FAMM Goes to Washington
By Kevin Ring
“My niece and I had no idea what to expect, but learned so much from everyone. We were truly humbled and appreciative of the opportunity to push for reform. We are family!” — Carol Magan, guest at FAMM’s March Lobby Day
Recently, about 35 FAMM members gathered in a conference hotel near Capitol Hill in D.C. to fight for their loved ones in prison. They arrived from all over the country, carrying suitcases filled with photos of their loved ones and business casual clothes to meet with lawmakers. For some, it was their first time on an airplane. For others, the event carried special significance because they’ve only recently been released from prison themselves. They were excited, nervous, and determined.
Our focus was the EQUAL Act, the First Step Implementation Act, and prison oversight. The three-day event was packed with training, education about the issues, meetings with lawmakers — in person and virtual — and a deep connection to each other. One member said, “I know you feel as though my participation was to help FAMM, but truthfully, you have no idea how much being there and around the other families/advocates helped me.”
The meetings got a jump right out of the gate, as we met with White House staff. They were visibly moved by the stories FAMM members shared. We then went to the Department of Justice. The top three officials from the DOJ, including Attorney General Merrick Garland, thanked family members for sharing their stories and putting human faces to broken policies. We had many meetings with lawmakers, including EQUAL Act champions Reps. Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.), and a surprise virtual visit with Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.).
It was an emotional three days, dredging up hard memories and trauma. But it was filled with community, respect, love, and inspiration. One woman reported back, “I have hit the ground running for [my loved one]. Him coming home takes precedence in my life. You all will always be family. Thank you for this experience.”
While the families thanked us for the experience, I’m grateful to them. I’ve tried to explain the importance of reforms like the EQUAL Act to many Hill offices. I can talk about recidivism statistics, quantity thresholds, and cost savings with the best of them. But I can’t look a member of Congress in the eye and say, “My husband will come home to his children and me a little sooner if you pass this reform.” Our FAMMilies can — and they did.
Now it’s up to Congress to use its power to do the right thing. Join us and let Congress know that you support prison and sentencing reform.
Kevin Ring is FAMM’s president.
