Public Policy & NGOs
Here's a look at documents from public policy and non-governmental organizations
Featured Stories
Save the Sound Applauds Steps Taken by New England Fishery Management Council Toward Protecting River Herring
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, Dec. 6 -- Save the Sound issued the following news release:
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Save the Sound applauds steps taken by New England Fishery Management Council toward protecting river herring
Soundkeeper Bill Lucey encouraged about prospects for recovery in Long Island Sound region
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While Amendment 10 did not get reinstated to the New England Fishery Management Council's official priorities list for 2026, the Council did add some of its key components that could protect shad and river herring during Thursday's final session of its December meeting. Those management measures will be
... Show Full Article
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut, Dec. 6 -- Save the Sound issued the following news release:
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Save the Sound applauds steps taken by New England Fishery Management Council toward protecting river herring
Soundkeeper Bill Lucey encouraged about prospects for recovery in Long Island Sound region
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While Amendment 10 did not get reinstated to the New England Fishery Management Council's official priorities list for 2026, the Council did add some of its key components that could protect shad and river herring during Thursday's final session of its December meeting. Those management measures will beanalyzed through a process that also sets annual catch quotas. Depending on the outcome these measures could go a long way toward enabling the recovery of southern New England river herring (alewife and blueback herring).
The management measures to be analyzed include biologically based catch caps and time/area closures, which identify areas for the trawl fleet to avoid when fishing for Atlantic herring. These measures would continue to allow fishing but also reduce the incidence of river herring bycatch, allowing more fish to return to their natal spawning grounds in rivers that feed into Long Island Sound.
"I consider this the first step for real management of river herring in the Long Island Sound region," said Bill Lucey, Save the Sound's Long Island Soundkeeper and one of 18 members on the Council. "With the millions of dollars already spent in Connecticut and New York to restore habitat, remove dams, open fishways, and improve water quality and the overall health of the estuary, combined with a decrease in fishing interception out in the ocean, we could finally see a rebuilding trend after 30 years of depletion."
There has been improvement in Connecticut rivers in recent years, likely correlated to the low fishing effort of the herring trawl fleet due to a steep reduction in Atlantic herring. According to Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the 2025 fish run season resulted in the highest final count of blueback herring since 1997, and record returns were registered at three long-term alewife monitoring locations. The combined runs in Connecticut totaled 414,000 river herring this year, a 39% increase from 2024.
"If robust, science-backed time/area closures are enacted and biologically based bycatch caps determined by what the populations can handle rather than past trawl bycatch, we expect to see that continue," said Lucey.
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Original text here: https://www.savethesound.org/2025/12/05/press-release-save-the-sound-applauds-steps-taken-by-new-england-fishery-management-council-toward-protecting-river-herring/
[Category: Environment]
SCOTUS AGREES TO HEAR RIGHT-WING FANTASY ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- Stand Up America, an organization was born in 2016 as a digital-first grassroots community working to resist what they say is Donald Trump's corruption, racism and his threats to democracy, issued the following statement on Dec. 5, 2025:
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SCOTUS AGREES TO HEAR RIGHT-WING FANTASY ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP
Stand Up America's Managing Director of Policy and Political Affairs, Brett Edkins, issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court agreeing to hear the Trump Administration's challenge of birthright citizenship:
"This case is a right-wing fantasy,
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- Stand Up America, an organization was born in 2016 as a digital-first grassroots community working to resist what they say is Donald Trump's corruption, racism and his threats to democracy, issued the following statement on Dec. 5, 2025:
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SCOTUS AGREES TO HEAR RIGHT-WING FANTASY ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP
Stand Up America's Managing Director of Policy and Political Affairs, Brett Edkins, issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court agreeing to hear the Trump Administration's challenge of birthright citizenship:
"This case is a right-wing fantasy,full stop. That the Supreme Court is actually entertaining Trump's unconstitutional attack on birthright citizenship is the clearest example yet that the Roberts Court is broken beyond repair. Even if the Court ultimately rules against Trump, in a laughable display of its supposed independence, the fact that fringe attacks on our most basic rights as citizens are being seriously considered is outrageous and alarming."
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About Stand Up America
Stand Up America is a progressive advocacy organization with nearly two million community members across the country. Focused on grassroots advocacy to stand up to corruption and voter suppression and build a more representative democracy, Stand Up America has driven over 1.7 million calls to lawmakers, registered over 100,000 voters, mobilized thousands of protestors, and contacted tens of millions of voters.
