AARP for AARP

Retirement RET

H.R.1159, To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide special rules for investments lost in a fraudulent Ponzi-type scheme-Contacted Congressman's Meek's office to explore support of a bill that offers some relief to victims of Ponzi schemes. Lobbied for reintroduction of auto-IRA, a bill that would require an automatic workplace retirement savings plan for an estimated 50 million employees (no bill). Lobbied for introduction of legislation that would expand the savers credit so that more modest income individuals can benefit from it. (no bill number) Discussed Auto-IRA, a bill that would require an automatic workplace retirement savings plan for an estimated 50 million employees; legislation that would end the age cap in the earned income tax credit; legislation that would expand the savers credit so that more modest income individuals can benefit from it; and on the inappropriate application of withholding tables that implement Make Work Pay to pension and other retirement income. (no bill) Met with Democratic Policy Counsel staff on: Auto-IRA, a bill that would require an automatic workplace retirement savings plan for an estimated 50 million employees would end the age cap in the earned income tax credit; that would expand the savers credit so that more modest income individuals can benefit from it; weatherization; modernizing the poverty measure; and modernizing the asset tests that are used to determine eligibility for federal benefits. (no bill) Met with the Vice-President's staff on: Auto-IRA, a bill that would require an automatic workplace retirement savings plan for an estimated 50 million employees; legislation that would end the age cap in the earned income tax credit; legislation that would expand the savers credit so that more modest income individuals can benefit from it; weatherization; modernizing the poverty measure; and modernizing the asset tests that are used to determine eligibility for federal benefits. (no bill) Discussed the need for bipartisan action on long-term financial security. (no bill) Discussed preferred Social Security options. (no bill) Discussed implications of no Social Security COLA.(no bill) Discussed disability backlog process and administration issues, including participation on SSA Advisory Future Systems Technology Panel (Nancy LeaMond, panelist). Advocated for retirement security for family caregivers. H.R. 3536, Social Security COLA Fix for 2010 Act -Discussed implications of legislation responding to the lack of a Social Security COLA in 2010. H.R. 3557- To provide an emergency cost-of-living increase for Social Security Benefits for 2010. Discussed implications of legislation introduced to respond to the lack of a Social Security COLA for 2010. H.R.3572, COLA Assistance Act of 2009-Discussed implications on legislation introduced to respond to the lack of a Social Security COLA for 2010. S. 1685/H.R.3597, Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act of 2009 - Discussed implications of legislation introduced to respond to the lact of a Cocial Security COLA for 2010. H.R. 3691, Seniors and Veterans Economic Stimulus Act of 2009 - Discussed implications of legislation introduced to respond to the lack of a Social Security COLA for 2010. H.R. 3672, Social Security COLA Fix for 2010 Act - Discussed implications of legislation introduced to respond to the lack of a Social Security COLA for 2010. H.R. 3677, Save Our Seniors Social Security Act of 2009 - Discussed implications of legislation introduced to respond to the lack of a Social Security COLA for 2010. H.R. 3810, Emergency Senior Citizens Relief Act of 2009 - Discussed implications of legislation introduced to respond to the lack of a Social Security COLA for 2010. S. 2926 Economic Fairness for Seniors Act - Discussed legislation that would allow premiums for Medicare Part B to remain at 2009 levels for all beneficiaries, providing Social Security beneficiaries with $250 in economic relief in response to the lack of a cost-of-living adjustment for 2010 and converting from the CPI-W to the CPI-E. H.R. 4126, the Retirement Fairness Act of 2009 - Reviewed and discussed legislation "to prevent the overstatement of benefits payable to non-highly compensated employees under qualified plans, and for other purposes." H.R. 4429, Restoring the Social Security COLA Act - Discussed the implications of legislation introduced to respond to the lack of a Social Security COLA in 2010. H.R. 4213, the Tax Extenders Act of 2009 - Advocated for the adoption of the Sanders Amendment (S.AMDT.3353) to provide an emergency benefit of $250 to seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities in 2010 to compensate for the lact of cost-of-living adjustment for such year. Reviewed and discussed draft legislation to create a new Consumer Price Index to be used to calculate future Social Security COLAs. (no bill) Discussed draft language of latest Senate version of Automatic Individual Retirement Account (Auto-IRA) legislation. (no bill) Discussed draft legislation to establish a Senior Bill of Rights, particularly language to express the sense of Congress on the importance of Social Security. (no bill) Discussed draft legislation to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of Social Security. (no bill) H.R. 5001, the BASIC Act - Reviewed legislation to prorate Social Security benefits for a surviving spouse for the month a beneficiary passes away and to adjust the lump sum death payment. Discussed draft legislation to exempt withdrawals from an individual's retirement account from the 10% penalty during times of high unemployment. (no bill)

