NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION for NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
Versions of this report
Every filing the register holds for this firm, client and period, oldest first. The most recent one is the version LegiList counts.
| Filing | Filed | Amount | Counted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2nd Quarter - Report | Jul 17, 2008 | $15,000 | Replaced |
| 2nd Quarter - Amendment (this page) | Oct 16, 2008 | $150,000 | Yes |
What was lobbied
6 issue areas, each in the filer's own words, with who lobbied on it and where.
Budget/Appropriations BUD
The association follows various budget and appropriations measures that may have an impact on the association, its members, and/or the member's consumers. During the reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following: Budget: The President's FY 2009 Budget Proposal and related appendices that outline the administration's spending proposals for the Rural Utilities Service, the Rural Business Cooperative Service, and the Federal Communications Commission, as well as related telecommunications programs under each of these agencies. Appropriations: Unnumbered drafts of the FY 2009 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Specific attention paid to the titles funding the Rural Utilities Service and the Rural Business Cooperative Service, and on the General Provisions section that contains items related to these programs. Unnumbered drafts and mark-ups of the FY 2009 Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act. Specific attention paid to the title funding the Federal Communications Commission and on the General Provisions section that contains items relating to this agency and its programs.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| JOSEPH EAVES | — |
| ADAM HEALY | — |
| TAMMIE LOGAN | — |
| THOMAS WACKER | — |
Telecommunications TEC
Monitored, reacted to, and/or developed proposals and/or initiatives that will impact the operations of rural communications providers, their consumers and/or the association. With regard to the measures listed below, the association is committed to pursuing a policy environment that allows the association's members to continue serving the high cost markets others have often overlooked. The association's primary objective in this regard is to ensure artificial and uneconomic hurdles and barriers are not placed in their way as they attempt to provide such rural communications services. The association believes in setting the appropriate stage to provide rural carriers with the necessary tools to allow adequate cost recovery for the infrastructure and services policymakers and the public are demanding, and that the association's members are, in fact, providing. Maintaining a balance formula of cost recovery consisting of fair consumer rates, appropriate intercarrier compensation, and adequate universal service are all key to this objective. The association further believes that competitive entrants to the business should be willing to live up to the same industry responsibilities surrounding these concepts that incumbent rural carriers have met for decades. In addition, the association strongly advocates for fair access to all forms of content and infrastructure whether in voice, video, or data formats and whether provided via land line or in a moble fashion. The association has from time to time compared notes and informally coordinated messaging with both members and non-member alike, but ultimately identifies, develops, and carries out all lobbying strategies and activities individually, under its own name. The association's advocacy efforts revolve entirely around the premise of informing and educating policymakers and the public alike about issues that are related to the provision of communications services in rural America. NTCA, its members, and rural consumers recognize that an appropriate operating environment is essential if rural providers are to be able to continue doing the effective entrepreneurial job that they always have in providing superior communications services to rural Americans. There were issues where the association did not focus on legislation itself, but rather focused on concepts and worked with different members of Congress to help them understand the related issues and/or to develop and distribute some form of public statement on the given subject. For example, we worked with a number of offices to try to ensure that the Federal Communications Commission understood that there were many members of Congress that are opposed to a reverse auction distribution methodolgy for universal service support. Likewise, we continued discussions on intercarrier compensation as well as phantom traffic and other cost recovery issues. We also discussed spectrum and digital television transmission issues with offices as well as braodband deployment and access to video programming and to the Internet backbone. During the reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following measures and initiatives: Broadband Deployment: H.R. 2419-Farm Bill Extention Act-Title 6 Rural Development subsections related to RUS programs with particular attention to the RUS Broadband Program, broadband mapping and national broadband policy. H.R. 3919-To provide for a comprehensive nationwide inventory of existing broadband service through mapping broadband availability-all sections. H.R. 6124-To provide for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through FY 2012, and for other purposes-emphasis on the Title 6 Rural Development subsections related to the RUS Broadband Program, broadband mapping and national broadband policy. S. 1190-To promote the deployment and adoption of telecommunications services and information technologies through mapping broadband availability-all sections. S. 1492-To improve the quality of federal and state data regarding the availability and quality of broadband services and to promote the deployment of affordable broadband services to all parts of the nation through mapping broadband availability-all sections. Federal Trade Commission: S. 2831-To reauthorize the Federal Trade Commission-section related to the repeal of the common carrier exemption from the Federal Trade Commission oversight. Government Owned Networks: H.R. 3281-To promote competition and to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband capability and services-all sections. S. 1853-To promote competition and to preserve the ability of local governments to provide broadband capability and services-all sections. Net Neutrality: H.R. 5353-To establish broadband policy and direct the Federal Communications Commission to conduct a proceeding and public broadband summit to assess competition, consumer protection and consumer choice issues relating to broadband Internet access services-all sections. H.R. 5994-To amend the Clayton Act with respect to competitive and nondiscriminatory access to the Internet-all sections. S. 215-To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to ensure net neutrality-all sections. Safety and Security: H.R. 3403-To promote and enhance public safety by facilitating the rapid deployment of IP-enabled 911and E-911 services, encourage the nation's transition to a national IP-enabled emergency network, and improve 911 and E-911 access to those with disabilities-all sections. H.R. 3773-To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence-sections relating to retroactive immunity for communications providers that responded to administration demands for warrantless communications surveillance. H.R. 5540-To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to establish a procedure for authorizing certain acquisitions of foreign intelligence-sections relating to retroactive immunity for communications providers that responded to administration demands for warrantless communications surveillance. S. 2248-To amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to modernize and streamline the provisions of that act-sections relating to retroactive immunity for communications providers that responded to administration demands for warrantless communications surveillance. Spectrum: H.R. 1597-To require the Federal Communications Commission to issue a final order regarding television white spaces-all sections. S. 234-To require the Federal Communications Commission to issue a final order regarding television white spaces-all sections. S.337-To require the Federal Communications Commission to issue a final order regarding television white spaces-all sections. President's Budget Request for FY 2009-Discussions surrounding the digital television transition and 700 MHz distribution with emphasis on the initiatives of the association's membership in helping with the DTV transition as well as with regard to the ongoing difficulties they have in acquiring spectrum through the auction process, and thus why it would not be advisable to permanently extend the Federal Communications Commission's authority to auction radio spectrum. Also, held numerous discussions about the Federal Communications Commission's ongoing inability to apply and adhere appropriately to the parameters of Section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934. Spoofing: H.R. 251-To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit manipulation of caller identification information-all sections. H.R. 740-To amend Title 18, United States Code, to prevent caller ID spoofing-all sections. S. 704-To amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit manipulation of caller identification information-all sections. S. 1654-To prohibit the sale or provision of caller ID spoofing services-all sections. Spyware: H.R. 964-To protect users of the Internet from unknowing transmissions of their personally identifiable information through spyware programs-all sections. H.R. 1525-To amend Title 18, United States Code, to discourage spyware programs and uses-all sections. S. 2168-To amend Title 18, United States Code, to enable increased federal prosecution of identity theft crimes and to allow for restitution to victims of identity theft. Universal Service/Intercarrier Compensation/Cost Recovery: H.R. 278-To amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Anti-Deficiency Act-all sections. H.R. 2054-Universal Service Reform Act of 2007-To reform the universal service provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 and for other purposes-all sections. H.R. 6356-To reform the collection and distribution of universal service support under the Communications Act of 1934-all sections. S. 101-A bill to update and reinvigorate universal service provided under the Communications Act of 1934-all sections. S. 609-A bill to amend Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 to provide that funds received as universal service contributions and the universal service support programs established pursuant to that section are not subject to certain provisions of Title 31, United States Code, commonly known as the Antideficiency Act-all sections. S. 2919-To promote the accurate transmission of network traffic identification information-all sections.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| JOSEPH EAVES | — |
| ADAM HEALY | — |
| TAMMIE LOGAN | — |
| THOMAS WACKER | — |
Taxation/Internal Revenue Code TAX
Monitored and reacted to proposals tied to the federal excise tax on communications which is unfairly applied to different communications services, the federal estate tax, which prohibits the transfer of rural telcos and other rural assets to heirs, and other taxation initiatives that may help or hinder the operations of rural community-based communications providers. Also focused attention on the full implementation of the Sarbanes-Oxley statute that has the potential to create many financial burdens on small business entities such as rural communications providers. During the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: Miscellaneous Tax: H.R. 3861-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the AMT refundable credit amount for individuals with long-term unused credits for prior year minimun tax liability-all sections. H.R. 3996-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions-all sections. Also the resolution for consideration, H. Res. 809. H.R. 5558-To limit the discriminatory taxation of oil pipeline property-all sections. H.R. 6049-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide incentives for energy production and conservation, to extend certain expiring provisions, and to provide individual income tax relief-sections relating to tax expirations affecting small businesses and NTCA. benefit plans. S. 2342-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide alternative minimum tax relief for 2007 and to provide special tax rates for certain capital gains and qualified dividend income for 2007-all sections. S. 2389-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to increase the alternative minimum tax credit amount for individuals with long-term unused credits for prior year minimum tax liability-all sections. Federal Excise Tax: H.R. 1194-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services-all sections. H.R. 3997-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide tax relief and protections for military personnal-all sections. H.R. 5793-To restrict any state or local jurisdiction from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services, providers, or property-all sections. H.R. 6081-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide benefits for military personnel-all sections. S. 140-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services-all sections. S. 166-To restrict any state from imposing a new discriminatory tax on cell phone services-all sections. S. 170-To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to repeal the excise tax on telephone and other communications services-all sections.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| JOSEPH EAVES | — |
| ADAM HEALY | — |
| TAMMIE LOGAN | — |
| THOMAS WACKER | — |
Retirement RET
Monitored, reacted to, and discussed policy concepts that will ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Retirement Security Plans to members, their employees and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period, the association focused particular attention on the following: H.R. 3652-To amend Title 11, United States Code, to improve protections for employees and retirees in business bankruptcies-all sections. S. 2092-To amend Title 11, United States Code, to improve protections for employees and retirees in business bankruptcies-all sections.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| JOSEPH EAVES | — |
| ADAM HEALY | — |
| TAMMIE LOGAN | — |
| THOMAS WACKER | — |
Economics/Economic Development ECN
The association often follows measures that are tied to rural and community economic development which typically have a direct connection to the type and level of communications services that may be available in a rural community or market area and that are often important to the survival of such communities and market areas. We continually visit with policymakers about the connection between advanced telecommunications technologies and the ability of rural communities to survive and contribute to the general economic and national security. During this reporting period, the association focused particular attention on several bills related to universal service and broadband, which are listed under the TEC subject heading. The association also focused particular attention on the following legislation: Telework/Telecommute: H.R. 4106- To improve teleworking in executive agencies by developing a telework program that allows employees to telework at least 20 percent of the hours worked in every two administrative workweeks and for other purposes-all sections. H.R. 5727- To authorize the Secretary of Labor to make grants for the establishment of information technology centers in rural areas-all sections. S. 1000-To enhance the Federal Telework Program by requiring each federal executive agency, within a prescribed time period, to establish a policy that to the maximum extent possible, without diminishing employee performance or agency operation, allows for each employee to participate in telework-all sections.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| JOSEPH EAVES | — |
| ADAM HEALY | — |
| TAMMIE LOGAN | — |
| THOMAS WACKER | — |
Insurance INS
Monitored, reacted to, and discussed policy concepts that will ensure NTCA is able to continue offering its high quality Group Health Plan to members, their employees and the association staff at affordable rates and on reasonable terms and conditions. During the reporting period the association focused particular attention on the following: Military Personnel: H.R. 463-To amend Title 38, United States Code, to terminate the administrative freeze on the enrollment into the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs of veterans in the lowest priority category for enrollment (referred to as "Priority")-all sections. S. 1147- To amend Title 38, United States Code, to terminate the administrative freeze on the enrollment into the health care system of the Department of Veterans Affairs of veterans in the lowest priority category for enrollment (referred to as "Priority 8")-all sections ERISA: H.R. 1424-To amend Section 712 of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, Section 2705 of the Public Health Service Act, Section 9812 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require equity in the provision of mental health and substance-related disorder benefits under group health plans, to prohibit discrimination on the basis of genetic information with respect to health insurance and employment-all sections. General: S. 558-A bill to provide parity between health insurance coverage of mental health benefits and benefits for medical and surgical services-all sections.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| JOSEPH EAVES | — |
| ADAM HEALY | — |
| TAMMIE LOGAN | — |
| THOMAS WACKER | — |
Shown as published by the Senate Office of Public Records and the House Clerk under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The official filing is the record; open it for the full form.