H.R. 3189. H.R. 766, the Financial Institution and Customer Protection Act of 2015: Voiced support for H.R. 766. H.R. 1266, the Financial Product Safety Commission Act: Voiced support for H.R. 1266. Regulation, Regulatory Reform & Relief Continued to support broad-based efforts on regulatory reform that provide small businesses with a greater voice in the regulatory process, require agencies to employ cost-benefit analysis, and transparency and objective/up-to-date science in rulemakings. S. 1817, the Smarter Regulations Through Advance Planning and Review Act of 2015: Voiced support for the legislation. S. 1820, the Early Participation in Regulations Act of 2015: Voiced support for the legislation. S. 1818, the Principled Rulemaking Act of 2015: Voiced support for the legislation. H.R. 348, the Responsibly and Professionally Invigorating Development (RAPID) Act: Voiced support for House passage of H.R. 348. H.R. 427, Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act (REINS Act): Supported House passage. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Proposed Ozone Standards: Voiced opposition and concern about dramatically lowering the ozone standards and its impact of small business costs, business creation and growth, and economic development. Continue to express concerns about the impact and unintended consequences of the Federal Communications Commission's Internet regulations. Affordable Energy and Business Growth in Energy Sector H.R. 702, voiced support for House passage of this bill lifting the 40-year ban on the export of crude oil from the United States. Also support S.1312, Energy Supply and Distribution Act of 2015 (repeals crude oil export ban). Continue to voice support for LNG exports and legislative efforts to incentivize domestic development and production; continue to express concerns about how the Clean Power Plan regulations impact the cost of energy for small businesses.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2015

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 19, 2015. Original Filing: 300740029.xml

Lobbying Issues

SBE Council continues to advocate for tax system reform and making temporary and extended measures permanent. In addition to broad regulatory reform that includes cost-benefit analysis, small business input, and greater transparency and accountability, SBE Council continues to weigh in on specific regulatory proposals and actions at various agencies (for example, various EPA proposals). SBE Council has continued to push for trade agreements and TPA for the President. Specific bills on a wide range of issues, supported by SBE Council over the past three months, include the following: Tax Reform and Relief: S. 860 and H.R. 1105 Death Tax Repeal Act, support both bills, and supported House passage of H.R. 1105. H.R. 880, American Research and Competitiveness Act, support. H.R. 160, Protect Medical Innovation Act of 2015, supported House passage. S.149, Medical Device Access and Innovation Protection Act of 2015 (medical device tax repeal), support. Continue to support Tax Reform and work of Senate Finance Committee working groups in crafting tax reform to ensure rate reduction and parity for small business taxpayers. Affordable Health Coverage and Health Care Reform: S. 141 & H.R. 1190, Protect Seniors Access to Medicare Act (IPAB Repeal), support and supported House passage. H.R. 2505, Medicare Advantage Coverage Transparency Act, support. H.R. 1624 and S. 1099, Protecting Affordable Coverage for Employees Act, support. H.R. 2400 and S. 1368, Special Inspector General for Monitoring the Affordable Care Act, support. H.R. 1190, Repeal of Independent Payment Advisory Board, supported House passage. Continue to advocate for various changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), including repeal of employer mandate, changes to the 30 hour rule to 40 hours, and allowing employers to contribute to employees' health care expenses. Trade: Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), supported House and Senate passage of Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act (legislation giving the president TPA). H.R. 2587, State Trade Coordination Act, support. H.R. 2586, Export Coordination Act, support. Energy: S.1312, Energy Supply and Distribution Act of 2015 (repeals crude oil export ban), support. H.R. 1734, Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulatory Act of 2015, support. H.R. 2042, Ratepayer Protection Act of 2015, supported House passage. Continue to voice support for LNG exports, and taxes and new regulations that would impose barriers and costs on U.S. energy development and production. Entrepreneurship, Innovation and the Internet, Telecommunications: H.R. 962, Startup Act of 2015, support. H.R. 805, DOTCOM Act, supported House passage. Continue to express concern about FCC Title II regulation to Congress and the need for reform legislation that pulls back on the commissions open internet rules. Regulation, Regulatory Reform and Transparency: Senate Resolution: Regulation Sensibility Through Oversight Regulation, support. H.R. 1732, Regulatory Integrity and Protection Act, supported House passage. H.R. 1195, Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Advisory Boards Act, supported House passage. H.R. 1759, All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act, support. H.R. 1155, Searching for and Cutting Regulations that are Unnecessarily Burdensome (SCRUB) Act, support. S.554, The Secret Science Reform Act, support. H.R. 1732, Regulatory Integrity and Protection Act, supported House passage. H.R. 1265, The Bureau Advisory Commission Transparency Act, support. Regulatory Comments: Department of Labors New Proposed Definition of Fiduciary: Comment period extension request. Continue to educate about, and advocate against, EPAs proposed ozone rule, power plant rules, and the need to repeal the U.S. Waters rule. Also continue to advocate for a more open and inclusive regulatory process at the EPA. Transportation: Modernizing truck and freight regulations to allow for longer trucks, support action by the Congress as included in the House Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill. Government Reform: H.R. 1295, Improves the Process for 501c4 Organizations, supported House passage. H.R. 709, Prevent Targeting at the IRS, supported House passage. H.R. 1026, Taxpayer Knowledge of IRS Investigation Act of 2015, supported House passage. H.R. 1562 & 1563, Contracting and Tax Accountability Act, and Federal Employee Tax Accountability Act, supported House passage. H.R. 1314, Appeals process for organizations denied tax-exempt status, support.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2015

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on May 1, 2015. Original Filing: 300729246.xml

Lobbying Issues

SBE Council continues to advocate for tax system reform and making temporary and extended measures permanent. In addition to broad regulatory reform that includes cost-benefit analysis, small business input, and greater transparency and accountability, SBE Council continues to weigh in on specific regulatory proposals and actions at various agencies (for example, net neutrality/Internet regulations at the FCC and various EPA proposals). SBE Council has continued to push for trade agreements and TPA for the President. Specific bills on a wide range of issues, supported by SBE Council over the past three months, include the following: Encouraging Startups: S. 161, Startup Act of 2015 - support. Tax Reform and Relief: H.R. 235, Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act (PITFA) - support. H.R. 636, Americas Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2015 - supported House passage. Affordable Energy: S. 1, Keystone XL Pipeline Act - supported Senate passage. H.R. 3, Keystone XL Pipeline Act - supported House passage. H.R. 161, Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act - supported House passage. H.R. 351, LNG Permitting Certainty and Transparency Act - supported House passage. Affordable Health Care and ACA Reform: H.R. 30, Save American Workers Act - supported House passage S. 30, Forty Hours is Full Time Act - support this bill to change definition of full time employee in Obamacare (to 40 hours). H.R. 596, legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act - support S. 336, legislation to repeal the Affordable Care Act - support. H.R. 975, Health Freedom for Seniors Act - support. Regulatory Reform and Transparency: H.R. 185, Regulatory Accountability Act - supported House passage. H.R. 527, Regulatory Flexibility Improvements Act of 2015 - support. H.R. 50, Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2015 - support. H.R. 427, Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act - support. S. 226, Regulations from the Executive In Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act - support. H.R. 1030, Secret Science Reform Act of 2015 - supported House passage. H.R. 1029, EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2015 - supported House passage. S. 543, EPA Science Advisory Board Reform Act of 2015 - support. H.R. 465, Working Families Flexibility Act of 2015 - support. S. 233, Working Families Flexibility Act - support. Testimony on EPAs Ozone Rule before the House Science Committee - expressed concerns about costs to the economy and small businesses; and that non attainment would depress business creation and growth. Provided oral and written comments to EPA on their public hearing regarding the proposed ozone rule. Capital Access and Financial Regulatory Reform: H.R. 37, Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small Business Burdens Act - supported House passage. H.R. 686, Small Business Mergers, Acquisitions, Sales, and Brokerage Simplification Act of 2015 - support. H.R. 414, Burdensome Data Collection Relief Act of 2015 - support. Provided comments to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau about the value of prepaid cards and the possible downside to overregulation. Government Procurement Reform: H.R. 924, Responsibility in Federal Contracting Act - support. Government Reform, Good Government: H.R. 540, Fifth Amendment Integrity Restoration Act (FAIR ACT) of 2015 - support.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2014

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 16, 2015. Original Filing: 300736509.xml

Lobbying Issues

Regulatory Reform, Accountability and Transparency: H.R. 4795, Promoting New Manufacturing Act, Supported House passage. H.R. 1422, EPA Science Advisory Reform Act, Supported House passage. EPA's Proposed Regulations on Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Existing Power Plants, submitted comments opposed to the proposed rule. EPA and U.S. Army of Engineer's "Waters Rule," submitted comments opposed to the proposed regulation. Energy Affordability and Development: S.2280, A Bill to Approve the Keystone XL Pipeline, Supported Senate passage. H.R. 5814, Lifting the Ban on Crude Oil Exports, Support. Alaska LNG Project, submitted comments to the Department of Energy in support of project approval. Continued to voice support for LNG exports Access to Capital: H.R. 4200, Small Business Investment Companies Advisors Relief Act, Supported House passage. H.R. 4569, Disclosure Modernization and Simplification Act, Supported House passage. Equity Crowdfunding: Continued to encourage final JOBS Act rules (Title III) from the SEC on equity and debt-based crowdfunding. Health Care Reform and Affordability: HHS's Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Rule, submitted comments in support of the Medicare Part D program, urging no changes to undermine choice and affordability for consumers. Continued to advocate on compliance and regulatory relief regarding the Affordable Care Act - individual and employer mandate, HRA limitations, and restoring 40 hours as full-time. Telecommunications, Technology and Investment: Net Neutrality and Broadband Access/Affordability: Submitted ex parte filings outlining concerns and opposition to Title II regulation of the Internet and its impact on small business and access to broadband. General advocacy on the issue of net neutrality expressing opposition to public-utility style regulation of the broadband Internet. Tax Reform and Relief: Tax Extenders: Supported temporary extension of small business Section 179 expensing, R&D tax credit, business expensing. Internet Taxation: Continued to voice support for Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act in House and Senate. Tax Reform: Voiced support for fundamental tax reform.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2014

