April 2023 FBA Government Relations Update
ADVOCACY UPDATE
86 FBA members participated in person in Capitol Hill Day 2023, and a few FBA members who were not able to join us in DC scheduled and held virtual meetings with their elected representatives on other days. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) spoke at the kickoff breakfast, after which FBA leaders and members from 24 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia engaged with 150 Members of Congress or their staffs throughout the day. We are still processing feedback, but so far the reports indicate that FBA’s policy priorities were well received. Participants have begun follow-up actions, including sending thank-you emails, providing additional information as requested, sharing and encouraging Members to co-sign letters supporting Anderl Act and federal courts’ funding, and connecting offices that expressed interest in the immigration courts bill or the judgeships bill with the sponsoring Members’ offices.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
1. Article I Immigration Court Legislation
During and after Capitol Hill Day, FBA members have been working to help find Republican cosponsors in the House and Senate for the immigration courts bill. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) are leading the legislation, and FBA members met with and are following up with potential cosponsors in both Houses.