February 2023 FBA Government Relations Update
ADVOCACY UPDATE
Capitol Hill Day is just over a month away – but it’s not too late to make plans to participate! FBA members have until March 17 to register to join us in DC on March 23. All meetings will be in person this year, now that restrictions on access to Congressional offices have been lifted. An introductory webinar is available online, with a more detailed preparation session scheduled for March 20 at 4pm ET and a kickoff breakfast on the Hill at 7:30am on the 23rd.
An important part of the FBA’s advocacy in support of the Daniel Anderl Judicial Security and Privacy Act is ensuring that the protections provided by the Act are put in place, now that the bill has been enacted. By letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland, the FBA has conveyed its support for prompt and full implementation of the Anderl Act and has urged the Department of Justice to include implementation funding in its budget request for Fiscal Year 2024. On Capitol Hill Day and throughout the year, the FBA will urge Congress to provide the necessary funding to make these important protections for our federal judges a reality.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
1. Article I Immigration Court Legislation
We are hopeful that Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), will reintroduce the Real Courts, Rule of Law Act in the new Congress, and we anticipate renewing the FBA’s support for that legislation in the House. Meanwhile, we have been working to encourage bipartisan sponsorship for a Senate version of the immigration court bill.