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 15, 2014. Original Filing: 300676626.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2014

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 21, 2014. Original Filing: 300667666.xml

Lobbying Issues

Global Trade Expansion: SBE Council continues to support expanding trade accords with nations to open markets for entrepreneurs and the U.S. business sector. SBE Council is monitoring and supporting efforts to accelerate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and supports a new U.S.-EU trade accord. We are also supporting strong intellectual property (IP) provisions in these agreeements. SBE Council continues to advocate for streamlined and less costly processes for small businesses that operate in global markets, whether that be importing or exporting. Specific pieces of legislation SBE Council is supporting include: State Trade Coordination Act (H.R. 1926); Trade for Small Business and Jobs Act (H.R. 1916); Export Coordination Act (H.R. 1909). SBE Council also supports giving President Obama "trade promotion authority" and supports the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act (HR 3830, S.1900). Affordable Energy: SBE Council continues to support greater exploration and development of domestic energy resources, as well as construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. SBE Council opposes proposals and efforts to restrict liquefied natural gas exports, and is active supporting legislative efforts to expedite approval of Keystone and applications for LNG permits. Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) and Health Care Reform: SBE Council continues to advocate and comment on the proposed rules and regulations of Health and Human Services (HHS), and educate about potential problems with implementation of the law (ie: health care exchanges, mandates, etc.) that will raise costs and increase complexity for entrepreneurs. SBE Council supports repealing key provisions in the Affordable Care Act like the employer mandate, ACA tax increases (medical devices, individual tax hikes, the health insurance tax), individual mandate and restrictions placed on HSAs. During this period, we supported house passage of HR 2575, Save American Workers Act. Regulatory Reform: SBE Council continues to support reforms to improve transparency and accountability of the regulatory system for small businesses. Specific legislation includes: Regulatory Sunset and Review Act (HR309); National Regulatory Budget Act (S.2153); Sunshine and Regulatory Decrees and Settlement Act (HR 1493, S.714); Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act (HR 899); Achieving Less Excess in Regulation and Regulatory Transparency Act (HR 2804); All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act (HR 2804); Consumer Financial Freedom and Washington Accountability Act (HR 3193); Secret Science Reform Act (HR 4012 - also testified before U.S. House on this issue/legislation). SBE Council is also active on citing concerns about President Obama's Climate Action Plan, EPA's forthcoming Ozone and Power Plant rules. SBE Council testified before the U.S. House on the draft Promoting New Manufacturing Act. SBE Council provided testimony to SBA Omsbudman for Regulation on barriers to markets - apecifically energy markets through LNG export restrictions and the lengthy permitting process. Tax Reform and Relief: SBE Council continues to advocate for fundamental reform of the tax system, providing input to U.S. House and Senate members on specific proposals and principles for reform. We continue to comment and provid feedback on House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp's plan. SBE Council continues to push for lower tax rates for entrepreneurs (individual rates) and corporate entities, encouraging U.S. startup activity, elimination of capital gains and death taxes, simplicity, making permanent certain important features. Specifically during this period we supported House passage of: Permanent Internet Tax Freedom Act (HR 4874); American Research and Competitiveness Act (HR 4438); American Small Business Tax Relief Act (HR 4457); Modify and Make Permanent Bonus Depreciation (HR 4718).

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2014

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 21, 2014. Original Filing: 300645927.xml

Lobbying Issues

Jumpstart Our Business Startup Act (JOBS Act): SBE Council continues to push for full implementation of the law (signed by President Obama on April 5, 2012) by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), such as Title III (crowdfunding regs) that align with the intent of Congress and President Obama. SBE Council filed comments on proposed regulations regarding Title III, and responds to inquiries from Congress about the progress of rulemakings. Tax Reform and Relief: SBE Council continues to advocate for fundamental reform of the tax system, providing input to U.S. House and Senate members on specific proposals and principles for reform. Specifically we have commented and provided feedback on House Ways and Means Chairman Dave Camp's plan. SBE Council continues to push for lower tax rates for entrepreneurs (individual rates) and corporate entities, encouraging U.S. startup activity, elimination of capital gains and death taxes, simplicity, making permanent certain important features (like Section 179 expensing and business expensing) and pointing out various legitimate business expenses that should remain deductible (i.e.: interest on debt), and against LIFO repeal. SBE Council continues to advocate for small business friendly tax reform working with our members and with coalition partners. SBE Council is pushing for a two-year extension of 2013 expiring tax provisions as a bridge to tax system overhaul. Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare) and Health Care Reform: SBE Council continues to advocate and comment on the proposed rules and regulations of Health and Human Services (HHS), and educate about potential problems with implementation of the law (ie: health care exchanges, mandates, etc.) that will raise costs and increase complexity for entrepreneurs. SBE Council supports repealing key provisions in the Affordable Care Act like the employer mandate, ACA tax increases (medical devices, individual tax hikes, the health insurance tax) and restrictions placed on HSAs. Specific legislation SBE Council is supporting includes: Medical FSA Improvement Act (H.R. 1634); H.R. 45 - legislation to repeal ACA (supported passage); American Jobs Protection Act, (H.R. 903), (S. 399); Save American Workers Act (HR 2575 - suported passage); Special IG for Monitoring the ACA (HR 4158); Suspending the Individual Mandate Penalty (H.R. 4118- supported House passage); and legislation to lift the cap on HSAs in the ACA (passed and signed by President Obama). Regulatory Reform: SBE Council continues to support reforms to improve transparency and accountability of the regulatory system for small businesses. Specific legislation includes: National Regulatory Budget Act (S.2153); Sunshine and Regulatory Decrees and Settlement Act (HR 1493, S.714); Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act (HR 899); Achieving Less Excess in Regulation and Regulatory Transparency Act (HR 2804); All Economic Regulations are Transparent Act (HR 2804); Consumer Financial Freedom and Washington Accountability Act (HR 3193); Secret Science Reform Act (HR 4012 - also testified before U.S. House on this issue/legislation). SBE Council is also active on citing concerns and providing written testimony to Congress on President Obama's Climate Action Plan, EPA's forthcoming Ozone and Power Plant rules. SBE Council also provided comments in support of EPA's proposal to reduce the ethanol blend for renewable fuel standards. Immigration Reform: SBE Council continues to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform specifically focusing on increasing high-tech, high-skill visas and adding low-skill and entrepreneur visas. We continue to oppose e-verify for small employers, and to express concern with e-verify and other general provisions in the Senate-passed bill (S.744) that burden small businesses or make it costly and impractical to utilize visas for business workforce needs. Affordable Energy: SBE Council continues to support greater exploration and development of domestic energy resources, as well as construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. SBE Council opposes proposals and efforts to restrict liquefied natural gas exports, and is active support legislative effort to expedite approval of Keystone and applications for LNG permits. Specific legislation SBE Council supports, includes: Electricity Security and Affordability Act (HR 3826, S.1905); Preventing Government Waste and Protecting Coal Mining Jobs in America Act (HR 2824); Responsibly & Professionally Invigorating Development Act (HR 2641). SBE Council also opposes tax increases on the energy sector that will hurt small businesses in the industry and raise prices for small business consumers. Global Trade Expansion: SBE Council continues to support expanding trade accords with nations to open markets for entrepreneurs and the U.S. business sector. SBE Council is monitoring and supporting efforts to accelerate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and supports a new U.S.-EU trade accord. We are also supporting strong intellectual property (IP) provisions in these agreeements. SBE Council continues to advocate for streamlined and less costly processes for small businesses that operate in global markets, whether that be importing or exporting. Specific pieces of legislation SBE Council is supporting include: State Trade Coordination Act (H.R. 1926); Trade for Small Business and Jobs Act (H.R. 1916); Export Coordination Act (H.R. 1909). SBE Council also supports giving President Obama "trade promotion authority" and supports the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities Act (HR 3830, S.1900). Telecommunications, Technology & IP: SBE Council continues to urge the federal government to release additional spectrum to accommodate the explosion in mobile device and wireless usage. With respect to auctions, SBE Council believes an open, market-based auction will yield better results for the private sector, small businesses, the federal government (in terms of revenues), investment and job creation. SBE Council also supports efforts to accelerate our nation to next generation high-speed internet protocol (IP) broadband networks and continues to voice our support to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for moving forward quickly on their plan. SBE Council is supporting efforts to "remake" and "retool" the mission of the FCC to ensure it regulates based on 21st century technologies and the rapid change in innovation and in the economy. Government Reform & Efficiency, Protection of Taxpayer Resources, Free Speech in America: SBE Council continues to support legislative initiatives that work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government and how it uses tax dollars. Specific legislation includes: FOIA Oversight and Implementation Act (HR 1211- supported House passage); Taxpayer Transparency Act (HR 3308 - supported House passage, S.1921); Taxpayer Right to Know Act (H.R. S.2113); Taxpayer Transparency and Efficiency Audit Act (H.R. 2530); Protecting Taxpayers from Intrusive IRS Requests Act (H.R. 2531). SBE Council also submitted comments to the IRS about proposed 501c4 rules and legislation that would slow agency rulemaking on this specific issue - Stop Targeting of Political Belief by the IRS Act (H.R. 3865, S.2011). Capital Access: Specific legislative measures include: Small Business Capital Access and Jobs Protection Act (H.R. 1105) and a bill that would ease SEC red tape, and lower costs for purchasing or selling a business (H.R. 2274 - supported House passage, S. 1923).