Contacted: Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Treasury, Dept of; Commerce, Dept of (DOC); SENATE; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Social Security Administration (SSA); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Energy, Dept of; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Administration on Aging; Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Office of the Vice President of the United States; White House Office

Bills named: H.R. 1159 (111th), H.R. 4429 (111th), S. 2926 (111th), H.R. 3572 (111th), H.R. 3810 (111th), H.R. 5001 (111th), H.R. 4213 (111th), H.R. 3536 (111th), H.R. 3677 (111th), H.R. 3672 (111th), H.R. 4126 (111th), H.R. 3691 (111th), H.R. 3597 (111th), S. 1685 (111th), H.R. 3557 (111th)

Medicare/Medicaid MMM

S.330/H.R.684, Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation which would create a government-operated Medicare prescription drug plan. Provided information on the need for nursing education capacity and the retention of newer and older nurses in the workplace (no bill). S.683/H.R.1670, Community Choice Act - Supported Community First Choice Option version of this legislation in health care reform and inquired about eligibility criteria. S.245, Retooling the Health Care Workforce for an Aging America Act - Discussed moving forward provisions not in healthcare reform. S.631/H.R.2223, Patient Safety and Abuse Prevention Act - Drafted comment letter on implementation of criminal background checks for employees of long-term care providers in healthcare reform law. Discussed implementation of healthcare coverage for the 50-64 year old population, age rating, and closing the doughnut hole. S.1133/H.R. 2580, Empowering Medicare Patient Choices Act - Discussed legislation that would promote patient decision aids to help people make informed, evidence-based decisions about health care treatment options. S. 960, Medicare Early Access Act of 2009 - Support for legislation to let Americans aged 55-64 who are otherwise without access to group or public coverage buy into Medicare. H.R. 2700, Prescription Coverage Now Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation that would assist low-invome individuals in obtaining subsidized prescription drug coverage under the Medicare prescription drug program by expediting the application and qualification process and by revising the resource standards used to determine eligibility for such subsidies, and for other purposes. S. 1185, Medicare Financial Stability for Beneficiaries Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation that would ensure that low-income beneficiaries have improved access to health care under the Medicare and Medicaid programs. H.R. 2716, Medicare Savings Program Improvement Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation that would provide financial stability for older Americans and people with disabilities through improvements in the Medicare Savings Program. Advocated for modernizing Medicare funding so that nursing education funds are directed to advanced nurse practice programs to help produce more highly-skilled nurses to care for the Medicare population (no bill). Discussed ideas to improve medicare for medicare beneficiaries. (no bill) Discussed Medicare physician payment issues. (no bill) S. 2128, Prevent Healthcare Fraud Act - Discussed Medicare Fraud. Discussed idea of an annual physical for Medicare beneficiaries (no bill). S.975 Seniors and Taxpayers Obligation and Protection Act - Lobbied in support of legislation. S.1256 Home and Community Balanced Incentives Act - Discussed implementation of certain enacted provisions. H.R. 3631, Medicare Premium Fairness Act - Lobbied to pass legislation to allow premiums for Medicare Part B to remain at 2009 levels for all beneficiaries. S. 2926, the Economic Fairness for Seniors Act - Discussed the implications of legislation to provide $250 in economic relief to seniors, veterans and the disabled in response to the lack of a COLA in 2010; allow Medicare Part B premiums to remain at 2009 levels for all beneficiaries and to study the use of a new Consumer Price Index for use in calculating future Social Security COLAs. H.R. 3590, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Lobbied in support of and on new implementation of health care law that would reform the health care system to provide affordable quality health care, reduce drug costs and expand access to long-term services and supports. H.R. 4872, Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act - Lobbied in support of health care law to make improvements in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and implementation of certain provisions. House Amendment to Senate Amendment to H.R. 2847 "Jobs for Main Street Act" - Discussed redirection of some TARP funds to extend unemployment insurance and COBRA eligibility and FMAP assistance to state governments. H.R. 4213 American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act/American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act - Lobbied for extension of UI, COBRA, FMAP, and SGR.

