Washington Watch

An Honorable Journey

By Bruce Moyer

Bruce Moyer is government relations counsel for the FBA. ©2021 Bruce Moyer. All rights reserved. My service to the FBA as its government relations counsel ends on Sept. 30, 2021, bringing to conclusion an honorable 25-year journey. I feel very blessed to have enjoyed the FBA’s unqualified confidence and support. During my tenure, respect in Washington grew for the FBA as an informed, nonpartisan organization dedicated to bettering the federal courts and federal law. I am proud of the role we together played in achieving that result. As I look back on my years with the FBA, several highlights come to mind.

Pay for Judges

First, I feel privileged to have assisted FBA in helping to secure a landmark pay raise for federal judges in 2013, along with annual adjustments since then, which was the result of an arduous campaign that lasted more than a decade. The effort began in 2001, when the FBA, along with the American Bar Association (ABA), co-published a white paper on the continued erosion in judges’ pay caused by inflation and congressional denial of cost-of-living adjustments. I helped to develop that white paper and an updated version in 2003 that anchored the campaign. Both white papers received national attention when the FBA and ABA national presidents appeared at press conferences at the Supreme Court, convened by Chief Justice William Rehnquist and the associate justices, to underscore the judicial pay crisis. We were grateful that the justices embraced our work, given the rarity of press conferences at the Supreme Court.

Ultimately, relief arrived in 2013, when the Supreme Court itself let stand the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Beer v. United States,which held that Congress violated the Compensation Clause of the Constitution by its denial of cost-of-living adjustments to judges. The denial of these adjustments and their constitutional shortcomings had been a core tenet of our FBA-ABA white papers.

Capitol Hill Day

A second highlight has involved Capitol Hill Day and its transformation as an annual FBA fixture. In 2003, the FBA began the practice in the spring of bringing to Washington its national and chapter leaders to meet with House and Senate lawmakers and staff on issues involving the federal courts and federal legal practice. These meetings have become a real hit over the past two decades. Members of Congress have appreciated the perspective of federal practitioners about the federal courts and their operation. Similarly, FBA members have enjoyed the chance to meet their representatives and senators and get an insider’s view of Congress. Participation in Capitol Hill Day also has continually grown, from seven registrants in 2003 to over 170 this past spring, when Capitol Hill Day became entirely virtual for the first time.

In Appreciation

My third highlight is a kaleidoscope of the many faces of the FBA leaders with whom I’ve had the opportunity to serve over the course of my honorable journey. Their presence evokes my deepest admiration. I want to thank all the national presidents, chairs and members of the Government Relations Committee, and chapter and section leaders who have tirelessly served the FBA. Their zest and intellect have inspired and energized me along the way. And a heartfelt tip of the hat to the three executive directors during my time— Jack Lockridge, Karen Silberman, and Stacy King—for their endless support. And most of all, thanks to my wife, JoAnn, for her enduring love and patience and to my parents, Lin and Vi, for their modeling of courtesy, dignity, and respect.

Lastly, I wish all the best to Arent Fox and its government relations team in their future representation of the FBA and its interests. There always will remain an important role for the FBA to play as a neutral broker in Washington that is dedicated to the Constitution, the Rule of Law, and the independence of the judiciary.

And on a final personal note, a response to the frequent question, "What will you be doing in the days ahead?" As I continue to wind down my practice, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family and three grandchildren, learning how to hit a two-handed tennis backhand, and flying my drone in the sky without crashing it. 