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Original text here: https://standupamerica.com/2025/12/scotus-agrees-to-hear-right-wing-fantasy-on-birthright-citizenship/
[Category: Political]
Public Health Undermined: NCL Slams ACIP's Dangerous Vaccine Reversal
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The National Consumers League issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2025:
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Public Health Undermined: NCL Slams ACIP's Dangerous Vaccine Reversal
The National Consumers League (NCL) is deeply concerned by today's vote from the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to eliminate the long-standing recommendation that all newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
"We all want to protect our children. But this reversal disregards decades of scientific evidence, proven public health outcomes, and the consensus of the nation's leading medical
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The National Consumers League issued the following news release on Dec. 5, 2025:
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Public Health Undermined: NCL Slams ACIP's Dangerous Vaccine Reversal
The National Consumers League (NCL) is deeply concerned by today's vote from the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to eliminate the long-standing recommendation that all newborns receive a hepatitis B vaccine at birth.
"We all want to protect our children. But this reversal disregards decades of scientific evidence, proven public health outcomes, and the consensus of the nation's leading medicalexperts," said NCL's Senior Director of Health Policy Lisa Bercu. "Rolling back this recommendation puts infants at unnecessary and avoidable risk. As several ACIP members warned, the consequences of today's decision will be measured in preventable childhood infections and puts them at long- term risk of liver cancer."
NCL is particularly troubled that the vote appears to be influenced by fringe skepticism rather than by evidence-based medicine. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has long promoted scientifically discredited anti-vaccine claims and has financially benefited from organizations that amplify this misinformation, raising serious concerns about his credibility and motives on public health issues. The bottom line is consumers deserve guidance grounded in science--not ideology.
"This move also risks sowing confusion among parents and undermining confidence in a vaccine that has been proven safe, effective, and vital for more than three decades," Bercu continued. "At a time when the nation is already combating outbreaks of preventable diseases, weakening a cornerstone of childhood immunization sends exactly the wrong message."
NCL urges the acting CDC Director to carefully weigh this decision, reaffirm the agency's principles of relying on scientific evidence, and maintain the universal recommendation that has protected generations of children.
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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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Original text here: https://nclnet.org/public-health-undermined-ncl-slams-acips-dangerous-vaccine-reversal/
[Category: Consumer Services]
MAZON: Trump Admin Hostility Towards SNAP Continues in Face of Court Orders
ALBERT LEA, Minnesota, Dec. 6 -- MAZON, an organization that say it fights to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the U.S. and Israel, issued the following news on Dec. 3, 2025:
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Trump Admin Hostility Towards SNAP Continues in Face of Court Orders
During a Trump administration Cabinet meeting yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that she will withhold food assistance funding from states who have refused to follow a legally dubious order to hand over the private information of SNAP recipients. Leaders from the national anti-hunger advocacy
... Show Full Article
ALBERT LEA, Minnesota, Dec. 6 -- MAZON, an organization that say it fights to end hunger among people of all faiths and backgrounds in the U.S. and Israel, issued the following news on Dec. 3, 2025:
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Trump Admin Hostility Towards SNAP Continues in Face of Court Orders
During a Trump administration Cabinet meeting yesterday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that she will withhold food assistance funding from states who have refused to follow a legally dubious order to hand over the private information of SNAP recipients. Leaders from the national anti-hunger advocacynonprofit MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger, which filed suit earlier this year to block the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from collecting this information, slammed the dangerous rhetoric as yet another assault on food insecure Americans.
MAZON President & CEO Abby J. Leibman stated:
"From day one of this administration, President Trump, Secretary Rollins, and their entire collection of cronies have shown nothing but contempt for food assistance programs and the millions of Americans who utilize them. This is just the latest example of their cruelty, their disregard for court orders, and their disrespect for Congressional authority. Despite an order from a federal judge barring exactly this type of retaliation, Rollins is using her bully pulpit to threaten states that she will withhold Congressionally appropriated funds. Her behavior is both morally and legally contemptuous.
"As we said when we initially filed suit to challenge USDA's effort to get states and third-party vendors to turn over the personal data of SNAP recipients, the Trump administration's desire to exploit and surveil those struggling with food insecurity is simply beyond the pale. When SNAP recipients give their private information to a state, they do so under a promise that it will only be used to help them buy groceries, not to be shared with those who have no right -- let alone the need -- to access their private data.
"MAZON will keep fighting against these persistent attacks on vital food assistance programs. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that hungry Americans do not have to choose between their right to privacy and putting food on their tables."
