Friends, each week, on behalf of our membership, we join movement efforts and sign on to letters to Congress and other key decision-makers on a wide range of issues that advance freedom over fascism, progress, and power to the people.

Here is a copy of our sign-on to an Amicus Brief in State of Louisiana v. U.S. Food and Drug Administration advocating for nationwide accessibility of Mifepristone.

To learn more about this case visit: Louisiana v. FDA: Abortion Pill Access Under Fire

Together we rise. Subscribe for free or power up today — because freedom over fascism, progress, and power to the people isn’t a slogan. It’s our mission.

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Friends, each week, on behalf of our membership, we join movement efforts on a wide range of issues that advance freedom over fascism, progress, and power to the people. I am pleased to announce People Power United has joined the coalition led by Reverend Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III to join the MARCH ON WASHINGTON happening on Friday, August 28, 2026.

A coalition of national partners including the National Action Network Founder and President Rev. Al Sharpton and Martin Luther King III announced “March on Washington 2026: Defend the Vote” on Friday, August 28, 2026.

The event will also commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the historic 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.

Other March on Washington 2026 partners include the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), the National Urban League (NUL), the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (NCBCP), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), UnidosUS, the Working Families Party, Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA), Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (Lawyer’s Committee), and Veterans Equity Project, Inc., Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., Common Cause, People Power United, United For Democracy, Vote.org, Family Equality, In the Public Square, Bet Mishpachah, Faith in Action Fund, Faith in Action National Network, National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC), and the Interfaith Alliance.

U.S. Rep. Yvette Clarke (D- New York), chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, will be joined by a delegation of members at the march.

Martin Luther King III said 63 years have passed since his father and iconic Civil Rights Leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., stood on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and declared his dream for America, the fundamental right at the heart of that dream, the right to vote, is once again under “direct assault.”

He said the 2026 March on Washington comes at a moment of profound urgency, following the United States Supreme Court’s decision to gut Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, a ruling Sharpton has called “a bullet in the heart of the voting rights movement.”

“Defending the vote means defending the foundation of our democracy,” said Martin Luther King III. “Sixty-three years after my father stood at the Lincoln Memorial, we are called to march again, not only in remembrance, but in action.”

Social justice leader Arndrea Waters King, the wife of Martin Luther King III, said The March on Washington 2026 is a moral call to protect democracy for every generation.
“We march to defend the vote, honor those who sacrificed for it, and ensure that every voice is protected,” she said.

Under the banner “Defend the Vote,” this year’s march will bring together civil rights leaders, faith communities, organizers, and Americans from every corner of the country to demand the protection and restoration of voting rights for all citizens.

It is both a commemoration of the legacy of those who marched in 1963 and a call to action to protect the gains they fought, bled, and died to secure.

Registration for March on Washington 2026: Defend the Vote is now open.

Supporters from across the country are encouraged to register today at the National Action Network website. Additional details, including program information, speakers, and participating partners, will be announced in the weeks ahead.

Together we rise. Subscribe for free or power up today — because freedom over fascism, progress, and power to the people isn’t a slogan. It’s our mission.

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July 22, 2026

Washington, D.C.—Today, Representative Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced bicameral legislation that would crack down on the corrupt influence of foreign money in American elections. As foreign ownership in American companies soars, the Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act seeks to close a major campaign finance loophole that has allowed U.S. companies appreciably owned by foreign entities to pour unlimited sums of money into our elections.

“The Roberts Court’s outrageous decision in Citizens United continues to spell disaster for American democracy, as it allows oligarchs and autocrats from around the world to wield their influence over our elections through corporate ownership and political interference,” said Rep. Raskin. “I’m introducing the Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act with Senator Whitehouse to root out foreign corporate corruption of our politics and make sure our elections are going to be decided by the American people and not overseas oligarchs.”

“Thanks to the disastrous Citizens United decision, foreign actors can exploit the same corrupting dark money channels that allow unlimited corporate spending,” said Sen. Whitehouse. “We should get rid of the damned stuff entirely, but this bill would at least safeguard our democracy from foreign adversaries influencing American elections from the shadows.”

Foreign nationals are buying stock in American companies at record rates. From 1986 to 2020, foreign ownership of American stocks increased tenfold from 4 percent to 40 percent. As foreign ownership of American corporations grows ever larger, we must legislate to make certain that foreign money is not entering our politics and buying our politicians.

While current law bars individual foreign nationals from personally spending in U.S. elections, the Roberts Court’s 2010 Citizens United v. FEC decision enabled corporations to engage in unlimited political spending. This created a loophole that allows unlimited political spending by American-registered corporations—including major multinationals—that are foreign-owned, foreign-controlled or foreign-influenced. This bill rejects spending in American politics by foreign-owned, foreign-controlled and foreign-influenced corporations (using well-supported foreign ownership thresholds to determine when U.S. corporations should be prohibited from spending). It does not prevent individual permanent residents living in the United States from exercising their constitutional right to contribute to candidates.

Rep. Raskin and Sen. Whitehouse have long led the fight to protect the integrity of American elections. In May, Rep. Raskin introduced the Protecting Our Democracy Act (PODA). PODA would require presidential candidates to submit their tax returns to the Federal Election Commission and strengthen disclosure requirements for online political advertisements. In December, Rep. Raskin introduced the Ranked Choice Voting Act which would allow voters to express their ranked support for multiple candidates in all congressional races, making our elections fairer and more representative.

The Get Foreign Money Out of U.S. Elections Act is cosponsored by Reps. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Jared Golden (ME-02), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Andriano Espaillat (NY-13), Greg Casar (TX-35), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Stephen Lynch (MA-08), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Deborah Ross (NC-02), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Betty McCollum (MN-04), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Jason Crow (CO-06), Andre Carson (IN-07), Jim McGovern (MA-02), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Mike Levin (CA-49), Chuy Garcia (IL-04), Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Angie Craig (MN-02), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Brendan Boyle (PA-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Danny Davis (IL-07), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Linda Sanchez (CA-38), Paul Tonko (NY-20), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Ed Case (HI-01), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Chris Pappas (NH-01), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Josh Riley (NY-19), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Eugene Vindman (VA-07), Pablo Hernandez (PR-AL), Al Green (TX-09), Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Kristen McDonald Rivet (MI-08), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Troy Carter (LA-02), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Steve Cohen (TN-09), Ritchie Torres (NY-15) and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07). In the Senate, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Bernie Sanders (D-VT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Peter Welch (D-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ).

This legislation is endorsed by Court Accountability; Center for American Progress (CAP); Citizens For Responsibility & Ethics in Washington (CREW); End Citizens United / Let America Vote Action Fund; Common Cause; Public Citizen; Free Speech For People; Alliance For Democracy; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); Blue Haven Initiative; Citizen Action of New York; Clean Elections Texas; Communication Workers of America; DAWN; Fix Democracy First; Greenpeace USA; Indivisible Santa Fe; MarchOnHarrisburg; Michiganders for Fair & Transparent Elections; Money Out Voters In; National Voter Corps; NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice; Our Revolution; People For the American Way; People Power United; Represent Us San Diego; Secure Elections Network; Transparency International U.S.; United Church of Christ and Voices For Progress.

Read what supporters of the bill are saying here.

Read the full bill text here.

Together we rise. Subscribe for free or power up today — because freedom over fascism, progress, and power to the people isn’t a slogan. It’s our mission.

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Friends, each week, on behalf of our membership, we join movement efforts and sign on to letters to Congress and other key decision-makers on a wide range of issues that advance freedom over fascism, progress, and power to the people. Here is a copy of our sign-on to a letter to Congress advocating for the impeachment of Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Shout out to Voto Latino for leading this effort.

July 16, 2026

Dear Speaker Johnson, Leader Jeffries, Chairman Jordan, Ranking Member Raskin, Chairman Garbarino, and Ranking Member Thompson:

On behalf of Voto Latino and the undersigned interfaith, human rights, business, immigration, veteran and civil rights leaders, we write to demand the immediate introduction of articles of impeachment and a full congressional investigation into Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Markwayne Mullin’s handling of deaths in detention, shootings by ICE and CBP agents and other violence perpetuated by DHS. Secretary Mullin has demonstrated a profound and systemic failure to exercise sound judgment and oversight of agency actions as required by his office. His actions and oversight constitute a gross dereliction of duty that directly threatens the public interest.

We are extremely concerned about the fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston, Texas and the shootings by DHS agents under his tenure. Sec. Mullin has failed to provide meaningful oversight over the rogue and unchecked pattern of excessive force weaponized against entire communities across the country, the tragic and preventable deaths of individuals under ICE custody and the deplorable, sub-human conditions under which at least 60,000 immigrants and U.S. citizens are currently subjected to within detention centers nationwide.

Under his stewardship, DHS has fundamentally eroded public trust in federal law enforcement, violating its core statutory mandate to protect the homeland while preserving civil rights. Under Secretary Mullin, the department has continued to engage in unchecked enforcement operating completely outside the bounds of human dignity, statutory oversight, and due process. Rather than upholding constitutional protections, his leadership has actively incentivized a reckless and violent approach that subverts the rule of law. This systemic mismanagement not only compromises the physical safety of our communities but constitutes a direct betrayal of the core democratic values upon which this nation was founded.

Documented Rights Violations Under Secretary Mullin’s Leadership:

1. The Fatal ICE Shootings of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston and Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Maine:

In less than a week, two separate killings of Latino men at the hands of ICE have been reported, laying bare a devastating escalation of lethal force. On July 7, 2026, a federal immigration agent operating under Secretary Mullin’s administration shot and killed Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a beloved husband, father, and small construction business owner who had lived productively in the United States for 35 years and was in the process of regularizing his immigration status.¹ ICE agents operating in unmarked SUVs pulled over his work van at sunrise. Rather than a routine civil enforcement action, agents deployed lethal force, shooting Mr. Salgado Araujo in the abdomen in broad daylight and handcuffing him as he groaned on the pavement.

Just days later, on July 13, 2026, Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, a 26-year-old from Colombia who was fully authorized to work in the United States was shot and killed by ICE agents at an intersection in Biddeford, Maine. This horrific string of tragedies is not isolated; it is part of a systemic pattern of unmitigated violence under Secretary Mullin’s administration.² Our families are bearing the devastating brunt of a hyper-funded federal agency operating with zero restraints, sweeping power, and no oversight. We firmly join Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia, alongside state and federal leaders, in demanding an immediate, fully independent, and transparent investigation into these killings. We demand a real, unbiased third-party inquiry, the public release of all relevant video footage—including body-worn camera recordings—and a comprehensive, unedited accounting of exactly what happened.³

2. Obstruction of Congress and Restricting Congressional Oversight of ICE Facilities:

Under Secretary Mullin, DHS has systematically impeded the constitutional right and duty of members of Congress to conduct oversight of federal detention facilities. This was starkly demonstrated at the Delaney Hall Detention Facility in New Jersey.⁴ When lawmakers, families, and advocates attempted to investigate systemic abuses—including hunger strikes over rotten food, overcrowding, and the tragic custody death of Jean Wilson-Brutus—Secretary Mullin’s administration responded with extreme obstruction and escalatory tactics.^{5 6 7} Rather than allowing transparent oversight into a facility unfit to house detainees, DHS implemented restrictive visitation policies designed to shield private prison operators like the GEO Group from public and congressional scrutiny.⁸ Furthermore, when peaceful protests erupted outside the facility, ICE agents deployed unprovoked, escalatory force—including the use of tear gas, pepper spray, and batons against both detainees inside and advocates exercising their First Amendment rights outside.⁹

3. Flagrant Defiance of Court Orders and the Federal Judiciary:

During his first appearance on Capitol Hill as Secretary on June 2, 2026, Secretary Mullin repeatedly refused four separate times to commit to following future federal court orders when judges ruled that DHS is acting illegally. When pressed by Senator Chris Murphy on whether he would implement judicial rulings, Secretary Mullin callously claimed he could not answer because he views the judiciary as “politicized,” stating that judges “use their bench for their political opinion, not just the rule of law.” As Senator Murphy noted during the panel, DHS has violated nearly 100 court orders this year alone, a flagrant noncompliance that directly fueled the catastrophic, longest government funding lapse in U.S. history earlier this year.¹⁰

4. Mass Family Separation and Human Toll on U.S. Citizen Children:

Under Secretary Mullin’s expanded enforcement directives, the human toll on children and families has reached catastrophic proportions. According to a May 2026 analysis, more than 205,000 children have had a parent detained by federal authorities since the current administration took office. While this systemic crisis began before his tenure, Secretary Mullin took command of the agency on March 24, 2026, and actively accelerated these operations. Just two months into his administration, the pace of family trauma has intensified, with the overall figures now including an estimated 145,000 U.S. citizen children and north of 50,000 children under the age of six. More than 22,000 children have had both parents detained, leaving them entirely abandoned. This deliberate orchestration of mass family separation, carried out through the aggressive raids and detention operations expanded by Secretary Mullin, constitutes an unconscionable attack on innocent children and a flagrant violation of child welfare and basic human dignity.¹¹

5. Surge in Custody Fatalities:

At least 21 people have tragically died in ICE custody over the course of 2026. Alarmingly, eight of these preventable deaths have occurred since Secretary Mullin took office in March 2026, highlighting a severe and immediate health and safety crisis under his brief tenure.¹²

6. Aggressive Expansion of Family Detention Infrastructure:

Since March 24, 2026, Secretary Mullin has aggressively pushed forward six detention center expansions across Texas, Arizona, California, and Louisiana. This includes the highly alarming construction of a 528-bed facility specifically engineered to hold families and young children directly adjacent to a deportation flight hub.¹³

The survival of our system of checks and balances depends on your willingness to act. We demand that you hold Secretary Mullin accountable for his systemic violations of constitutional protections and his direct assault on Congressional authority. Congress must act now to remove him from office before more lives are lost.

Thank you for treating this plea with the urgency it warrants. We are available to provide further documentation or testify as needed.

Respectfully,

Voto Latino

Alianza Americas

Alianza for Progress

America’s Voice

American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)

Aquí: The Accountability Movement

Bend the Arc

Border Network for Human Rights

Center for Gender & Refugee Studies

Center for Law and Social Policy

Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA)

Communities United for Status & Protection (CUSP)

Democracy Power Project

East Bay Sanctuary Covenant

El Centro de la Raza, Washington State

Fair Immigration Reform Movement (FIRM)

Food Justice DmV

Freedom for Immigrants

GALEO Impact Fund, Inc. (Norcross, GA)

Grassroots Leadership

Hispanic Federation

Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef)

Immigrants Rising

Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti

Jolt Action

Latino Victory Project

Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition

Make the Road New Jersey

Make the Road Pennsylvania

Make the Road States

MANA, A National Latina Organization

Mi Familia Vota

Miami Valley Immigration Coalition

MPower Change Action Fund

National Action Network

National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC)

National Korean American Service and Education Consortium

New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice

People Power United

Poder Latinx

Services, Immigrant Rights and Education Network (SIREN)

Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC)

The Gathering for Justice

The Workers Circle

UnidosUS Action Fund

Unitarian Universalist Association

Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC)

Venezuelan American Caucus

Voters of Tomorrow

Win Without War

Workers Defense Action Fund

For more information on this letter, please reach reach out to Press@votolatino.org _____________________

1. PBS NewsHour. (2026, July 8). A Mexican father was shot and killed by an ICE of icer. His son is demanding an independent probe.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/a-mexican-father-was-shot-and-killed-by-an-ice-officer-his-son-is-demanding-an -independent-probe

2. NBC News. (2026, July 13). ICE investigation underway after fatal shooting in Biddeford, Maine. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/biddeford-maine-ice-investigation-fatal-shooting-rcna587279 3. Garcia, S. [@RepSylviaGarcia]. (2026, July 8). Statement demanding an independent investigation into the fatal ICE shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Houston [Tweet]. X.

4. Kim, A., Booker, C. A., Watson Coleman, B., Pou, N., Pallone, F., Jr., Norcross, D., Menendez, J. R., Mejia, A., McIver, L., & Conaway, H. C., Jr. (2026, May 29). Delaney Hall oversight letter [Congressional oversight letter]. Office of Senator Andy Kim.

https://www.kim.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Quill-Letter-L37114-Delaney-Hall-Oversight-Letter-FINAL-V ersion-4-05-29-2026-@-02-26-PM.pdf

5. Villalba, L. (n.d.). El grito de nosotros / Our cry: A letter from inside Delaney Hall. Movimiento Cosecha. https://www.lahuelga.com/elgrito

6. Silva, D. (2026, May). Expired food, neglected medical care and hunger strike allegations fuel protests at N.J. ICE facility. NBC News.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/expired-food-neglected-medical-care-hunger-strike-allegations-fuel-pro-rcna3 46874.

7. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (n.d.). Detainee death report: BRUTUS, Jean Wilson. https://www.ice.gov/doclib/foia/reports/ddrJeanWilsonBrutus.pdf

8. American Immigration Lawyers Association. (2026, May 11). ICE issues memo restricting congressional visits to detention facilities (AILA Doc. No. 26051200).

https://www.aila.org/library/ice-issues-memo-restricting-congressional-visits-to-detention-facilities 9. de Guzman, C. (2026, June 1). What to know about the hunger strike and protests at a New Jersey ICE facility. TIME. https://time.com/article/2026/05/26/delaney-hall-ice-protests-new-jersey-dhs-geo-group-hunger-strike/ 10. POLITICO. (2026, June 2). Live updates: Justin Murphy wins New Jersey Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Retrieved July 9, 2026, from

https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2026/06/02/congress/justin-murphy-senate-new-jersey-00947916 11. Cancian, M., Cantu, N., Howard, L., & Watson, T. (2026, May 18). The administration has detained 400,000 immigrants: What do we know about their children? Brookings.

https://www.brookings.edu/articles/the-administration-has-detained-400000-immigrants-what-do-we-know-about-thei r-children/

12. National Immigration Project. (2026, June 29). Mourning those who have died in ICE custody. https://nipnlg.org/news/mourning-those-who-have-died-ice-custody

13. Brook, J. (2026, July 6). A new ICE facility could speed up deportations for families and kids. PBS NewsHour. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/a-new-ice-facility-could-speed-up-deportations-for-families-and-kids

Together we rise. Subscribe for free or power up today — because freedom over fascism, progress, and power to the people isn’t a slogan. It’s our mission.