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2013

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 27, 2014. Original Filing: 300629146.xml

Lobbying Issues

Access to Capital: Securities and Exchange Commission: Advocacy related to proposed Title III crowdfunding rules and implementation of the JOBS Act. Advocated for the improvement of proposed rules to align with intent of Congress, and make them practical and cost-effective for small businesses to raise capital. H.R. 1105 - Small Business Capital Access and Job Preservation Act - Supported House Passage. H.R. 2274 - Support this legislation to ease SEC rules as they relate to selling or buying a small business. Affordable Health Insurance Affordable Care Act (ACA): Continue to support efforts to fix parts of the bill that are raising small business insurance costs, and creating regulatory burden for small businesses including the employer mandate, individual mandate, rigid mandates related to "acceptable coverage", restrictive rules to qualify for the small business tax credit, and the lack of choices in the marketplace due to failure of the SHOP program and mandates that make existing plans affordable. Continue to support repeal of the medical device tax and the Health Insurance Tax on small businesses in the ACA. Access to Global Markets Support Trade Promotion Authority for President Obama Support efforts to advance the TPP and EU trade agreements. Advocacy and outreach on strengthening intellectual property (IP) provisions in trade agreements and negotiations. Supportive of efforts to increase LNG exports Tax Reform and Taxes Continue to support efforts in both the House and Senate to advance comprehensive tax reform. Support reduction in individual and corporate rates. Supports efforts to make permanent R&D tax credit, Section 179 expensing for small businesses, and death tax repeal. Oppose efforts to further increase taxes on smalll businesses. Oppose tax increases on energy production and energy companies. Regulatory Reform Continue to support efforts in the Senate to Advance the "Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scutiny Act" (S.15) Continue to support regulatory reform in general with respect to advocating for solutions that include a regulatory budget, greater accountability and transparency, cost-benefit analysis, reforms to stop "sue and settle" and make agencies perform small business outreach when statutorily required. Technology and Telecommunications Internet Protocal (IP) Transition: Support efforts and petition before the FCC to transition to all IP networks. Oppose net neutrality regulations.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2013

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 21, 2013. Original Filing: 300603261.xml

Lobbying Issues

Fairness for American Families Act (HR 2668) - Supported House passage of 1 year delay of individual mandate in ACA; Forty Hours is Full Time Act (S 1188) - Support legislation to fix ACA to reflect 40 hours is full time; H.R. 2995 - Support this legislation to repeal the statutory cap in dedeuctibles for health plans in small group market; Startup Act 3.0 (HR 714) - support; Regulatory Accountability Act (S 1020, HR 2122)- support; Government Contracting Neutrality Act (S 109, HR 436)Jumpstart Our Business Startup Act (JOBS Act): SBE Council continues to push for full implementation of the law (signed by President Obama on April 5, 2012) by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), such as Title III (crowdfunding regs) that align with the intent of Congress and President Obama. SBE Council met with SEC to help provide input for the November 2013 Annual Small Business Capital Formation conference. Tax Reform: SBE Council continues to advocate for fundamental reform of the tax system, providing input to the working groups on tax reform in the U.S. House and members of the Senate spearheading the effort. Specifically we have provided comments and continue to push for lower tax rates for entrepreneurs (indiviudal rates) and corporate entities, encouraging U.S. startup activity, elimination of capital gains and death taxes, simplicity, making permanent certain important features (like Section 179 expensing and business expensing) and pointing out various legitimate business expenses that should remain deductible (i.e.: interest on debt), and against LIFO repeal. SBE Council continues to advocate for small business friendly tax reform working with our members and with coalition partners. Tax Increases: SBE Council continues to oppose tax increases on entrepreneurs, investment and industries and sectors that result in higher costs for small businesses. For example, SBE Council opposes increased energy taxes as proposed in President Obamas previous and current budgets. SBE Council will oppose tax increases on capital gains, carried interest and other provisions that deter investment and capital formation. Immigration Reform: SBE Council continues to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform specifically focusing on increasing high-tech, high-skill visas and adding low-skill and entrepreneur visas. We continue to oppose e-verify for small employers, and to express concern with e-verify and other general provisions in the Senate-passed bill (S.744) that burden small businesses or make it costly and impractical to utilize visas for business workforce needs. Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare): SBE Council continues to advocate and comment on proposed rules and regulations to Health and Human Services (HHS), and educate about potential problems with implementation of the law (ie: health care exchanges, mandates, etc.) that do not serve the interests of entrepreneurs. In addition to legislation cited at the beginning of this report that SBE Council has endorsed or supported through votes in Congress, SBE Council also supports repealing key provisions in the Affordable Care Act like the employer mandate, ACA tax increases (medical devices, individual tax hikes, the health insurance tax) and restrictions placed on HSAs. Specific legislation SBE Council is supporting includes: Medical FSA Improvement Act (H.R. 1634); H.R. 45 - legislation to repeal ACA; American Jobs Protection Act, (H.R. 903), (S. 399). Global Trade: SBE Council continues to support expanding trade accords with nations to open markets for entrepreneurs and the U.S. business sector. SBE Council is monitoring and supporting efforts to accelerate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and supports a new U.S.-EU trade accord. SBE Council continues to advocate for streamlined and less costly processes for small businesses that operate in global markets, whether that be importing or exporting. Specific pieces of legislation SBE Council is supporting include: State Trade Coordination Act (H.R. 1926); Trade for Small Business and Jobs Act (H.R. 1916); Export Coordination Act (H.R. 1909). Affordable Energy: SBE Council continues to support greater exploration and development of domestic energy resources, as well as construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. SBE Council opposes proposals and efforts to restrict liquefied natural gas exports. Telecommunications, Technology & IP: SBE Council continues to call for the federal government to release additional spectrum to accommodate the explosion in mobile device and wireless usage. With respect to auctions, SBE Council believes an open, market-based auction will yield better results for the private sector, small businesses, the federal government (in terms of revenues), investment and job creation. SBE Council also supports efforts to accelerate our nation to next generation high-speed internet protocol (IP) broadband networks and continues to voice our support to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). SBE Council continues to advocate for strong IP enforcement and tools to protect small businesses from such theft both domestically and internationally. SBE Council distributed our new IP book (Unleashing Small Business Through IP) to key Mebers of Congress on Capitol Hill. Free Speech: Follow the Money Act (S.791) - SBE Council opposes the legislation.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2013

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 22, 2013. Original Filing: 300584861.xml

Lobbying Issues

Startup Act 3.0, (S.310), (HR 714) SBE Council supports Government Contracting Neutrality Act, S.109, HR 436 SBE Council supports Regulatory Accountability Act (S.1029), (H.R. 2122) - SBE Council supports Working Families Flexibility Act (H.R. 1406) - SBE Council supported House passage.Jumpstart Our Business Startup Act (JOBS Act): SBE Council continues to push for full implementation of the law (signed by President Obama on April 5, 2012) by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and advocate for rules that align with the intent of Congress and President Obama. SBE Council continues to meet with members of Congress on implementation and testified before the House on the SECs progress to date. Tax Reform: SBE Council continues to advocate for fundamental reform of the tax system, providing input to the working groups on tax reform in the U.S. House. Specifically we have provided comments and verbal presentations focusing on lower tax rates for entrepreneurs and corporate entities, encouraging U.S. startup activity, elimination of capital gains and death taxes, simplicity, making permanent certain important features, like Section 179 expensing and business expensing, and pointing out various legitimate business expenses that should remain deductible (i.e.: interest on debt), and against LIFO repeal. We have also expressed support for tax reform efforts on the Senate side led by Senators Max Baucus and Orrin Hatch. Tax Increases: SBE Council continues to oppose tax increases on entrepreneurs, investment and industries and sectors that would merely pass on the tax increases in the form of higher costs for small businesses. For example, we are opposing increased energy taxes as proposed in President Obamas previous and current budgets. We will oppose tax increases on capital gains, entrepreneurs, carried interest and other measures that deter investment and capital formation. Immigration Reform: SBE Council continues to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform specifically focusing on increasing high-tech, high-skill visas and adding low-skill and entrepreneur visas. We continue to oppose e-verify for small employers, and expressed concern about e-verify in S.744. With respect to S.744, SBE Council efforsts have focused on improving the legislation to make it more effective for small businesses. Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare): SBE Council continues to advocate and comment on proposed rules and regulations to Health and Human Services (HHS), including the employer and individual mandates, essential benefits, saving Health Savings Accounts, workable state exchanges that provide small businesses with a choice in affordable coverage, SHOP program and repealing key provisions in the Affordable Care Act like the employer mandate, individual mandate, tax increases in the ACA (medical devices, individual tax hikes, increases on insurance companies) and restrictions placed on HSAs. Specific legislation SBE Council is supporting include: Medical FSA Improvement Act (H.R. 1634); H.R. 45 - legislation to repeal ACA; American Jobs Protection Act, (H.R. 903), (S. 399). Global Trade: SBE Council continues to support expanding trade accords with nations to open more markets for entrepreneurs. SBE Council is monitoring and supporting efforts to accelerate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and support a new U.S.-EU trade accord. SBE Council continues to advocate for streamlined and less costly processes for small businesses that operate in global markets, whether that be importing or exporting. Specific pieces of legislation SBE Council is supporting include: State Trade Coordination Act (H.R. 1926); Trade for Small Business and Jobs Act (H.R. 1916); Export Coordination Act (H.R. 1909). Affordable Energy: SBE Council continues to support greater exploration and development of domestic energy resources, as well as construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. SBE Council supported House passage of the Northern Route Approval Act (H.R. 3). In addition, we have opposed proposals and efforts to restrict liquefied natural gas exports. Telecommunications, Technology & IP: SBE Council continues to call for the federal government to release additional spectrum to accommodate the explosion in mobile device and wireless usage. SBE Council also supports efforts to accelerate our nation to next generation high-speed internet protocol (IP) broadband networks and continue to voice our support to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). SBE Council continues to advocate for strong IP enforcement and tools to protect small businesses from such theft both domestically and internationally. SBE Council is encouraging U.S. officials to use tools in current trade agreements to strengthen IP rights for U.S. small businesses. Free Speech: Follow the Money Act (S.791) - SBE Council opposes the legislation.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2013

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 18, 2013. Original Filing: 300552821.xml

Lobbying Issues

Startup Act 3.0, S310 HR 714 SBE Council supports Government Contracting in Neutrality Act, S.109, HR 436 SBE Council supports Northern Route Approval Act, H.R. 3 SBE Council supports American Jobs Protection Act, H.R. 903, S. 399Jumpstart Our Business Startup Act (JOBS Act): SBE Council continues to push for full implementation of the law (singed by President Obama on April 5, 2012) by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and to make sure when the rules and regulations are finally proposed that they align with the intent of Congress and President Obama. SBE Council continues to meet with members of Congress on implementation and testify before committees on the SECs progress to date. Tax Reform: SBE Council continues to advocate for fundamental reform of the tax system, providing input to the working groups on tax reform in the U.S. House. Specifically we have provided comments and verbal presentations focusing on lower tax rates for entrepreneurs and corporate entities, how to encourage startup activity, elimination of capital gains and death taxes, simplicity, making permanent certain important features, like Section 179 expensing and business expensing, and pointing out various legitimate business expenses that should remain deductible (i.e.: interest on debt), and against LIFO repeal. Tax Increases: SBE Council continues to oppose tax increases on entrepreneurs, investment and industries and sectors that would merely pass on the tax increases in the form of higher costs for small businesses. For example, we are opposing increased energy taxes as proposed in President Obamas previous and current budgets. We will oppose tax increases on capital gains, entrepreneurs, carried interest and other measures that deter investment and capital formation. Immigration Reform: SBE Council continues to advocate for comprehensive immigration reform specifically focusing on increasing high-tech, high-skill visas and adding low-skill and entrepreneur visas. We continue to oppose e-verify for small employers, and making sure reform proposals do not unduly or unfairly punish small employers for unknowing or innocent acts (i.e.: safe harbor). Affordable Care Act (ObamaCare): SBE Council continues to advocate and comment on proposed rules and regulations to Health and Human Services (HHS), including the employer and individual mandates, essential benefits, saving Health Savings Accounts, workable state exchanges that provide small businesses with a choice in affordable coverage, SHOP program and repealing key provisions in the Affordable Care Act like the employer mandate, individual mandate, tax increases in the ACA (medical devices, individual tax hikes, increases on insurance companies) and restrictions placed on HSAs. Global Trade: SBE Council continues to support expanding trade accords with nations to open more markets for entrepreneurs. SBE Council is monitoring and supporting efforts to accelerate the Trans-Pacific Partnership, and support a new U.S.-EU trade accord. SBE Council continues to advocate for streamlined and less costly processes for small businesses that operate in global markets, whether that be importing or exporting. Affordable Energy: SBE Council continues to support greater exploration and development of domestic energy resources, as well as construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. In addition, we have opposed proposals and efforts (comments submitted to Department of Energy) to restrict liquefied natural gas exports. Telecommunications, Technology & IP: SBE Council continues to call for the federal government to release additional spectrum to accommodate the explosion in mobile device and wireless usage. SBE Council also supports efforts to accelerate our nation to next generation high-speed internet protocol (IP) broadband networks, and commented to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in support of the AT&T petition to launch a proceeding to do so. SBE Council continues to advocate for strong IP enforcement and tools to protect small businesses from such theft.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2012

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 22, 2013. Original Filing: 300539727.xml

Lobbying Issues

"Fiscal Cliff": General advocacy outreach in support of solutions to resolve the fiscal cliff before the December 31 deadline, including the extension of all expiring tax measures, and a rational path for cutting spending rather than arbitrary sequestration. Entitlement Reform: General advocacy efforts aimed at encouraging the White House and Congress to begin a bipartisan process to (Entitlement Reform Continued) restructure entitlements in order to put these programs and our country on a sustainable financial/fiscal path. Tax Relief and Reform: General advocacy efforts aimed at extending 2001 and 2003 Bush tax relief measures, and urging Congress and White House to undertake fundamental tax reform focused on a pro-growth, globally competitive system. Opposed efforts to raise energy, investment and small business taxes in potential deals such as the fiscal cliff package. Procurement/Government Contracting: Supported the small business contracting reform provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which help to create a more competitive procurement system (and enhanced accountability measures) that enable small businesses to better access, bid on and win federal government contracts. Affordable Energy: Support Presidential approval of the Keystone XL pipeline. Expressed opposition to initiatives to limit energy, specifically LNG, export. Opposed energy taxes. Health Care and Health Coverage Reform: Continue to weigh in on implementation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). For example, with group comments to the Department of Health and Human Services on regulations relating to mandates and rules impacting the cost and availablility of health insurance for small businesses. Telecommunications/Technology: General advocacy efforts on voicing support for more spectrum allocation by the federal government to keep up with mobile, wireless broadband demand.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2012

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 23, 2012. Original Filing: 300521615.xml

Lobbying Issues

Health Care Reform and Affordability: Coninue to urge the Congress and Administration to reform the health care system, and new health care law, that is driving health insurance costs higher, removing choices from the marketplace and creating burdens for small business. H.R. 6079, Repeal of Affordable Care Act, Supporter House passage. Regulation and Regulatory Reform: S.J. Resolution 37, Supported Senate passage. Stops EPA from imposing new Utility Maximum Achievable Control (MACT) rule. H.R. 4078, Red Tape Reduction and Small Business Job Creation Act, supported House passage. H.R. 3409, Stop the War on Coal Act, supported House passage. Tax Relief and Reform: Support efforts by the Congress and Administration to extend all expiring tax cuts at year-end to avoid "fiscal cliff." H.R. 8, Jobs Protection and Recession Prevention Act, supported House passgage H.R. 6169, Simpler Fairer Tax Code Act, supported House passage for Congress to pursue pro-growth tax reform

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2012

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 20, 2012. Original Filing: 300498919.xml

Lobbying Issues

Access to Capital: Jumpstart of Businesses Start-Up Act (JOBS Act) -- supported final passage and Presidential approval Regulation/Regulatory Reform:(cont.) Regulation/Regulatory Reform: Continue to advocate for significant regulatory reform and relief including expansion of Reg Flex for small business, cost-benefit analysis, regulatory moratorium, a regulatory budget, up or down vote by Congress on major regulations. FDA Safety and Innovation Act (S 3187) -- supported passage. Opposed amendments to include drug reimportation. Taxpayer Right to Know Act (HR 3609) - support Keeping Politics Out of Federal Contracting Act (HR 2008) - support Reguatory Freeze for Jobs Act (HR 4078) - support Midnight Rule Relief Act- support Paycheck Fairness Act (S 3220) - oppose Affordable Care Act -- continue to support repeal of the health care law (ObamaCare), and push for competitive health care reforms such as a national marketplace for health insurance, expanded HSAs, equity for the self-employed, and tax credits for individuals. Taxes/Tax Relief and Reform: Continue to advocate for comprehensive tax reform (simplifying tax system through a flat tax), reduction of individual and corporate rates, repeal of death tax and lowering or zeroing out of capital gains taxes. Small Business Tax Deduction Act (HR 9) -- supported passage LIFO Repeal -- oppose Continue to support the extension or making permanent tax relief provided by 2003 and 2008 tax reduction packages. Federal Government Procurement: National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2013, Bartlett Amendment -- supported Military Construction Veterans Affairs Appropriations Bill, Grimm Amendment -- opposed GET Small Business Contracting Act (HR 3850) - supported Small Business Advocate Act (HR 3851) - supported Subcontracting Transparency and Reliability Act (HR 3893) - supported Small Business Opportunity Act (HR 3980) - supported Building Better Businesses Partnership Act (HR 3985) - supported Small Business Promotion Act (HR 3987) - supported Contracting Opportunity Protection Act (HR 4081) - supported Contracting Oversight for Small Business Jobs Act (HR 4206) - supported Affordable Energy: Keystone XL Pipeline -- continue to support construction of the pipeline and efforts to move approval through congressional action. S.J. Resolution 37 - supported Domestic Energy and Jobs Act (HR 4480) - supported passage Chambliss Amendment to Agriculture Reform, Food and Jobs Act of 2012 (S 3240) -- supported this amendment to repeal renewable fuel standard. New taxes on energy producers - oppose Protection of Free Speech and the Small Business Voice in Policymaking and the Legislative Process: DISCLOSE Act (S2219) - opposed Technology/Telecommunication: Advocacy of universal broadband through private sector incentives/pro-investment policies. Support Verizon/cable company deal on spectrum swap, open spectrum auctions.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2012

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 18, 2012. Original Filing: 300464911.xml

