Texas community bankers are heading to Capitol Hill in May for the Independent Community Bankers of America’s 2023 Capital Summit and the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ 29th Annual Congressional Visit, being held in tandem May 14–17 in Washington, D.C. The purpose is to advocate for the community banking industry in person. It’s the year’s best opportunity for bankers to share their personal stories and educate lawmakers on the industry’s legislative priorities.
Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, and Representative Andy Barr (R–Kentucky), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions, are set to speak at the summit. The event will also include ICBA breakfast and lunch meetings, regulatory breakout sessions, a CFPB regulatory session and a guest tour at the Renwick Gallery. Attendees will head to Capitol Hill on May 16 and 17 to visit with legislators and advocate on behalf of the community banking industry. The ICBA Capital Summit events will take place at the Renaissance Washington DC Downtown.
In addition to ICBA’s events, IBAT has scheduled additional gatherings specifically for Texas community bankers, including a welcome reception and briefing on May 15, and a group meeting with key officials followed by a reception and dinner on May 16 at the Capitol Hill Club.
Amid the ongoing policy response to the recent failures of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank of New York, community banking advocacy has a special urgency this year.
“Since the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank, policymakers and the media have relentlessly asked questions about what kind of banks we really need in our country. At almost every turn, they have demonstrated their lack of understanding of community banking and the important role you play in the lives of your communities,” Christopher Williston, IBAT president and CEO, wrote to the IBAT membership recently. “‘Wouldn’t it just be easier if we had fewer banks?’ policymakers ask.
“What’s more, every day lawmakers are discussing topics that undermine the core tenets of our banking system,” Williston continues. “This includes debate on the creation of a Central Bank Digital Currency, which would displace deposits by moving them directly to the Federal Reserve. Equally disturbing is the implementation of Section 1071 by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which poses a real threat to small-business lending and an end to relationship banking.”
Click here to register for the ICBA Capital Summit 2023/29th Annual IBAT Congressional Visit. For information on accommodations in Washington, D.C., contact IBAT’s Mandy Robinson.