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Friends, each week, on behalf of our membership, we join movement efforts and sign on to letters to Congress and other key decision-makers on a wide range of issues that advance freedom over fascism, progress, and power to the people. Here is a copy of our sign-on to a letter to Congress to Reject a Harmful Reconciliation 3.0 Package. Shout out to the Coalition on Human Needs for Leading this effort.

July 2026

Dear Representative/Senator:

The 215 undersigned organizations, who represent a broad set of stakeholders who care about human needs, urge you to prioritize protecting people struggling to make ends meet by rejecting further cuts to basic needs programs via a “Reconciliation 3.0” package or other legislative vehicle.

We represent human service providers, faith groups, national, state, and local policy experts, and civil rights, labor, and other organizations concerned with meeting the needs of people with low incomes. We are deeply concerned about families struggling with rising costs of health care, food, housing, and other human needs, and many in our networks are dealing with the aftermath of H.R. 1’s historic cuts to basic needs programs including SNAP, Medicaid and the ACA, higher education, the Child Tax Credit, and other human needs programs. We’re already seeing the impacts, for example:

• From enactment of H.R. 1 last year through March 2026, more than 4 million people lost access to SNAP’s food assistance including more than 700,000 children;

• 2 million children have lost Medicaid/CHIP coverage with experts flagging that many more are losing coverage in 2026;

• CMS’s new Medicaid work reporting rule is creating confusion and chaos for states and will harm patients;

• More than 15 states proposing or already taking away care from people with disabilities and older adults through cuts to Medicaid home and community based services;

• Approximately 5 million fewer Americans have coverage via ACA marketplaces while millions more grapple with higher premium costs;

• 2.6 million American citizen children with parents who don’t have Social Security numbers lost access to the Child Tax Credit (CTC) while one in four children (19 million) are left out of the full value of the CTC; and

• Lawfully present immigrants, including seniors who have long participated in Medicare, are already losing access to health and food assistance.

At a time when many are dealing with rising costs and policy changes that make it harder to put food on the table and access health coverage, we are alarmed about reports that House leaders are looking to fast track additional cuts to basic needs programs via another reconciliation package, further increasing hardship for families across the country and disrupting the lives of low-income working families, service providers, and localities. Nationwide, community-based organizations have struggled to address increased needs in their communities, exacerbated by rising costs, while facing uncertainties about funding for programs (we note that over 500 organizations urged Congress to “insist that the Administration follow authorizing and appropriations law across all federal agencies”).

Polling shows the widespread support for protecting basic needs programs, and advocates including children’s groups and disability advocates have sounded the alarm about the impact of budget decisions on local communities. Families are facing a basic needs crisis and further cuts to basic needs programs will only exacerbate the hardship that families, providers, and local policymakers are grappling with every day by making it harder for families to buy food, access care and health services, pay rent, and more. We believe Congress must protect health care, care services that enable older adults and people with disabilities to remain in their homes, child care, the Earned Income Tax Credit, food assistance, housing, and other basic needs programs, not exacerbate families’ everyday crises. The undersigned organizations urge you to reject any Reconciliation 3.0 package that threatens human needs and instead work with Leadership along with colleagues to protect and strengthen basic needs programs.

Sincerely yours,

The list below reflects signing organizations as of 1 PM ET, July 13, 2026.

National organizations:
AACTE (American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education)

The Advocacy Institute

AIDS United

All4Ed

Alliance to End Hunger

Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools

American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees

American Friends Service Committee

American Network of Community Options and Resources

American Society of Nephrology

Americans for Tax Fairness

The Arc of the United States

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network

Big Cities Health Coalition

CAP Tulsa

Caring Across Generations

Child Welfare League of America

Children’s HealthWatch

Church World Service

Climate Justice Alliance

Clinical Social Work Association

Coalition on Human Needs

Common Threads

Congregation of Our Lady of Charity of the Good Shepherd, U.S. Region

Cure KCNH1 Foundation

Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund

Economic Security Project Action

EdTrust

Faith in Action Network

Faithful America

Family Values @ Work

First Focus Campaign for Children

Food Research & Action Center (FRAC)

Friends Committee on National Legislation

HealthBegins

HIV Medicine Association

Human Appeal

Hunger Free America

Institute for Educational Leadership

Institute for Policy Studies’ Poverty Project

JustLeadershipUSA

Main Street Alliance

MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger

Meals on Wheels America

Muslim Advocates

National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd

National Alliance to End Sexual Violence

National Association for College Admission Counseling

National Association of Counsel for Children

National Center on Adoption and Permanency

National Center on Domestic Violence Trauma and Mental Health

National Coalition for the Homeless

National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare

National Council for Community and Education Partnerships

National Council of Churches USA

National Council of Jewish Women

National Domestic Violence Hotline

National Education Association

National Health Care for the Homeless Council

National Immigration Law Center

National Organization for Women

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

National Skills Coalition

National Urban League

National Women’s Law Center

National Women’s Political Caucus

NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice

Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies

Oxfam America

People Power United

Popular Democracy

PrEP4All

Presbyterian Church (USA) Office of Public Witness

Prevent Blindness

Prevention Institute

Progressive Democrats of America

Public Advocacy for Kids (PAK)

RESULTS

Share Our Strength

Sisters of Mercy of the Americas’ Justice Team

Sisters of St. Francis of Dubuque, Iowa

Society for Public Health Education

UnidosUS

Union for Reform Judaism

Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice

Voices of Health Care Action

Win Without War

Youth First Justice Collaborative

Youth Law Center

ZERO TO THREE

Local and state organizations:
The Ability Center of Greater Toledo

Action Wellness

Adelante Mujeres

Alabama Arise

Alaska Children’s Trust

The Arc of Aurora

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families

Ashland County Aging Unit, Inc.

Asian Resources, Inc.

AZCEND

Being Alive/People with AIDS Action Coalition

Bet Tzedek Legal Services

Black Children’s Institute of Tennessee

Blue Ridge Independent Living Center

Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency

Center for Community Solutions

Charlotte Trans Health

Children’s Advocacy Alliance

The Children’s Agenda

Children’s Institute

Church Of St Francis Xavier

Citizen Action of New York

Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York

Clare Housing

Coalition of CA Welfare Rights Organizations

Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

Colorado Consumer Health Initiative

Common Good Iowa

Community of Caring

Connecticut Voices for Children

County Welfare Directors Association of California (CWDA)

Courage California

Creative Innovative

DeKalb County Community Mental Health Board

The Diaper Bank of Connecticut

Dientes Community Dental Care

Disability Rights Ohio

Disability Rights Oregon

Dominican Sisters Ministry of Presence

East Bay Housing Organizations

East Bay Sanctuary Covenant

East Boston Social Centers

El Refugio, Inc.

Engage NH

Equality California

Faith Commons

Family Focus

The Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies (FPWA)

Five Horizons Health Services

Florida Impact

The Food Group

Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls Minnesota

The Freedom Center, Inc.

Gather

Glide Foundation

Greater Boston Legal Services, on behalf of our clients

Grow Food Northampton

Hawaii Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice

Hawaii Children’s Action Network Speaks!

Health Action New Mexico

Hispanic and Immigrant Center of Alabama

Homeless Services United

Housing Action Illinois

Hunger Solutions New York

Illinois Collaboration on Youth

Independence Alliance

Indiana Community Action Poverty Institute

Iowa Hunger Coalition

Jewish Family Service of Colorado

Just Harvest

Kentucky Voices for Health

Klamath and Lake Community Action Services

Legal Aid Justice Center

Legal Key Partnership for Health and Justice

Life Start Inc.

Locker Project

Long Island Center for Independent Living (LICIL)

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest

Maine Center for Economic Policy

Maine Council of Churches

Meals4Families

Mental Health Association of NW PA

Michigan Council for Maternal Child Health

Michigan’s Children

Minnesota Consortium of Community Developers

Minnesota Farmers’ Market Association

Minnesota Prenatal to Three Coalition

Mississippi Low Income Child Care Initiative

Mountain Resource Center

New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies, Inc. (NJAMHAA)

NH Hunger Solutions

NH Peace Action

Niagara Community Action Program, Inc.

NYPAN of the Southern Finger Lakes

Oasis Legal Services

Ohio APSE

Ohio Olmstead Task Force

One Family

Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless

Orange County Rapid Response Network

Orange County United Way

Oregon Public Health Association

Parable of the Sower Cooperative

PathPoint

Pennsylvania Policy Center

Policy Matters Ohio

Praxis Health Empowerment

Pride Community Center of the Brazos Valley

Progress Center for Independent Living

Promise Arizona

RESULTS Florida

San Mateo County Pride Center

Sauti Yetu Center for African Women, Inc

SEIU Local 105

Serving at-risk families everywhere, Inc.

Sister Carmen Community Center

Sisters of St. Joseph Healthcare Foundation

Sisters of St. Joseph of Boston

Snake River Alliance

Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning

St. Matthew Trinity Lunchtime Ministry

The SOURCE

Steuben County Habitat for Humanity

Thorne Nature Experience

TRII/Dignidad

Tzedek DC

University District Food Bank

Utah Housing Coalition

Utahns Against Hunger

Valley Oak Children’s Services

The Village at Glencliff

Violence Free Minnesota

Vivent Health

VNA Community Services

Voices for Children in Nebraska

Voices for Utah Children

Voices for Vermont’s Children

Voices Of Hope

WA Housing Alliance

Wellbeing Revolution: Leading with Heart & Strategy – loto ma’a, ngutu kovi

Westchester Community Opportunity Program, Inc.

Women Employed

Wyoming Community Foundation

YMCA of Greater New York

YWCA Columbus

YWCA of Kauai

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Friends, each week, on behalf of our membership, we join movement efforts and sign on to letters to Congress and other key decision-makers on a wide range of issues that advance freedom over fascism, progress, and power to the people. Here is a copy of our sign-on to a letter to Congress denouncing the recent ICE shootings. Shout out to the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights for Leading this effort.

July 15, 2026

Dear Member of Congress:

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the League of United Latin American Citizens, and the 131 additional undersigned civil and human rights organizations are profoundly concerned about the recent fatal shooting of Mr. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, age 52, by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Houston. And as of this writing, we are gathering information about yet another fatal shooting by ICE yesterday in Biddeford, Maine.

These tragic shootings appear to fit into a pattern that was completely foreseeable, given the steadfast refusal of Congress to engage in proper oversight of ICE and Customs & Border Protection (CBP). We call on you to hold ICE accountable by demanding a full, independent, and transparent investigation into what led to these deaths, and to bring ICE and CBP under control of Congress, the courts, and the Constitution.

As has been widely reported, until Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was living the American Dream. Like millions of immigrants before him, he came to the U.S. from Mexico more than three decades ago in search of opportunity. He settled in Houston, built homes for a living, and eventually started his own construction company. Together, he and his wife raised three sons, all of whom pursued higher education and careers of service and innovation: one is a teacher, one is an engineer, and one is studying engineering in college. According to his family, Mr. Araujo had no criminal record and was actively pursuing legal avenues to regularize his immigration status.

During the early morning hours of July 7, Mr. Araujo was picking up members of his construction crew before heading to work when he was reportedly pursued by an unmarked vehicle. A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson has acknowledged that ICE was not actively looking for Mr. Araujo. ICE has presented certain claims as to what happened next, immediately before Mr. Araujo was fatally shot. These claims simply cannot be accepted at face value.

ICE’s claims related to the shocking and untimely death of Mr. Araujo are particularly suspect because, as DHS itself acknowledges, the agents involved in the shooting were not wearing body-worn cameras. And DHS’s attempt to pin the failure of the officers to wear body-worn cameras on a partial government shutdown strains credulity, given that the last shutdown ended several months ago, and given that ICE had received years’ worth of funding under the 2025 budget reconciliation bill. Especially in light of this failure, every other piece of relevant evidence, including surveillance video, radio communications, and witness statements, must be preserved and released to the public.

The claims are also suspect because DHS has, in multiple instances, falsely tried to justify immigration enforcement-related shootings by claiming victims tried to harm officers. In the 2025 shooting of Marimar Martinez in Chicago, ICE alleged she tried to ram federal agents, but video evidence later showed that to be false, and the criminal charges against her were dismissed. Earlier this year in Minneapolis, ICE claimed Renee Good tried to hit an officer with her vehicle before she was fatally shot, but video showed she was clearly steering away from the officer before he shot her. Days later, an ICE agent shot Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis in the leg, which DHS claimed was done in self-defense, but the claim was later disproven by video evidence. That same month in Minneapolis, DHS officials falsely accused Alex Pretti of “wishing to inflict harm” on officers, but video soon showed he never brandished a weapon and had been disarmed before he was fatally shot.

In short, ICE and the Department of Homeland Security have a long and growing history of using excessive and deadly force, presenting false narratives, and refusing to hold officers accountable.

At the same time, Congress has given ICE and Border Patrol staggering amounts of additional funding, while refusing to provide any new meaningful oversight or safeguards against civil and human rights violations.

We urge you to demand a fully independent investigation as well as the immediate release of all available evidence related to the death of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo and this most recent ICE-related shooting in Maine. The public deserves the truth, and the Salgado family deserves justice. We urge you to work towards meaningful accountability measures as we move forward.

Sincerely,

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
League of United Latin American Citizens
#AfghanEvac
50501
A. Philip Randolph Institute
AFT
Alianza Americas
Alliance for Quality Education
American Civil Liberties Union
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees
American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
American Humanist Association
America’s Voice
Arab American Institute (AAI)
Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC
Ayuda
Bend the Arc: Jewish Action
Bienestar Human Services
Care in Action
Center for Constitutional Rights
Center for Gender & Refugee Studies
Clearinghouse on Women’s Issues
Common Cause
Court Accountability Action
Defending Rights & Dissent
Demand Progress
Dēmos
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
Drug Policy Alliance
Empowering Pacific Islander Communities (EPIC)
Equal Justice Society
EQUAL MEANS EQUAL
Equal Rights Advocates
Equality California
Estrella del Paso
Feminist Majority Foundation
Free Speech For People
Friends Outside
Frontera de Cristo
Fund for Leadership, Equity, Access and Diversity (LEAD Fund)
GAIN Power
Get Free
Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees
Greenpeace USA
Haitian Bridge Alliance
HIAS
Hindus for Human Rights
Hispanic Federation
Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative
Human Rights Campaign
Human Rights First
Immigrant Defenders Law Center (ImmDef)
Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC)
Immigrants Rising
Impact Fund
Indivisible
Indo-American Center
Institute for Justice and Democracy in Haiti
Japanese American Citizens League
Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Jobs to Move America
Just Detention International
Justice for Migrant Women
Kino Border Initiative
La Union del Pueblo Entero (LUPE)
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA)
LatinoJustice PRLDEF
Lavender Rights Project
Lawyers for Good Government
League of Women Voters of the United States
Legal Aid at Work
Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition
MANA, A National Latina Organization
MoveOn
Mpact Global
Muslim Advocates
Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC)
NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF)
National Action Network
National Association of Social Workers
National Coalition for Asian Pacific American Community Development (National CAPACD)
National Council of Jewish Women
National Domestic Workers Alliance
National Education Association
National Hispanic Council on Aging
National Hispanic Media Coalition
National Immigrant Justice Center
National Immigration Law Center
National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund
National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC)
National Organization for Women
National Women’s Law Center
NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice
NMAC
Oasis Legal Services
People For the American Way
People Power United
Planned Parenthood Action Fund
Public Citizen
Public Justice
Quixote Center
Reproductive Freedom for All
Ribbon – A Center of Excellence
Right To Be
Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center
Sanctuary for Families
Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
Showing Up for Racial Justice
Sojourners
South Asian Network
South Asian Public Health Association
South Asian SOAR
Southern Border Communities Coalition
Stop AAPI Hate
The Sikh Coalition
The Southern Poverty Law Center
The Workers Circle
T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
UnidosUS
Union for Reform Judaism
Union of Concerned Scientists
United Auto Workers
United Church of Christ
United Parent Leaders Action Network
USAHello
VECINA
Venezuelan American Caucus
Vera Institute of Justice
Visibility Brigade
Waves Ahead Corp
Western States Center
Win Without War

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Friends, each week, on behalf of our membership, we join coalition efforts and sign on to letters to Congress and other key decision-makers on a wide range of issues that advance progress and power to the people. Normally, I post these letters on our website rather than fill your inbox with too many emails. But today, I am sharing the letter sent to Congress: No Funding for Trump’s Illegal War on Iran.

Before I share the letter below, I want to highlight an important reason this war is illegal, unwise, uncertain, and unconscionable:

“the cost of President Donald Trump’s expanding military campaign in Iran is already rivaling and could soon exceed what it would have taken to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance subsidies that recently expired.

Let that sink in. A few weeks of war equals a year of Affordable Care Act subsidies — saving lives and supporting healthier communities.

The war is estimated to cost as much as $1 billion per day, while congressional budget analyses show that extending enhanced ACA subsidies would have cost about $30 billion for one year or roughly $60 billion for two years.”1

People Power United stands in fierce opposition to the Trump administration’s decision to bomb Iran without a declaration of war, without congressional authorization, and without the consent of the American people. The Constitution is unambiguous: the power to declare war belongs to Congress — not to one man, not to a cabinet of unelected loyalists, and not to a president who has mistaken the Oval Office for a throne.