Lobbying Issues

Access to Capital: H.R. 3606, Jumpstart our Business Startups (JOBS) Act -- supported House passage, Senate Amended package and final House passage of Senate Amended package, which President Obama signed into law.Regulatory Reform: H.R. 3309, Federal Communications Commission Process Reform Act -- support Opposed "nonresident alien deposit interest reporting" regulation (REG-146097-09) -- urged Treasury Secretary to reject regulation H.R. 3862, Sunshine for Regulatory Decrees and Settlements Act -- support S 1538, Regulatory Time Out Act -- support H.R. 373, Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act -- support H.R. 1744 and S 20, American Jobs Protection Act - support Continue to support cost-benefit analysis, enforcement and expansion of SBREEFA, a regulatory budget and use of congressional review authority (CRA) Health Care Reform: Continue to support repeal of Affordable Care Act (ACA) in the Senate S 20 -- support repeal of employer mandates in ACA H.R. 1370 and S 1880 -- support repeal of health insurance tax in ACA Continue to support the lifting of restrictions on health savings accounts (HSAs) imposed by ACA Support repeal of CLASS, and continue to oppose "grandfather rule" as written by Health and Human Services (HHS) Taxes: H.R. 1259, Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act -- support H.R. 2945, Capital Gains Inflation Relief Act -- support Continue to support tax relief permanency for the various Bush-era provisions that have been extended including individual rates, capital gains tax rates, dividend rates, Section 179 expensing and general business expensing. S 1811, Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act -- support H.R. 9, Small Business Tax Cut Act -- support Continue to generally oppose tax increases on energy companies, carried interest, individuals and small business owners. Affordable Energy: Continue to support construction of KeystoneXL Pipeline. Expressed opposition to President Obama's rejection of construction. Supported the Hoeven/Lugar/Vitter Keystone XL amendment to transportation funding bill.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2011

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 20, 2012. Original Filing: 300447335.xml

Lobbying Issues

Regulatory Reform and Relief: Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, H.R. 10 -- supported House passage Regulatory Accountability Act of 2011, H.R. 3010 -- supported House passageRegulatory Reform and Relief (continued): Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act, H.R. 3094 -- supported House passage S.J. Res. 27, Senate Resolution of Disapproval of EPA rule relating to cross-border "pollution" -- supported S.J. Res. 6, Senate Resolution of Disapproval of FCC's "net neutrality" regulations -- supported 3% Withholding Repeal legislation -- H.R. 674 and S 1762 -- supported House and Senate passage and signature by President Obama. Regulatory Time Out Act, S.1538 - support Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2011, H.R. 373 -- support American Jobs Protection Act of 2011, H.R. 1744 and S. 20 - support Continue to advocate for cost-benefit analysis of regulation, enforcement of SBREFA in rulemakings at applicable agencies, increased judicial review, a regulatory budget, and use of congressional review authority (CRA). Health Care Reform: Senate Amendment #769 to Agriculture Appropriations bill (allowing for drug reimportation) -- opposed Continue to push for repeal of Patient Protection Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in Senate Support legislation to repeal the employer mandate in PPACA (H.R. 1370, S. 20), health insurance tax in PPACA (H.R. 1370, S 1880) and lifting new restrictions on health savings accounts (HSAs). Commented on state-based exchanges to HHS Continue to oppose Grandfather Rule as written (PPACA) Support repeal of CLASS Act as passed in PPACA Taxes: Capital Gains Inflation Relief Act (H.R. 2945) -- support Tax Relief Permanency -- continue to support passage of various legislative measures making permanent the current individual, capital gains, and dividend tax rates, as well as Section 179 expensing, and general business expensing. Continue to support repeal of the death tax. Support making permanent the research and development (R&D) tax credit. Continue to advocate for fundamental tax reform (flat rates, simplicity and fairness) through a flat tax or similar regime. Continue to oppose tax increases on carried interest, U.S. small business owners and entrepreneurs, investors, LIFO repeal, energy and energy companies as "pay fors" for new spending. Access to Capital: Access to Capital for Job Creators Act, S.1831 -- support Entrepreneurs Access to Capital Act, H.R. 2930 -- supported House passage Crowdfund Investing bills in U.S. Senate -- currently working on improvements to Democratizing Access to Capital Act, S. 1791 and Capital Raising Online While Deterring Fraud Act Support repeal of Dodd-Frank Start-up Savings Account Act of 201, H.R. 1730-- support S 1506 -- support this legislation that prevents U.S. Treasury from expanding U.S. bank reporting requirements with respect to interest on deposits paid to nonresident aliens. Global Market Access and General Small Business: Trade Promotion Agreements with Panama, Columbia, South Korea (H.R. 3078, H.R. 3079, H.R. 3080) -- supported passage. Free File Program Act, H.R. 2569 -- support Affordable Energy and Economic Growth: Keystone XL -- support approval Broadband Deployment and Telecommunications -- supported AT&T-T-Mobile merger Universal Service and Intercarrier Compensation Systems reform -- support

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2011

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 21, 2011. Original Filing: 300430420.xml

Lobbying Issues

Regulatory Reform and Relief: Regulatory Flexibility Improvement Act of 2011 (H.R. 572) -- Support Transparency in Regulatory Analysis of Impacts on the Nation (TRAIN) Act of 2011, H.R. 1705 -- Support Regulation from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act of 2011, H.R. 10 and S.299 -- Support Regulatory Relief and Reform (Continued): Rehberg Amendment on EPA's Lead rule: Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) program -- Supported passage Regulatory Time Out Act of 2011, S. 1538 -- Support Unfunded Mandates Information and Transparency Act of 2011, H.R. 373 -- Support Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2011, H.R. 674 and S. 164 -- Support American Jobs Protection Act of 2011, S.20 and H.R. 1744 -- Support Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act of 2011 H.R. 2587 -- Support Continue to support cost-benefit analysis of regulation, increased judicial review, a regulatory budget, regulatory review and the President's recent review, and efforts by the Congress to use congressional review authority (CRA). Regarding health care reform -- continue to support repeal of Patient Protection Affordable Care Act (PPACA), and it various regulations and mandates including the individual mandate, employer mandate, grandfathering rule, one-size-fits-all minimum benefits package, regulation of state-based exchanges, restriction on health savings accounts (HSAs), and general paperwork (reporting) burden on small business. Access to Capital: Entrepreneurs Access to Capital Act of 2011, H.R. 2930 -- Support Access to Capital for Job Creators Act of 2011, H.R. 2940 -- Support S1506 -- prevents U.S. Treasury from expanding U.S. bank reporting requirements with respect to interest on deposits paid to nonresident aliens (resulting in capital flight from the U.S.). Repeal of Dodd-Frank Start-Up Savings Account Act of 2011 -- Support Continue to advocate for start-up exemption for crowdfunding investing from outdated SEC security laws. Tax Reform and Misc Items: Capital Gains Inflation Relief Act of 2011 (H.R. 294) Continue to oppose new taxes on carried interest, U.S. small business owners and entreprenuers, energy and energy companies, surtaxes on successful entrepreneurs and investors, and LIFO repeal. Continue to support tax stability and relief; and making permanent tax relief measures set to expire including individual rates, Section 179 expensing, capital gains and dividend taxes. Trade agreements with Columbia, South Korea, Panama -- Support AT&T and T-Mobile merger -- Support Universal Service Fund and Intercarrier Compensation Systems reform -- Support Keystone XL Pipeline project -- support Efforts to rein in rogues sites -- Support Budget Control Act of 2011 -- Supported

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2011

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 18, 2011. Original Filing: 300394154.xml

Lobbying Issues

Tax Relief and Reform S. 336, Rax Relief Certainty Act (Support) H.R. 696, Tax Relief Certainty Act (Support) H.R. 940, Energy Tax Increase Legislation (Opposed)Regulatory Relief and Reform: H.R. 4 in Senate (passed in House) to Repeal 1099 Mandate in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) -- (Supported repeal legislation and President signing the bill) McConnell/Inhofe Amendment on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Regulation -- supported move to defund/stop implementation of EPA's GHG regulation under SBIR-STTR reauthorization H.R. 1281, "Restoring Economic Certainty Act" (Support) Senate Amendment 299 (Snowe Amendment) "Regulatory Freedom Act of 2011" (Supported) Senate Amendment 390 to "Economic Development and Revitilization Act" (Supported) General education effort to Congress on Department of Education's "Gainful Employment Rule" and the general uptick in regulatory activities within the agencies and federal government Affordable Energy and Job Creation: H.R. 1231, "Reversing the Offshore Moratorium Act" (Supported) H.R. 1229, "Put the Gulf Back to Work Act" (Supported) S. 940, Raised energy taxes (Opposed) H.R. 2021, "Jobs and Energy Permitting Act" (Supported) Government Procurement: S.119 and H.R. 735, "Government Neutrality in Contracting Act" (Support) 3 Percent Witholding Tax on Government Contractors (Support Repeal) President Obama's potential efforts to place more restrictions and requirements on government contractors -- specifically listing what politicians, and political/nonprofit organizations they contribute to (Oppose) Health Care Reform H.R. 4 in Senate to Repeal 1099 Mandate in PPACA (passed), Signed by President Obama (Supported) "Save our States" Act in Senate (Hutchinson Amendment and Legislation), (Support) Repeal of PPACA (continue to Support) Repeal of employer mandates in PPACA (Support) Repeal of various tax provisions in PPACA including higher medicare/SS rates on individual taxpayers, health company/insurance fee, and over the counter changes to health savings accounts (HSA) -- (Support) Repeal of individual mandate in PPACA (Support) Health Care Exchanges -- encouraged efforts to make the exchanges effective from a cost and choice perspective for small business. Government Reforms H.R. 1249, "America Invents Act" (Support) SEC Rule Changes to make Crowdfunding Investment a Viable Option for Small Business Capital Access (Support) Telecommincations and the Internet Allocating D Block Spectrum for Public Safety (Support) Spectrum Auctions to Incrase Wireless Capacity and Raise Revenues for Debt Reduction (Support) H.R. 1002 and S1192, "Wireless Tax Fairness Act" (Support) ATT and T-Mobile merger, provided support comments to FCC

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2011

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 20, 2011. Original Filing: 300378272.xml

