Recognizing "Banned Books Week" and the sweeping attacks on books in the United States today, acknowledging the central role books play in promoting democratic and civil discourse, and urging recognition of the illegitimate tactics being used to ban books in K-12 classrooms, universities, prisons, and libraries.

H.R.542 - Save Education Jobs Act H.R. 7309 - Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act H.R. 6205 / S. 3360 - EDUCATORS for America Act Public Service Loan Forgiveness H.Res. 1392 - Recognizing "Banned Books Week" S. 5064 / H.R. 9056 - Right to Read Act S.5202 - Adult Education WORKS Act S.Res.838 - A resolution expressing concern about the spreading problem of book banning and the proliferation of threats to freedom of expression in the United States.

Client expense: $143,415 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Education, Dept of, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), SENATE

FIRE had meetings with congressional offices in the House and Senate to discuss campus free speech and review draft language thathas not yet been introduced. These discussions also included the possibilitythat the issue would be addressed in any Higher Education Act Reauthorization that might be introduced in the future. FIRE reviewed congressional resolutions opposing book bans including HRes 1392 and SRes 838. We wrote publicly in support of aspects of each resolution. We also shared feedback on draft language for an additional resolution on banned books that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also participated in a Congressional Roundtable hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee on the topic of campus freespeech. We also communicated our opposition to theStudents Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER Act/S.5158) to Senate and House offices, explaining the free speech and due process problems with the legislation.

Client expense: $10,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

FIRE had meetings with congressional offices in the House and Senate to discuss campus free speech and review draft language thathas not yet been introduced. These discussions also included the possibilitythat the issue would be addressed in any Higher Education Act Reauthorization that might be introduced in the future. FIRE reviewed congressional resolutions opposing book bans including HRes 1392 and SRes 838. We wrote publicly in support of aspects of each resolution. We also shared feedback on draft language for an additional resolution on banned books that has not yet been introduced. FIRE also participated in a Congressional Roundtable hosted by the Republican members of the House Education and Labor Committee on the topic of campus freespeech. We also communicated our opposition to theStudents Access to Freedom and Educational Rights (SAFER Act/S.5158) to Senate and House offices, explaining the free speech and due process problems with the legislation. FIRE also analyzed the Stop the Sexualization of Children Act (HR 9197), theChildren and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act (S. 1628), the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 3663), the Fair Access to Banking Act (S. 563/HR1729). We did not engage in any advocacy on those bills, but conducted research in anticipation of future advocacy on them. FIRE also engaged in grassroots lobbying by publishing a video on YouTube urging viewers to contact their member of Congress in support of theRestoring Artistic Protection Act of 2022 (HR 8531) which prohibits federal prosecutors from introducing an artist's rap lyrics againstthem as proof or wrongdoing in criminalprosecutions,subject to some exceptions.

Client expense: $10,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE