Thank you, Chair.
Thank you, Commissioner Shepherd, for appearing before the committee with your associates. As you mentioned, we haven't seen you since your nomination, so it's nice to see you back. I also want to thank you for a very comprehensive annual report. It was quite interesting.
I want to zero in on the tail end of your opening remarks where you touched on the fact that the Lobbying Act introduced the five-year prohibition period for former designated public office-holders. You have the authority to grant the exemptions. Could you expand on the internal review process you implemented and the specific criteria you have in place to either approve or decline an exemption request?