Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Progress Michigan: Most Hated Woman in Michigan Financially Supports Professional Loser Riley Gaines
LANSING, Michigan, Nov. 22 -- 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:
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Most Hated Woman in Michigan Financially Supports Professional Loser Riley Gaines
DeVos Foundation associations reaffirm that anti-trans fearmongering is a calculated, hateful attempt to undermine public education so the wealthy can profit
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In Michigan, a person does not have to look far to find the DeVos Family meddling in politics and funding people and operations that spread
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, Nov. 22 -- 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:
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Most Hated Woman in Michigan Financially Supports Professional Loser Riley Gaines
DeVos Foundation associations reaffirm that anti-trans fearmongering is a calculated, hateful attempt to undermine public education so the wealthy can profit
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In Michigan, a person does not have to look far to find the DeVos Family meddling in politics and funding people and operations that spreadhate in an attempt to divide our communities, especially when it comes to public education. This time, Betsy DeVos, who has been hated by the nation since she became Trump's education secretary in 2017 and by Michiganders far longer, has been caught paying six figures to support Riley Gaines's work, which includes bullying, harassing, and threatening literal children for the crime of being trans and wanting to participate in extracurricular activities with their friends.
The following response to DeVos and Gaines's antics can be attributed to Denzel McCampbell, managing director of Progress Michigan:
"Fearmongering about marginalized communities has long been a strategy employed by the right to divide and distract us from the fact that we're all being robbed by billionaires and corporate greed. And in today's digital world, the rise of right-wing influencers who seem like grassroots activists but are actually propped up by the wealthy, is key to their strategy to break our communities by making us fight one another instead of fighting wealth inequality.
"It's been clear for a long time to those of us who are in touch with reality that Professional Loser Riley Gaines is nothing more than a cynical opportunist who saw a chance to acquire fame and money without doing any real work by making her tie for fifth place in a swimming competition everyone else's problem. Gaines, a fully grown adult, has used her public platform to relentlessly bully and mock trans children, who already face high rates of harassment, violent threats, mental health issues, and suicidal ideation, merely for participating in sports with their friends.
"Gaines's connection to the DeVos family also shines light on an overarching motivation behind the calculated effort to incite anti-trans panic: this is just one more attempt by the right to undermine trust in public schools so that they can step in and make a profit on what is supposed to be a public good. If the Betsy DeVoses and Riley Gaineses of the right really cared about women's and girls' sports, there are a million productive ways they could use their money and time to support them. Their decision to forgo all of those options and instead focus on enriching themselves through spreading politically-motivated, anti-trans propaganda is pure loser behavior, and more embarrassing than any placement in a sports competition could ever be. Shame on them."
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Original text here: https://progressmichigan.org/2025/11/most-hated-woman-in-michigan-financially-supports-professional-loser-riley-gaines/
[Category: Political]
Millions at Risk: Malawi Extends State of Disaster as Food Crisis Deepens
MONROVIA, California, Nov. 22 -- World Vision International issued the following news on Nov. 21, 2025:
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Millions at Risk: Malawi Extends State of Disaster as Food Crisis Deepens
The Government of Malawi has extended the State of Disaster declaration to all 28 district councils and four city councils, as the nation braces for a worsening food security crisis.
By Fyson Masina
Initially declared in October for 11 districts, the disaster status now covers the entire country following projections that more than four million people are at risk of hunger between October 2025 and March 2026.
... Show Full Article
MONROVIA, California, Nov. 22 -- World Vision International issued the following news on Nov. 21, 2025:
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Millions at Risk: Malawi Extends State of Disaster as Food Crisis Deepens
The Government of Malawi has extended the State of Disaster declaration to all 28 district councils and four city councils, as the nation braces for a worsening food security crisis.
By Fyson Masina
Initially declared in October for 11 districts, the disaster status now covers the entire country following projections that more than four million people are at risk of hunger between October 2025 and March 2026.This alarming development underscores the urgent need for coordinated humanitarian assistance.
In a statement signed by Chief Secretary Justin Saidi, the government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting affected communities and appealed to both domestic and international partners for immediate assistance. Efforts are currently underway to deliver emergency food aid and other essential resources to vulnerable households.