Contacted: Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Social Security Administration (SSA); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Treasury, Dept of; White House Office; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Energy, Dept of; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Commerce, Dept of (DOC); Administration on Aging; SENATE; Labor, Dept of (DOL)

Bills named: S. 631 (111th), H.R. 1670 (111th), S. 1256 (111th), H.R. 2223 (111th), H.R. 3631 (111th), H.R. 684 (111th), S. 683 (111th), H.R. 2700 (111th), S. 2128 (111th), H.R. 4872 (111th), S. 975 (111th), H.R. 3590 (111th), S. 1185 (111th), H.R. 4213 (111th), S. 2926 (111th), S. 330 (111th), H.R. 2847 (111th), S. 245 (111th), H.R. 2716 (111th), S. 960 (111th), S. 1133 (111th), H.R. 2580 (111th)

Unemployment UNM

H.R. 4213 American Workers, State, and Business Relief Act of 2010 - Lobbied in support of extending UI benefits.

Contacted: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Treasury, Dept of; SENATE; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); White House Office; Administration on Aging; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Commerce, Dept of (DOC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Energy, Dept of; Social Security Administration (SSA); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Office of the Vice President of the United States

Bills named: H.R. 4213 (111th)

Financial Institutions/Investments/Securities FIN

Discussed financial regulatory reforms, including consumer and investor protections, a potential systemic risk regulator, and consolidation of agencies (no bill). H.R. 1984, 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act of 2009 - Lobbied for increased transparency of 401(k) fees paid for by plan participants. H.R. 1988, Conflicted Investment Advice Prohibition Act of 2009 - Lobbied to ensure that individually directed account plan participants received investment advice from qualified advisors who are free from financial conflicts of interests. H.R. 2779, Defined Contribution Plan Fee Transparency Act of 2009 - Lobbied for increased transparency of 401(k) fees paid for by plan participants. H.R. 2989, 401(k) Fair Disclosure and Pension Security Act of 2009 - Lobbied for increased transparency of 401(k) fees paid for by plan participants and to ensure that individually directed account plan participants received investment advice from qualified advisors who are free from financial conflicts of interests. H.R. 3936 - Preserve Benefits and Jobs Acts of 2009 - Discussed need for pension funding relief in light of the combined impact of the U.S. recession and the funding requirements of the 2006 Pension Protection Act. S. 2832, Lifetime Income Disclosure Act - Lobbied in support of this legislation, which would provide individuals a better understanding of the lifetime value of their 401(k) plan assets by including in a yearly benefit statement a conversion of their total accrued benefits into a monthly dollar amount as if they had opted to receive a lifetime annuity. H.R. 4173, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 - Lobbied in favor of financial regulatory reforms, including consumer and investor protections, preserving states' authority to enforce consumer protection laws and CFPA's authority to enforce rules it adopts. H.R. 4849, the Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act of 2010 - Discussed the potential inclusion of 401(k) fee disclosure and pension funding relief provisions within the bill. Ultimately, these provisions were not included in the legislation. H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act - Lobbied for the inclusion of 401(k) fee disclosure provisions within the House version of the legislation. Senate Substitute Amendment to H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act - Lobbied for the inclusion of 401(k) fee disclosure provisions within the Senate version of the legislation. Discussed issues surrounding lifetime income products, such as annuities, and provided written testimony for the Senate Special Committee on Aging hearing entitled "The Retirement Challenge-Making Savings Last a Lifetime." (no bill)