Lobbying Issues

Tax Relief and Reform: S336, Tax Relief Certainty Act (Support) H.R. 696, Tax Relief Certainty Act (Support) S.Res 88, Snowe Resolution to Protect Small Businesses from Tax Increases Health Care Reform: Repeal of Section 9006 in "Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" (PPACA) - H.R. 4, Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act (Supported passage) - Johanns Amendment, #161, to SBIR/STTR Reauthorization Act of 2011 (Supported passage) - Stabenow Amendment to FAA Reauthorization Act (Supported passage) - Final vote on H.R. 4 in Senate (Supported passage) PPACA Reform/Repeal: - H.R. 2, Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act (Supported passage) - McConnell amendment to FAA Reauthorization bill to repeal PPACA (support) - Amendment #197 to S.493 SBIR/STTR Reauthorization to suspend implementation of PPACA (support) Government Procurement: - Guinta Amendment, #166, to H.R. 1 to ban use of PLAs in federal government construction projects (Supported passage) - S119 and H.R. 735 Government Neutrality in Contracting Act (Support) - 3% Withholding Mandate for Government Contractors (Support repeal) - Amendment #212 to S493, SBIR/STTR Reauthorization -- repeals 3% withholding mandate Regulatory Relief and Reform: - Sullivan Amendment to H.R. 1, the FY 2011 CR to prevent EPA from using appropriated funds to increase amount of allowable ethanol content in gasoline to 15% (E15) (Supported passage) - H.R. 910, Energy Tax Prevention Act (Supported passage) - McConnell/Inhofe Amendment to SBIR/STTR Reauthorization to nulllify EPA's greenhouse gas regulations (Supported passage) Economic Growth and Small Business: - S361, Seven Point Plan for Growing Jobs Act (Support) - S23, America Invents Act (Support) Access to Capital: - S364, Small Business Savings Accounts Act (Support) - SEC rule changes to make crowfunding investment legal..small business exemption (Support) Telecommunications and the Internet: - Support Allocating D Block Spectrum to Public Safety - H.R. 1002 and S1192, Wireless Tax Fairness Act, (Support)

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2010

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 20, 2011. Original Filing: 300351991.xml

Lobbying Issues

Taxes and Tax Policy Permanent Extension of 2001 and 2003 Tax Relief: Supported, as well as two year extension as signed by President Obama. Fundamental Tax Reform: Flat tax, lowering rates and broadening the base: Support Health Care Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA): Supported Repeal Specific Provisions in PPACA: Expanded 1099 Reporting (Section 9006): Supported repeal Grandfather Rule: Opposed proposed HHS Rule, Supported and Overturn Medical-Loss Ratio Regulation: Opposed proposed rule Individual and Employer Mandate: Supported Repeal Tax Increases in PPACA: Supported Repeal Regulation: E15 and Misfueling Mitigation: Urged EPA to extend misfueling mitigation comment period. FCC "Further Inquiry": Opposed effort to regulate Internet and broadband. OSHA Noise Reduction Rule: Opposed Energy: Opposed Tax Increases Energy Development: Opposed new delays/restrictions on offshore drilling Financial Services and Implementation of Overhaul Legislation: Interchange Regulation: Opposed Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: Called for effective implementation of small business regulatory process requirement, and clarification of forthcoming regulations as to how and whether exemptions pertain to small firms who offer credit. Federal Government Procurement: Moratorium on "Insourcing": Support 3 Percent Withholding Mandate: Support Repeal and Delay of Implementation Project Labor Agreements (PLAs): Oppose the use of and executive order of the President. Supported efforts to challenge the use of PLAs and legislation to overturn them.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2010

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 20, 2010. Original Filing: 300323327.xml

Lobbying Issues

HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL AND REFORM Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA): Support repeal. S.J. Res 39: Supported the Resolution of Disapproval to rescind HHS "grandfather rule." HEALTH CARE OVERHAUL AND REFORM Expanded 1099 Reporting (Section 9006 of PPACA): Support Repeal. SA 4596 (Johanns Amendment), H.R. 5141 and S3578. Opposed Nelson Amendment (SA 4595). Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): Support protection of HSAs, and repeal of provision in PPACA that disallows tax-free purchases of over-the-counter medications using HSAs. HHS "Grandfather Rule": Support statutory language that protects all plans before PPACA signed into law, and oppose current rule that will push most small business plans out of grandfathered status. Support Repeal of Employer Mandate in PPACA. Support Repeal of Individual Mandate in PPACA. TAX POLICY And ACCESS TO CAPITAL Extension of Bush Tax Relief: Support extending and making permanent all tax cuts for all income levels, as well as capital gains and dividend rates. Death Tax: Support full repeal. Home Office Deduction: Support simplification and reform as proposed in SA 4430 to "Small Business Jobs Act of 2010." Carried Interest: Oppose higher taxes on carried interest and new "Enterprise Value Tax." "Small Business Jobs Act of 2010" (HR 5297): Opposed creation of $30 billion fund, and advocated for meaningful tax relief. REGULATION "Equal Employment for All Act" (HR 3149): Oppose "Paycheck Fairness Act" (S3772): Oppose Dodd-Frank Conference Report: Opposed "financial regulatory reform" bill in final form. Net Neutrality and Internet Regulation: Oppose Internet regulations as proposed by FCC. "Gainful Employment Rule": Oppose DoL rule to put careeer colleges at severe disadvantage and undermine their ability to provide skilled labor to small business. AFFORDABLE ENERGY Taxes: Opposed a variety of tax increases on the energy industry included in legislation as "pay fors." Cap-and-Trade: Opposed efforts in the Senate to limit energy use and drive prices higher through Kerry-Lieberman, "The American Power Act of 2010." E12 Authorization at EPA: Oppose approval of the new and untested mandate to allow blended gasoline with 12% ethanol. Hydraulic Fracturing: Support efforts to move slowly in regulation as the currently safe regime in the energy sector is working. Offshore Drilling Moratorium: Supported lifting of the ban. TRADE and IP PROTECTION Free Trade Agreements: Support exanding free trade through pending trade agreements yet to be approved (Columbia, Panama and South Korea), and increased trade negotiations by the White House. IP Protections: Support increased support by the federal government and White House to aggressively protect U.S. business IP at home and abroad.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2010

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 26, 2010. Original Filing: 300304995.xml

Lobbying Issues

Federal Contracting and Procurement: Section 511 of P.L. 109-222: Support repeal of 3 percent withholding tax on government contractors "Government Neutrality in Contracting Act," H.R. 983, S.90: Support passage SBA Proposed Rule on Women's Procurement: Supported with modificationsTax Relief, Simplification & Reform: Home Office Deduction: Supported Senate Amendment #4430 to "Small Business Jobs Act of 2010" to streamline and simplify rules for deducting a home office. Extenstion/Permanency of 2001 and 2003 Tax Relief: Support full permanency or long-term extension of relief in income tax, capital gains, dividend, and death tax rates -- as well as small business expensing. Capital Gains Stabilization: Support Senator DeMint's bill to stabilize capital gains tax rate at 15 percent. Death Taxes: Support full repeal Burden Relief: "Small Business Paperwork and Mandate Elimination Act," H.R. 5141, S. 3578 -- support repeal of section 9006 of new health care law that expands 1099 reporting. Carried Interest: Opposed provisions in "American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act" to impose a tax increase on carried interest. S-Corp Tax Increases: Opposed efforts in House and Senate to increase taxes on S-corporations. Research and Development Tax Credit: Support long-term extension, permanency Health Care Affordability and Competition: "Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Law": Support repeal Limited Liability Plans: support the preservation of these health care plans Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): support repeal of provision in new health care law that eliminates the use of HSA funds for over-the-counter medical needs. Financial System Overhaul Dodd-Frank Legislation: opposed passage of the conference report, and opposed S 3217, "Restoring American Financial Stability Act." "Small Business Fairness and Regulation Tranparency Act" (Senate Amendment 3883): Supported Energy Affordability: Murkowski Resolution, S.J. 26: support New energy taxes and tax increases: oppose Cap-and-Trade Legislation: Oppose Kerry-Liberman, "American Power Act of 2010" Advocacy: "DISCLOSE Act," H.R. 5175: oppose Regulation: "Internet Investment, Innovation and Competition Preservation Act," H.R. 5257: support Broadband Regulation: oppose interference by government to regulate broadband service as a public utility. Women's Business Ownership: National Women's Business Council (NWBC): Urged President Obama to quickly name chair and members of NWBC so women entrepreneurs are represented in key policy debates.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2010

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 20, 2010. Original Filing: 300274683.xml

Lobbying Issues

Telecommunications & Technology: National Broadband Plan -- expressed support for elements of plan to help increase broadband adoption rates and access. "Open Internet" NPRM -- expressed opposition to "net neutrality" regulations in comments filed with the Federal (cont.) Telecommunications & Technology (continued) Communications Commission (FCC). Concerned about the implications for investment and jobs, innovation and full deployment of broadband (access for small businesses) if new internet regulations are adopted. Health Care Reform Advocated for specific reform measures that would lower the cost of health coverage and improve competitiveness for small business owners including: expanded Health Savings Accounts (HSAs); tax-parity for the self-employed; legal reform; cross-border purchasing of health plans; pooling for small firms, tax credits for small businesses. Opposed legislation that would raise health insurance costs and taxes on small businesses, and impose new mandates and burdensome regulations including: HR 3590 -- "Patient Protection and Affordable Health Care Act" (the Reid bill): Advocated against as the bill will push health insurance premium costs higher, raise taxes on individuals and small business owners, imposes a new mandate to buy health insurance on the struggling self-employed, new employer mandate on mid-size firms, and new compliance burdens (reporting requirements) that will hit small businesses hard. HR 4872 -- Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act: Opposed the measure as it will do all of the above and harm our nation's job creators. Federal Procurement Policy "High Road Initiative" -- Expressed opposition to new government contracting policies being considered that would discriminate against small, women-owned and minority-owned firms. Project Labor Agreements -- Expressed opposition to this policy that would hurt the competitiveness of smaller, non-unionized firms and raise taxpayer costs in the government procurement arena. Opposed political favoritism in the awarding of government contracts in general. Regulation EPA's Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Rules: Opposed as they would raise energy costs for small businesses and consumers, while imposing a costly, byzantine regulatory process on many small entities. S.J. Resolution 26: Support the bipartisan resolution to disapprove EPA's proposal to regulate GHG emissions under the Clean Air Act. Financial Regulatory "Reform" and credit card regulation: advocated against changes that would only serve to reduce availability of capital and credit (and make them more expensive). Taxes Continue to support the permanency of tax relief provided under President Bush including personal income tax rates, capital gains, dividends, and section 179 expensing Continue to support full death tax repeal, elimination of the alternative minimum tax (AMT), R&D tax credit permanency and further reductions in tax rates. Continue to advocate for fundamental tax reform along the lines of a flat tax. Advocated AGAINST the imposition of a value added tax (VAT).

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2009

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 20, 2010. Original Filing: 300244468.xml

Lobbying Issues

Health Care Reform/ Affordable Health Coverage: House Bill, H.R. 3962 -- Opposed Senate Bill, H.R. 3590 -- Opposed Advocated for Expanded health savings account (HSAs), nationwide marketplace for insurance, broader and permanent tax credits for (continued) individuals and small businesses, purchasing pools for small firms, medical liability reform, expanded risk pools at the state level, market reforms to improve competitiveness of health insurance market. Regulatory Initiatives Internet Regulations: Internet Freedom Act of 2009 (H.R. 3924 and S 1836) -- Support Net Neutrality regulations -- expressed opposition and concerns regarding new regulations to FCC, and members of Congress Energy and the Environment: Continued to express opposition to cap-and-trade legislation in House and Senate Filed comments to EPA on "Title V Tailoring Rule" -- Oppose Continue to express support for domestic energy exploration and development -- offshore drilling and access to public lands Continue to express opposition to EPA greenhouse gas and emissions regulation Workplace Regulations: "Emergency Influenza Containment Act," H.R. 3991 -- New Mandate on Business -- Oppose "Card Check" legislation in Senate -- Oppose Other Regulations: "Overdraft Protection Act," H.R. 3904 -- Oppose Financial regulation, re: Creation of a CFPA -- Oppose Price caps on interchange fees -- Oppose Taxes Continue to advocate for making permanent the Bush tax relief measures related to capital gains, individual rates, Section 179 expensing and the permanent repeal of the death tax. Opposed new taxes on capital/investment income 3% Withholding Tax on Government Contractors -- Oppose Trade Ongoing advocacy for advancing trade agreements, and efforts to enhance and improve small business opportunities for going global.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2009

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 20, 2009. Original Filing: 300217927.xml

Lobbying Issues

Health Care Reform: H.R. 3200 -- "American Affordable Health Choices Act" (OPPOSED) Senate Finance Committee Plan (Baucus Plan) -- (OPPOSED) Kerry-Bingaman Employer Mandate Amendment -- to Baucus plan in Senate Finance Committee (OPPOSED) Health Care Reform (continued): SBE Council expressed opposition to a variety of measures that are included in pieces of legislation moving through both Houses of Congress including the following: employer mandates, individual mandates, new taxes on health insurance plans and the health care industry, "play-or-pay" provisions, taxes on medical device manufacturers, pharmaceuticals and clinical labs, "surtaxes" on individuals to pay for government health care expansion, new taxes on HSAs, penalties and new regulatory burdens on small business owners and the self-employed, and the "public option." SBE Council expressed support and advocated for the following measures to be included in health care reform legislation: tax parity for the self-employed, health savings accounts expansion, medical liability reform, pooling opportunities for small business owners, cross-state purchasing of health insurance, meaninful tax credits for individuals and small business owners, and the expansion of risk-pools. Regulation "Employee Free Choice Act" -- continue to OPPOSE efforts in the Senate to pass legislation. Consumer Financial Protection Agency -- continue to point out potential burdens on small financers (small businesses) and lending institutions, as well as increased cost of financial services and tools for small businesses if legislation moves forward. "Net Neutrality" Rules -- OPPOSE Telecommunications and the Internet In comments filed with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), expressed oppostion to net-regulation rules, while supporting efforts to expand broadband access for small businesses and individuals. Have also urged the FCC not to re-regulate "special access" services. Access to Capital H.R. 2965 -- Modernization of Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer Program (SUPPORT) Tax Reform and Certainty -- continue to push for permanency of individual income tax rates, capital gains tax rate and Section 179 expensing rules. Also, continue to support "death tax" permanency and no tax increases for small business owners and the self-employed. Energy Cap-and-Trade -- Continue to express opposition to this regulatory scheme. Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) -- oppose RPS in energy legislation within the American Clean Energy and Security Act. Energy Taxes -- Continue to express opposition to new energy taxes.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2009

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 20, 2009. Original Filing: 300190052.xml

Lobbying Issues

Health Care Reform Equity for our Nation's Self-Employed Act, H.R. 1470 -- support America's Affordable Health Choices Act, H.R. 3200 --oppose In general -- advocated for tax credits, pooling arrangements, health savings accounts expansion and improvement (cont.) Health Care Reform (cont): Nationwide marketplace for health insurance, and tax parity for the self-employed to help bring small businesses more affordable access to health coverage. Opposed employer mandates, "play-or-pay", increased taxes (surtaxes, for example), a public option for health coverage, and excessive bureaucracy and spending in health care reform. Opposed President Obama's $637 billion "down payment" for health care reform in his budget proposal. The "Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2009", H.R. 1885 -- support The "Withholding Tax Relief Act of 2009", S 292, H.R. 275 -- support The "Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act of 2009" -- support "Travel Promotion Act of 2009" -- supported Senator Dick Durbin's small business amendment. "Investing in Tomorrow's Technology Act of 2009" -- supported Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Program Modernization, H.R. 2965 -- supported The Budget: Opposed the Budget Resolution. Opposed the Budget Resolution Conference Report, (S. Con Res 70) Opposed adding comprehensive health care reform, climate change legislation and increased taxes in budget reconciliation. The "American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009" (Waxman-Markey) -- opposed -- particularly the higher taxes and establishment of a cap-and-trade program. Renewable Portfolio Standards mandate in Waxman-Markey, opposed "Employee Free Choice Act" -- opposed "The Credit Card Holders Bill of Rights," H.627 -- opposed Broadband Filed comments with Federal Communications Commission for their NOI on a "National Broadband Plan" -- encouraged a focus on unserved and underserved areas, education and policies that continue to promote investment and competition. Filed comments with NTIA, RUS and Department of Agriculture on the broadband initiatives within "The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" -- encouraged a focus on unserved and underserved areas, transparency and coordination with respect to spending, and a light regulatory approach regarding requirements for participation. General advocacy efforts continue in these areas: Advancing pending Free Trade agreements Patent Reform Regulatory reform and relief Tax system reform, and making permanent current tax relief measures such as Section 179 expensing, capital gains, dividend, and personal income tax rates. Research and Development Tax Credit extension and permanency. Access to capital issues such as tax reform and relief, increased tax incentives and zero capital gains for small business investment. Repealing "cell phone" tax reporting requirements for employees.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2009

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 29, 2009. Original Filing: 300167913.xml

Lobbying Issues

Taxes, Tax Reform and Relief Advocacy relating to fundamental tax reform. Tax relief permanency (small business measures in 2001 and 2003 tax relief packages) including individual tax rates, capital gains taxes, inheritance taxes, Section 179 expensing, dividend taxes.Tax Reform and Relief (continued) President Obama's FY10 Budget: Opposed tax increases in the budget including the increase in individual rates, capital gains taxes, inheritance taxes, last in-first out (LIFO) accounting change, and tax hikes on the energy industry, as well as those that would emerge as a result of the "cap-and-trade" program. Economic Recovery and Middle Class Tax Relief Act of 2009, H.R. 470 -- support Home Office Deduction Simplification Act of 2009, H.R. 1509 -- support State Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization Act -- opposed federal excise tax increase on cigarettes. Health Care Reform General support for reforms providing lower cost options for health coverage for small business owners, the self-employed and their employees, including universal Health Savings Accounts, and nationwide marketplace for health coverage. President's FY10 Budget -- oppose including health care reform as part of the budget, or budget reconciliation process. Equity for our Nation's Self-Employed Act, H.R. 1470 -- support. Regulation Employee Free Choice Act, H.R. 1409 and S. 56 -- Oppose Secret Ballot Protection Act, H.R. 1176 and S. 478 -- Support NEPA Streamlining -- Urged support for an amendment to HR 1, the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" to streamline the National Environmental Policy Act for projects funded by the Act. Project Labor Agreements (PLAs)/Davis-Bacon -- Opposed language in H.R. 1 extending Davis-Bacon and mandating PLAs. Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act -- Opposed E-Verify Mandate -- Opposed as part of H.R. 1, the requirement that those receiving funds or government contracts use e-verify. 3% Witholding Mandate on Government Contractors -- Support repeal of the mandate as included in H.R. 1 (House version), and support repeal overall. Recommendations for a new Executive Order on Federal Regulatory Review -- filed comments with the Office of Management and Budget regarding general support for maintaining and expanding accountability of agencies toward small businesses in the regulatory process. More transparency, inclusion and cost-benefit analyses. Misc. American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 -- Opposed. Access to Capital and Credit Issues -- Oppose "Credit Card Accountability Act of 2009," S. 414 Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) -- Opposed provision that would mandate that companies participating in the TARP program or receiving TARP funds divest of all business aircraft, including leases.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2008