To mitigate the long-term impacts of recurring food shortages, the government has also announced plans to scale up irrigation farming in affected areas. This initiative aims to strengthen community resilience and reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture.
World Vision is working alongside the government and partners to respond to this crisis. Your support can help provide life-saving food assistance, clean water, and agricultural inputs to families in need.
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Original text here: https://www.wvi.org/newsroom/malawi/millions-risk-malawi-extends-state-disaster-food-crisis-deepens
[Category: Sociological]
LULAC JOINS LAWSUIT TO DEFEND CALIFORNIA'S REDISTRICTING EFFORT
WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 -- LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens, issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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LULAC JOINS LAWSUIT TO DEFEND CALIFORNIA'S REDISTRICTING EFFORT
Following a ruling by a federal court in the Central District of California today, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has joined a lawsuit to defend California's recently passed redistricting plan, Proposition 50. In their motion to intervene, the organization argued that, despite the plaintiffs' erroneous claims that the plan is a racial gerrymander designed to "favor Hispanic voters,"
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 -- LULAC, the League of United Latin American Citizens, issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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LULAC JOINS LAWSUIT TO DEFEND CALIFORNIA'S REDISTRICTING EFFORT
Following a ruling by a federal court in the Central District of California today, League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) has joined a lawsuit to defend California's recently passed redistricting plan, Proposition 50. In their motion to intervene, the organization argued that, despite the plaintiffs' erroneous claims that the plan is a racial gerrymander designed to "favor Hispanic voters,"Proposition 50 is clearly a partisan gerrymander, which the Supreme Court has consistently said is not a federal issue. Democracy Defenders Action filed the case.
The day after California voters approved Proposition 50, the California Republican Party and a group of citizens filed a lawsuit challenging the plan's constitutionality. Last Thursday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) joined the lawsuit, despite the fact the measure was approved overwhelmingly at the ballot box.
"The plaintiffs in this case, including - sadly - our own Department of Justice, are callously targeting Latino communities who have fought tooth and nail to secure their right to vote and to have an equal opportunity to elect their candidates of choice," said Roman Palomares,, LULAC National President and Chairman. "Their efforts to scapegoat the Latino community with these racially tinged arguments, while supporting efforts to gerrymander other states across the country in their favor, are both deeply insulting and dangerous," added Juan Proano, LULAC Chief Executive Officer.
LULAC, the largest and oldest Latino civil rights organization in the country, has over 575,000 members nationwide, and more than 40,000 members in California.
"It is a dark day in our country when the U.S. Department of Justice joins this kind of cynical effort to contort what is clearly a nonjusticiable, partisan gerrymander-designed to serve as a counterweight to Republican gerrymandering taking place across the country-into a racial gerrymander," said Tianna Mays, legal director of Democracy Defenders Action. "The Trump administration encouraged other states to politically gerrymander their districts. They don't get to turn around now and argue that California can't use the same playbook simply because it no longer works in their favor."
The motion to intervene is here (https://fb1cd5ab-5a51-475c-87d1-10904a61146d.usrfiles.com/ugd/fb1cd5_202c5c2e6e9240c09acb8e68a34da95a.pdf).
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Original text here: https://lulac.org/news/pr/LULAC_JOINS_LAWSUIT_TO_DEFEND_CALIFORNIAS_REDISTRICTING_EFFORT/
[Category: Political]
Human Rights First Condemns U.S. Government's Deportation of Ukrainians Into Active War Zone
WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 -- Human Rights First issued the following news:
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Human Rights First Condemns U.S. Government's Deportation of Ukrainians into Active War Zone
Human Rights First is deeply alarmed by the U.S. government's deportation of 50 Ukrainians earlier this week via Poland and reiterates warnings that conditions in Ukraine are not safe for returns. Our ICE Flight Monitor tracked the deportation flight in real time, following its departure from Phoenix, Arizona, until it landed on Tuesday, November 18th, in Jasionka, Poland, near the Ukrainian border.
