Some of you may have heard about legislation before Congress that would severely restrict the ability of federal government employees to take part in association events and conferences. The legislation, which Congress is rushing through in the wake of the GSA conference scandal, would limit any agency from expending funds on “more than a single conference sponsored or organized by an organization during any fiscal year, unless the agency is the primary sponsor and organizer of the conference.” This means that if agency employees took part in a single AIA event, they would be barred from taking part in any other AIA events that year.
The AIA has joined with nearly 2000 other associations in a letter to Congress expressing its concerns about this legislation and asking Congress to recognize the important educational and information sharing functions that take place at association conferences. The letter, while reiterating the importance of ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely, urges Congress to amend the legislation to ensure it does not unduly prevent government personnel from taking part in legitimate conferences and events.
To read the letter, click here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Andrew L. Goldberg, Assoc. AIA
Managing Director, Government Relations and Outreach
The American Institute of Architects
1735 New York Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20006
Tel 202-626-7438
Twitter @aialobbyist
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