Q4 Report

In Q4, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 21, 2009. Original Filing: 300131897.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2008

Q3 Report

In Q3, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 20, 2008. Original Filing: 300106946.xml

Lobbying Issues

Tax Reform and Relief: General advocacy continues regarding fundamental tax reform, and tax relief permanency, re: 2001 and 2003 tax relief packages. Research & Development tax credit permanency. Home Office Deduction Simplification Act (H.R. 6214) -- supportTax Reform and Relief (continued): Continue to oppose tax increases on small businesses and tax gap proposals that increase taxes/reg burden on firms. For example, expressed concern regarding provisions in the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (H.R. 3221), which mandated information reporting on merchant card payments to the IRS. Support AMT patch, minus various tax increases . Trade/Global Market Access: U.S.-Columbia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) -- continue to support and press for passage. General advocacy continues on opening new markets for small businesses through trade agreements, while opposing efforts to re-negotiate existing agreements such as NAFTA. Health Coverage/Affordable Health Insurance: Continue to voice support for individual and small business tax credits; tax parity and fairness for the self-employed; nationwide marketplace for health insurance; pooling mechanisms for small businesses; health savings account (HSA) improvement and expansion. Government Procurement: H.R. 1023/S.777: Continue to express support for these bills to repeal Section 511 of Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act (P.L. 109-222), the 3 percent withholding mandate on government contractors. Employee Eligibility Verification Mandate on Government Contractors (FAR Case No 2007-013): Sent comments to GSA in opposition to mandated approach to e-verify for small government contractors as this would put such firms at a competitive disadvantage and increase costs. Regulatory Burden: "SAVE Act", H.R. 4088 -- continue to express opposition to the legislation in general. "Independent Office of Advocacy and Regulatory Reform Act," S. 2902 -- support regulatory measures in the legislation. Continue to express concern regarding "tax gap" measures that will increase paperwork burden and costs on small firms (for example, credit card, e-payments income reporting). Paycheck "Fairness" Act -- H.R. 1338 -- Urged opposition in House due to cost/legal impact on small firms. Affordable Energy: Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) development and exploration -- Support allowing ban to expire of OCS and oils shale recovery to help increase supply of U.S. (home-grown) energy resources, and economic opportunities for small business. Continue to express general support for domestic exploration and development; increased incentives for companies to accelerate bringing alternatives to market; lower gas taxes. Oppose tax increases on U.S. oil and gas firms. Comprehensive American Energy Security Act, H.R. 6899 -- opposed portions of bill that work against enabling increased energy supply, including higher taxes on U.S. energy companies. MMS 5 Year Oil and Gas Leasing Program -- supported MMS consideration of expanding offshore oil and gas development for periods 2010-2015 to help increase U.S.-based energy supply, and increase opportunities for small business. Property Rights: "Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2008," H.R. 6219 -- support. General Issues: Supported Mr. Sandy Baruha's nomination as SBA Administrator (Acting Administrator). Urged Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to suspend mark-to-market rules to help quell instability in markets. E-Verify Basic Pilot Program -- supported extension of pilot (not mandatory e-verify for all employers), including study of federal government's e-verify program related to cost impact on small businesses. Access to Credit/Capital: In comments to the Federal Reserve, as well as a letter to the House regarding H.R. 5244 -- expressed concerns and unintended consequences of overregulating low-limit credit cards, re: would decrease access to credit and capital for consumers and small businesses, while preventing these consumers to rebuild their credit.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2008

Q2 Report

In Q2, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 21, 2008. Original Filing: 300079576.xml

Lobbying Issues

Tax Reform and Relief: General advocacy continues regarding fundamental tax reform, and tax relief permanency, re: 2001 and 2003 tax relief packages. Research & Development tax credit permanency. Home Office Deduction Simplification Act (H.R. 6214) -- supportTax Reform and Relief (continued): Continue to oppose tax increases on small businesses and tax gap proposals that increase taxes/reg burden on firms. H.R. 6049 (AMT patch with various tax increases) -- opposed Senate consideration/cloture. H.R. 6275, "AMT Relief Act" -- opposed various tax increases in the bill. Trade/Global Market Access: U.S.-Columbia Trade Promotion Agreement (TPA) -- support. Opposed House Democratic initiative to block consideration of U.S.-Columbia TPA. General advocacy continues on opening new markets for small businesses through trade agreements, while opposing efforts to re-negotiate existing agreements such as NAFTA. Health Coverage/Affordable Health Insurance: Continue to voice support for individual and small business tax credits; tax parity and fairness for the self-employed; nationwide marketplace for health insurance; and pooling mechanisms for small businesses. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) "substantiation mandate": Opposed House passage. Opposed "substantiation mandate" in H.R. 5719, "Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of 2008." Government Procurement: H.R. 1023/S.777: Support these bills to repeal Section 511 of Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act (P.L. 109-222), the 3 percent withholding mandate on government contractors. Regulatory Burden: H.R. 2831, "Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007" -- opposed Senate consideration of legislation. "SAVE Act" Discharge Petition -- H.R. 4088, "Secure America Through Verification and Enforcement Act" -- oppose new burdens and regulatory requirements on small firms. "SAVE Act" -- continue to express opposition to the legislation in general. "Independent Office of Advocacy and Regulatory Reform Act," S. 2902 -- support regulatory measures in the legislation. "Employee Free Choice Act" -- oppose Senate consideration and passage of the bill. Extension of small public company reporting requirements of Sarbanes-Oxley -- supported Security and Exchange Commission announcement. Department of Homeland Security "No-Match Rule" -- opposed and expressed concerns about various elements of "Supplemental Proposed Rule and Safe Harbor Procedures." Continue to express concern regarding "tax gap" measures that will increase paperwork burden and costs on small firms (for example, credit card, e-payments income reporting). Affordable Energy: Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) development and exploration -- supported Rep. Peterson's amendment to FY 2009 Interior Appropriations bill. "Climate Security Act," Lieberman-Warner, S.2191 -- Opposed "Climate Security Act," S. 3036 -- Opposed. Continue to express general support for domestic exploration and development; increased incentives for companies to accelerate bringing alternatives to market; lower gas taxes. Oppose tax increases on firms. Property Rights: "Private Property Rights Protection Act of 2008," H.R. 6219 -- support. Continue to express sense of urgency to provide legislative fix for U.S. Supreme Court's Kelo decision. General Issues: Steve Preston's nomination as U.S. HUD Secretary -- expressed support to Senate for the nomination. SBA Office of Advocacy Independence, S. 2902 -- support.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2008

Q1 Report

In Q1, SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP COUNCIL (SBE COUNCIL) had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 21, 2008. Original Filing: 300052133.xml

Lobbying Issues

"Telecommuter Tax Fairness Act," H.R. 1360/S.785: Support legislation. Section 179 Small Business Expensing: Support numerous legislative initiatives to increase/make permanent. Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit: Support legislation to extend, improve and make permanent provision. Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Act, H.R. 5351: Opposed energy tax increases in bill.Higher Gas Tax Proposals: Expressed opposition to higher gas and energy taxes to Congress both in general legislative initiatives, and as recommended by the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission. "Equity for Our Nation's Self-Employed Act," H.R. 3660/S.2239: Support legislation to fix the tax code disparity for self-employed entrepreneurs. Senate Budget Resolution: Opposed, as it included future tax increases on small business. Home Office Deduction Simplification: Support National Taxpayer Advocate's proposal. Tax Simplicity and Tax Code Reform: Continue to urge Congress to advance tax measures that simplify the tax code, and bring certainty for small business owners. Continue to express support for tax relief permanency related to Section 179 expensing, personal income tax rate reductions, and capital gains tax and dividend rate cuts as part of 2001 and 2003 tax packages. Tax Gap Initiatives: Potential Tax Increase and Regulatory Threats to Small Business: Continue to urge that Congress not impose new reporting requirements and burdens on small business owners. Continue to oppose measures that raise taxes in the name of closing the "tax gap," or to offset new spending such as eliminating the deduction that allows small firms to deduct the legal costs of their agreements with government. 3 Percent Witholding Mandate on Small Business Government Contractors: Continue to urge passage of H.R. 1023 and S.777 to repeal Section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act. Small Business Regulation: "Secure America through Verification and Enforcement Act, H.R. 4088: Oppose. Continue to express opposition to bill, and to Rep. Heath Schuler's "discharge petition" that would bring H.R. 4088 to the House floor for an immediate vote. Mandated electronic employee verification (EEV): Continue to express concerns and opposition to bills or regulatory proposals mandating EEV. "No-Match Rule" put for forward by the Department of Homeland Security: Oppose, and continue to express opposition. "Small Business Regulatory Improvement Act," H.R. 4458: Urged Senate to advance this House-passed bill. "Save Our Small and Seasonal Business Act," H.R. 1843/S.988: Support. "America's Climate Security Act," S.2191: Continue to express opposition to this legislation, and "cap-and-trade" approaches in general. "Employee Free Choice Act," H.R. 800: Oppose -- continue to express opposition to forced unionization of the workplace, and government-imposed contracts on small firms and their workforce. Market/Capital Access: U.S.-Columbia Trade Promotion Agreement: Support "The Patent Reform Act," S.1145: Support Health Savings Account (HSA) Enhancement: Supported S.Con Resolution 70 to the budget resolution. Sarbanes-Oxley, Section 404: Commented to Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on proposal to delay implementation of Section 404(b) reporting requirements on small public firms. Supported SEC proposal and cost study. Network Management Regulation: Commented to Federal Communications Commission to act with restraint in regulating the flow and management of internet traffic.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Source: Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives and Secretary of the Senate

Legislators

Bills

Statements

Lobbying

Travel

Lobbyists

Disclosures Filed