Contacted: Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Commerce, Dept of (DOC); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Administration on Aging; Social Security Administration (SSA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Energy, Dept of; Office of the Vice President of the United States; Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); SENATE; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Government Accountability Office (GAO); White House Office; Treasury, Dept of; Office of Personnel Management (OPM); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

Bills named: H.R. 4173 (111th), H.R. 1988 (111th), H.R. 2989 (111th), H.R. 3936 (111th), H.R. 1984 (111th), H.R. 4213 (111th), S. 2832 (111th), H.R. 4849 (111th), H.R. 2779 (111th)

Civil Rights/Civil Liberties CIV

H.R.1604 Universal Right to Vote by Mail Act; H.R.2510 Absentee Ballot Track, Receive, and Confirm Act; H.R.2393 Military Voting Protection Act; H.R. 1739 Overseas Voting Practical Amendments Act - Discussed proposed legislation addressing voting rights and access. Discussed age discrimination and workforce protections (no bill). H.R. 2006/S.795 Elder Justice Act - Lobbied for coordination of state and federal resources to combat elder abuse and exploitation and on implementation of some of these provisions. H.R. 3040 The Senior Financial Empowerment Act of 2009 - Lobbied in support of bill that would control mail, telemarketing, and Internet fraud targeting seniors. H.R. 5175/S. 3295 DISCLOSE (Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light on Spending in Elections) Act - Discussed legislation that would modify federal compaign finance laws to comply with 2010 SCOTUS decision in Citizens United vs. FEC. S. 1756 Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act - Lobbied in support of the Protecting Older Workers Against Discrimination Act.

Contacted: Energy, Dept of; Administration on Aging; White House Office; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Government Accountability Office (GAO); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Social Security Administration (SSA); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Treasury, Dept of; SENATE; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Labor, Dept of (DOL); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Commerce, Dept of (DOC); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Office of Management & Budget (OMB)

Bills named: H.R. 2393 (111th), H.R. 5175 (111th), S. 3295 (111th), H.R. 1739 (111th), H.R. 2006 (111th), H.R. 3040 (111th), H.R. 2510 (111th), S. 795 (111th), H.R. 1604 (111th), S. 1756 (111th)

Transportation TRA

Surface Transportation Authorization Act of 2010 - Discussion of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee legislation to provide a five-year reauthorization of the expiring SAFTEA-LU legislation. AARP interests include increasing funding for public transit and special needs para-transit services, promotion of older driver and pedestrian safety, expanding adoption of planning and design features to better accommodate all roadway users and strengthening connections between transportation and land use planning. (no bill) S.584/H.R.1443 Complete Streets Act of 2009 - Discussion of legislation to require States and Metropolitan Planning Organizations to adopt complete streets policies to ensure that federally-funded improvements to roadways incorporate design changes that permit potential users of all ages and abilities to travel safely and conveniently. H.R. 3355, Older Driver and Pedestrian Safety and Roadway Enhancement Act of 2009 - Lobbied for legislation to create a federal funding program for States to implement federal safety design recommendations at roads and intersections with a high incidence of traffice accidents and fatalities involving older drivers and pedestrians. Senior Para-transit legislation - Discussion of proposed legislation to reauthorize, increase capital funding and provide operating subsidy funding for the Department of Transportation Sec.5310 special needs transportation program for seniors and persons with disabilities.(no bill) S.1619, Livable Communities Act of 2009 - Lobbied for legislation to provide funding to develop and implement regional plans for cross-cutting projects that address transportation, housing, community and economic development, and environmental needs.

