Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Senate Majority PAC: Sixty Days In, Jon Husted is Still Signing Off on Trump's War
WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Senate Majority PAC, an organizations that works to elect Democratic senators who are committed to an economy that provides opportunity and security for America's working families and who stand up to protect the rights of all Americans, issued the following news release on May 1, 2026:
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Sixty Days In, Jon Husted is Still Signing Off on Trump's War
Today marks 60 days since President Trump launched an unauthorized war against Iran without a single vote from Congress. Under the War Powers Act, today's deadline triggers a legal obligation: authorize the war or end it.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Senate Majority PAC, an organizations that works to elect Democratic senators who are committed to an economy that provides opportunity and security for America's working families and who stand up to protect the rights of all Americans, issued the following news release on May 1, 2026:
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Sixty Days In, Jon Husted is Still Signing Off on Trump's War
Today marks 60 days since President Trump launched an unauthorized war against Iran without a single vote from Congress. Under the War Powers Act, today's deadline triggers a legal obligation: authorize the war or end it.But Jon Husted is failing to act.
Since Trump launched the war on February 28, Husted has voted five times against war powers resolutions that would have reined in the president's authority. The war has already cost American taxpayers at least $25 billion.
Gas prices jumped nearly 27 cents in a single week as the conflict continues to threaten the Strait of Hormuz. Grocery prices are climbing as the war drives up fuel and fertilizer costs. In Ohio, where some parts are paying nearly $5 per gallon of gas, the price of Trump's fuel surge is costing families.
"Jon Husted has voted five times to keep Trump's war going while Ohioans pay nearly $5 a gallon for fuel and lose their health care," said Senate Majority PAC spokesperson Christyna Thompson. "He didn't miss a vote when it came to rubber-stamping Trump's agenda, but he's missing in action for Ohio. Ohioans are going to remember that in November."
The war isn't the only place Husted serves as a yes-man for Trump's agenda. Last June, he voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill, the largest cut to Medicaid and health funding in American history, to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans. Nearly 356,000 Ohioans are at risk of losing Medicaid access because of Husted's vote.
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Original text here: https://senatemajority.com/news/sixty-days-in-jon-husted-is-still-signing-off-on-trumps-war/
[Category: Political]
Senate Majority PAC: Sixty Days In, Dan Sullivan is Still Signing Off on Trump's War
WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Senate Majority PAC, an organizations that works to elect Democratic senators who are committed to an economy that provides opportunity and security for America's working families and who stand up to protect the rights of all Americans, issued the following news release on May 1, 2026:
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Sixty Days In, Dan Sullivan is Still Signing Off on Trump's War
Today marks 60 days since President Trump launched an unauthorized war against Iran without a single vote from Congress. Under the War Powers Act, today's deadline triggers a legal obligation: authorize the war or end it.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Senate Majority PAC, an organizations that works to elect Democratic senators who are committed to an economy that provides opportunity and security for America's working families and who stand up to protect the rights of all Americans, issued the following news release on May 1, 2026:
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Sixty Days In, Dan Sullivan is Still Signing Off on Trump's War
Today marks 60 days since President Trump launched an unauthorized war against Iran without a single vote from Congress. Under the War Powers Act, today's deadline triggers a legal obligation: authorize the war or end it.But Dan Sullivan is failing to act.
Since Trump launched the war on February 28, Sullivan has voted five times against war powers resolutions that would have reined in the president's authority. The war has already cost American taxpayers at least $25 billion.
Gas prices jumped nearly 27 cents in a single week as the conflict continues to threaten the Strait of Hormuz. Grocery prices are climbing as the war drives up fuel and fertilizer costs. In rural Alaska, where villages are facing $10 or more per gallon, the price of Trump's fuel surge poses safety threats to families.
"Dan Sullivan has voted five times to keep Trump's war going while Alaskans pay $10 a gallon for fuel and lose their health care," said Senate Majority PAC spokesperson Christyna Thompson. "He didn't miss a vote when it came to rubber-stamping Trump's agenda, but he's missing in action for Alaska. Alaskans are going to remember that in November."
The war isn't the only place Sullivan serves as a yes-man for Trump's agenda. Last June, he voted for the One Big Beautiful Bill, the largest cut to Medicaid and health funding in American history, to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest Americans.
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Original text here: https://senatemajority.com/news/sixty-days-in-dan-sullivan-is-still-signing-off-on-trumps-war/
[Category: Political]
Ridenhour Prizes Honor Democracy Forward Senior Counsel Erez Reuveni With 2026 Truth-Telling Prize
WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release on May 1, 2026:
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Ridenhour Prizes Honor Democracy Forward Senior Counsel Erez Reuveni With 2026 Truth-Telling Prize
Award Recognizes Reuveni's Courage in Exposing Efforts to Mislead Courts and Undermine the Rule of Law
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Democracy Forward Senior Counsel Erez Reuveni received the 2026 Truth-Telling Prize by the Ridenhour Prizes at the organization's annual awards dinner at
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 2 -- Democracy Forward, an organization that says it advances democracy and social progress through litigation, policy and public education and regulatory engagement, issued the following news release on May 1, 2026:
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Ridenhour Prizes Honor Democracy Forward Senior Counsel Erez Reuveni With 2026 Truth-Telling Prize
Award Recognizes Reuveni's Courage in Exposing Efforts to Mislead Courts and Undermine the Rule of Law
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Democracy Forward Senior Counsel Erez Reuveni received the 2026 Truth-Telling Prize by the Ridenhour Prizes at the organization's annual awards dinner atthe National Press Club yesterday. The honor comes as the nation celebrates Law Day, a national observance established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to celebrate the rule of law, the legal system, and its role in protecting individual liberties.
The Ridenhour Truth-Telling Prize recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage and integrity in bringing important facts to light in the public interest. The award honors Reuveni's decision to come forward with whistleblower disclosures detailing directives by senior U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) leadership to mislead federal courts and defy court orders -- actions that strike at the core of the rule of law.
"Erez Reuveni's integrity and fidelity to the rule of law and the legal profession's ethical standards is something all lawyers should emulate and for which all Americans should be grateful," said Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. "At a time when the integrity of our justice system is under sustained attack and when pressure is mounting for government attorneys to prioritize political loyalty, Erez chose principle over position, refusing to mislead the courts and instead did his part to defend the Constitution and the rule of law. His integrity reminds us that truth still matters, that the law still matters, and that individuals can make a profound difference in protecting our democracy."
Reuveni served for almost 15 years as a career attorney at the DOJ, where he handled and supervised some of the federal government's most complex immigration litigation across administrations of both parties. In 2025, he refused DOJ leadership directives to misrepresent facts in court filings, after which he was placed on administrative leave and ultimately fired. Later that year, he made protected disclosures to Congress and oversight bodies documenting multiple attempts by senior officials to undermine judicial proceedings and ignore court orders.
"Truth-telling in government is part of our duty as civil servants, and central to the oath to support and defend the Constitution all government employees undertake," said Erez Reuveni, Senior Counsel at Democracy Forward. "I am deeply honored to receive this recognition, and remain committed to ensuring that our courts are respected, that the law is followed, and that people and communities have access to justice. I am eager to continue that work alongside my colleagues at Democracy Forward."
The Ridenhour Prizes, established in memory of investigative journalist Ron Ridenhour, celebrate individuals who advance truth, accountability, and justice. Past recipients include whistleblowers, journalists, and public servants whose actions have had a lasting impact on democratic institutions and public trust.
Reuveni is part of Democracy Forward's growing legal team, which includes former career civil servants and experienced litigators dedicated to defending the Constitution, safeguarding access to the courts, and holding government actors accountable when they violate the law.
Democracy Forward has been at the forefront of legal challenges to unlawful government actions, securing key victories that protect people and communities nationwide. The organization's work reflects the same commitment to truth and accountability that the Ridenhour Prizes seek to elevate.
For more information about the Ridenhour Prizes, visit www.ridenhour.org.