We mourn every American life placed in harm’s way, and we grieve for the innocent civilians who will bear the cost of decisions they had no voice in making. As we have said before: “In a free democracy, no president gets to unilaterally send our sons and daughters to die without answering to Congress and to the American people. The rule of law is not optional — not now, not ever.”

Here is the letter sent to Congress on behalf of our members:

Dear U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives,

We, the undersigned 251 organizations, have a range of institutional missions and mandates, but are united in seeking an end to an unconstitutional, unauthorized U.S. war. We therefore urge you to vote against any additional funding for Trump’s unconstitutional war on Iran, including the reported supplemental appropriations bill that could provide $50 billion or more for this devastating war.

By launching a war against Iran, Trump has violated the Constitution, defied international law, flouted the will of the American people, and has put millions of lives across the region at risk. A vote for President Trump’s Pentagon supplemental funding package would be a vote to commit the U.S. even further to this crisis, which has already killed seven U.S. servicemembers and nearly 2,000 people from across the region, and which endangers the lives of many more.

The Constitution assigns responsibility for authorizing war solely to Congress to ensure that the president does not unilaterally impose the costs and tradeoffs of armed conflict. Congress and the administration have slashed crucial programs as Americans experience soaring economic costs across the board. Waging a war of choice that costs an estimated $1 billion a day not only fails to address the economic squeeze and healthcare crisis facing working Americans, it also diverts federal funding that could otherwise be utilized.

The Pentagon budget already now totals more than $1 trillion, after the extra $150 billion the agency received in the tax and budget reconciliation bill. The $50 billion that the administration reportedly seeks for a new Pentagon supplemental would be enough to restore food assistance for four million Americans that was taken away in the tax and budget reconciliation bill, establish universal pre-K education, and pay for the annual construction of more than 100,000 units of housing, among other possible priorities. Congress must not allow the illegal commencement of hostilities to force a de facto decision to prioritize warmaking over other needs.

The choice before Congress is whether it will choose to prevent this unconstitutional war from dragging out and potentially escalating or enabling dangerous and deadly protracted conflict. We urge you to refuse funding for this illegal war that Congress never authorized and a majority of the American people oppose.

Tell Congress: Don’t Fund Trump’s War in Iran

No More Money for War

5 Reasons the Grassroots Resistance Movement Can’t Wait to Resist Project 2025

💥Your Power in Action: What You Can Do Today

• Make your voice heard: 🚫 Not One Dime for Trump’s War, 📋 Sign the petition: Tell Congress: Stop Trump’s Illegal War in Iran

• 🔊 Tell Congress: Block Trump’s Election Denier Pick to Lead DHS,

  👉 Power up: Reject Markwayne Mullins Confirmation, ☎️ Call your Senator at (202) 224-3121 and tell them to vote NO on Mullin for DHS

• 📢 Be the change Tell State AGs: Block the Warner-Paramount Mega-Merger

• 🎬 Speak out now: Tell Your Secretary of State: No ICE at the Polls.

• 🚨Use your voice: Stop the next Great Recession before it starts

• BONUS: 🗳️ Make your voice heard Register to vote, vote in every election, and help your community do the same. Reproductive freedom is won and lost at the ballot box.

• BONUS: 👑🚫 Drive the change Sign up for the next national No Kings Day of Action and show up in solidarity with everyone whose rights are under attack.

The movement for resisting out of control wars starts here.

People Power United: Who We Are & What We Stand For

Hatred has no home here. Not now. Not ever.

People Power United stands unwaveringly against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and every form of bigotry. That is not a disclaimer — it is our foundation. It is who we are, every single day.

We are 300,000+ strong — everyday people from every corner of this country who refuse to sit down, stay quiet, or give up on democracy. We are not funded by corporations. We are not beholden to PACs or billionaires or special interests. We are powered entirely by you — by the people who show up, speak out, and refuse to let freedom die on our watch.

People Power United is organized by Laurie Woodward Garcia — an activist who has marched, organized, and fought on the front lines, from the Free the Children March at Homestead Air Force Base to the steps of Congress. Paid with hugs and kisses.

Rise Together. Build People Power.

Democracy needs you in it — not on the sidelines.

Join us! Every day, we provide ways for you to plug in, speak out, show up, and build power at the local, state, and national levels.

Subscribe for free and stay informed, stay activated, and stay connected to a movement that advocates every day for freedom over fascism, progress, and power to the people. Or go further: upgrade to a paid subscription — not as a transaction, but as an investment in people-powered journalism and activism that answers to no one but you. Or gift a subscription to someone who believes in liberty and justice for all-not just the wealthy or powerful.

Together we rise. Subscribe for free or power up today — because freedom over fascism, progress, and power to the people isn’t a slogan. It’s our mission.

Subscribe now

People Power United stands in fierce opposition to the Trump administration’s decision to bomb Iran without a declaration of war, without congressional authorization, and without the consent of the American people. The Constitution is unambiguous: the power to declare war belongs to Congress — not to one man, not to a cabinet of unelected loyalists, and not to a president who has mistaken the Oval Office for a throne.

We mourn every American life placed in harm’s way and grieve for the innocent civilians who will bear the cost of decisions they had no voice in making. “Power to the people does not mean power to a strongman,” said Laurie Woodward Garcia, founder of People Power United. “In a free democracy, no president gets to unilaterally send our sons and daughters to die without answering to Congress and to the American people. The rule of law is not optional — not now, not ever.”

We call on every member of Congress — Republican and Democrat alike — to invoke the War Powers Resolution immediately, defund this unauthorized military action, and remember who they were elected to serve.

We will not stand silent while this administration wages an illegal war on behalf of no one but itself. We affirm our unshakeable commitment to organizing, mobilizing, and rising together until the promise of this democracy is honored in deed, not just in word. No illegal wars. No unchecked power. No exceptions. Power to the people.

People Power United: Who We Are & What We Stand For

Hatred has no home here. Not now. Not ever.

People Power United stands unwaveringly against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and every form of bigotry. That is not a disclaimer — it is our foundation. It is who we are, every single day.

We are 300,000+ strong — everyday people from every corner of this country who refuse to sit down, stay quiet, or give up on democracy. We are not funded by corporations. We are not beholden to PACs or billionaires or special interests. We are powered entirely by you — by the people who show up, speak out, and refuse to let freedom die on our watch.

People Power United is organized by Laurie Woodward Garcia — an activist who has marched, organized, and fought on the front lines, from the Free the Children March at Homestead Air Force Base to the steps of Congress. Paid with hugs and kisses.

Rise Together. Build People Power.

Democracy needs you in it — not on the sidelines.

Join us! Every day, we provide ways for you to plug in, speak out, show up, and build power at the local, state, and national levels.

Subscribe for free and stay informed, stay activated, and stay connected to a movement that advocates every day for freedom over fascism, progress, and power to the people. Or go further: upgrade to a paid subscription — not as a transaction, but as an investment in people-powered journalism and activism that answers to no one but you. Or gift a subscription to someone who believes in liberty and justice for all-not just the wealthy or powerful.

Together we rise. Subscribe for free or power up today — because freedom over fascism, progress, and power to the people isn’t a slogan. It’s our mission.

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Statement from People Power United Condemning Racist Post

People Power United unequivocally condemns the racist social media post shared by Donald Trump depicting former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama as primates. We will not share it but know this imagery draws on one of the oldest and most dehumanizing racist tropes in American history and has been widely denounced by civil rights leaders and lawmakers across the political spectrum.

Reports confirm the post showed the Obamas’ faces superimposed on animated primates within a conspiracy-theory video about the 2020 election—claims repeatedly rejected by courts and officials. The post sparked bipartisan outrage and was ultimately deleted by the White House after intense backlash, even as officials initially dismissed criticism as “fake outrage.”

As one leader described it, the video was “blatantly racist,” underscoring the continuing danger of rhetoric that dehumanizes Black Americans and threatens the dignity of our democracy.

People Power United stands firmly for a multiracial democracy rooted in dignity, equality, and truth. Racism—especially when amplified from the highest levels of power—harms communities, divides the nation, and undermines the very freedoms our Constitution promises to protect.

We call on all leaders, regardless of party, to reject racism in every form, demand accountability, and recommit to the values of justice and equality for all people. Silence is not neutrality; silence is complicity.

Together, we rise for dignity.
Together, we rise for democracy.
Power to the People

Take action today:

• Tell Democratic Leaders: Don’t Cave on ICE Accountability

• Stop Republicans’ New Attack on Voting Rights

• Investigate DOJ Attacks on Don Lemon & Other Journalists

• Click here to Tell your member of Congress to co-sponsor and support the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

• Click here to Tell Lawmakers: Now is the time to declare racism a public health crisis

• Click here to upgrade your subscription or gift to someone you know

• Put the Minneapolis Killers on Trial

• Tell Congress: Demand Stephen Miller’s Resignation

• Join People Power United

People power expands when ordinary people step in, speak up, and demand accountability from those in power. Every day, we’re proving that the future belongs to people who refuse to be silent or sidelined.

That’s why it’s so important to join the National Day of Action for No Kings. If you’ve heard anyone say nothing is happening, know this: action is happening everywhere. Communities across the country are organizing right now—and you can too. Bring together friends, family, and coworkers to stand against fascism and to champion progress and power to the people.

The Complete Guide to the No Kings Day of Action is now available.

Thanks for taking action!

People Power United Updates

Our group is growing by leaps and bounds! Folks understand that with love in our hearts and hard work, we will reclaim our nation from cruelty, chaos, and confusion. We are having fun making impactful changes in our community! In case you missed it, this past week was busy:

• People Power United joins coalition efforts to push for free and fair elections for all eligible voters

• People Power United joins coalition efforts to push for a halt to handing blank checks to ICE

• People Power United joined an Amicus brief for an upcoming case at the Supreme Court

• People Power United members signed on to several petitions and letters to Members of Congress advocating for progress and Power to the People

• We sent out several updates and news briefs via our newsletters.

✨ Together we can inspire change!

People Power United is a grassroots group of over 300,000+ members in all 50 states-powered by people like YOU. We champion progress and power to the people.

We believe in change because we make change happen.

Here’s what makes us special:
💡 Grassroots energy: No fundraising, no constant emails asking for donations.
📢 Impact through action: We believe in the possibility of change and do the work to make it happen. We don’t just complain, we make change happen!

In this community, we will never stay silent in the face of hate or bigotry. We stand up and speak out against racism, xenophobia, islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and every form of discrimination that seeks to divide and harm.

We believe:

• Everyone deserves dignity —with access to housing, healthcare, and education.

• Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive — regardless of age, race, sex, sexual preference, preferred pronouns, religion, or employment status.

• Everyone deserves safety—clean air and water, and communities free from gun violence.

Join us to build People Power! Together, we can protect and empower those we love, champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people’s will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.

The power is in your hands. Let’s fight for freedom over fascism—because our future depends on it.

What You Can Do

• People Power United doesn’t fundraise, but your support can make all the difference. Hearts ❤️, comments🗣️, shares 📢, and follows 📌are always appreciated. Follow us on BlueSky and/or other social media

• Click here to support our efforts by becoming a paid subscriber or gifting to someone you know.

Join us to build People Power! Together, we can champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people’s will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.

Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests)

Leader, People Power United

Representing America’s largest grassroots organization with over 300,000+ members, driven entirely by the energy and commitment of everyday people. We are proudly 100% independent, powered by people—not special interests.

People Power United | In this community, we will always speak out against racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and bigotry!

People Power United is a group of community members that champions freedom over fascism, progress, and power to the people.

When you become a paid subscriber to People Power United’s newsletter, you’re investing in real, grassroots change. You’re backing a fearless community that shows up, speaks out, and organizes for justice—not for clicks, not for profit, but for people. Your support helps power the daily actions, urgent campaigns, and bold strategies that challenge the status quo and put democracy back in the hands of the many—not the wealthy few. This isn’t just a newsletter—it’s your front-row seat to the fight for progress. And your subscription? That’s your stake in a future we build together.

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People Power United joined other groups as a proud endorser of the Experts Protect Effective Rules, Transparency, and Stability (EXPERTS) Act. You can find more information about the EXPERTS Act in the press release below from U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA). People Power United is also a proud member of the Coalition for Sensible Safeguards, and their press release can be found here.

November 19,2025

Original copy can be found here.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) and U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (MA) are introducing the Experts Protect Effective Rules, Transparency, and Stability (EXPERTS) Act to re-establish public trust in the federal regulatory process by prioritizing transparency and elevating the voices of subject matter experts over those of corporations with profit-driven interests.

“Many Americans are taught in civics classes that Congress passes a law and that’s it, but the reality is that any major legislation enacted must also be implemented and enforced by the executive branch to become a reality,” said Jayapal. “We are seeing the Trump administration dismantle systems created to ensure that federal regulation prioritizes public safety. At a time when corporations and CEOs have outsized power, it is critical that we ensure that public interest is protected. This bill will level the playing field to ensure that laws passed actually work for the American people.

“Giant corporations and their armies of lobbyists shouldn’t get to manipulate how our laws are implemented,” said Senator Warren. “While Donald Trump keeps selling away influence over our government, we’re fighting to ensure the rules are being written to help working Americans, not corporate interests.”

The federal rulemaking process is how governmental agencies implement and enforce the law. Rulemaking creates essential regulations that carry out the goals of legislation addressing issues ranging from health care to workers’ rights. It requires agencies to give the public notice of proposed regulations and the opportunity to comment or provide feedback. But presently, industry-backed lobbyists hold more negotiating power in the regulatory process than the general public. They are able to schedule private meetings with regulators, fund sham scientific studies to submit with public comments, and misrepresent the negative impact of stricter regulatory oversight.

Last year, in their Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo ruling, the Supreme Court overturned the Chevron deference doctrine that required courts to respect the expertise of federal agencies in implementing laws passed by Congress. This doctrine has led to a broad range of protections for Americans, including reducing worker exposure to hazardous substances, limiting predatory credit card fees, and promoting clean air and water. The Loper Bright ruling gives courts greater leeway to overturn expertise-based policies for the benefit of the Trump Administration and corporations.

The EXPERTS Act would:

• Codify Chevron Deference: Require courts to defer to agencies’ reasonable interpretations of their rules that Congress empowered them to issue in order to implement statutes.

• Establish Rulemaking Transparency: Require a full disclosure of who is funding the scientific, economic, and technical studies submitted to agencies during the rulemaking process, mandate a public explanation for the withdrawal of rules, and require the public disclosure of any changes made to a regulatory proposal during the rulemaking process.

• Eliminate Industry-Backed Delays to Rulemaking: Accelerate the rulemaking review process by excluding private parties from using the negotiated rulemaking process.

• Restore the Time Limit for Legal Challenges: Reinstate a 6-year time limit for legal challenges to agency actions, with the clock starting when the action is finalized.

• Empower the Public in the Rulemaking Process: Fine corporations that lie to the government about whether a public interest rule would cost their shareholders, establish an Office of the Public Advocate to serve as an advocate for public interests, and require the government to respond to citizen petitions.

“The EXPERTS Act is urgently needed to respond to the rampant deregulatory efforts happening now. The bill is a comprehensive blueprint for modernizing, improving, and strengthening the regulatory system to better protect the public. The EXPERTS Act would enhance our government’s ability to deliver results for workers, consumers, public health, and our environment. And it would increase participation so that people – not just big corporations – can weigh in on potential rules that affect them,” said Rachel Weintraub, Executive Director, Coalition for Sensible Safeguards (CSS). “For most of the last century, policy, scientific, and technical experts were in charge of writing the rules that protect American workers, consumers, families, and our environment – and it made all of us better off. Expert regulators brought us cleaner air and water, safer food and consumer products, fairer workplaces and markets, and much more. Every year going back decades, studies showed the benefits to the public of new and existing regulations outweighing the costs to industry by a factor of 10-to-1 or more. This is what trusting the experts got us, and it’s what the EXPERTS Act will restore.”

“The EXPERTS Act is the marquee legislation to improve our regulatory system,” said Lisa Gilbert, Co-President, Public Citizen and CSS Co-Chair. “The bill aims directly at the corporate capture of our rulemaking process, brings transparency to the regulatory review process and imposes a $250,000 fine on corporations that submit false information, among other things. The bill is essential law for the future of our health, safety, environment, and workers. Public Citizen urges swift passage in both chambers.”

Please send a message to your member of Congress to support and endorse the Experts Act.

House sponsors can be found here.

Senate sponsors can be found here.

***

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Friends, today marks the final day of our series on political violence. If you missed Parts 1–4, you can catch up on them here.

People Power United’s Statement Denouncing All Forms of Political Violence

People Power United stands in fierce, unshakable opposition to all forms of political violence—no matter the target or motive. Violence is not debate. Violence is not democracy. Violence is a direct assault on the freedoms we hold sacred.

We condemn, by name, a wave of hate, terror, and assassination meant to silence communities and erode democracy:

– the Charleston church massacre (2015), where a white supremacist murdered nine Black parishioners at Mother Emanuel AME Church.

– the Planned Parenthood attack in Colorado Springs (2015), where an anti-abortion extremist killed three and injured nine.

– the Charlottesville car-ramming (2017) that murdered Heather Heyer and injured dozens.

– the antisemitic slaughter at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue (2018), the deadliest attack on Jews in U.S. history.

– the racist massacre at the El Paso Walmart (2019), targeting Latino shoppers.

– the attempted kidnapping of Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (2020) by a far-right militia.

– the armed assault on the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, where a pro-Trump mob tried to overturn a free and fair election.

– the racist massacre at the Buffalo Tops supermarket (2022), where 10 Black shoppers were murdered.

– the hate-driven killings at a Jacksonville Dollar General (2023) targeting Black Floridians.