Earlier this year, following reports that USDA ordered state agencies and private contractors to turn over detailed personal information from SNAP recipients, MAZON filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging USDA's demand for the personal information -- including social security numbers, employment history, home addresses, and potentially even citizenship status -- of millions of Americans who receive food assistance. MAZON, the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC), and several individual plaintiffs are represented by Protect Democracy, Student Defense, and the National Center for Law and Economic Justice. Shortly thereafter, 21 states and the District of Columbia challenged the same action and were granted a preliminary injunction prohibiting the administration from withholding funds from states that refused to hand over the requested data -- this injunction remains in effect.
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Original text here: https://mazon.org/news/mazon_statements/trump-admin-hostility-towards-snap-continues-in-face-of-court-orders/
[Category: Sociological]
European Commission Makes First Use of Its Latest Censorship Tool
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary:
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European Commission Makes First Use of Its Latest Censorship Tool
By Caden Hubbs
Elon Musk's social media platform X has become the first victim of the European Commission's Digital Services Act (DSA). Under the act, providers of advertising, social media, search engines, platform hosting, and numerous other digital services crucial to modern online infrastructure are subject to unreasonable reporting requests, enforced by the whims of European regulators. Similar to its sister bill the Digital Markets Act
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- Americans for Tax Reform posted the following commentary:
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European Commission Makes First Use of Its Latest Censorship Tool
By Caden Hubbs
Elon Musk's social media platform X has become the first victim of the European Commission's Digital Services Act (DSA). Under the act, providers of advertising, social media, search engines, platform hosting, and numerous other digital services crucial to modern online infrastructure are subject to unreasonable reporting requests, enforced by the whims of European regulators. Similar to its sister bill the Digital Markets Act(DMA), the DSA represents a direct attack on American business in Europe and a palpable threat to free speech via jurisdictional overreach.
The EU's fine against X saw the social media company ordered to pay Euros120 ($140) million for violations of the law. X's crime? Breaching the DSA's privacy requirements by refusing to decrypt and share troves of user data for government use... which would have directly compromised the personal information of X's 200-300 million daily users.
The fine was further justified by X's efforts to prevent private data collection. The company explicitly bans data scraping (the use of scripts to automatically collect information) in its terms of service. They argue that mass scraping requires servers to process thousands of site redirects per second, resulting in slowdowns similar to those associated with malicious Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks. Intended to disincentivize the loose handling of private information, in reality the DSA's first real application has punished internal encryption while degrading the user experience of X.
Passed in 2022, the DSA went into full effect in February 2024, meeting little resistance from the Biden administration, despite outcry from the private sector and free speech watchdogs. In July of this year, the House Judiciary Committee published a report detailing the harmful effects of the DSA on U.S. business interests and free speech. Core to their concern is Brussels' loose definition of "harmful content" that companies are mandated to remove from platforms.
Due to the ambiguous nature of its definition, European regulators are free to make politically motivated, arbitrary rulings targeting American companies -- as seen with X. Worse, the European Commission expects these requirements to be adopted into worldwide terms of service, turning the DSA from a concern for European business, to a global threat to political speech with House Judiciary labeling it Europe's primary "censorship tool."
Despite being implemented on a similar timeframe, the DMA has been used in a similar way to target American companies, but to a greater extent. Exploiting arbitrary terminology, the DMA has been used to target American companies with extortionate fines, hampering their competitiveness. It is estimated that Europe's over-cumbersome digital regulation will cause American companies to lose out on $2.2 trillion worth of revenue by 2030, primarily due to fees and new compliance costs.
Europe's regulatory approach has done nothing but damage to businesses and consumers wanting to maintain security standards and the user experience. Continued support from American lawmakers and private businesses to call out Europe's abuse of digital regulations is crucial in order to combat its illegal use of discriminatory trade barriers and attack of free speech.
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Original text here: https://atr.org/european-commission-makes-first-use-of-its-latest-censorship-tool/
[Category: Political]
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: Light the World Initiative Shares the Love of Christ Across the Globe
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 6 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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Light the World Initiative Shares the Love of Christ Across the Globe
In 2025, Giving Machine kiosks are in more cities than ever before
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Each year, the Light the World initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites all to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by sharing His love through acts of service around the world.
Giving Machine kiosks are one element of that initiative, and this year, the kiosks are in 126 cities across 21 countries on six
... Show Full Article
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 6 -- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints issued the following news release:
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Light the World Initiative Shares the Love of Christ Across the Globe
In 2025, Giving Machine kiosks are in more cities than ever before
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Each year, the Light the World initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints invites all to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ by sharing His love through acts of service around the world.
Giving Machine kiosks are one element of that initiative, and this year, the kiosks are in 126 cities across 21 countries on sixcontinents -- more locations than ever before.