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Original text here: https://democracyforward.org/news/press-releases/ridenhour-prizes-honor-democracy-forward-senior-counsel-erez-reuveni-with-2026-truth-telling-prize/
[Category: Political]
Progress Michigan: Advocates Press Senate to Oppose House Farm Bill
LANSING, Michigan, May 2 -- Progress Michigan, an organization that says it holds public officials and government accountable and assist in the promotion of progressive ideas, issued the following news release on May 1, 2026:
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Advocates Press Senate to Oppose House Farm Bill
Polling shows House was correct to get rid of pesticide 'poison pills' due to overwhelming public opposition
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Advocates held a press conference and poll briefing upon the passage of the Farm, Food and National Security Act (H.R. 7567), also known as the farm bill, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Multiple Michigan
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, May 2 -- Progress Michigan, an organization that says it holds public officials and government accountable and assist in the promotion of progressive ideas, issued the following news release on May 1, 2026:
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Advocates Press Senate to Oppose House Farm Bill
Polling shows House was correct to get rid of pesticide 'poison pills' due to overwhelming public opposition
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Advocates held a press conference and poll briefing upon the passage of the Farm, Food and National Security Act (H.R. 7567), also known as the farm bill, in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Multiple Michiganorganizations expressed their opposition due to the legislation including billions of dollars in cuts to food assistance, undermining renewable energy programs, stripping funding for conservation programs, creating new environmental loopholes, while allowing taxpayer dollars to be funneled to wealthy corporate commodity farms. This opposition comes as advocacy organizations and farmers sent a letter to Michigan's federal lawmakers this week urging a "nay" vote on the farm bill, while sounding alarm bells back in March when the House Agriculture Committee advanced the legislation.
"While it's important to advance a farm bill, a bad one is worse than not having one," said Bob Thompson, a fifth-generation owner and operator of a centennial farm in Isabella County and president of Michigan Farmers Union. "The farm bill that's being proposed largely continues existing farm safety net programs that really do not match the scale of the current economic crisis that family farmers are facing."
Participants also unveiled polling data from Michigan that found broad support for eliminating the toxic poison bills that were eliminated from the farm bill right before passage. The bill's original language would shield chemical manufacturers for the harms they cause to farmworkers and prevent opposition to local and state governments from enacting their own pesticide labeling requirements, which were eventually defeated in an amendment. This came as the United States Supreme Court held oral arguments this week in Monsanto v. Durnell, which will decide whether pesticide manufacturers like Bayer and Monsanto can be shielded from lawsuits brought against them for health issues tied to their pesticide products.
"The House Republican's farm bill pulls a page from the Project 2025 agenda by weakening environmental safeguards and shielding corporations from the harm they cause to us," said Justin Mendoza, MPH, executive director of Progress Michigan. "We're glad that the poison pills to preempting state and local laws about pesticide application have been stripped from the bill's language, because this move would deny justice to farmers and farmworkers who face the health effects of cancers and chronic illnesses. At the same time, this farm bill as written will not protect the health of rural and urban communities."
Participants on the press call shared what's at stake in Congress and communities across the country while releasing polling data backing up how House leadership is missing the mark with this farm bill and why Senators need to stand firm in the negotiation process.
"Families across this country are already feeling the impact of nearly $187 billion in SNAP cuts enacted through last July's Republican megabill," said Dana Mohammad, statewide coalitions director for Detroit Action. "Now, the so-called Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, would double down on those cuts. It keeps limits on future benefits, adds oppressive work reporting requirements, and imposes new eligibility restrictions that will force millions of families to lose critical support. Let's be clear: SNAP and WIC are not solutions to poverty. They are lifelines. Weakening them will force families into impossible choices between food, rent, medicine, and care for their loved ones."
"The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday passed a Farm Bill that included the so-called and misleadingly titled 'Save Our Bacon' (SOB) Act," said Bee Friedlander, executive committee member of Michiganders for a Just Farming System. "SOB would prohibit state and local governments from regulating standards for raising animals for food outside the state.If you are a large-scale industrial pork producer, often with ties to foreign countries, this is a gift. If you care about animal welfare, small scale farming, rural quality of life, states' rights, the democratic process, federal over-reach, health, this is a loss. However, it faces an uncertain future in the Senate which is seeking to avoid controversial 'poison pill' provisions in the farm bill."
"There are alternative solutions for our food that support regenerative agriculture that would increase security for farmers and people trying to eat and afford food," said Nichole Biber, organizer with Clean Water Action and a tribal citizen of Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. "The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) in the farm bill are not only not expanded, but they've been decreased at a time when we've been an increasingly insecure place for climate impacts, droughts, and other unknowns."
To learn about the special role that Michigan plays in the farm bill, go to progressmichigan.org/farmbill. To view a recording of today's press conference, go here (https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/dOkpT72A5844zynJosgZuRObcsBBWzI3nwQ5RwPDbqneIjLFG013yeA83Cdjmh5C.AgB971CeKcTKhPaC%20%20Passcode:%20SHHUyn*5?link_id=4&can_id=d4b496f6dec1f927ab03d09440f8808c&source=email-release-advocates-press-senate-to-oppose-house-farm-bill&email_referrer=&email_subject=release-advocates-press-senate-to-oppose-house-farm-bill&&).