– the hammer assault on Paul Pelosi (2022) husband of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

– the tragic shootings of Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband and the wounding of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife (2025).

– the deaths of Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber in Kenosha (2020) during a racial-justice protest by Kyle Rittenhouse

– the arson attack on Governor Josh Shapiro’s home

–the shooting of Israeli Embassy Staffers in D.C.

– the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk (2025).

– the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump (2024), a shocking act of political violence that, like all others, must be condemned without reservation.

– the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan (1981), proof that political violence spares no party or ideology.

– and the decades of deadly attacks on abortion providers, including Dr. George Tiller (2009), Dr. Barnett Slepian (1998), Dr. John Britton (1994), and Dr. David Gunn (1993).

These acts of violence do not belong to any single ideology—they are the work of hate itself.

Political violence is not limited to bullets and bombs.

We condemn President Trump's own assaults on the First Amendment:

– Barring the Associated Press from Air Force One and the Oval Office until it obeyed his chosen words, turning press access into a loyalty test.

– Signing Executive Order 14290 to defund NPR and PBS, claiming they do not provide "fair, accurate, unbiased, and nonpartisan news coverage."

– Pressuring broadcasters and threatening critics such as Jimmy Kimmel, and celebrating the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's Late Show.

– Launching massive defamation suits against outlets like The New York Times to intimidate journalists.

We also condemn President Trump’s assaults on the rule of law, using threats and the power of his office to intimidate and attack political opponents instead of working across party lines to pass laws that serve the American people.

Political violence also attacks the machinery of democracy.

Election workers are doxxed and threatened with death. Armed vigilantes stalk ballot drop boxes. False claims of "stolen elections" fuel harassment campaigns against secretaries of state and local officials. These acts are an assault on the principle that government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the governed.

And political violence seeks to destroy the rule of law itself.

People Power United unequivocally rejects that path.

We call on every American—of every party, belief, or background—to rise.

Political violence wants us to be silent. Our response must be action—together, and on our terms. Political violence thrives when people stay home, keep their heads down, and surrender their voices. Democracies rarely fall in one dramatic coup—they wither through millions of quiet surrenders.

Our differences must be settled at the ballot box, through the courts, and through people-powered advocacy. Progress means progress—advancing justice and equality without harming those who disagree. The Constitution provides the framework; the people give the power.

The answer is not to retreat but to get louder with organizing and fearless solidarity.

Today’s Call to Action

• Click here to Investigate Trump FCC Chair's Role in Kimmel's Suspension

• Click here to Tell ABC: Resist Censorship. Don't Let Trump Silence Kimmel

• Click here to Tell Congress: Protect our Elections from 2020 Deniers

• Click here to Tell Congress to Pass the Billionaires Income Tax

• Click here to Unequivocally Denounce All Political Violence

• Restacks and comments are appreciated!

On October 18th, we rise together. From coast to coast, millions will send one message loud and clear: No Thrones. No Crowns. No Kings. This is more than a slogan—it’s a declaration of defiance and a promise to defend democracy. When Trump sends troops to silence dissent, threatens to erase our votes, or bargains away our lives for his billionaire donors, we will not be silent. We will not surrender our future. Power belongs to the people.

Find an event near you by clicking here. Don’t see your city? Check back soon—new events are added all the time. Or click here to sign up and host your own. And for anyone wondering, if your city isn’t listed yet, just keep checking or start your own event today!

Find a NO KINGS event near you

A core principle of all No Kings events is nonviolent action. Participants are expected to de-escalate conflicts, act lawfully, and never bring weapons—legal or otherwise.

Thanks for taking action!

People Power United Updates

Our group is growing by leaps and bounds! Folks understand that with love in our hearts ❤️ and hard work, we will reclaim our nation from cruelty, chaos, and confusion. In case you missed it, this past week was busy:

• In case you haven’t noticed, we’ve been making updates to the website. My deepest apologies if you recently landed on a page with a broken link. We’re working hard to catch up with all the changes—thank you so much for your patience!

To meet the moment we are in, we have expanded our outreach so our members can go deeper in their advocacy on issues:

• 📢 Resist Project 2025 is dedicated to stand strong against those who seek to impose Project 2025, threaten our democracy, and strip away our rights and freedoms.

• As our communities face escalating raids, detentions, and fear, 🧊ICEbreaker News keeps watch. We shine a light on the cruelty, demand accountability, and organize to end the injustice.

• 🌎Protect Our Planet is dedicated to protecting our planet, exposing environmental injustice, and powering grassroots action for a sustainable future.

✨ Together we can inspire change!

People Power United is a grassroots group with members in all 50 states-powered by people like YOU. We champion progress and power to the people.

We believe in change because we make change happen.

Here’s what makes us special:
💡 Grassroots energy: No fundraising, no constant emails asking for donations.
📢 Impact through action: We believe in the possibility of change and do the work to make it happen. We don’t just complain, we make change happen!

In this community, we will never stay silent in the face of hate or bigotry. We stand up and speak out against racism, xenophobia, islamophobia, antisemitism, homophobia, misogyny, sexism, ageism, ableism, sizeism, elitism, transphobia, misogynoir, and every form of discrimination that seeks to divide and harm.

We believe:

• Everyone deserves dignity —with access to housing, healthcare, and education.

• Everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive — regardless of age, race, sex, sexual preference, preferred pronouns, religion, or employment status.

• Everyone deserves safety—clean air and water, and communities free from gun violence.

The power is in your hands. Let’s champion freedom over fascism—because our future depends on it.

FYI

Please note that when People Power United uses the word “fight” in writing, online, or in speech, we mean to advocate fiercely, never to incite or support violence. We do not condone violence in any form, nor do we promote breaking the law.

Our work is rooted in peaceful advocacy through exercising our constitutional rights: voting, free speech, peaceful assembly, rallies, protests, and acts of civil disobedience. We use these tools to defend our rights, freedoms, the rule of law, and our democracy. And together, we will win.

Join us to build People Power! Together, we can champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.

Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests), People Power United

People Power United is a group of community members that champions progress and power for the people.

People Power United is community-powered, heart-driven, and people-led. You make that possible.

🔥 Join us on the front lines:
➡️ Speak Out – Check out our latest calls to action
➡️ Show Up – Find events near you
➡️ Join People Power United – Join the grassroots movement for progress and power to the people.

We are powered by people. Not billionaires. Not PACs. Just us.

When you become a paid subscriber to People Power United’s newsletter, you’re investing in real, grassroots change. You’re backing a fearless community that shows up, speaks out, and organizes for justice—not for clicks, not for profit, but for people. Your support helps power the daily actions, urgent campaigns, and bold strategies that challenge the status quo and put democracy back in the hands of the many—not the wealthy few. This isn’t just a newsletter—it’s your front-row seat to the champion progress and power to the people. And your subscription? It’s your stake in the future we build together.

Subscribe now

People Power United stands in fierce opposition to the Supreme Court’s decision to allow racial profiling in our communities. This ruling is not justice—it is an open invitation to terrorize our immigrant brothers and sisters, neighbors, coworkers, and friends who call America home.

When masked agents are empowered to stop, harass, and detain people based on nothing more than the color of their skin or the language they speak—often without warrants—our Constitution is shredded in real time. There is no “liberty and justice for all” under a Court that compromises its own legitimacy by giving a green light to racial profiling and state-sponsored fear.

America is not a land where families should live in daily terror of government agents. America is a land where every person—regardless of race, heritage, or immigration status—deserves dignity, safety, and equal protection under the law.

We will not stand silent while hardworking, peaceful people are scapegoated and criminalized for political gain. We denounce this dangerous ruling and affirm our commitment to organizing, mobilizing, and rising together to ensure that the promise of liberty and justice is real for all people—not just the privileged few.

No profiling. No terror. No exceptions. Power to the people.

Together, we can champion progress, protect our rights and freedoms, and hold our leaders accountable to the people’s will. By speaking out, showing up, and building power, we’ll defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and inspire voters to take meaningful action—so that everyone in our community can thrive.

Join us to build People Power! Together, we can champion our rights, freedoms, and democracy, hold our leaders accountable to the people's will, and inspire voters to make a meaningful difference.

Laurie Woodward Garcia (paid with hugs and kisses, not bought by special interests), People Power United

People Power United is a group of community members that champions progress and power for the people.

Other Ways to Plug Into Our Work

People Power United is community-powered, heart-driven, and people-led. You make that possible.

🔥 Join us on the front lines:
➡️ Speak Out – Check out our latest calls to action
➡️ Show Up – Find events near you
➡️ Join People Power United – Invite others to join the movement

We are powered by people. Not billionaires. Not PACs. Just us.

When you become a paid subscriber to People Power United’s newsletter, you’re investing in real, grassroots change. You’re backing a fearless community that shows up, speaks out, and organizes for justice—not for clicks, not for profit, but for people. Your support helps power the daily actions, urgent campaigns, and bold strategies that challenge the status quo and put democracy back in the hands of the many—not the wealthy few. This isn’t just a newsletter—it’s your front-row seat to the champion progress and power to the people. And your subscription? It’s your stake in the future we build together.

Subscribe now

People Power United joined coalition efforts to Congress to eliminate the Hyde Amendment during the appropriations process. Shout out to All* Above All for leading this effort.

July 30, 2025

Dear Chairs Collins and Cole, Vice Chair Murray, and Ranking Member DeLauro:

As organizations committed to ensuring all people can access reproductive health care, including abortion, however much money they make, no matter where they’re from, or whatever their race or gender, we believe that each of us should be able to make decisions about pregnancy and parenting that are best for our families without political interference. However, policymakers have enacted bans on insurance coverage of abortion that push this decision out of reach for many, particularly those working to make ends meet. To this end, we urge you to put forth appropriations legislation for Fiscal Year 2026 that does not include bans or restrictions on insurance coverage for abortion.

Since the first passage of the Hyde Amendment in 1976, the appropriations process has been used as a vehicle to systematically deny insurance coverage of abortion. Studies show that when policymakers place restrictions on Medicaid coverage of abortion, it forces one in four poor women to carry an unwanted pregnancy to term.¹Additionally, a woman who seeks an abortion, but is denied, is more likely to fall into poverty than one who is able to get an abortion.²

Since the decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization erroneously held that there is no constitutional right to abortion, 19 states have outright banned the procedure or imposed a ban at an arbitrary point in pregnancy. More than 25 million women aged 15-44 live in states where there are more restrictions imposed than prior to the Dobbs decision. This is nearly 1 in 5 women.³ As of 2024, 35% or 5.5 million women aged 15-49 who are enrolled in

This is a crucial moment for Black, Indigenous, and people of color, for women, LGBTQI folks, immigrants, and young people. As the Medicaid program faces deep cuts and reproductive health clinics across the country face potential closures due to the recent passage of H.R. 1,⁵these individuals are the most harmed by the Hyde Amendment and other coverage bans. We are fighting for a future in which abortion is affordable, available, and supported for anyone who seeks care — without barriers based on who you are, where you are from, or how much you earn. We are reimagining a world in which each of us makes a living wage and everyone has access to the full-spectrum of reproductive health care, including abortion.

We urge you, as leaders of the Appropriations Committees, to draft and pass federal spending bills that end the shameful legacy of the Hyde Amendment and related abortion coverage restrictions. Now is the time to take action for people working to make ends meet and stop the relentless attacks on abortion coverage.

We ask that FY 2026 appropriations legislation be free of abortion coverage restrictions, including those that impact the following populations: (i) Medicaid, Medicare, and Children’s Health Insurance Program beneficiaries; (ii) federal employees and their dependents; (iii) Peace Corps volunteers; (iv) Native American people (iv) women in federal prisons and detention centers, including those detained for immigration purposes; and (v) low-income people in the District of Columbia through the use of local funds. This includes the Weldon Amendment, which has been attached to Hyde and used to threaten states that seek to ensure abortion coverage. Additionally, we urge you to reject any efforts to add new policy riders that seek to undermine access to health care.

Each of us should be able to make decisions about our health and our futures with dignity and have control over our own economic security. Yet these policies have harmed our families, our communities, and our health for far too long. We implore the 119th Congress to lift abortion coverage bans and end the Hyde Amendment.

Sincerely,

Abortion Forward

ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE

Advocates for Youth

AIDS United

All* Above All

American Association of University Women (AAUW)

American Atheists

American Humanist Association

Arkansas Black Gay Mens Forum

Black Women's Health Imperative

Center for Biological Diversity

Clearinghouse on Women's Issues

Community Catalyst

Doctors for America

End Rape On Campus

Equal Rights Advocates

Feminist Majority Foundation

Guttmacher Institute

Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America Ibis Reproductive Health

Institute for Women's Policy Research

International Center for Research on Women

Ipas US

League of Women Voters of the United States

Legal Momentum, the Women's Legal Defense & Education Fund me too. International

NAPAWF

National Abortion Federation

National Council of Jewish Women

National Network of Abortion Funds

National Organization for Women

National Organization for Women

National Partnership Women & Families

National Women's Law Center Action Fund

Partners in Abortion Care

People Power United

Physicians for Reproductive Health

Planned Parenthood Federation of America Positive Women's Network-USA

Power to Decide

Public Justice Center

Reproductive Freedom for All

SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change

SiX Action

Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Supermajority

True North Research

UCSF Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health

URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity

Women's March

¹ Henshaw SK et al., Restrictions on Medicaid Funding for Abortions: A Literature Review, Guttmacher Institute, 2009. https://www.guttmacher.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/pubs/MedicaidLitReview.pdf

² Foster, D. G. (2020). The Turnaway Study: Ten Years, a Thousand Women, and the Consequences of Having--or Being Denied--an Abortion. Scribner.

³ Santhanam, L. (2023, June 24). A year after fall of Roe v. Wade, 25 million women live in states with abortion bans or restrictions. PBS NewsHour.

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/a-year-after-fall-of-roe-v-wade-25-million-women-live-in-states-with-abortio n-bans-or-restrictions

Medicaid live in states where abortion is legal but not covered by the program except in Hyde-allowable circumstances.⁴

⁴ Kaiser Family Foundation. (2023). Medicaid coverage for women.

https://www.kff.org/womens-health-policy/issue-brief/medicaid-coverage-for-women/

⁵ Planned Parenthood. (2025, July 4). Planned Parenthood defunded—but we’re still here. Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/planned-parenthood-defunded-but-were-still-here

***

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People Power United joins coalition to Urge Senators to Oppose Means’ Nomination. Shout out to Public Citizen for leading this effort. Here is the letter sent on behalf of our membership.

July 25, 2025

Dear Senator,

The undersigned organizations urge you to vote against confirming Dr. Casey Means as Surgeon General. Means is not a serious nominee and is wholly unqualified to serve as a lead U.S. public health official.

Means does not have an active medical license and dropped out of her surgical residency before completing it. She states that it was after leaving traditional medical practice that she began to “understand the real reasons why people get sick” and properly treat them. Colleagues from her residency have criticized her for wrongly perpetuating the idea that modern medicine is a conspiracy to keep people sick.

Indeed, in her blog posts and interviews as a wellness influencer, Means has expressed misinformed and conspiratorial thinking on matters of public health. She has called birth control pills a “disrespect of life.” She has declined to distance herself from anti-vaccine positions espoused by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., refused to say if she thinks vaccines are effective, and has even expressed skepticism about the hepatitis B vaccination for babies. She wrote, “There is growing evidence that the total burden of the current extreme and growing vaccine schedule is causing health declines in vulnerable children.”

Means also has potential conflicts of interest. She founded and is the chief medical officer of Levels, a membership-based continuous glucose monitoring technology company. If she does not step down from this role and divest from the company, she will likely be engaging directly on matters as Surgeon General from which she stands to personally profit.

The Surgeon General of the United States has two fundamental responsibilities. One is to lead the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS) – over 6,000 civil servants dedicated to improving public health in the United States. Many of these civil servants are subject matter experts who have already been wrongfully terminated by the Trump Administration and by directives from Secretary Kennedy. Means may have experience as an influencer, but she has little to no managerial experience in the context of government agencies or scientific research. This lack of experience means she may be out of her depth leading a critical agency in these uncertain times.

Second, the Surgeon General plays a critical role as the nation’s chief health communicator. That role requires the Surgeon General to educate the American public about the best available science and, when needed, to issue authoritative public health advisories. They should not be merely promoting their personal beliefs or making decisions based on anything but scientific evidence. The range of unscientific ideas, wellness products and conspiratorial claims that Means is associated with makes her a less than ideal candidate to serve in a role that requires being a credible health communicator for the country and upholding sound science.

These are seriously disqualifying characteristics for the Surgeon General of the US and the Trump administration should immediately rescind Means’ nomination for this position. If they do not, and her confirmation proceeds to the Senate floor, senators must vote no.

Sincerely,

AFL-CIO
AIDS Foundation Chicago
Americans for Democratic Action Southern California
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Balanced
Beta Cell Action
Center for Science in the Public Interest
Community Catalyst
Consilium Scientific
Defend Public Health
Doctors for America
Healthy Schools Campaign
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health
Labor Campaign for Single Payer
MomsRising
National Consumers League
National Council of Jewish Women
National Nurses United
National Women’s Law Center
People Power United
Progressive Democrats of America (PDA)
Progressive Democrats of America, Maryland
Public Advocacy for Kids (PAK)
Public Citizen
Rise Up WV
SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change
T1International
The Insulin Initiative
Unity Fellowship of Christ Church-NYC
VOCAL-NY
Voices of Health Care Action

***

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People Power United joins coalition efforts to urge Congress to defend the National Education Association’s Right to Advocate. Shout out to The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights for leading this effort.

📄 Here is a copy of the letter sent on behalf of our People Power United members:

July 22, 2025

Dear Member of Congress:

Whether we’re from cities, suburbs, or rural communities, we all depend on public schools and the educators in these schools who support our children and their learning. Teachers, parents, and students rely on nonprofits, including unions, as vehicles to express their views, petition the government, and advocate for their families. Every community benefits when educators can advocate for strong public schools, when our children have access to the resources they need to learn and thrive, and when civil society can serve as a check on power.