Contacted: Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Office of the Vice President of the United States; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Energy, Dept of; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Commerce, Dept of (DOC); White House Office; Administration on Aging; Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Treasury, Dept of; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); SENATE; Labor, Dept of (DOL); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Social Security Administration (SSA)

Bills named: H.R. 1443 (111th), S. 1619 (111th), H.R. 3355 (111th), S. 584 (111th)

Taxation/Internal Revenue Code TAX

Lobbied for introduction of legislation that would end the age cap in the earned income tax credit. (no bill) Discussed Auto-IRA, a bill that would require an automatic workplace retirement savings plan for an estimated 50 million employees; legislation that would end the age cap in the earned income tax credit; legislation that would expand the savers credit so that more modest income individuals can benefit from it; and on the inappropriate application of withholding tables that implement Make Work Pay to pension and other retirement income. (no bill) Discussed income weatherization; modernizing the poverty measure; and modernizing the asset tests that are used to determine eligibility for federal benefits. (no bill) Discussed tax assistance funding. (no bill) H.R.1159 - To amend the Internal Revenue code of 1989 to provide special rules for investments lost in a fraudulent Ponzi-type scheme. Discussed legislation to grant tax relief to victims of Ponzi-type schemes. H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act/Tax Extenders Act of 2009 - Advocated for the adoption of the Sanders Amendment (S.AMDT.3353) to provide an emergency benefit of $250 to seniors, veterans and persons with disabilities in 2010 to compensate for the lact of cost-of-living adjustment for such year. H.R. 4849, the Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act of 2010 - Discussed the potential inclusion of 401(k) fee disclosure and pension funding relief provisions within the bill.

Contacted: Social Security Administration (SSA); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Commerce, Dept of (DOC); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Energy, Dept of; Labor, Dept of (DOL); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Administration on Aging; Treasury, Dept of; Office of the Vice President of the United States; White House Office; SENATE; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS)

Bills named: H.R. 4849 (111th), H.R. 4213 (111th), H.R. 1159 (111th)

Telecommunications TEC

H.R. 2847 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations bill for FY 2010 - Lobbied in support of funding for various agencies within bill's jurisciction, including the Legal Services Corporation, Census Bureau, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Discussed with officials of the FCC agency actions or proposals relating to wireless telephone service, smart grid development and national broadband plan affordability (no bill).

Contacted: Administration on Aging; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); White House Office; Commerce, Dept of (DOC); SENATE; Treasury, Dept of; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Social Security Administration (SSA); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Energy, Dept of; Office of the Vice President of the United States; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

Bills named: H.R. 2847 (111th)

Health Issues HCR

H.R.3590, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Lobbied in support of and on implementation of health care legislation that would reform the health care system to provide affordable quality health care and expand access to long-term services and supports. Provided information on the need for nursing education capacity and the retention of newer and older nurses in the workplace (no bill). S.1569/H.R.3185, Medicare Graduate Nursing Education Act - Advocated for modernizing Medicare funding so that nursing education funds are directed to advanced nurse practice programs to help produce more highly-skilled nurses to care for the Medicare population. (no bill) S. 623/HR 1558, Pre-existing Condition Patient Protection Act of 2009 - Lobbied in support of bill that would prohibit insurers from denying health insurance or delaying coverage for people with pre-existing conditions. H.R. 2778, Health Equity and Accountability through Research Act of 2009 - Lobbied in support of bill that would address racial and ethnic disparities in care. S. 979/HR 2360, Small Business Health Options Programs Act - Lobbied in support of bill that would establish a nationwide health insurance purchasing pool for small businesses and the self-employed that would offer a choice of private health plans and make health coverage more affordable, predictable and accessible. S.1213, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Act - Lobbied in support of bill that would create a public-private partnership to conduct and disseminate comparative effectiveness research. S. 726/H.R. 1427, Promoting Innovation and Access to Life Saving Medicines - Discussed legislation which would create a pathway for approval of safe, effective biosimilar and generic biologic drugs. H.R. 3090, Health Equity and Accountability Act - Discussed need to end racial and ethnic disparities in care. Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act FY 2011 - Lobbied for funding for healthcare services, research and training involving NIH, AHRQ, CMS, HRSA, HHS and AOA. (no bill) H.R. 4872, Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act - Lobbied in support of health care law which makes improvements such as closing the Part D coverage gap, in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and implementation of some provisions. Provided comment letter to HHS on their draft Strategic Framework on Multiple Chronic Conditions. (no bill number) H.R. 5364, Special Care Dentistry Act - Discussed bill that would require states to provide oral health coverage for aged, blind, or disabled individuals through a separate state adult dental program, with 100% federal match. H.R. 4213, American Workers, State and Business Relief Act/American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act - Lobbied for extension of UI, COBRA, FMAP, and SGR.