[View charts in the link at bottom.]
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Original text here: https://progressmichigan.org/2026/05/advocates-press-senate-to-oppose-house-farm-bill/
[Category: Political]
National Consumers League Urges Travelers to Act Quickly to Recover Funds Following Spirit Airlines Shutdown
WASHINGTON, May 2 [Category: Consumer Services] -- The National Consumers League issued the following news release:
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National Consumers League Urges Travelers to Act Quickly to Recover Funds Following Spirit Airlines Shutdown
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In the wake of Spirit Airlines abruptly ceasing operations and canceling all flights, the National Consumers League (NCL) is advising affected travelers to take immediate steps to secure refunds and protect their financial interests.
The sudden shutdown has left millions of passengers with unusable tickets and limited customer service options, while refunds for
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 2 [Category: Consumer Services] -- The National Consumers League issued the following news release:
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National Consumers League Urges Travelers to Act Quickly to Recover Funds Following Spirit Airlines Shutdown
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In the wake of Spirit Airlines abruptly ceasing operations and canceling all flights, the National Consumers League (NCL) is advising affected travelers to take immediate steps to secure refunds and protect their financial interests.
The sudden shutdown has left millions of passengers with unusable tickets and limited customer service options, while refunds forsome purchases may be delayed or uncertain due to bankruptcy proceedings. Travelers who paid with vouchers, points, or cash may face longer recovery timelines, and frequent flyer miles may ultimately lose their value.
"Not all Spirit customers should assume a refund will automatically appear," said John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud at the National Consumers League. "When an airline shuts down this suddenly, it's up to travelers to take proactive steps to have the best chance of getting their money back."
What Consumers Should Do Now
NCL recommends that impacted travelers:
* Review your credit or debit card accounts
According to Spirit, refunds for any flights purchased through Spirit with a credit or debit card will be automatically refunded to the original form of payment. Flyers with unused tickets purchased with a credit or debit card should monitor their accounts to ensure the refund is processed expeditiously.
* For tickets purchased via travel agents, contact the agent
If you purchased your ticket through a travel agent (including online travel agents), they are responsible for providing you with a refund.
* Contact your credit card issuer
If your refund is not processed in a timely manner, you should request a chargeback for services not rendered. Federal protections may allow you to dispute the charge.
* Take advantage of capped and reduced ticket prices for rebooking flights
The Department of Transportation has announced that United, Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest have agreed to temporarily cap ticket prices for impacted Spirit customers who need to rebook cancelled flights. Customers wishing to take advantage of these offers will need to provide their Spirit flight confirmation number and proof of payment. Some airlines are also offering discounted fares on certain former Spirit routes. Time periods to take advantage of these vary by airline, so passengers should act quickly. Additional details on what each airline is doing to support impacted Spirit customers are available here.
* Check your travel insurance policy
Some policies include coverage for airline insolvency or service cessation. Customers should review their policies and contact the insurance provider to file a claim.
* File a claim in bankruptcy proceedings if necessary
Consumers who paid using any other method, including a voucher, credit, or Free Spirit points, may need to submit claims through the airline's bankruptcy process, which can take significant time and may not result in full reimbursement.
* Keep all documentation
Save receipts, booking confirmations, cancellation notices, and any correspondence with the airline.
* Act quickly
Chargeback windows and insurance claim deadlines may be time sensitive.
The shutdown also highlights broader challenges in the airline industry, where rising fuel costs, financial instability, and a lack of competition can leave travelers stranded with little warning. "The failure of Spirit Exhibit A for how difficult it is to break the Big 4 U.S. airlines' stranglehold on the marketplace," said Breyault. "As Congress looks to the next FAA reauthorization cycle, how to create real competition in this industry should be at the forefront of legislators' minds."
About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America's pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.