Yet recent actions from Congress and the administration have been devastating for students, parents, and teachers. Instead of fixing the problem, some in Congress are attempting to destroy one of the leading organizations advocating for public education, for good jobs, and for children — the National Education Association (NEA). This is part of a broader assault on any independent voice that may oppose the actions of this administration — including law firms, media, universities, nonprofits, charities, and labor unions — by stripping federal funding, launching investigations, and threatening tax-exempt status.

Attacks on educators and their union, including the authoritarian attacks we’re seeing from the Trump administration’s efforts to destroy public education, will only serve to hurt students across this country. The administration is working to tear down those who push back brick-by-brick. Today, they are focused on the NEA. Who will it be tomorrow?

The administration and their allies in Congress have a track record of targeting unions and advocates in an attempt to silence our collective voices. If we let that happen, the children in our communities will suffer. We all must unite together against attacks on our schools, on our children, and on the free exchange of ideas.

When the government uses its power to punish organizations for their advocacy, it attacks freedom of speech and freedom of association, threatening any person or group who wishes to educate the public and make demands of elected leaders.

The NEA represents more than 3 million educators in more than 14,000 communities across every state in America. These are the teachers who help your child learn to read, the counselors who support struggling students, and the support staff who keep schools running safely. When you attack their right to advocate for students, educators, and public education, you are attacking the voices of millions of working families who depend on strong public schools.

This assault doesn’t start or stop with the NEA. It impacts any organization that challenges the administration’s agenda of concentrating wealth and power in the hands of a few while dismantling the public institutions that serve everyone. While the NEA fights for smaller class sizes, adequate school funding, and support for teachers, this administration has:

• Withheld $6.9 billion in federal education funding that pays for reading specialists, mental health counselors, and support for English learners

• Systematically dismantled the Department of Education, eliminating programs that help recruit teachers to high-need schools

• Shuttered civil rights enforcement offices that protect students from discrimination and ensure schools serve all children of all races, religions, backgrounds, and abilities

• Attacked collective bargaining rights that help ensure quality educators can afford to stay in the profession and serve students long term

For these reasons, we call on Congress to reject government retaliation against advocacy groups and oppose efforts to silence organizations advocating for the people they serve. This protects the constitutional principles that guarantee all Americans’ right to organize, advocate, and petition the government.

The American people deserve a government that serves all of us, not one that silences those who dare to speak up. We urge you to join us in defending these fundamental principles. If you would like to discuss this matter further, please contact Kanya Bennett, managing director of government affairs at The Leadership Conference, at Bennett@civilrights.org.

Sincerely,

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights
A. Philip Randolph Institute
Action Center on Race and the Economy
Advancement Project
The Advocacy Institute
The Advocates for Human Rights
AFL-CIO
African American Policy Forum
AFT | Education, Healthcare, Public Services
Alliance for Diplomacy and Justice
Alliance for Justice
Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools
American Association of University Professors
American Association of University Women (AAUW)
American Atheists
American Civil Liberties Union
American Constitution Society
American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
American Federation of Teachers
American Friends Service Committee
American Postal Workers Union, AFL-CIO
American Pride Rises
American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC)
Americans for Democratic Action (ADA)
Americans for Financial Reform
Americans United for Separation of Church and State
Amnesty International USA
Arab American Institute
Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA
Autistic Self Advocacy Network
Bend the Arc: Jewish Action
Black Youth Vote
Branch4
BWI Global Union
Care in Action
Center for Constitutional Rights
Center for Economic and Policy Research
Center for Law and Social Policy
The Chamberlain Network
Child Labor Coalition
Choose Democracy
Clearinghouse on Women’s Issues
Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
Color Of Change
Common Cause
CommonDefense.us
Community Change Action
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund
Economic Policy Institute
EdTrust
Education Law Center
End Citizens United
Equal Rights Advocates
Fair Count Inc
Fair Share America
Faithful America
Family Values @ Work
Family Values @ Work Action
Feminist Majority Foundation
First Focus Campaign for Children
For Our Future
Freedom From Religion Foundation
Higher Ed Labor United
Hispanic Federation
HREA
Human Rights Campaign
Human Rights First
In the Public Interest
Indivisible
Inlandboatmen’s Union of the Pacific
International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE)
International Union of Painters & Allied Trades
Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Jewish Labor Committee
Just Solutions
Kids Can’t Wait
Labor Council for Latin American Advancement
Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law
League of Conservation Voters
League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
League of Women Voters of the United States
MALDEF (Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund)
Matthew Shepard Foundation
Mi Familia Vota
Mi Vecino
MoveOn
Muslim Advocates
NAACP
NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc.
National Action Network
National Action Network LV
National African American Clergy Network
National Association for Family, School and Community Engagement (NAFSCE)
National Association of Social Workers
National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI)
National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest)
National Coalition for the Homeless
National Coalition on Black Civic Participation
National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy
National Consumers League
The National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA)
National Domestic Workers Alliance
National Education Association Retirees Organization (NEARO)
National Employment Law Project
National Immigration Law Center
National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC)
National Organization for Women
National Partnership for New Americans
National Partnership for Women & Families
National PLACE
National Women’s Law Center
NBJC
NCNW
NEA Arab American Caucus
NEA Asian and Pacific Islander Caucus
NEA Aspiring Educators
NEA Black Caucus
NEA Hispanic Caucus
Network for Public Education Action
NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice
The Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), AFL-CIO
Our Schools USA
Parent Coalition for Student Privacy
Partnership for the Future of Learning
Pastors for Children
People For the American Way
People Power United
People’s Action Institute
Poder Latinx
Popular Democracy
Pride At Work, AFL-CIO
Public Citizen
Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism
Reproductive Freedom for All
SAGE
Saphron Initiative
Secure Elections Network
SEIU
The Sikh Coalition
Sisters Lead Sisters Vote
Southeast Asia Resource Action Center (SEARAC)
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network
Stand Up America
State Voices
Stop AAPI Hate
Sunrise Movement
T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
UnidosUS
UnidosUS Action Fund
Unite Here
United Auto Workers (UAW)
United Electrical, Radio & Machine Workers of America (UE)
United Food and Commercial Workers Union
Vladimir & Araxia Buckhantz Foundation
Voices for Progress
Voto Latino
Western States Center
Win With Black Women
The Workers Circle
Working America
Working Families Party
WorkLife Law
Young Democratic Socialists of America

STATE, LOCAL, AND REGIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

ALASKA
Alaska Nurses Association

ARIZONA
Arizona AFL-CIO
Arizona American Federation of State County & Municipal Employees
Arizona Center for Women’s Advancement
Arizona Education Association
Arizona Justice Alliance
Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind Education Association
Arizona Students’ Association
Balsz Education Association
Chandler Education Association
Chino Valley Education Association
Chispa Arizona
Deer Valley Education Association
Educational Support Professionals of Chandler
Flowing Wells Education Association
Fuerte Arts Movement
Gilbert Education Association
Glendale Education Association
Higley Education Association
Isaac District Education Association
LUCHA
Marana Education Association
National Council of Jewish Women Arizona
One Arizona
Opportunity Arizona
Peoria Education Association
Phoenix Elementary ESPA
Pima Community College Education Association
Progress Arizona
Save Our Schools Arizona
Secular AZ
Sunnyside Education Association
Tempe Secondary Education Association
Tolleson Union Education Association
UFCW Local 99

ARKANSAS
Arkansas Citizens First Congress
Arkansas Education Association
Arkansas Public Policy Panel

CALIFORNIA
California Faculty Association (CFA)
CSU-AAUP
CSUEU
Equality California
Evolve California
Old Adobe Teachers Association
Parents for Public Schools of San Francisco
Turlock Teachers Association
Workers United, Western States Regional Joint Board

COLORADO
Black Parent Network
Colorado Education Association
PEAK Parent Center

CONNECTICUT
4Cs SEIU 1973
Connecticut Education Association
Connecticut For All
CT Association of School Librarians (CASL)
New Haven Federation of Teachers Local 933
SEIU 1199NE

DELAWARE
Delaware State Education Association Aspiring Educators

FLORIDA
Alachua County Education Association
American Association of University Women of Florida
Brevard Federation of Teachers
Broward Teachers Union
Citizens for Truth and Justice in Education
Collier County Education Association
Communications Workers of America Local 3102
Desoto County Educators Association
Duval Teachers United
The Education Association of St. Lucie
Escambia Education Association
Families for Strong Public Schools
Florida Council of Churches
Florida Education Association
Florida State University Chapter of United Faculty of Florida-Graduate Assistants United
Gadsden Educational Staff Professional Association
Hendry Educational Support Personnel Association
Hernando Classroom Teachers’ Association
Hillsborough Classroom Teachers Association
Hillsborough School Employees Federation
Husw4730
IBEW Local 756
Jacksonville Chapter of the National Organization for Women
Levy County Education Association
Manatee Education Association
Marion Education Association
Marion Educational Support Professional
Martin County Education Association
Nassau Educational Support Personnel Association
Nassau Teachers’ Association
NC-UFF
Orange County Classroom Teachers Association
Pastors For Florida Children
PCTA
Pinellas Educational Support Professionals Association
Pinellas Parents Advocating for Public Schools
Putnam Federation of Teachers/United
Santa Rosa Education Association
SEIU Florida State Council
Seminole Education Association
St Johns Education Association
St Lucie County TIGER PAC
State Voices Florida
Sumter County Education Association
Support Our Schools
Support Personnel Association of Lee County
UA Plumbers 295
UFF-UCF
UFF-FAU
UFF-FGCU
UFF-SPC
Union of Escambia Education Staff Professionals
United Faculty of Florida
United Faculty of Florida – Florida International University
United Faculty of Florida – USF Chapter
United Faculty of Florida – University of Florida
United Faculty of Miami Dade College
University of Florida Graduate Assistants United
University of South Florida Graduate Assistants United
Volusia United Educators
Volusia/Flagler CLC, AFL-CIO
Voters for Strong Public Schools
Walton County Education Association (FL)

GEORGIA
CWA District 3
Fair Fight Action
Georgia Association of Educators

HAWAI’I
Hawai’i State Teachers Association
University of Hawaii Professional Assembly

ILLINOIS
Bloomington Education Association
CFT – A Union of Educators and Classified Professionals
Chicago Jewish Labor Committee
Chicago Teachers Union
Cosmopolitan Chamber of Commerce
Illinois Education Association
Illinois Education Association Aspiring Educators
Illinois Families for Public Schools
Illinois Federation of Teachers
Network 49

INDIANA
CHMT Chapter of Indiana State Teachers Association, Inc.
Crawfordsville Education Association
Evansville Teachers Association
Fort Wayne Education Association
Indiana State Teachers Association
Indianapolis Education Association (IEA)
Jay Classroom Teachers Association, Portland, IN
Logansport Education Association
Madison Teachers’ Association
Northeast Indiana Friends of Public Education
Pastors for Indiana Children
Pike County Teachers Association
Spencer-Owen Education Association

IOWA
Iowa State Education Association
Iowans for Public Education

KANSAS
Families Together, Inc.
Game On for Kansas Schools
Kansas NEA
Lawrence Education Association

KENTUCKY
Kentucky Education Association Aspiring Educators

LOUISIANA
East Baton Rouge Parish Association of Educators
Louisiana Association of Educators
St. Landry Association of Educators

MAINE
Androscoggin Retired Educators Association
Bangor Education Association
Educators for a Multilingual Maine
Maine Education Association
Maine People’s Alliance
MSEA SEIU Local 1989

MARYLAND
Maryland State Education Association (MSEA)
Public Justice Center
SEIU Local 500
The Parents’ Place of MD

MASSACHUSETTS
AFT Massachusetts
Malden Education Association
Massachusetts Action for Justice
North Attleboro Federation of Teachers

MICHIGAN
Aspiring Educators of Michigan
Aspiring Educators of Michigan State
Local 223 UWUA AFL-CIO
MEA-NEA Local 1
Michigan League for Public Policy
Support Forest Hills Public Schools

MINNESOTA
Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers #1 MN/ND/SD
AFSCME 65
Education Minnesota
Minnesota AFL-CIO
Minnesota Alliance for Retired Americans
Minnesota Nurses Association
Minnesota State Retiree Council, AFL-CIO
SEIU Local 284
St. Paul Regional Labor Federation Retiree Council
UA Local 15 Minneapolis and St. Cloud MN
UFCW Local 663
Unite Here Local 17
Workers Confluence
West Red River Valley ALC Minnesota, North Dakota AFL CIO

MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi Association of Educators
Parents for Public Schools of Greenwood & Leflore County, Inc

MISSOURI
Missouri National Education Association Aspiring Educators
Missouri NEA

MONTANA
Big Sky 55+
Catalyst MT
Montana AFL-CIO
Montana Budget & Policy Center
Montana Federation of Public Employees
Montana Nurses Association
Montana Public Interest Research Group
Montanans Organized for Education

NEVADA
Battle Born Progress
Native Voters Alliance Nevada
Nevada Chapter of the National Organization of Women
New Day Nevada
One APIA Nevada
Progressive Leadership Alliance of Nevada
Silver State Equality
UNITE HERE Culinary Workers Union, Local 226

NEW HAMPSHIRE
American Friends Service Committee-New Hampshire Program
New Hampshire Conference United Church of Christ Economic Justice Ministry
New Hampshire Faith & Labor Alliance
New Hampshire Voices of Faith
Occupy NH Seacoast

NEW JERSEY
AFT New Jersey
Hudson County Central Labor Council, Retirees Comm.
New Jersey Jewish Labor Committee
NJ21United
Save Our Schools New Jersey

NEW MEXICO
AFT New Mexico

NEW YORK STATE
Class Size Matters
New York State United Teachers
NYS Public Employees Federation
NYSUT Retiree Council 22
Rochester Coalition for Public Education
Sun River Health
United Hebrew Trades – New York Jewish Labor Committee
United University Professions/AFT 2190
Win With Black Women New York

NORTH CAROLINA
FIRST
North Carolina Justice Center

OHIO
OHIO – Public Education Partners
Ohio Education Association- Aspiring Educators
Ohio Federation of Teachers
Westlake Teachers Association

OKLAHOMA
AFT Oklahoma
Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition

OREGON
Community and Parents for Public Schools Portland Chapter
Oregon Education Association Aspiring Educators
SEIU Local 49

PENNSYLVANIA
AFT Pennsylvania
Alliance for Philadelphia Public Schools
Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

RHODE ISLAND
AFSCME Rhode Island Retirees Chapter 94
FUERZA LABORAL
IBEW 2323
Rhode Island AFL-CIO
RI Employment Security Alliance Local 401 SEIU
RI Federation of Teachers and Health Professionals

SOUTH CAROLINA
The South Carolina Education Association

TENNESSEE
Tennessee BATs

TEXAS
Houston Immigration Legal Services Collaborative
Texas Kids Can’t Wait
Texas State Teachers Association-Aspiring Educators

VIRGIN ISLANDS
St. Thomas/St. John Federation of Teachers

VIRGINIA
Shenandoah University SVEA AE

WASHINGTON STATE
Bethel Education Association
Clover Park Education Association
Franklin Pierce Education Association
PAVE
Soundview Uniserv Council
United School Employees of Pasco
Washington District Education Association
UFCW 3000

WISCONSIN
A Better Wisconsin Together
Aspiring Educators of Wisconsin
Aspiring Educators UW-Madison
Citizen Action of Wisconsin
Schools & Communities United, Milwaukee-WI
WI Working Families Party
Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools
Wisconsin Education Association Council
Wisconsin Public Education Network

GLOBAL

ACT Philippines
AIFTO
AIPTF
All Ceylon Union of Teachers
Armenian Constitutional Right – Protective Centre NGO
Asociación de docentes de la Universidad de la República (Uruguay)
Australian Education Union
Bahrain Teachers’ Association (BTA)
Canadian Teachers’ Federation
CNTE – Confederação Nacional dos Trabalhadores em Educação do Brasil
CONADU
Confederación de Educadores Argentinos-CEA
CTERA
Education International Asia Pacific Region
EI
FECCOO
Federação Nacional dos Professores (FENPROF)
FENAPES
FGESRS
German Education Union (GEW)
GUPT
Himachal pradesh school lecturer association (HPSLA) Affiliated to All india federation of teachers organisation(AIFTO)
International Trade Union Confederation
KPSTA ( affiliated to AIPTF)
Kurdistan Teachers Union – Iraq
NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union
National Education Union (United Kingdom)
National Teacher’s Association, NTA Taiwan
Nepal Teachers Association, NTA
NUTP
Organización de Trabajadores de la Educación Auténtica
OTEP AUTENTICA SINDICATO NACIONAL
PPSTLL
Queensland Teachers’ Union
Secretaria General de CTERA
Sindicato de Trabajadoras y Trabajadores de la Educación Costarricense SEC
SindProifes
SNE/CDT MAROC
SNESUP Maroc
South African Democratic Teachers Union
Sutep
Syndicat national de l’enseignement membre de la fédération démocratique du travail
Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine
UEPC/CTERA
UNE
UNE-SN
Unión de trabajadores de la educación – U.TR.E
USLTS
UTE CTERA
UTELPa La Pampa Argentina***

***

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People Power United joins coalition efforts to oppose cuts to NOAA. Shout out to American Rivers Action Fund for leading this effort.