Contacted: Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); White House Office; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); SENATE; Energy, Dept of; Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Treasury, Dept of; Commerce, Dept of (DOC); Social Security Administration (SSA); Administration on Aging; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Labor, Dept of (DOL)

Bills named: H.R. 1558 (111th), H.R. 3590 (111th), H.R. 1427 (111th), H.R. 4213 (111th), S. 726 (111th), H.R. 3185 (111th), H.R. 4872 (111th), H.R. 2360 (111th), S. 979 (111th), S. 1569 (111th), H.R. 2778 (111th), S. 623 (111th), H.R. 5364 (111th), S. 1213 (111th), H.R. 3090 (111th)

Housing HOU

H.R. 4173, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 - Lobbied in favor of financial regulatory reforms, including consumer and investor protections, a potential systemic risk regulator, and consolidation of agencies. Discussed legislation to be introduced to enhance current protections for borrowers and prospective borrowers of FHA-insured Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM) and provide for new disclosure, marketing and underwriting standards for non-HECM reverse mortgages. (no bill) S. 118 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Act - Discussed legislation to provide for rehabilitation of existing rental housing units constructed under the HUD Section 202 housing program and to allow greater flexibility in combining HUD rehabilitation funding with other sources of funding, and to modify The Assisted Living Conversion Program. H.R. 1408 Inclusive Home Design Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation to require all newly constructed and federally-assisted single-family house to meet minimum standards of accessibility and visitability by persons with disabilities. Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Program Amendments - Discussed draft amendments to upcoming housing legislation to change calculation of premium costs relating to reverse mortgages for manufactured housing units on fixed foundations under HUD's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage program (no bill). Transportation, HUD and related agencies appropriations bill for FY 2011 - Lobbied for HECM credit subsidy, senior housing construction and rental assistance, and senior transit programs. (no bill) H.R. 529/S.365, Nationwide Mortgage Fraud Taskforce Act of 2009 - Discussed establishing taskforce in Department of Justice. Discussed proposed legislation to update program requirements and enhance consumer protections for borrowers of Home Equity Conversion Mortgages. (no bill)

Contacted: Office of the Vice President of the United States; Social Security Administration (SSA); Administration on Aging; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); White House Office; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Treasury, Dept of; Commerce, Dept of (DOC); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Energy, Dept of; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; SENATE; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Labor, Dept of (DOL)

Bills named: H.R. 1408 (111th), H.R. 529 (111th), S. 365 (111th), H.R. 4173 (111th), S. 118 (111th)

Budget/Appropriations BUD

Labor, HHS, Education and related agencies appropriations bill for FY 2011 - Lobbied for funding for SSA, Older Americans Act programs. Lifespan Respite Care Act, Nursing Education/Workforce Development, National Corporation for Community Service (Kennedy Serve America Act), among other items, LIHEAP and weatherization. (no bill) House Amendment to Senate Amendment to H.R.2847 - "Jobs for Main Street Act" - Discussed redirection of some TARP funds to extend unemployment insurance and COBRA eligibility and FMAP assistance to state governments. H.R. 4691, Temporary Extension Act of 2010 - Lobbied for extension of UI benefits, and COBRA. H.R. 4899, Disaster Relief and Summer Jobs Act of 2010 - Lobbied for inclusion of emergency food assistance, SSA and CMS program integrity activity and other non-defense discretionary funding levels for FY 2011. Transportation HUD Appropriations (no bill) - Lobbied in support of funding for HUD Section 202 senior housing program.