Here are some highlights of how Light the World is bringing the love of Christ to communities worldwide this Christmas season.
United Kingdom
In London, members of Parliament, diplomats and Church leaders gathered in the heart of Westminster to celebrate the return of the Light the World Giving Machine kiosks. The special reception honored this year's participating charities.
Elder Kevin W. Pearson, president of the Europe North Area, attended the event alongside his wife, Sister June Pearson.
"Light the World is about following the example of Jesus Christ: feeding the hungry, comforting the lonely and showing kindness to all," he said. "This initiative gives each of us a simple way to share His light and make a real difference -- one act of service at a time."
El Salvador
Donations received through Giving Machine kiosks in El Salvador will benefit the Help Me Live Foundation, providing over 1,300 children with necessary medical care.
Elder Hugo O. Panameno, an Area Seventy, encouraged Salvadorans to follow Christ's example through their acts of service.
"Christ invited us to serve, to give and to share of ourselves for the little ones, to lovingly alleviate those burdens that many of us cannot even imagine what these children and their families suffer, so let us experience His light, the Light of Christ, and illuminate the world by making these donations."
Philippines
The Light the World Giving Machine kiosks opened in Bonifacio Global City in the Manila area, marking the first of four launches of the 2025 Giving Machine season in the Philippines.
The kiosks are also in Cebu, Davao and Bacolod City.
Spain
Elder Ruben V. Alliaud, president of the Europe Central Area, spoke at the first-ever launch of Giving Machines in Spain.
"At Christmas we celebrate the love of Jesus Christ, and today that love has become visible with every donation," he said.
Austria
Donations made at Giving Machine kiosks in Austria will benefit several local organizations, including Diakonie Osterreich, one of the country's largest social aid organizations. It supports thousands of people with education, health care, refugee assistance and social inclusion programs.
Maria Katharina Moser, director of Diakonie, spoke about the impact these donations will have and the opportunity to offer Christlike service.
"The vending machine offers a tangible opportunity for social devotion and Christian charity at Christmastime," she said. "Together we can offer very concrete help to those in need, such as a healthy meal, study materials or medical care for people without health insurance."
New Zealand
Robert Dil and his family are regulars at the Auckland, New Zealand, Giving Machine kiosks. They consider using the kiosk a good way to strengthen their faith and help others.
"The Giving Machine has become an annual part of our family traditions," Dil said. "We feel the spirit of Christmas and the Light of Jesus Christ as we serve through the Giving Machines and make meaningful donations. It brings our family closer together and helps it feel like Christmas."
In New Zealand and Australia, Giving Machine kiosks are in Adelaide, Auckland, Brisbane, Canberra, Christchurch, Hamilton, Hobart, Melbourne, Newcastle, Perth, Wellington and Sydney.
Kenya
Church members in Nairobi, Kenya, came together to create a video depicting the nativity story from Luke, chapter 2.
Following the launch of the video, Benson Arudo, Central Africa Area production manager, expressed the joy he felt while participating in the project.
"Participating in this production was truly a blessing, and working with the children to portray the nativity was truly inspiring," he said. "I am thankful for the combined efforts and talents that brought this vision to life."
Millions have viewed the video.
Honduras
"Each of us can be someone who changes, who enlightens, who strengthens hearts and gives life. This is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to come and donate through the machine to bless every child, every young person who needs us," Mauricio Galindo, Church member and Giving Machine patron, said at the celebration of this year's Light the World launch in Honduras.
Mexico
Seven cities in Mexico will host Giving Machine kiosks this year, benefiting 11 local charitable organizations.
Fundacion MVS Radio A.C., a Light the World collaborator, helps raise the quality of life for Mexicans with hearing disabilities.
"Thanks to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its inspiring Giving Machine initiative, many people will once again hear the voice of their loved ones and regain the joy of listening," said Ingrid Alejandra Gonzalez, operational director.
Pocatello, Idaho, United States
Light the World celebrations in Pocatello, Idaho, featured performances by several musical guests, including Jay Osmond, Mercy River, Daniel Blomberg, Jarica Jamison and Carrie Yost, as well as local artists.
Governor Brad Little and Elder David J. Pickett, an Area Seventy, joined hundreds of local leaders, charity collaborators, and guests to launch the Giving Machine kiosks in the East Idaho area.
Rexburg, Idaho, United States
At Brigham Young University-Idaho, community members gathered to unveil Giving Machine kiosks whose donations will benefit local and global charities.
Local high school students provided the musical numbers. Rexburg Mayor Jerry Merrill and his wife, Marianne, attended the event and were among the first to donate to the Giving Machine kiosks.