"There is no safe place to
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Nov. 22 -- Human Rights First issued the following news:
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Human Rights First Condemns U.S. Government's Deportation of Ukrainians into Active War Zone
Human Rights First is deeply alarmed by the U.S. government's deportation of 50 Ukrainians earlier this week via Poland and reiterates warnings that conditions in Ukraine are not safe for returns. Our ICE Flight Monitor tracked the deportation flight in real time, following its departure from Phoenix, Arizona, until it landed on Tuesday, November 18th, in Jasionka, Poland, near the Ukrainian border.
"There is no safe place tohide in Ukraine - cities, towns, and villages from east to west are being hit by Russian missiles and drones. The whole country is a war zone," said Brian Dooley, Senior Advisor, Human Rights First, who has visited Ukraine dozens of times since Russia's 2022 full-scale invasion.
On Thursday, following Wednesday's deadly aerial attack in Western Ukraine, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) issued a warning that "no part of the country should be considered safe." Deportations at this time run counter to UNHCR assessments calling on all States not to forcibly return Ukrainian nationals--including individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected--due to the ongoing armed conflict and pervasive risks. While voluntary return is a right, including for Ukrainians in the United States, any such returns must be accompanied by appropriate safeguards to ensure the safety and rights of those returning. U.S. officials should not coerce Ukrainians into 'accepting' returns by threats of prolonged detention or removal to a third country. Human Rights First strongly cautions against premature returns, as they endanger lives, are often unsustainable, and can be destabilizing.
"With armed conflict raging and deadly aerial attacks, it is abundantly clear that this is not the time for returns to Ukraine," said Eleanor Acer, Senior Director for Global Humanitarian Protection. "Sending people with U.S. citizen spouses and children into a war zone will devastate their U.S. families. Any returns to Ukraine in these life-threatening circumstances must be truly and completely voluntary."
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Original text here: https://humanrightsfirst.org/library/human-rights-first-condemns-u-s-governments-deportation-of-ukrainians-into-active-war-zone/
[Category: Sociological]
FFRF Action Fund and LGBTQ+ Victory Fund Celebrate Landmark Wins for Joint-endorsed Candidates
MADISON, Wisconsin, Nov. 22 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news:
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FFRF Action Fund and LGBTQ+ Victory Fund celebrate landmark wins for joint-endorsed candidates
The FFRF is celebrating several key victories by candidates jointly endorsed with the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund in 2025. These wins represent a clear demonstration that strategic support for local candidates who support the separation of state
... Show Full Article
MADISON, Wisconsin, Nov. 22 -- FFRF Action Fund, an organization that says it develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church, posted the following news:
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FFRF Action Fund and LGBTQ+ Victory Fund celebrate landmark wins for joint-endorsed candidates
The FFRF is celebrating several key victories by candidates jointly endorsed with the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund in 2025. These wins represent a clear demonstration that strategic support for local candidates who support the separation of stateand church and LGBTQ+ rights pays off.
The winning candidates are:
* Sean Beck, Ada (Ohio) Village Council, at-large
* Carl Bryan, Kenosha Unified School District School Board (Wis.)
* Becky Corran, Las Cruces (N.M.) City Council, District 5
* Michael Fenton, Springfield (Mass.) City Council, Ward 2
* Alena Hansen, Crystal Lake District 47 School Board (Ill.)
* Elana Jacobs, Skokie (Ill.) School District 73.5 Board of Education
* JD Mazuera Arias, Charlotte (N.C.) City Council, District 5
* Lori Silverman, Falls Church (Va.) City School Board
All of these candidates participated in the FFRF Action Fund's Express Endorsement Process, designed to fast-track viable pro-secular-governance candidates whom the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund has already endorsed.
"Local government is where constitutional principles are either upheld or undermined," said Annie Laurie Gaylor, president of the FFRF Action Fund. "These candidates made a clear commitment to keeping religion out of government and standing up for LGBTQ+ rights. Our endorsement helped draw attention to that dedication, and voters responded. We are delighted to see these leaders take office."
"We know representation matters, especially in local office," said Evan Low, president and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund. "When candidates stand up for LGBTQ+ rights, they strengthen our democracy. These victories show what is possible when we work together to elect leaders who reflect our values."
Highlights from the campaign trail:
Lori Silverman for Falls Church (Va.) City School Board, carried both the FFRF Action Fund and Victory Fund endorsements on her mailers to help her constituents clearly understand her positions and values.