Contacted: Federal Communications Commission (FCC); SENATE; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Social Security Administration (SSA); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Treasury, Dept of; Commerce, Dept of (DOC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Government Accountability Office (GAO); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Administration on Aging; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Energy, Dept of; White House Office; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Labor, Dept of (DOL)

Bills named: H.R. 4691 (111th), H.R. 2847 (111th), H.R. 4899 (111th)

Insurance INS

H.R. 3590, Patient Protection and Affordability Care Act - Lobbied in support of health care legislation and implementation of certain provisions related to affordable quality health care and expand access to long-term services and supports. H.R. 4872, Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act - Lobbied in support of health care law which makes improvements, such as closing the Part D coverage gap, in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and implementation of certain provisions. H.R. 4757/S.3078 Health Insurance Rate Authority Act - Discussed bill that would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to establish a uniform process for the review of potentially unreasonable increases in rates for health insurance coverage, including premiums.

Contacted: Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Treasury, Dept of; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Social Security Administration (SSA); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Office of the Vice President of the United States; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Commerce, Dept of (DOC); Energy, Dept of; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Administration on Aging; SENATE; White House Office

Bills named: H.R. 3590 (111th), H.R. 4757 (111th), S. 3078 (111th), H.R. 4872 (111th)

Consumer Issues/Safety/Products CSP

H.R. 4173, the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2009 - Lobbied in favor of financial regulatory reforms, including consumer and investor protections, a potential systemic risk regulator, and consolidation of agencies. Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010 - Lobbied for support of the bill and to preserve consumer and investor protections, preserve states authority to enforce consumer protection laws and CFPA's authority to enforce rules it adopts. (no bill)

Contacted: SENATE; Treasury, Dept of; Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Commerce, Dept of (DOC); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); White House Office; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Social Security Administration (SSA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Administration on Aging; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Energy, Dept of; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Bills named: H.R. 4173 (111th)

Government Issues GOV

Discussed AARP's 2010 Advocacy Agenda with members of Congress and their staff. (No bill) H.R.946/S.574 Plain Language Act - Discussed using plain language in financial disclosure. H.R.2920 Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act - Discussed potential impact of legislation on important programs affecting the elderly. Discussed proposal to create a House Special Committee on Aging to mirror the Senate Special Committee on Aging (no bill number). H.J. Res.45, Statutory Debt Limit - Lobbied to defeat the Conrad-Gregg amendment. Discussed President's Deficit Reduction Commission as it pertains to Social Security/retirement security. (no bill)

Contacted: Office of Personnel Management (OPM); White House Office; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); SENATE; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Social Security Administration (SSA); Treasury, Dept of; Administration on Aging; Government Accountability Office (GAO); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Commerce, Dept of (DOC); Energy, Dept of

Bills named: H.R. 2920 (111th), H.J.Res. 45 (111th), H.R. 946 (111th), S. 574 (111th)

Energy/Nuclear ENG

HR 2454, American Clean Energy and Security Act - Discussion of AARP's concern that any approach creating a national cap and trade program for carbon emission reduction include provisions assuring that revenues from sales of emission allowances be used to mitigate cost increases for electricity ratepayers generally and provide additional assistance to low-income and fixed-income households to help defray higher utilities costs. Discussion of possible introduction as separate legislation an expanded proposal, similar to language included as an amendment to HR 2454, to create an independent Office of Consumer Advocate in the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to represent residential utilities ratepayers in FERC proceedings and rule making (no bill). S.1733 Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act - Discussed inclusion of low-income and consumer protection language in bill. S.2877 CLEAR Act (Carbon Limits and Energy for America's Renewal) - Lobbied to include provisions in the bill to protect rate payers and low income households. Labor, HHS, Education and related agencies appropriations bill for FY 2010 - Lobbied for funding for SSA, Older Americans Act programs, Lifespan Respite Care Act, Nursing Education/Workforce Development, National Corporation for Community Service (Kennedy Serve America Act), among other items, LIHEAP, and weatherization. (no bill)

Contacted: Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Labor, Dept of (DOL); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Social Security Administration (SSA); Administration on Aging; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Treasury, Dept of; Office of the Vice President of the United States; Commerce, Dept of (DOC); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Energy, Dept of; Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); White House Office; Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; SENATE

Bills named: S. 2877 (111th), S. 1733 (111th), H.R. 2454 (111th)

Welfare WEL

H.R. 2909/1625, Measuring American Poverty Act - Lobbied to create modern measures of poverty accurately. Labor, HHS, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Act FY 2011 - Lobbied for nutrition, energy assistance and other low-income aid. (no bill) H.R. 4213 Jobs Bill/Tax Extenders Amendment - Lobbied to remove pay-for provision using SNAP benefits after 2014.

