FBA Government Relations Making an Impact on Capitol

FBA Government Relations: Making an Impact on Capitol Hill West Allen Chair, Government Relations Committee Bruce Moyer FBA Government Relations Counsel Federal Bar Association May 2, 2015

FBA Advocacy IRS 501(c)(6) non-profit status 1 st Amendment protection

FBA Mission & Government Relations The mission of the Federal Bar Association is to advance the federal judicial system and promote effective legal practice before the federal courts and within federal executive branch departments and agencies. FBA’s focus on the federal legal systems permeates FBA’s relationships with the three branches of government and governs its government relations efforts.

FBA Government Relations • Relations with all 3 branches • FBA public policy positions are related to federal judicial system and legal practice • Non-partisan; neutral & balanced • No contributions or endorsements of political or judicial candidates

Government Relations Committee (GRC) • Advisory body to President, Board on public policy • Can only coordinate and advise – does not set policy • Meets monthly via teleconference • 18 members, appointed by President • Wide-ranging membership • Experienced in advocacy, policy • Staggered 3 -year membership terms • Staffed by FBA counsel

Government Relations Liaison Chapter-appointed member responsible for: • Distribution of the monthly GRC update to chapter members and local federal judges, as appropriate. • Coordination of the chapter’s input into the Issues Agenda nomination process • Coordination of the chapter’s advocacy in support of an FBA legislative priority, when requested by FBA National • Coordination of the chapter’s participation in FBA Capitol Hill Day

GR Communications • Washington Watch in The Federal Lawyer • Government Relations page on FBA Website • Monthly legislative updates to chapters – Reprint these in your chapter/section newsletter • Action alerts to chapters – Send these through your chapter/section email system • Capitol Hill Day – Visits with Congressional lawmakers

FBA Issues Agenda • Reflects FBA’s Policy Priorities • Annually Updated • GRC Coordinates Nomination Process • Chapters & Sections Nominate Issues • Board of Directors Approves Agenda

Positions by Chapters on Legal Policy Issues • Can take positions in chapter’s name – Cannot be inconsistent with National policy – Disclaimer of National required – Must generally reflect view of members – Inform Executive Committee immediately

Primary Policy Issues Support for Adequate federal court funding Prompt Action Judicial vacancies Additional federal judgeships Concerns over Legislative proposals addressing perceived “abusive and “frivolous” federal litigation • Support for creation of Article I immigration court • •

Chapter Advocacy • Chapter programs – Invite lawmakers • Open Courthouse – In tandem with the chief judge, invite lawmakers to the federal courthouse to view the facilities firsthand • Letters – Write to lawmakers asking for support for/against legislative measures • Op-eds and letters to the editor • Articles in the chapter’s newsletter – Report on legislative issues affecting the federal bar

Advocacy Benefits to Chapters • Tangible connection to FBA mission • Linkage to challenges facing the federal bar • Engages member involvement and interest • Visible activity – making a difference • Appreciative support by federal judges

For Further Info West Allen, Chair Bruce Moyer, Government Relations Counsel Federal Bar Association Email: Tel: grc@fedbar. org 301 -452 -1111

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