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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829
Original text here: https://nclnet.org/national-consumers-league-urges-travelers-to-act-quickly-to-recover-funds-following-spirit-airlines-shutdown/
LISTEN: Keeping Wild Sheep on the Mountain
BETHESDA, Maryland, May 2 -- The Wildlife Society, a wildlife conservation organization, posted the following news:
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LISTEN: Keeping wild sheep on the mountain
WATCH EPISODE
Wild sheep are known for their tenacity to endure some of the harshest landscapes around the world. Yet, the global population of the subfamily continues to decline due to a bacterium, Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi). Pneumonia caused by this bacterium can wipe out entire herds.
In this episode of "Our Wild Lives," Kurt Alt and Corey Mason from the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) join us to talk about all things sheep
... Show Full Article
BETHESDA, Maryland, May 2 -- The Wildlife Society, a wildlife conservation organization, posted the following news:
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LISTEN: Keeping wild sheep on the mountain
WATCH EPISODE
Wild sheep are known for their tenacity to endure some of the harshest landscapes around the world. Yet, the global population of the subfamily continues to decline due to a bacterium, Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae (M. ovi). Pneumonia caused by this bacterium can wipe out entire herds.
In this episode of "Our Wild Lives," Kurt Alt and Corey Mason from the Wild Sheep Foundation (WSF) join us to talk about all things sheepconservation. They discuss the role of the WSF, the unique way sheep conservation is funded, the disease challenges wild sheep face and more.
"Our Wild Lives" is The Wildlife Society's biweekly podcast, sharing compelling stories from wildlife professionals doing critical work around the world. Your hosts, Katie Perkins and Ed Arnett of The Wildlife Society, bring you thought-provoking conversations with leading experts and emerging voices.
Podcast by Katie Perkins, Digital Content Manager
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Original text here: https://wildlife.org/listen-keeping-wild-sheep-on-the-mountain/
[Category: Environment]
CAIR Welcomes Response From Rep. Ivey on Efforts to Secure Release of Md. Resident Kidnapped by Israeli Forces From Gaza Aid Flotilla
WASHINGTON, May 2 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 1, 2026:
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CAIR Welcomes Response from Rep. Ivey on Efforts to Secure Release of Md. Resident Kidnapped by Israeli Forces from Gaza Aid Flotilla
The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a response from U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey (MD-04) regarding efforts to secure the release of Dr. John Reuwer, a Prince George's County resident reportedly kidnapped after Israeli forces
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, May 2 -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations posted the following news release on May 1, 2026:
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CAIR Welcomes Response from Rep. Ivey on Efforts to Secure Release of Md. Resident Kidnapped by Israeli Forces from Gaza Aid Flotilla
The Maryland office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today welcomed a response from U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey (MD-04) regarding efforts to secure the release of Dr. John Reuwer, a Prince George's County resident reportedly kidnapped after Israeli forcesintercepted a humanitarian aid flotilla bound for Gaza.
In response to messages from community members, CAIR urged Rep. Ivey to take swift action following reports that Dr. Reuwer was among approximately 175 activists kidnapped by Israeli forces during the seizure of civilian vessels participating in an international humanitarian mission.
SEE: CAIR Md. Urges Rep. Glenn Ivey to Act to Secure Release of Retired Physician Kidnapped by Israeli Forces After Gaza Aid Flotilla Interception
In a statement to CAIR, Rep. Ivey's office said:
"Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding Dr. John Reuwer, a constituent who was traveling aboard one of the vessels in the flotilla seized earlier this week. Congressman Ivey's office is closely monitoring Dr. Reuwer's situation, remains in contact with his family, and is working with the appropriate authorities to secure his release and ensure his safe return home."
CAIR's Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry said:
"We welcome Congressman Ivey's engagement and support for Dr. Reuwer's immediate and safe release. The kidnapping of civilians participating in a humanitarian mission amid dire conditions imposed by Israel in Gaza raises serious legal and human rights concerns. We urge all members of Congress to use every available diplomatic and legislative tool to ensure the safe return of all detained flotilla participants, and to end the illegal siege and blockade of Gaza."
CAIR reiterated its call for transparency regarding the status and treatment of those kidnapped, and urged federal officials to prioritize their protection.
The organization reaffirmed its support for humanitarian efforts aimed at delivering aid to civilians in Gaza and called on policymakers to uphold international law and human rights protections.
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CAIR's mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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Original text here: https://www.cair.com/press_releases/cair-welcomes-response-from-rep-ivey-on-efforts-to-secure-release-of-md-resident-kidnapped-by-israeli-forces-from-gaza-aid-flotilla/
[Category: Sociological]