Contacted: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); SENATE; Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Commerce, Dept of (DOC); Treasury, Dept of; Labor, Dept of (DOL); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Social Security Administration (SSA); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Office of the Vice President of the United States; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Administration on Aging; White House Office; Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Energy, Dept of; Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Bills named: H.R. 2909 (111th), H.R. 4213 (111th)

Pharmacy PHA

S.525/H.R.1298/S.1232, Pharmaceutical Market Access and Drug Safety Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation which would create a system of safe importation of prescription drugs from abroad. S.726/H.R.1427, Promoting Innovation and Access to Life-Saving Medicine Act - Discussed legislation which would create a pathway for the approval of safe, effective biosimilar and generic biologic drugs. H.R.1706, Protecting Consumer Access to Generic Drugs Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation that would prohibit brand name drug companies from compensating generic drug companies to delay the entry of a generic drug into the market, and for other purposes. S. 369, Preserve Access to Affordable Generics Act - Discussed legislation that would prohibit brand name drug companies from compensating generic drug companies to delay the entry of a generic drug into the market,and for other purposes. S.515/H.R.1260/S.610, Patent Reform Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation that would amend federal patent law to rewrite provisions concerning the conditions for patentability. Specifically, AARP weighed in on the inequitable conduct provisions of the legislation. S. 301, Physician Payments Sunshine Act of 2009 - Discussed legislation that would provide for disclosure of gifts given by pharmaceutical and device manufacturers to physicians. S.1315, Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act Amendment/H.R.3777 Drug Price Competition Act - Lobbied to expand the definition of "first applicant" under such Act to allow a generic drug manufacturer that is currently considered an applicant subsequent to a brand-name manufacturer's 180-day exclusivity period to qualify as a first applicant for purposes of filing an abbreviated application for a new drug. Requires such applicant ot submit a substantially complete application that contains and lawfully maintains a certification for such drug. H.R. 3590, Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act - Lobbied in support of and implementation of health care legislation to reform the health care system to provide quality health care and expand access to long-term services and supports. H.R. 4872, Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act - Lobbied in support of and implementation of health care law which makes improvements, such as closing the Part D coverage gap, in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Contacted: Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Government Accountability Office (GAO); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Labor, Dept of (DOL); SENATE; Office of the Vice President of the United States; Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Administration on Aging; Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Treasury, Dept of; White House Office; Commerce, Dept of (DOC); Energy, Dept of; Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Social Security Administration (SSA); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS)

Bills named: S. 1232 (111th), H.R. 1706 (111th), S. 1315 (111th), S. 525 (111th), S. 515 (111th), S. 610 (111th), H.R. 1260 (111th), H.R. 3777 (111th), S. 726 (111th), H.R. 4872 (111th), H.R. 1298 (111th), H.R. 1427 (111th), S. 301 (111th), H.R. 3590 (111th), S. 369 (111th)

Torts TOR

S.540/H.R.1346, Medical Device Safety Act - Discussed legislation would make clear congressional intent that state tort claims are not preempted by the FFDCA. Medical malpractice in health reform. (no bill) H.R. 1237 Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act - Discussed legislation, (including mark up) to prevent pre-dispute arbitration agreements in long term care activity contacts.

Contacted: Office of Management & Budget (OMB); Treasury, Dept of; Government Accountability Office (GAO); Social Security Administration (SSA); White House Office; SENATE; Transportation, Dept of (DOT); Administration on Aging; Energy, Dept of; Commerce, Dept of (DOC); Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC); Office of the Vice President of the United States; HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES; Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM); Food & Drug Administration (FDA); Housing & Urban Development, Dept of (HUD); Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS); Internal Revenue Service (IRS); Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS); Labor, Dept of (DOL)

Bills named: H.R. 1346 (111th), S. 540 (111th), H.R. 1237 (111th)