📄 Here is a copy of the letter sent on behalf of our People Power United members:

July 23, 2025

RE: Oppose Proposed NOAA Cuts

Dear Chair Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro, Chair Rogers, Ranking Member Meng, and Distinguished Members of the House Committee on Appropriations:

On behalf of our millions of supporters, members, and volunteers, we write to urge you to oppose proposed cuts to programs within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). As you prepare to finalize the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill, we strongly support full funding for essential operations, research, and initiatives including NOAA’s Habitat Conservation and Restoration line, the Community-Based Restoration Program, the National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund, the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, the Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants, and the National Sea Grant College Program. We offer additional comments below on funding for specific activities to minimize the risks of sidelining key NOAA partnerships and economic contributions.

Habitat Conservation and Restoration: The Office of Habitat Conservation, under this activity, is responsible for promoting thriving economies and ecosystems. Dedicated funding is needed to support coastal development while balancing conservation objectives such as restoring fish habitat for salmon and river herring as well as improving fish passage at hydropower facilities. With the number of hydropower facilities facing relicensing being set to double by 2030¹, Congress must ensure efficient and predictable permitting timelines prevent disruptions to energy services. Any attempt to eviscerate these essential activities would have devastating effects on fisheries and the energy sector.²

Community Based Restoration Program: Coastal economies depend on healthy habitats to rebuild sustainable fisheries. Congress needs to ensure NOAA prioritizes the three Rs approach: retrofits, rehabilitation, and removal (where necessary) to modify many outdated dams, levees, weirs, and other flood control infrastructure in a state of disrepair and decommission them when no longer in use or serving an intended purpose. Since its start in 1996, this program has contributed well over $600 million to more than 2,800 restoration projects. These projects have reconnected more than 130,000 acres of habitat and opened more than 6,100 stream miles for fish migration. The program ensures sportfishing industry contributions continue to grow which now generate more than $230.5 billion annually for the U.S. economy.³ Anglers across America count on these critical NOAA services focused on resilience.

National Oceans and Coastal Security Fund: Coastal states and territories are at a considerable risk of experiencing property damage, loss of life, and infrastructure failure due to flooding. Funding from this activity supports innovative natural infrastructure projects to help local governments prepare for and respond to a variety of extreme weather events. A recent study by Joint Economic Committee estimates flooding costs the U.S. between $179.8 billion and $496 billion each year.⁴ Congress must do more to strengthen state-federal partnerships and help communities and businesses, go beyond being “storm ready” by responding to new threats to vulnerable infrastructure. To accelerate resilience projects outside installations and ranges, the partnership with the Department of Defense proves more vital than ever – promoting conservation while enhancing realistic training conditions to increase military readiness.⁵

Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund: Once home to the world’s largest salmon runs, the Columbia River Basin today hosts only a fraction of its historic populations. Since 2000, the PCSRF has awarded nearly $80 million on average every year to 16,000 state and tribal salmon recovery projects – targeting local economies reliant on Pacific anadromous salmonids (i.e., Chinook, coho, chum, sockeye, pink salmon, and steelhead). Projects include instream habitat, fish passage, and hatchery fish enhancement. The importance of NOAA funding for the West Coast salmon cannot be overstated. Tribes leverage funding to increase capacity for the development and implementation of restoration efforts – enabling salmon to reach spawning grounds with success.

Atlantic Salmon Habitat Restoration Partnership Grants: Federal, state, Tribal, and nonprofit partners have made important strides restoring habitat for endangered Atlantic salmon. Despite this progress, thousands of miles of rivers and streams across the Northeast remain fragmented by outdated dams and culverts. Many also require habitat restoration due to historic land use. On-the-ground work remains essential to prevent extinction of the Gulf of Maine Atlantic salmon population, the last wild population in the U.S. Congress should restore dedicated funding for the restoration grants and staff capacity critical to species recovery and healthy river systems.

National Sea Grant College Program: Across the country, Sea Grant plays a key role in sustaining working waterfronts, preparing for extreme weather, and fostering sustainable aquaculture. But its impact is truly national—supporting thousands of jobs, students, and projects from Alaska to Florida. All 33 state-based programs would severely impact coastal resilience, marine research, aquaculture development, and workforce training nationwide. Sea Grant is a trusted partner to communities, universities, and industry, supporting science-based solutions for fisheries, habitat restoration, and climate adaptation. Congress has rightly recognized the value of Sea Grant in the past and has the opportunity to do so again to ensure its continued success.

NOAA touches the lives of every day Americans and affects every cornerstone of our economy. Its mission is vast, yet an important one that cannot be taken for granted. We are increasingly concerned that the agency’s institutional knowledge, staff capacity, and resources remain constrained with the recent layoff announcements. We implore you to reject any current or proposed plans to reduce NOAA’s federal workforce, which appear aimed at privatizing essential functions rather than at strengthening the agency’s ability to serve the American people effectively.

We respectfully request that your committee support these vital programs and appreciate your consideration of these recommendations as you finalize the Fiscal Year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

Sincerely,

198 methods

350.org

A2/Anthropocene Alliance

Alabama Rivers Alliance

Alaska Wilderness League

American Bird Conservancy

American Coastal Coalition

American Friends Service Committee

American Rivers Action Fund

American Whitewater

Association of State Floodplain Managers Azul

BlueGreen Generation

Born Free USA

Cacapon Institute

California Coastal Protection Network

California Coastkeeper Alliance

California Sportfishing Protection Alliance

Californians for Western Wilderness

Campaign for Environmental Literacy

Cape Fear River Watch

Carnegie Mellon University

CREATE Lab

Carolina Wetlands Association

Catawba Riverkeeper

Center for Biological Diversity

Chesapeake Climate Action Network Action Fund

Climate + Energy Project

Climate Justice Alliance

Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life

Coastal Carolina Riverwatch

Coastal Plains Institute

Columbia Snake River Campaign

Concerned Health Professionals of Pennsylvania

Coosa River Basin Initiative

Creation Justice Ministries

Earth Ethics, Inc.

EarthEcho International

Endangered Habitats League

Endangered Species Coalition

Environmental Defenders of McHenry County

Environmental Defense Center

Environmental Protection Information Center Fish On

Float Fishermen of Virginia

FoCo Trash Mob

FOUR PAWS USA

Friends Of Blackwater, Inc.

Friends of Merrymeeting Bay

Friends of the River

Friends of the Rivers of Virginia

Futureswell

Georgia Aquatic Connectivity Team (GA ACT)

Georgia Interfaith Power and Light

Great Old Broads for Wilderness

Green Sanctuary Committee

First Unitarian Universalist Society of Marietta

GreenLatinos

Gulf Reach Institute

Hawaii Fishing & Boating Association

Healthy Ocean Coalition

Heartwood

Hydropower Reform Coalition

Interfaith Power & Light (DC.MD.NoVA)

International Marine

Mammal Project of Earth Island Institute

Kettle Range Conservation Group Kids for Saving Earth

Kris Bass Engineering

L9 Center for Sustainable Engagement and Development

Lake Hartwell Partners for Clean Water Levees.org

Los Angeles Audubon Society

Los Angeles Audubon Society

Low Impact Hydropower Institute

lowernine.org

Maine Audubon

Mountain Lion Foundation

MountainTrue

Move Past Plastic (MPP)

Natel Energy

National Federation of Federal Employees

NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice

New Hampshire Audubon

New Hampshire Audubon

New Mexico & El Paso Interfaith Power and Light

New Mexico Wildlife Federation

Next 100 Coalition

North Clackamas Watersheds Council

Nuestra Tierra Conservation Project

NW Guides and Anglers Association Ocean Conservation Research

Ocean Defense Initiative

Oceana

OneUpAction International

ORLEANS AUDUBON SOCIETY

Parymon Corp

People Power United

Physicians for Social Responsibility Pennsylvania

Pilchuck Audubon Society (WA State)

Plastic Pollution Coalition

Potomac Valley Audubon Society

Prairie Hills Audubon Society (of Western S.D.)

Predator Defense

Project Eleven Hundred

Public Citizen

QUEER SURF

Rachel Carson Council

Repair the Sea - Tikkun HaYam

Resource Renewal Institute

Riverkeeper

Rivers Without Borders

Rockbridge Conservation

Rogue River Watershed Council Salted Roots

Save Our Shores

Save Our Sky Blue Waters

Save Our wild Salmon Coalition Science for Georgia

Sea Turtle Conservancy

Society for Conservation Biology North America

South Yuba River Citizens League

Southwest Wisconsin Area Progressives

Species Unite

Surfrider Foundation

Sustainable Conservation

Sustainable Ocean Alliance

The CLEO Institute

The International Wildlife Coexistence Network

The Last Plastic Straw

The Ocean Project

The Urban Wildlands Group

Together for Brothers

Tuleyome

Tuolumne River Trust

Turtle Island Restoration Network

U.S. Partnership for Education for Sustainable Development

Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice

United Church of Christ

VIISION, Inc.

Western Watersheds Project

Wetlands Watch

WILDCOAST

WildEarth Guardians

Womxn From The Mountain World Ocean Day

Wyoming Untrapped

Yaak Valley Forest Council

¹ Oak Ridge National Laboratory. (n.d.). Impacts on hydropower licensing timelines in the U.S. Retrieved July 19, 2025, from https://www.ornl.gov/project/impacts-hydropower-licensing-timelines-us ² National Fisherman. (2025, February 24). NOAA Fisheries facing budget cuts, restrictions. National Fisherman. Retrieved July 19, 2025, from https://www.nationalfisherman.com/noaa-fisheries-facing-budget-cuts-restrictions

³ American Sportfishing Association. (2025, March 12). New report highlights sportfishing industry’s expanding economic impact. Retrieved July 19, 2025, from https://www.asafishing.org/industry/sportfishing-economic-impact/

⁴ U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee. (2024, June). Report on economic cost of flooding (update) [PDF]. Retrieved July 19, 2025, from https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/0b144b39-b127-4033-

bfdf-c1bdffd31ed2/jec-report-on-economic-cost-of-flooding-update.pdf ⁵ U.S. Department of Defense, Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program. (2024, November 25). 2024 National Coastal Resilience Fund fact sheet [PDF]. Retrieved July 19, 2025, from

https://www.repi.mil/Portals/44/REPI_NCRF_FactSheet_112524_v2.pdf

###

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People Power United supports Fair Representation Act to Reform Congressional Elections. Shout out to U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD) for leading these efforts.

📄 Here is a copy of a press announcement sent on behalf of our People Power United members:

House Delegation Reintroduces Fair Representation Act to Reform Congressional Elections

July 23, 2025 (Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA) and Jamie Raskin (D-MD) today led a House delegation in reintroducing the Fair Representation Act, an election reform bill to address structural gerrymandering issues and extreme partisanship in federal elections. The bill would implement measures to elect U.S. House Representatives through ranked choice voting in multi-member districts drawn by independent redistricting commissions and would require ranked choice voting to elect U.S. Senators.

“Hyperpartisan gerrymandering has suppressed meaningful electoral competition, which in turn has allowed extremist ideologies to hijack our political discourse and sown public distrust of our political system,” said Rep. Don Beyer. “Our Fair Representation Act would provide necessary solutions by implementing critical reforms to strengthen our electoral system, ensure every voter has their voice represented, and restore public trust. This is how we create a Congress made up of Members who prioritize pragmatic legislative results and solutions for the benefit of the American people.”

“Every day brings more bad news of gerrymandering, extreme gerrymandering and straight-up disenfranchisement,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin. “The Fair Representation Act is the opposite of all that: it brings democracy up to date in the 21^st century instead of turning the clock back to the white primaries, grandfather clauses, literacy tests and poll taxes of the 20^th century.”

“Nearly 9 in 10 Americans say elected officials don’t care what people like them think. We need ranked choice voting and proportional representation to make our government work for the American people,” said Meredith Sumpter, President and CEO of FairVote. “The Fair Representation Act gives voters more choice and more power. It would make our elections fairer and more competitive and offer a path away from gerrymandering and polarization. It would reward candidates and elected officials who build coalitions and work across the aisle to get things done for voters, rather than those who succeed by attacking and turning Americans against one another.”

Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA), Jim McGovern (D-MA), and Ro Khanna (D-CA) are co-sponsors of the Fair Representation Act.

The legislation is supported by organizations including FairVote Action, RepresentUs, RepresentWomen, Rank the Vote, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, National Council of Jewish Women, Bridge Alliance Education Fund, People Power United, Divided We Fall, 7th Generation Labs, DemCast USA, National Black Justice Coalition, More Equitable Democracy Action, Voices for Progress, United Church of Christ, Voter Choice Massachusetts, N.C. For The People Action, League of Women Voters Rogue Valley, Ocean State RCV, Vote Nevada, FairVote Minnesota, Ranked Choice Voting Maryland, Rank The Vote Ohio, Voter Choice Arizona, Better Ballot NC, NH Ranked Choice Voting, Better Ballot SC.

Full text of the Fair Representation Act is available here with a one-pager available here. Additional resources are available here.

###

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People Power United joined coalition efforts to urge Congress to prioritize essential, life-saving funding for the housing needs of survivors in the FY 26 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) bill and reject any proposals to cut this critical funding. Shout out to National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) for leading this effort.

📄 Here is a copy of the letter sent on behalf of our People Power United members:

July 23, 2025

Dear Chair Collins, Vice Chair Murray and Senators Hyde-Smith and Gillibrand:

The undersigned national, state, local organizations urge Congress to prioritize essential, life-saving funding for the housing needs of survivors in the FY 26 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD) bill and reject any proposals to cut this critical funding.

Domestic violence and sexual assault are consistently identified as significant factors in homelessness, especially for women, children, families, and particularly for LGBTQ+ communities and communities of color. Abusers commonly sabotage a victim’s economic stability, making them more vulnerable to homelessness. A 2024 report on the relationship between intimate partner violence (IPV) and homelessness in California found that 95% of survivors reported the high cost of housing as a barrier to exiting homelessness, and 61% indicated that poor credit or eviction history, often a consequence of IPV, was a barrier to regaining housing.

Victims of domestic violence and sexual assault often flee life-threatening circumstances and seek refuge through emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid-rehousing programs to avoid homelessness. However, despite the critical need, many survivors are unable to find housing. According to NNEDV’s 19th Annual Domestic Violence Counts Report, in just one day in 2024, 48,541 adults and children were housed in domestic violence housing and shelter programs. On the same day, however, 8,111 requests for emergency shelter, transitional housing, hotels, motels, or other housing were denied due to a lack of resources. It is unconscionable that victims cannot find safety for themselves and their children due to a lack of adequate investment in housing services.

We urge Congress to allocate $75 million for the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Bonus (DV/SA) Funds in the Continuum of Care (CoC) Homeless Assistance program at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to help survivors access safe, affordable housing and rebuild their lives. Since FY18, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Committee has included a $50-$52 million set-aside for housing for survivors in DV/SA Bonus Funds in the HUD CoC homelessness assistance program. These dedicated funds for survivor-specific housing resources, including rapid rehousing, are a vital funding source for victim service providers to address the unique safety needs of survivors. Funds from the DV/SA Bonus project significantly improve a survivor’s access to safe housing and build the capacity of the victim services field to provide survivor-centered housing. The Administration’s proposed FY26 budget would eliminate dedicated funding for the HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) Homelessness Assistance Program by consolidating it with the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) program into a single block grant—and by reducing overall funding levels for the new block grant. This change could jeopardize, or even eliminate, the DV/SA Bonus Funds. We urge you to reject this proposal—or any proposal—that would cut or undermine this critical funding.

Additionally, we support inclusion of funds in FY26 for training and technical assistance on the implementation of housing protections for survivors created in the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) 2022 Reauthorization. We urge Congress to provide $15 million in FY26 for domestic violence and sexual assault training and technical assistance and to implement VAWA.

We call on you to support funding for these vital programs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Melina Milazzo, Director of Public at Mmilazzo@nnedv.org.

Sincerely,

(list in formation)

National, International and Tribal Organizations

Alliance of Tribal Coalitions to End Violence

Autistic People of Color Fund

A Window Between Worlds

Coalition on Human Needs

Esperanza United

Freedom Network USA

Futures Without Violence

Integrated Community Solutions, Inc.

Jewish Women International

Joyful Heart Foundation

Just Solutions

Legal Momentum, The Women's Legal Defense and Education Fund

National Alliance to End Sexual Violence

National Council of Jewish Women

National Domestic Violence Hotline

National Indigenous Women's Resource Center

National LGBTQ Institute on IPV

National Network To End Domestic Violence

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence

People Power United

Pretrial Justice Institute

Respect Together

The Freedom Train Project Incorporated

Union for Reform Judaism

YWCA USA

Alaska

Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

AWARE

Cordova Family Resource Center

Helping Ourselves Prevent Emergencies

Interior Alaska Center for Non-Violent Living

STAR, INC

The LeeShore Center

Tundra Women's Coalition

Unalaskans Against Sexual Assault & Family Violence (USAFV)

Arizona
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence

Arkansas

Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence

California

Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI)

Black Women Revolt Against Domestic Violence

Brilliant Corners

Building Futures

California Partnership to End Domestic Violence

Catalyst

Center for Community Solutions

Center for Domestic Peace

Center for the Pacific Asian Family

Child & Family Center

Coalition for Family Harmony

Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (Cast)

Community Beyond Violence

Community Resource Center

Community Solutions

DeafHope

Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County

Downtown Women's Center

East Los Angeles Women's Center

Empower Yolo, Inc.

Family Assistance Program

Family Services of Tulare County

Family Violence Appellate Project

Fish On Ministries

Genesis Shelters

Good Shepherd Shelter

Gray’s Trauma-Informed Care Services Corp.

Haven Hills, Inc.

HOPICS - Homeless Outreach Program, Integrated Care System

House of Ruth

Humboldt Domestic Violence Services

Jenesse Center, Inc.

Jewish Family Service Los Angeles

LACBA Counsel for Justice

Larae Cantley

Little Tokyo Service Center

Los Angeles LGBT Center

Lumina Alliance

Monarch Services

NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice

New Star Family Center

NEWS, Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse Services

Peace Over Violence

Praxis Health Empowerment

Project Sanctuary, Inc.