Becky Corran for Las Cruces (N.M.) City Council, District 5, faced an encroaching Christian nationalism presence in the city, which has led to attempted book bans, zoning disputes and other concerns. Becky's opponent stated that if elected, his conservative, Republican values will guide his every vote.
Carl Bryan, Kenosha Unified School District School Board (Wis.), defeated Moms for Liberty-backed candidates. Kenosha is one of the most contested areas in a swing state. Carl campaigned on his values as an out atheist and member of the LGBTQ+ community. We hope his victory will pay future dividends in the 2026 mid-term elections and beyond.
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FFRF Action Fund is a 501(c)(4) organization that develops and advocates for legislation, regulations and government programs to preserve the constitutional principle of separation between state and church. It also advocates for the rights and views of nonbelievers, endorses candidates for political office, and publicizes the views of elected officials concerning religious liberty issues.
LGBTQ+ Victory Fund works to achieve and sustain equality by increasing the number of out LGBTQ+ elected officials at all levels of government while ensuring they reflect the diversity of those they serve. Since 1991, Victory Fund has helped thousands of LGBTQ+ candidates win local, state and federal elections. victoryfund.org
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Original text here: https://ffrfaction.org/ffrf-action-fund-and-lgbtq-victory-fund-celebrate-landmark-wins-for-joint-endorsed-candidates/
[Category: Sociological]
CALSTART Applauds Congressional Leaders Calling for Electrification Funding in Surface Transportation Reauthorization
PASADENA, California, Nov. 22 -- CALSTART, an organization that says it works with member companies to build a clean transportation industry, issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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CALSTART Applauds Congressional Leaders Calling for Electrification Funding in Surface Transportation Reauthorization
WASHINGTON -Today, 90 members of Congress in both the Senate and House, led by Senator Alex Padilla (CA) and Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-3), delivered a strong message to transportation authorizing committee leadership that the historically bipartisan surface transportation reauthorization
... Show Full Article
PASADENA, California, Nov. 22 -- CALSTART, an organization that says it works with member companies to build a clean transportation industry, issued the following news release on Nov. 21, 2025:
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CALSTART Applauds Congressional Leaders Calling for Electrification Funding in Surface Transportation Reauthorization
WASHINGTON -Today, 90 members of Congress in both the Senate and House, led by Senator Alex Padilla (CA) and Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-3), delivered a strong message to transportation authorizing committee leadership that the historically bipartisan surface transportation reauthorizationbill cannot move forward without funding for clean vehicles and infrastructure. The "Dear Colleague" letter was signed by every one of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee minority members, an overwhelming majority of House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee minority members, 21 senators, and 69 House members.
These leaders urged authorizing committee chairs to invest in the transportation infrastructure needed to keep the United States competitive in a global economy, including modern fueling networks and the transportation infrastructure relied on by today's businesses and communities. Since the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act established these programs, American consumers have continued to embrace electric vehicles (EVs) in greater numbers - reaching 10.5% of new car sales last quarter, up from just 3.14% in the third quarter of 2021. And across the commercial sector, adoption has accelerated even faster: the number of zero-emission trucks on the road has surged from fewer than 5,000 in 2022 to more than 50,000 by the end of 2024.
The letter underscores the importance of programs like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure discretionary grant program, the Carbon Reduction Program, the Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities program, and the Low or No Emission Grant Program, which created historic federal investments in charging and clean vehicles. These initiatives have driven historic federal investment in clean vehicles and modern fueling infrastructure.
"Eliminating or repurposing funding for these programs would undercut the multi-year bipartisan surface reauthorization process, which is essential to giving states and localities the stability they need to plan long-term infrastructure projects...eliminating dedicated investments in EV and alternative fueling technologies would represent a departure from the bipartisan cooperation that has always driven surface transportation legislation," the letter states.
In response, CALSTART Head of Policy, Trisha DelloIacono, issued the following statement:
"The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act delivered transformative investments to accelerate the low- and no-emission vehicle industry. These investments have created jobs, improved public health, and strengthened the global competitiveness of the U.S. transportation sector as advanced vehicle technologies grow rapidly worldwide.