Giving Machine kiosks also debuted at Brigham Young University in Provo, bringing the service-focused vending machines to the BYU campus for the first time.
Denver, Colorado, United States
Denver's mayor, Mike Johnston, helped unwrap Giving Machine kiosks, along with Church leaders and representatives from local Colorado charities.
"These are opportunities while you're shopping for your own loved ones; you can also give to nonprofits and communities in need," Mayor Johnston said. "While you're shopping for everyone else, look out for those who need it the most right here at the Giving Machine."
Since the Giving Machine kiosks first arrived in Denver in 2019, visitors have donated more than 85,000 items and $2.5 million to local organizations and global nonprofits.
New York City, New York, United States
Bright red Giving Machine kiosks were unveiled in Times Square, Monday, December 1. The remarks were provided by Rev. Adriene Thorne of the Riverside Church and Michele Walsh, executive vice president and Chief Philanthropy Officer at UNICEF USA.
The vending machines have since been moved to four different churches in Manhattan for the Christmas season, including the Church of Our Saviour at 59 Park Avenue and 38th Street; Riverside Church at 490 Riverside Drive; West End Church at 245 W 77th Street; and St. Peter's Church at 619 Lexington Avenue.
In the evening, a capacity crowd attended Light the World reception held to honor the more than 60 organizations that collaborated with the Church to bless the lives of over 30,000 children this year. Elder David R. Marriott, an Area Seventy, welcomed the guests.
Faith leaders at the reception come from the Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, A.M.E., Adventist, Lutheran, Episcopal, United Church of Christ and other Christian faiths.
Throughout the 2025 Christmas season, Light the World Giving Machine kiosks will continue to launch globally. More information about Light the World events and initiatives can be found here (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/welcome/christmas/light-the-world?lang=eng).
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Original text here: https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/light-the-world-initiative-shares-the-love-of-christ-across-the-globe
[Category: Religion]
Brady Condemns DOJ Launch of New "Gun Rights" Office That Will Endanger Gun Violence Prevention Laws
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence issued the following news release on Dec. 4, 2025:
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Brady Condemns DOJ Launch of New "Gun Rights" Office That Will Endanger Gun Violence Prevention Laws
The office, which will be under the Civil Rights division of the Department of Justice, is charged with assessing "infringements" on gun rights
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Today, the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to open a "Second Amendment Rights Section" to investigate local laws and policies that seek to reduce gun violence.
Brady, the nation's leading
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence issued the following news release on Dec. 4, 2025:
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Brady Condemns DOJ Launch of New "Gun Rights" Office That Will Endanger Gun Violence Prevention Laws
The office, which will be under the Civil Rights division of the Department of Justice, is charged with assessing "infringements" on gun rights
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Today, the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is expected to open a "Second Amendment Rights Section" to investigate local laws and policies that seek to reduce gun violence.
Brady, the nation's leadinggun violence prevention organization, released the following statement:
Kris Brown, President of Brady, said:
"The Civil Rights Division does not have unlimited resources, and those resources should be focused foremost on the traditional and historical discrimination issues that the division has dedicated itself to. This new office's mandate is far from that mission: to challenge gun violence prevention laws -- prioritizing the wants of the gun industry over people's very lives and turning the Trump administration's 'guns everywhere' agenda into a reality. We know, however, that the vast majority of Americans -- including gun owners and Trump voters -- support sensible laws that ensure responsible gun ownership and reduce gun violence. And over and over, courts across the country have found that these policies are in no way inconsistent with the Second Amendment; they are bipartisan, common-sense, and save lives in red and blue states alike."
"As DOJ continually diverts resources away from gun trafficking investigations and prosecutions to immigration enforcement, this new office will be actively dedicating resources to their 'guns everywhere' agenda. President Trump says he wants to be 'tough on crime,' but the facts are clear: states with stronger gun laws see lower gun crime. With firearms the number one killer of kids in America, Brady will continue to defend lifesaving gun laws on the books and pass sensible solutions to save lives."
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Brady has one powerful mission -- to unite all Americans against gun violence. We work across Congress, the courts, and our communities with over 90 grassroots chapters, bringing together young and old, red and blue, and every shade of color to find common ground in common sense. In the spirit of our namesakes Jim and Sarah Brady, we have fought for over 45 years to take action, not sides, and we will not stop until this epidemic ends. It's in our hands.
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Original text here: https://www.bradyunited.org/press/doj-launch-of-new-gun-rights-office-second-amendment-civil-rights-division
[Category: Political]