Ramelle Carter Media LLC

Safe Alternatives to Violent Environments, Inc.

South Asian Network

St Joseph Center

Stopping Domestic Violence

StrengthUnited

Su Casa ~ Ending Domestic Violence

Survivalist House

Survivor Justice Center

THE COMMUNITY ACTION LEAGUE

The People Concern

The Salvation Army Alegria

Union Station Homeless Services

Valley Crisis Center

Victims Empowerment Support Team VEST

Voices Beyond Assault

WCCS Whittier

Wild Iris Family Counseling and Crisis Center

Women's Center-High Desert, Inc.

YWCA Golden Gate Silicon Valley

YWCA of Glendale and Pasadena

YWCA of San Diego County

YWCA San Gabriel Valley

Colorado

Violence Free Colorado

Connecticut

Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Delaware

Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence

District of Columbia

DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Georgia

Georgia Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Illinois

Illinois Accountability Initiative

Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Lake County Crisis Center

The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence

Indiana

Coburn Place

Family Support Services of West Central Indiana

Haven House, Inc.

Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Inc.

New Directions of Decatur County

Safe at Home

YWCA Greater Lafayette

Iowa

Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Kansas

Kansas Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence

Kentucky

Baren River Area Safe Space, Inc.

Cumberland Valley Domestic Violence Services

DOVES Of Gateway, Inc

GreenHouse17

Merryman House Domestic Crisis Center

OASIS Inc

Safe Harbor of Northeast Ky Inc.

Sanctuary, Inc.

SpringHaven Inc.

The Ion Center for Violence Prevention

The Center for Women and Families, Inc

Turning Point Domestic Violence Services

ZeroV

Louisiana

Faith House Inc.

Family Violence Program of St Bernard

Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Metro Centers For Community Advocacy

Southeast Advocates for Family Empowerment

Maine

Caring Unlimited

Hope and Justice Project

Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence

New Hope for Women, Inc. dba New Hope Midcoast

Next Step domestic violence project

Through These Doors

Maryland

Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence

Massachusetts

Casa Myrna Vazquez, Inc.

Michigan

Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence

Minnesota

MICAH - Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable House

Violence Free Minnesota

Missouri

Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

Montana

Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

Nebraska

Nebraska Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence

Nevada

Nevada Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence

New Jersey

New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence

New Mexico

New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence

New York State

Advocacy Center of Tompkins County

BrighterTomorrows, Inc.

Domestic Violence Project | Urban Justice Center

Fearless! Hudson Valley, Inc.

Hope’s Door

New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes, Inc.

Violence Intervention Program

Wellspring

YWCA Binghamton and Broome County, NY

North Carolina

Compass Center

Families First, Inc.

Families Living Violence-Free

Family Crisis Council of Rowan, Inc.

Friend to Friend

Hyde County Hotline, Inc.

My Sister's House, Inc.

North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Opposing Abuse with Service, Information and Shelter, Inc.

Outer Banks Hotline

Reach of Cherokee County

Ruth's House, Inc.

Safe Alliance

SAFE in Lenoir County, Inc

Safelight, Inc.

Second Bloom of Chatham

Southeastern Family Violence Center

Women Veterans Support Services, Inc.

Ohio

Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter

Appleseed CMHC/Safe Haven

Artemis Center

Auglaize County Crisis Center

Bethany House

Casa de Paz

Christina House Domestic Violence Shelter

Crisis Care Line

Crime Victim Services

Crossroads Crisis Center, Inc.

Domestic Violence Project, Inc.

Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS)

Eve, Inc.

Family Abuse Shelter of Miami County

First Step

Foundations for Families, Inc.

Haven House of Pickaway County Inc.

Homesafe, Inc.

Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center

Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland

Journey Center for Safety and Healing

Lorain County Safe Harbor

New Choices, Inc.

Ohio Domestic Violence Network

Open Arms Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services

OneEighty

Ross County Community Action - The ROSE House DV Shelter

Safer Futures and Someplace Safe programs of Axess Family Services

Safe Harbour Domestic Violence Shelter, Inc.

Sarah's Friends

Southern Ohio Task Force on Domestic Violence

Square One GJM

Survivor Advocacy Outreach Program

The Center for Child and Family Advocacy/House of Ruth

The Cocoon

The Domestic Violence Shelter

The Lighthouse, Inc.

Transitions, Inc.

Tri-County Help Center, Inc.

Violence Free Futures

Women Helping Women

WomenSafe

YWCA Hamilton

YWCA of Northwest Ohio

Oregon

Oregon Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

Pennsylvania

Dinah

Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Women Against Abuse

YWCA Lancaster

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence

YWCA Rhode Island

South Carolina

Sistercare, Inc.

South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault

South Dakota

South Dakota Network Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault

White Buffalo Calf Women's Society

Texas

Texas Council on Family Violence

Utah

Bateman Public Health

Canyon Creek Services

Legal Aid Society of Salt Lake

New Hope Crisis Center

New Horizons Crisis Center

Northeastern Utah Friends Against Family Violence

Peace House, Inc.

Raven, Lotus & Grey

Safe Harbor Crisis Center

Seekhaven Family Crisis and Resource Center

The Refuge Utah

Utah Domestic Violence Coalition

YCC Family Crisis Center

Vermont

Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence

Virginia

Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance

Washington State

CNTR

Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence

West Virginia

Branches Domestic Violence Shelter

Eastern Panhandle Empowerment Center

SAFE, Inc.

West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Wisconsin

End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin

***

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People Power United joined coalition efforts supporting election grants in 2026. Shout out to Southern Poverty Law Center for leading this effort.

📄 Here is the letter sent on behalf of our People Power United members:

July 15, 2025

Dear Chair Collins, Vice Chair Murray, Chair Cole, Ranking Member DeLauro, Chair Hagerty, Ranking Member Reed, Chair Joyce, and Ranking Member Hoyer,

On behalf of the 102 undersigned organizations, we write to strongly urge you to allocate desperately needed funding for Election Security Grants in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 budget. Specifically, we urge you to support the state and local election officials who keep our democracy safe and secure with an appropriation of $825 million in FY26. This much-needed appropriation would match the investment made during the most robust year of election appropriations in the first Trump Administration and will help meet the dire current need.¹

Elections are the heart of American democracy, yet today our elections and election workers alike are facing unprecedented challenges: cyber attacks and influence campaigns led by foreign

adversaries;²rampant mis- and disinformation aimed at confusing voters, especially voters of color;³declining trust in the democratic process and institutions;⁴increasing threats to and attacks, both cyber and physical, on elections infrastructure and election workers;⁵new election laws that create additional responsibilities for, and in some cases complicate, election administration and make it harder for some communities to vote;⁶and the rise of generative AI and its potential to upend campaigns and elections;⁷to name a few. At the same time, the decades-old infrastructure through which we conduct our elections is aging, and much-needed repairs and modernizations can’t keep up.⁸ All at a moment when federal cybersecurity resources and technical assistance for election workers are disappearing.⁹

State and local election administrators need robust, reliable funding to effectively confront these challenges and ensure all eligible voters can cast a ballot that counts. Serving as a reliable partner in adequately funding our elections is one of the best ways the federal government can fulfill its duty to promote the exercise of the fundamental right to vote and protect our democracy.¹⁰

This letter details why a renewed commitment to robust federal funding is especially urgent right now, how additional funding would protect voting access and election workers alike, the need to pass significant funding through to localities who administer elections, why federal funding is essential in the face of private funding bans, and the strong bipartisan precedent and public support for significant federal funding for election administration.

Renewed Congressional Investment in Elections is Essential After Years of Declining Federal Funds and as Other Federal Resources Disappear

Federal funding for election administration has varied considerably over the last two decades. After a significant initial investment in 2003 alongside the enactment of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), federal funding to states for election infrastructure and security has been a patchwork, including several years with no federal funding at all. In FY18 and FY20, Congress stepped back into its responsibility to help fund elections by sending $380 million and $425 million, respectively, in HAVA Election Security Grants to states. In 2020, Congress sent an additional $400 million in CARES Act funding to support election officials to run safe, secure, accessible elections during COVID-19. That cumulative $825 million investment in 2020, the final year of the first Trump Administration, represented the largest federal investment in elections in nearly two decades and was a lifeline to local election officials and voters alike. However, federal funding since then has been severely limited: $0 in FY21, $75 million in FY22 and FY23, $55 million in FY24,¹¹ and just $15 million for all 50 states and territories in the March 2025 Continuing Resolution.¹²

A robust appropriation of HAVA funds is even more essential as the federal government withdraws support for election security in other areas. Recently, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) froze all election security activities and fired or furloughed critical election security employees, pending an internal review.¹³ That review was completed on March 6, but CISA and DHS have refused to make the report public or comment on whether any of the frozen election security activities or furloughed employees will be reactivated, creating significant concern and uncertainty among election officials.¹⁴ Among those CISA employees furloughed or terminated were 10 Regional Election Security Advisors, experts in election security and cyber readiness who served as the primary point of contact for election officials during cyber incidents and for training purposes. Staff were also cut from CISA's Election Security Resilience Team and Cybersecurity Advisory Committee.¹⁵

At the same time that CISA froze election security activities, it terminated funding for the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center (EI-ISAC), which, through the non-profit Center for Internet Security, provided many of the free election cybersecurity services that election officials received from the federal government.¹⁶ In particular, the advanced threat monitoring that the EI-ISAC provided state and local officials will be expensive or impossible to replace for many cash-strapped jurisdictions and will leave our election infrastructure more vulnerable to cyber-attack. CISA has provided critical technical support and information sharing to state and local election officials in a successful effort to fill this gap since 2018. State and local officials lack the funds and expertise necessary to replace these programs.

Further, there are concerns about the fate of the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Election Threats Task Force, which has played an important role in protecting both voters and election security experts alike since 2020.¹⁷ Already, the DOJ has disbanded its Foreign Influence Task Force, which since 2017 helped protect American elections from foreign interference, and was an important partner for state and local officials in defending against attacks on elections.¹⁸

To improve the security and accessibility of elections, especially as critical federal resources from CISA and DOJ have disappeared, Congress should return to the level of investment that Congress and President Trump provided for election administration in 2020 – $875 million.

Robust Federal Funding is Critical to Ensure Voters Can Access the Ballot Box and to Protect Election Workers on the Frontline of our Democracy

Absent significant dollars from state governments or Congress, elections are generally financed using general fund revenue, which is largely derived from local property and sales tax revenue.¹⁹ This means affluent communities often have greater resources available for election administration than low-income communities. This reality leads to significant disparities in local spending on elections and can, in turn, impact voting access. The dearth of resources in low income communities—including many rural communities and jurisdictions with large populations of color—has diminished voter access, particularly through closed polling places and scaled back voter outreach and education programs.²⁰ Officials cite the inability to pay for the sites, as well as staffing shortages, also a budget issue, as leading reasons for the closures.²¹

Voting access is further endangered by new election laws passed in several states in recent years that create both new barriers to voting and additional responsibilities for local election administrators with no accompanying funding for implementation.²² Further, Congress is currently contemplating a bill that would dramatically limit the voting access and significantly complicate election administration. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act would make it harder for millions of Americans to vote by requiring would-be-voters to prove their citizenship using a small set of documents, in person, every time they register or update their registration.²³ Millions of Americans do not have ready access to such citizenship documents,²⁴ and tens of millions of others registered via methods like online and mail-in

registration that would be functionally eliminated under the bill.²⁵ The SAVE Act would introduce tremendous new administrative burdens on election officials, leading a bipartisan group of nearly 60 election officials to express their opposition to the bill. As these election officials note: “This legislation places unfunded, operationally unrealistic, and legally precarious burdens on election offices across the country.” ²⁶

In addition to the growing administrative burdens they face, election officials are increasingly subject to hostile threats and, at times, serious risks to their safety and that of their staff and families. According to a recent survey, more than one in three local election officials (38%) have personally experienced threats, harassment, or abuse because of their job. More than half (54%) are concerned about the safety of their colleagues and staff, and 28% are concerned about their family or loved ones being harassed. One-fifth of all election officials surveyed said they are unlikely to continue to serve through the 2026 elections.²⁷

These fears—and the role they play in driving long-time election administrators to leave their jobs—are illustrated by the case of Shasta County, California election administrator Cathy Darling Allen, who left her post in 2024 after 20 years. Asked about her decision to leave, Allen said “Being concerned on a daily basis about your own physical safety and the safety of the folks who work for us and the voters who come in to cast their ballots takes a toll.”²⁸

Among local election officials surveyed in 2024, even before the recent reductions in federal cybersecurity resources, well over three-quarters (83%) already said their annual budgets needed to grow in the next five years to meet election administration and security needs. The same share (83%) cited additional funding as helpful for increasing the sense of safety for themselves and among their staff.²⁹

Rather than pursuing legislation that would introduce additional barriers to voting and burdens on election officials, Congress should send significant funding to these frontline democracy workers so they can provide a safe and secure working environment and ensure all eligible Americans can vote.

Congress Can Help Remedy Challenges with the Existing Funding Landscape by Sending Funding Directly to Localities

By and large, elections are run by local election officials and administrators.³⁰ Yet even though these local officials are responsible for successfully conducting all of our elections—local, state, and federal—their work is financed primarily with local funding.³¹ These general fund dollars support a range of government functions, from schools, libraries, and parks to emergency services and law enforcement – meaning election funding must compete with a host of critical government services for limited dollars.³² The reality, more often than not, is that there simply are not enough local dollars available to cover the cost of administering elections year after year.³³

States also allocate resources in support of local election administration, though in most places, state contributions make up a very small share of local election budgets.³⁴ State spending on elections also varies greatly, and requests from local election officials for state funding to support effective election administration sometimes go unanswered.³⁵ Moreover, because HAVA grants are transferred to the chief election official of each state and territory, many local officials who administer elections have been left out of these appropriations. While some states regularly subgrant HAVA funding to local jurisdictions, in others, that federal funding never makes its way to the people who need it most – local election workers running our elections.³⁶

For example, Isaac Cramer, Executive Director of the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, testified to Congress that “Numerous counties in South Carolina are unable to upgrade election infrastructure, including the security of their elections buildings, provide 24/7 camera surveillance, or have adequate space to prepare and test election equipment,” yet “South Carolina is one of several states that does not distribute HAVA funds to the local county level.”³⁷ In urging Congress to appropriate more election funding, Cramer flagged that “those funds also must get down to the people who run the elections day to day. All federal funding should be administered in coordination with or made available directly to counties.”³⁸

Given the local nature of election administration in nearly every state, Congress should institute a pass-through requirement such that two-thirds of allocated funds are sent directly to local election officials responsible for administering elections.

Restrictions on Private Funding Exacerbate Problems and Highlight the Need for Robust Federal Funding

The problems created by insufficient funding at all levels of government are exacerbated by a growing trend among states to prohibit local election administrators from accessing funding from private sources to fill the gaps. Since 2021, at least 29 states have enacted laws prohibiting, limiting, or regulating private funding for election administration,³⁹ largely in response to mis and disinformation about the 2020 election.⁴⁰ Most recently, Wyoming lawmakers passed a ban on private funding over objections that the ban would hinder the ability of local service clubs to assist county clerks and prevent election officials from using private buildings as polling places. Such a ban further complicates election administration especially in rural areas where volunteers and public buildings are limited.⁴¹

In a well-functioning democracy, elections should be fully and robustly publicly funded. Yet year after year, we underfund our elections and leave local election administrators scrambling to keep our democracy afloat. Funding from nonpartisan third-party sources has played an essential role in filling the gaps and shoring up our elections. The only appropriate conditions under which to limit private funding of elections is full replacement of those displaced dollars with state and federal funding; the absence of such replacement funding in virtually every state that has passed such a ban only underscores the need for robust, regular funding from the federal government.

Bipartisan Precedent and Strong Public Support for Robust Federal Election Funding Provides a Roadmap for Congress in FY26

There is a strong, bipartisan precedent for robust federal funding to support state and local election infrastructure. Federal grants to support election security and administration were originally authorized by the Help America Vote Act of 2002, landmark legislation passed to support states to replace aging voting machines after problems emerged during the 2000 election and, more generally, to improve the administration of federal elections.⁴² Through that law, which enjoyed significant bipartisan support, Congress sent $3 billion to the states over three years for a major overhaul of their election infrastructure and made additional funding available for improving accessibility, encouraging civic participation, and recruiting poll workers.⁴³ More recently, bipartisan majorities in Congress appropriated $380 and $425 million for election security grants in FY18 and FY20, respectively.

There is also bipartisan agreement among the public that the federal government should play a greater role in funding our elections. According to a 2023 poll from the bipartisan election reform organization Issue One, 69% of Americans—74% of Democrats and 66% of Republicans—believe the federal government should be equally, or more, responsible for election funding than local and state authorities.⁴⁴ Just one in ten (11%) Americans believe that local municipalities and states should be solely responsible for funding elections.⁴⁵ When it comes to funding for elections, there is cross-partisan consensus that the federal government should take more responsibility than it currently does.

* * *

There are few government responsibilities more vital in a democracy than the protection of the fundamental right to vote. And that right is under assault today, especially in communities of color. Just as each level of government in our federated system bears responsibility for protecting the right to vote, so, too, must each level of government contribute to financing the election infrastructure that makes that right real. As the House and the Senate negotiate the FY26 government funding bill, we strongly urge you to send $825 million in HAVA Election Security Grants to state and localities. Because the bulk of election administration happens at the local level in nearly every state, we further urge you to direct two-thirds of the grant funding to local election administrators.

With questions or for additional information, please contact Laura Williamson, Senior Policy Advisor for Voting Rights at the Southern Poverty Law Center Action Fund, at laura.williamson@splcenter.org or 301.875.1631.

