January 2020 Washington Letter

This Month's Articles

Government

GAO at Midyear

Next month, the ABA Governmental Affairs Office (GAO) will attend the ABA Midyear Meeting in Austin, Texas to talk about what’s happening on Capitol Hill on issues of interest to the legal profession. Our staff will meet with ABA leaders and entities to discuss current policy developments, provide legislative updates, and preview digital advancements and tools that we have in the works for 2020 to help ABA members add their collective voices to ABA advocacy.

Government

A Blind Spot in Attorney-Client Confidentiality

The attorney-client privilege is fundamental to ensuring fairness in the justice system because lawyers rely on the candor of their clients in representing their best interests under the law. Almost all forms of communications between lawyers and their clients are shielded by the privilege, but if the client is a federal prisoner using email, the privilege does not apply. Some Members of Congress now want to change this.

Government

Paid Parental Leave for Federal Employees

Last month, long overdue legislation was enacted that will provide over two million federal workers with paid parental leave. Starting in October 2020, the new law, signed by President Trump in mid-December as part of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2020, will provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave to mothers and fathers of newborns, newly adopted children, or foster children. The cost of the program will be covered by existing agency budgets.

Government

HHS proposes eliminating nondiscrimination protections in grant regulations

On November 19, 2019, the Trump Administration released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making that would cease enforcement of non-discrimination rules in Health and Human Services (HHS) grant programs. Current regulations prohibit discrimination by HHS grantees in the administration of these grants. However, HHS has proposed removing that nondiscrimination language.

Government

Welcome to the New Year

This month, as the 116th Congress begins its second session, the Governmental Affairs team continues to work hard to advance ABA policy interests. Last year we saw some definite advocacy successes, and this year we will build upon that moment to improve access to justice and advance issues of interest to the legal profession.

Government

Refugees and Asylum-Seekers Need Not Apply

The United States has long been perceived as a safe haven for those seeking protection from persecution and violence around the world. However, at a time when the global number of refugees is at an all-time high, the United States is slowly closing the door on refugees and asylum-seekers.

American Bar Association TM American Bar Association

January 2020 Washington Letter

ABA president to Congress: Fix the immigration courts

This Month's Articles

GAO at Midyear

A Blind Spot in Attorney-Client Confidentiality

Paid Parental Leave for Federal Employees

HHS proposes eliminating nondiscrimination protections in grant regulations

Welcome to the New Year

Refugees and Asylum-Seekers Need Not Apply

Archive

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