"We applaud the congressional leaders who signed this letter and who recognize the need to build on the progress initiated in 2021. These members understand that continued investment in a diverse mix of fueling and vehicle technologies is essential to maintaining - and expanding - America's share of the global transportation market.
"CALSTART looks forward to working with Congress as this legislation advances and to ensuring members understand the importance of including electrification funding in the next infrastructure package."
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About CALSTART
A mission-driven industry organization focused on transportation decarbonization and clean air for all, CALSTART has offices in New York, Michigan, Colorado, California, Florida, and Europe. CALSTART is uniquely positioned to build the national clean transportation industry by working closely with its more than 210 member companies and building on the lessons learned from the major programs it manages for the State of California. CALSTART manages more than $1 billion in vehicle incentive and technical assistance programs in the United States and is leading a global effort to build the zero-emission commercial vehicle market.
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November 21, 2025
The Honorable Shelley Moore Capito, Chairman, Committee on Environment and Public Works, United States Senate
The Honorable Sheldon Whitehouse, Ranking Member, Committee on Environment and Public Works, United States Senate
The Honorable Sam Graves, Chairman, Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, United States House of Representatives
The Honorable Rick Larsen, Ranking Member, Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, United States House of Representatives
Dear Chair Capito, Ranking Member Whitehouse, Chairman Graves and Ranking Member Larsen,
As the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee develop the surface transportation reauthorization bill, we write to reaffirm our commitment to the bipartisan collaboration these committees are known for. At the same time, we want to make clear that a reauthorization bill that undermines critical investments in zero-emission vehicles and associated charging and fueling infrastructure would not meet the standard of bipartisan cooperation that has always driven surface transportation legislation. This process should begin with upholding the agreements made in the last authorization bill and safeguard congressionally authorized and appropriated funding from rescission, reprogramming, or impoundment - particularly when it comes to vehicle electrification programs.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) represented a historic investment in strengthening and building out our national infrastructure. We have a unique opportunity to not only reauthorize this foundation but bolster many of the highly popular and effective transportation programs authorized by the IIJA. Attempts to eliminate investments in cleaner transportation run counter to the cooperative spirit this process depends on. While we understand that reforms may be necessary and that legislating inherently requires compromise, we urge you to ensure that this reauthorization process does not take a partisan tenor replete with extraordinary attempts to undercut zero-emission technologies, investments, and American innovation.
Programs like the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) discretionary grant program, the Carbon Reduction Program, the Reduction of Truck Emissions at Port Facilities (RTEPF), and the Low or No Emission Grant Program (Low No) were the product of bipartisan negotiation. They expand consumer choice, reduce costs, and strengthen U.S. leadership in transportation technology. None of these programs or the projects they fund constitute a mandate. In fact, programs like NEVI and CFI provide the roadway infrastructure needed to refuel or recharge advanced vehicles, enabling consumers to choose vehicles that best meet their needs without being constrained by range anxiety or refueling gaps. The CFI program in particular supports refueling infrastructure for a range of technologies, including hydrogen, electric, natural gas, and propane. Eliminating or repurposing funding for these programs would undercut the multi-year bipartisan surface reauthorization process, which is essential to giving states and localities the stability they need to plan long-term infrastructure projects. That stability is lost when Congress cedes its constitutional powers to the Executive Branch.
Federal investments in electric vehicles (EVs) have also created well-paying American manufacturing, construction, and maintenance jobs, reinforced by the existing strong Build America, Buy America requirements. Since 2022, more than $200 billion has been invested in domestic EV manufacturing capacity. Notably, 22 of the 25 congressional districts with the greatest share of this investment are represented by Republicans. These projects are expected to create over 160,000 jobs in charging manufacturing alone. Stripping financial support for the infrastructure that sustains these industries jeopardizes both the success of these investments and the economic mobility of our constituents. Moreover, abandoning these commitments cedes the industries of the future to China and undermines American competitiveness in the global economy.
We urge your committees to approach surface transportation negotiations collaboratively, incorporating and standing by key priorities from both sides of the aisle. However, eliminating dedicated investments in EV and alternative fueling technologies would represent a departure from the bipartisan cooperation that has always driven surface transportation legislation. We remain committed to advancing American transportation innovation, safety, and excellence, and we hope the reauthorization process will maintain that same spirit of partnership.