Sincerely,

Southern Poverty Law Center

The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights

Advancement Project

A. Philip Randolph Institute

AFT

Alabama Coalition on Black Civic Participation

All Voting is Local Action

American Civil Liberties Union

ACLU of Alabama

ACLU of Maryland

ACLU of Mississippi

American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees

Arab American Institute (AAI)

Asbury United Methodist Church, DC

Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC

Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote)

Autistic Self Advocacy Network

Black Voters Matter Fund

Brady

Business Forward

Campaign Legal Center

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington

Clearinghouse on Women's Issues

Common Cause

Common Cause Maryland

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)

Declaration for American Democracy Coalition

Defend The Vote Action Fund

Democracy 21

Democracy SENTRY

Dēmos

Everybody Votes Campaign

Fair Elections Center

Fair Fight Action

FairVote

Faith in Public Life Action

Feminist Majority Foundation

Florida Rising

Florida Student Power

Funders' Committee for Civic Participation (FCCP)

GALEO Impact Fund

Georgia Coalition for the Peoples’ Agenda

Georgia Equality

Georgia Muslim Voter Project

Impact Fund

Indivisible Georgia Coalition

Indivisible Howard County

Interfaith Alliance

Japanese American Citizens League

Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA)

LatinoJustice PRLDEF

Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

League of Conservation Voters

League of Women Voters of the United States

Maryland Justice Project

Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

Mississippi Black Women's Roundtable

Missouri Voter Protection Coalition

NAACP Legal Defense & Educational Fund, Inc. NAPAWF

Nathaniel R. Jones Foundation

National Association of Social Workers

National Council of Jewish Women

National Network for Arab American Communities (NNAAC)

National Partnership for Women & Families Action Fund

National Urban League

National Women's Law Center Action Fund

Native American Rights Fund

NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice

New Disabled South

Nonprofit VOTE

Palm Beach County Voting Rights Coalition

People For the American Way

People Power United

Popular Democracy in Action

Public Citizen

Represent GA Action Network

Return My Vote

Rock the Vote

Selma Democracy Center

Service Employees International Union

Sojourners

Southern Coalition for Social Justice

Stand Up America

State Democracy Defenders Action

State Voices

State Voices Florida

T'ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights

The Faithful Democracy Coalition

The Workers Circle

Transformative Justice Coalition

UnidosUS

Union for Reform Judaism

Union of Concerned Scientists

Unitarian Universalists for Social Justice

United Church of Christ

Verified Voting

Voices For Progress

Vote.org

Voter Participation Center

VoteRiders

Voto Latino

¹ Election Administration: Federal Grant Funding for States and Localities, Congressional Research Service, May 8, 2023, Table 2, https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46646.

² Combatting Foreign Influence, U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations,

https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/counterintelligence/foreign-influence.

³ Christine Fernando, “Election disinformation campaigns targeted voters of color in 2020. Experts expect 2024 to be worse,” Associated Press, July 29, 2023, https://apnews.com/article/elections-voting-misinformation-race immigration-712a5c5a9b72c1668b8c9b1eb6e0038a.

⁴Jeffrey M. Jones, “Confidence in U.S. Institutions Down; Average at New Low,” Gallup, July 5, 2022, https://news.gallup.com/poll/394283/confidence-institutions-down-average-new-low.aspx. ⁵“Election workers brace for a torrent of threats: ‘I Know Where You Sleep’,” Washington Post, November 8, 2022,

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/11/08/election-workers-online

threats/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/11/08/election-workers-online-threats/. “Local Election Officials Survey — May 2024,” Brennan Center for Justice, May 1, 2024, https://www.brennancenter.org/our work/research-reports/local-election-officials-survey-may-2024.

⁶ Natalia Galicza, “New election law adds new financial costs for some Florida counties,” WUSF, October 15, 2021, https://www.wusf.org/politics-issues/2021-10-15/new-election-law-adds-new-financial-costs-for-some-florida counties. See also Emma Hurt, “Why Local Election Officials in Georgia Take Issue With Many Parts of New Law,” NPR, April 16, 2021, https://www.npr.org/2021/04/16/987825440/why-local-election-officials-in-georgia take-issue-with-many-parts-of-new-law.

⁷ Risk in Focus: Generative A.I. and the 2024 Election Cycle, U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency, https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/resources/risk-focus-generative-ai-and-2024-election-cycle. ⁸“50 States of Need,” Election Infrastructure Initiative,

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6083502fc0f6531f14d6e929/t/61f836e405feca3722d63b9d/1643656990641/5 0-States-Of-Need.pdf.

⁹ Maggie Miller, “The Trump admin cut election security funds. Now officials fear future elections may be ‘less secure,’” Politico, March 31, 2025, https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/31/trump-admin-cut-election-security funds-00258787.

¹⁰ 52 U.S.C §20501

¹¹ Election Administration: Federal Grant Funding for States and Localities, Congressional Research Service, May 8, 2023, Table 2, https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R46646.

¹² Public Law No: 119-4, Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extension Act, 2025, https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1968/text.

¹³ Supra note 9.

¹⁴ Derek B. Johnson and Colin Wood, “CISA completed its election security review. It won’t make the results public,” Cyberscoop, March 7, 2025, https://cyberscoop.com/cisa-election-security-review-lacks-transparency/. ¹⁵ Christina A. Cassidy, “US cyber agency puts election security staffers who worked with the states on leave,” AP, February 10, 2025, https://apnews.com/article/election-security-cisa-kristi-noem-cybersecurity 5bac8ce416c46b4fbe44c94ae5874b39.

¹⁶ Supra note 9. See also Center for Internet Security, https://www.cisecurity.org/ei-isac, noting as of April 4, 2025 that “Due to the termination of funding by the Department of Homeland Security, the Center for Internet Security no longer supports the EI-ISAC.”

¹⁷ Edward Graham, “Democrats push Justice Department to keep Election Threats Task Force amid rollbacks,” Next Gov, March 18, 2025, https://www.nextgov.com/policy/2025/03/democrats-push-justice-department-keep-election threats-task-force-amid-rollbacks/403858/?oref=ng-skybox-hp.

¹⁸ Derek B. Johnson, “DOJ disbands foreign influence task force, limits scope of FARA prosecutions, Cyberscoop, February 6, 2025, https://cyberscoop.com/doj-disbands-foreign-influence-task-force/.

¹⁹ Urban Institute & Brookings Institution, Tax Policy Center, “Briefing Book,”

https://www.taxpolicycenter.org/briefing-book/what-are-sources-revenue-state-and-local-governments.

²⁰ Mark Nichols, “Closed voting sites hit minority counties harder for busy midterm elections,” USA Today, October 30, 2018, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2018/10/30/midterm-elections-closed-voting-sites-impact minority-voter-turnout/1774221002/.

²¹ Sudiksha Kochi, “Trump and the GOP Weaponized Mark Zuckerberg’s donations; what it means for the 2024 election,” USA Today, April 3, 2024,

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/04/03/republicans-banning-outside-groups-funding election-zuckerberg/73119478007/.

²² Supra note 6.

²³ H.R.22, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, introduced January 3, 2025,

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2024/04/03/republicans-banning-outside-groups-funding election-zuckerberg/73119478007/.

²⁴ 21.3 Million American Citizens of Voting Age Don’t Have Ready Access to Citizenship Documents, Brennan Center for Justice, June 11, 2024, https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/213-million-american citizens-voting-age-dont-have-ready-access.

²⁵ Kevin Morris and Cora Henry, The SAVE Act Would Hurt Americans Who Actively Participate in Elections, Brennan Center for Justice, February 20, 2025, https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/save-act would-hurt-americans-who-actively-participate-elections.

²⁶ “Nearly 60 bipartisan election officials express their opposition to the SAVE Act,” Issue One, April 1, 2025, https://issueone.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/IO-SAVE-Act-Sign-on-Letter.pdf.

²⁷ “Local Election Officials Survey — May 2024,” Brennan Center for Justice, May 1, 2024, https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/local-election-officials-survey-may-2024. ²⁸ Derek B. Johnson, “Picketed at work, confronted at church: Why election workers have left the job,” Cyberscoop, June 20, 2024, https://cyberscoop.com/picketed-at-work-confronted-at-church-why-election-workers-have-left-the job/.

²⁹ Supra note 27.

³⁰ “The State and Local Role in Election Administration: Duties and Structures,” Congressional Research Service March 4, 2019, 7, https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R45549.

³¹ Supra note 19.

³² Tara Veazey, State and Local Spending on the Administration of Elections: Insights From a Review of 12 States and 93 Localities, Institute for Responsive Government, October 23, 2023, https://responsivegov.org/wp content/uploads/2023/10/State-and-Local-Spending-on-the-Administration-of-Elections-Insights-From-a-Review of-12-States-and-93-Localities.pdf. See also “State and Local Expenditures,” Urban Institute, https://www.urban.org/policy-centers/cross-center-initiatives/state-and-local-finance-initiative/state-and-local backgrounders/state-and-local-expenditures.

³³ Testimony of Dr. Zachary Mohr, Associate Professor in the School of Public Affairs and Administration at the University of Kansas, U.S. Committee on House Administration, full committee hearing, “Confronting Zuckerbucks, Private Funding of Election Administration,” February 7, 2024,

https://cha.house.gov/hearings?ID=CF598468-0C48-4DAC-9C0E-0287E733682A.

³⁴ “The Cost of Conducting Elections,” Charles Stewart III, MIT Election Data & Science Lab, at 4, https://electionlab.mit.edu/sites/default/files/2022-05/TheCostofConductingElections-2022.pdf. ³⁵ “Election Budgeting: A Deeper Dive Into the Cost of State Elections,” All Voting Is Local, 2023, 10, https://allvotingislocal.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-Election-Budgeting-01fLM.pdf.

³⁶ “ES Funds,” Election Assistance Commission, www.eac.gov/payments-and-grants/es-snapshot. ³⁷ Testimony of Mr. Isaac Cramer, Executive Director of the Charleston County Board of Voter Registration and Elections, U.S. Senate Committee on Rules & Administration, full committee hearing: “Administration of Upcoming Elections,” March 12, 2024, https://www.rules.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/98abfbe5-9d21-90c4-9d9a 3fc640919655/Testimony_Cramer1.pdf.

³⁸ Id.

³⁹ “Prohibiting Private Funding of Elections,” National Conference of State Legislatures, December 6, 2023, https://www.ncsl.org/elections-and-campaigns/prohibiting-private-funding-of-elections. See also HB0228, enacted March 18, 2025 in Wyoming, https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2025/HB0228.

⁴⁰ Supra note 21.

⁴¹ “Wyoming lawmakers restrict private funding for election administration expenses,” Citizen Portal, February 28, 2025, https://citizenportal.ai/articles/2439907/Wyoming/Wyoming-lawmakers-restrict-private-funding-for-election administration-expenses.

⁴² 52 U.S.C. §21007

⁴³ Supra note 11, at 2.

⁴⁴ “Overwhelming public support for federal funding of elections,” Issue One and Citizen Data, April 19, 2023, https://issueone.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/IO-ElectionsPollingMemo2023.pdf.

⁴⁵ Id.

***

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People Power United joined coalition efforts to oppose passage of the Dangerous Crypto Deregulation Bill-the Clarity Act. Shout out to Americans for Financial Reform for leading this effort.

📄 Here is the letter signed on behalf of our People Power United members:

July 15, 2025

Dear Speaker of the House Johnson and Minority Leader Jeffries:

The 82 investor, consumer, and other advocacy organizations undersigned below write to express our opposition to the CLARITY Act (H.R. 3633). This bill creates a weak regulatory structure for crypto assets, actors, and activities that effectively deregulates much of the crypto sector, either by totally exempting many elements of the industry from any oversight or by replacing existing

regulatory standards with weaker protections for customers and markets that could imperil investors and financial stability.

The bill creates loopholes or confusing legal questions that crypto and non-crypto firms will exploit in order to evade existing regulatory standards, causing more damage. The legislation gives the shady practices and endemic fraud in the crypto industry a government imprimatur without adequate guardrails to protect investors and the financial system and unleashes and rewards the administration’s crypto corruption. There are many problems with the bill, including the following issues:

CLARITY legitimizes risky and exploitative crypto industry practices. The bill allows crypto platforms to maintain and expand conflicted business models, where platforms act as exchanges, brokers, dealers, and custodians and can shunt customers to their affiliated businesses that can cost customers more and without the safeguards provided in traditional finance. These practices have already contributed to investor losses and crypto firms’ failures. Additionally, crypto firms’ integration can increase financial stability risks due to the interconnections between its own investments and its trading or custody affiliations. A federal seal of approval is likely to worsen these harms.

CLARITY sets up an anemic CFTC customer protection regime for crypto consumers. It establishes a new Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) digital commodities regulatory framework that allows issuers to fast track the introduction and trading of new crypto assets with minimal oversight, disclosure, or investor protection obligations that are far weaker than existing approaches at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The bill’s underfunded mandate worsens the CFTC’s already narrow investor protection remit, further limiting its ability to provide effective investor protection.

CLARITY creates a permissive exemption pathway for crypto securities issuers, while undermining the SEC’s mission and bedrock investor protection standards. It creates a broad SEC exemption from disclosure and registration obligations for those crypto issuers under the bill’s “mature blockchain” rules. The bill allows these crypto firms to sell to retail investors without any of

the guardrails present in the traditional securities market, despite higher risks. The bill also fundamentally distorts the SEC’s investor and market protection mandate by inserting the term “innovation” into law, which undermines the SEC’s statutory mission to promote investor protection, fair markets, and capital formation.

CLARITY undoes decades of investor protection law and invites regulatory evasion. Traditionally, courts and regulators use facts and circumstances tests to determine whether assets, arrangements, and actors should be subject to investor protection laws. But CLARITY exempts crypto from these tests by declaring that certain crypto offerings are not securities even when they explicitly meet the securities law tests. This broad exemption means that investors will have less information and be exposed to more risks from these crypto investments. It also creates a loophole for crypto and non-crypto firms alike who want to issue investment instruments without meeting the appropriately more rigorous securities registration and disclosure requirements, creating a deregulatory race to the bottom that could harm investors who never touch crypto.

CLARITY exempts many crypto assets and issuers from meaningful market oversight and consumer protections. The bill’s wide regulatory exemptions for DeFi (decentralized finance) platforms and intermediaries mean that major swathes of the crypto industry, including many of the more risky and exploitative parts of it, would not be subject to federal oversight under either securities or commodities law, save for narrow anti-fraud measures. Regulators would have limited ability to police the widespread theft, fraud, and market manipulation in DeFi spaces that can lead to broader market instability. Additionally, CLARITY’s loophole-ridden digital commodity definition means that many other crypto assets and issuers, such as memecoins or tokens that dub themselves “collectibles,” may not be regulated at all by either the SEC or CFTC. This will leave many crypto investors to fend for themselves against fraud artists and the wealthy tech firms that control these platforms and assets.

CLARITY undermines state regulators’ abilities to protect investors. The bill gives exclusive jurisdiction for regulating crypto commodity issuers and brokers to the CFTC, limiting state regulators from using their oversight and investor protection powers except in limited circumstances. State regulators have been at the forefront of many key crypto investor protection efforts. This bill weakens their ability to provide this protection.

CLARITY hinders efforts to apply consistent anti-money laundering (AML) rules to crypto platforms. The bill’s exemptions for DeFi platforms combined with its blanket AML exemptions for self-hosted wallets — without offering any meaningful alternative approach to oversight — will undermine AML measures across the crypto industry and mainstream finance, create major AML loopholes bad actors can exploit, and undermine existing efforts to combat crypto’s dominant role in facilitating illicit finance.

CLARITY fails to address conflicts of interest and corruption issues. It fails to address the unprecedented ethical concerns posed by the promotion of crypto ventures by high officials. These activities not only raise profound concerns about good government and corruption, but reduce the likelihood that regulators could effectively supervise the entire crypto industry that could directly harm consumers, investors, and the broader economy as well.

CLARITY’s many structural flaws cannot be remedied by simple amendments alone, and the current aggressive deregulatory efforts within financial regulators mean that even the bill’s weak provisions will get further watered down. Passage of CLARITY guarantees the crypto industry will be given kid-glove treatment by captured regulators, putting investors and the economy at significant risk. Financial deregulation in the late 1990s that was promoted as so-called financial innovation led directly to the 2008 financial crisis. The crypto industry has dusted off this innovation playbook, but the Congress should not be fooled again.

The government seal of approval will make it more likely that the crypto industry’s widespread fraud, precipitous volatility, and shady practices will become enmeshed in mainstream finance, posing substantial risks to the stability of the financial system and the economy all in the name of so called crypto innovation.

We strongly urge the Congress to vote against this bill.

Sincerely,

20/20 Vision

Accountable.us/Accountable.NOW

Action Center on Race and the Economy

Affordable Homeownership Foundation Inc

American Economic Liberties Project

Americans for Financial Reform

Animals Are Sentient Beings, Inc.

Arkansas Community Organizations

California Democracy Defenders

Center for Biological Diversity

Center for Economic Justice

Center for LGBTQ Economic Advancement & Research (CLEAR)

Center for Responsible Lending

Church Women United in New York State Civic Sundays

Committee to Preserve the Finger Lakes

Consumer Federation of America

Consumer Federation of California

Consumer Reports

Demand Progress

Democracy for America Advocacy Fund

Don't Gas the Meadowlands Coalition

Economic Action Maryland Fund

Faith in Action

Flow Water Advocates

Food & Water Watch

Fossil Free Tompkins

FrackBustersNY

FreshWater Accountability Project

Georgia Coalition Against Cryptomining

HollywoodDemocrats PAC

Take On Wall Street

TakeItBack.Org

Terra Advocati

The Academy of Financial Education

The Tech Oversight Project

Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community

Woodstock Institute

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