Sincerely,
Alex Padilla, United States Senator
Sharice L. Davids, Member of Congress
Nikema Williams, Member of Congress
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr., Member of Congress
Jared Huffman, Member of Congress
John Garamendi, Member of Congress
Dina Titus, Member of Congress
Valerie P. Foushee, Member of Congress
Mark DeSaulnier, Member of Congress
Julia Brownley, Member of Congress
Jim Costa, Member of Congress
Kim Schrier, M.D., Member of Congress
Chris Deluzio, Member of Congress
Salud Carbajal, Member of Congress
Dave Min, Member of Congress
Sara Jacobs, Member of Congress
Val Hoyle, Member of Congress
Frederica S. Wilson, Member of Congress
Greg Landsman, Member of Congress
Maxwell Alejandro Frost, Member of Congress
Derek T. Tran, Member of Congress
Jesus G. "Chuy" Garcia, Member of Congress
Jeffrey A. Merkley, United States Senator
Lateefah Simon, Member of Congress
Dan Goldman, Member of Congress
Martin Heinrich, United States Senator
Maggie Goodlander, Member of Congress
Chris Van Hollen, United States Senator
Laura Friedman, Member of Congress
Adam B. Schiff, United States Senator
Emanuel Cleaver, II, Member of Congress
Juan Vargas, Member of Congress
Judy Chu, Member of Congress
Nanette Diaz Barragan, Member of Congress
Eric Swalwell, Member of Congress
Bonnie Watson Coleman, Member of Congress
Paul D. Tonko, Member of Congress
Kathy Castor, Member of Congress
Sarah Elfreth, Member of Congress
Donald S. Beyer Jr., Member of Congress
Richard J. Durbin, United States Senator
Ilhan Omar, Member of Congress
Catherine Cortez Masto, United States Senator
Andre Carson, Member of Congress
Cory A. Booker, United States Senator
Diana DeGette, Member of Congress
Chellie Pingree, Member of Congress
Ted W. Lieu, Member of Congress
Steve Cohen, Member of Congress
Chris Pappas, Member of Congress
Jonathan L. Jackson, Member of Congress
Edward J. Markey, United States Senator
Lloyd Doggett, Member of Congress
Brendan F. Boyle, Member of Congress
Ron Wyden, United States Senator
Bernard Sanders, United States Senator
Seth Magaziner, Member of Congress
Suzan K. DelBene, Member of Congress
Jacky Rosen, U.S. Senator
Scott H. Peters, Member of Congress
Doris Matsui, Member of Congress
Sean Casten, Member of Congress
Richard Blumenthal, United States Senator
Ruben Gallego, United States Senator
Mike Levin, Member of Congress
Ben Ray Lujan, United States Senator
Bennie G. Thompson, Member of Congress
Robert Garcia, Member of Congress
Kevin Mullin, Member of Congress
Deborah K. Ross, Member of Congress
Madeleine Dean, Member of Congress
Dwight Evans, Member of Congress
Lisa Blunt Rochester, United States Senator
Becca Balint, Member of Congress
Eleanor Holmes Norton, Member of Congress
Angela D. Alsobrooks, United States Senator
Raphael Warnock, United States Senator
Pramila Jayapal, Member of Congress
Nellie Pou, Member of Congress
Eric Sorensen, Member of Congress
Mark Kelly, United States Senator
Gabe Amo, Member of Congress
Josh Gottheimer, Member of Congress
Jack Reed, United States Senator
Zoe Lofgren, Member of Congress
Ami Bera, M.D., Member of Congress
Hillary J. Scholten, Member of Congress
Jerrold Nadler, Member of Congress
Shri Thanedar, Member of Congress
Peter Welch, United States Senator
cc: The Honorable Tim Scott, Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
The Honorable Elizabeth Warren, Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs
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Original text here: https://calstart.org/calstart-applauds-congressional-leaders-surface-transportation-reauthorization/
[Category: Environment]
AHRC Calls for Unity in the Face of Hatred: Dearborn is an All-American City
DEARBORN, Michigan, Nov. 22 -- The American Human Rights Council issued the following news release:
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AHRC Calls for Unity in the Face of Hatred: Dearborn is an All-American City
The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) joins all peace-loving people in Dearborn, Michigan, and across the nation in condemning, in the strongest terms, the ongoing and persistent planned and organized smear campaigns against the city of Dearborn and its uniquely diverse demographic makeup. These desperate, hateful attacks are not isolated nor recent; they are part of a systematic plan serving narrow white
... Show Full Article
DEARBORN, Michigan, Nov. 22 -- The American Human Rights Council issued the following news release:
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AHRC Calls for Unity in the Face of Hatred: Dearborn is an All-American City
The American Human Rights Council (AHRC-USA) joins all peace-loving people in Dearborn, Michigan, and across the nation in condemning, in the strongest terms, the ongoing and persistent planned and organized smear campaigns against the city of Dearborn and its uniquely diverse demographic makeup. These desperate, hateful attacks are not isolated nor recent; they are part of a systematic plan serving narrow whitesupremacist and hateful political agendas. Such acts thrive only in a toxic political environment.
Dearborn, as a city and its Muslim faith community in particular, has long been subjected to these desperate and odious efforts that rely on imaginary fear factors--such as false claims that "Sharia Law" is the law of Dearborn. These unfounded claims are used to spread hatred, sow division, and provoke violent confrontations. These attempts have failed before, failed recently, and will fail again. The unity of the city and its residents as "One Dearborn for All" continues to challenge the false narratives peddled by haters and grievance-mongers.
Freedom of speech and assembly are fundamental constitutional rights. There is a right to protest, but all decent people of all backgrounds need to make it clear that they are not tolerating, endorsing, or celebrating hate speech or agitators. One of the most immoral antics of hateful protesters has been the burning of the Quran. This is not the first time Dearborn has had to confront such ignorance. More than ten years ago, Pastor Terry Jones announced and later carried out Quran burnings. All this is meant to aggravate and incite violence.
AHRC calls upon Dearborn residents to reject all forms of division. As to our words and deeds, the law is not the only consideration. Good citizenship makes us consider morality and common sense. Those who claim to be acting for the common good should not limit themselves to the bare minimum of legality. The values of decency, civility, and tolerance also guide democratic societies. The law is a minimal standard, and law-abiding does not necessarily equate good citizenship.
AHRC reaffirms Michigan State Representative Alabas Farhat's call upon the state's elected officials, leaders, governor, House, Senate, and congressional delegation to act swiftly in solidarity with Dearborn and its residents. Acts of hate are unacceptable and must be firmly rejected. The time has come for all to stand united against any effort that invites violence and harm against any community. Let us all take a public stand against hate.
AHRC understands that many in the Dearborn community are angered by the haters who travel to Dearborn to spew hatred and create chaos. However, it is essential not to be baited into confrontations. The haters want anger, hate, and violence, and videos that help them portray themselves as martyrs to fundraise out of the chaos, as some groups have done in the past. The smart strategy is to ignore the haters and let the government deal with them as the law provides. The authorities are responsible for maintaining law and order and have demonstrated their willingness and ability to keep the peace.
"Dearborn is a wonderful and thriving American city, under great leadership, a city that people of all backgrounds, including native and foreign-born, call home," said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director. "Dearborn's Arab and Muslim American community welcome fellow Americans to visit and enjoy what the city has to offer in terms of food and entertainment options," added Hamad. "The haters have a caricature of the city that is totally detached from reality, a figment of their imagination," concluded Hamad.
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AHRC Mission:
The American Human Rights Council (AHRC) is dedicated to defending and protecting human rights as outlined in the U.S. Constitution and the United Nations 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The AHRC was formed to protect these rights and advocate for anyone whose rights are being violated or denied. To that end, the AHRC will build a tenacious, objective, and carefully guided advocacy program that will serve to defend individual human rights, whenever and wherever they are being infringed upon. NGO in Consultative Status with the Economic & Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations.
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Original text here: https://ahrcusa.org/ahrc-calls-for-unity-in-the-face-of-hatred-dearborn-is-an-all-american-city/
[Category: Sociological]
