Photos and videos can be found here

Long Island, NY — Today, Long Islanders held a press conference to respond to the House Ethics Committee report about Rep. George Santos and demanded the immediate expulsion of Santos. Long Islanders also called for both Santos and D’Esposito to stop voting in lock-step with MAGA extremists and stop supporting cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. 

During the rally, community members chanted “Nassau County Needs Leaders / Not Two MAGA Cheerleaders!”

Danielle Hindieh, NY-03 Resident and Courage for America Council Member, said, “No child should ever go hungry, yet families throughout our community struggle to put food on the table. That’s why it is so reprehensible that extreme House Republicans are threatening food assistance programs like SNAP and WIC during the holiday season. I am calling on Congressman D’Esposito and Congressman Santos to back off our benefits and say no to cuts to food assistance programs.”

Angel Reyes Rivas, Long Island Organizing Coordinator at Make the Road Action and resident of Congressional District 3, shared, “Saying he won’t seek re-election isn’t enough—George Santos must resign or be expelled, now! We also stand here with constituents of Rep. D’Esposito, who has voted almost exactly the same as Santos since the two arrived in Congress—always with the MAGA crowd, and against Long Islanders. At a time when working families are struggling across Long Island, we need elected officials that work for us, instead of for tax-cheating billionaires and corporations. Both these men have voted to take away Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, as well as abortion rights. We are watching, and we will continue to hold them accountable.”

Maria Martinez, Executive Director of Empire State Voices, said, “We are facing an economic crisis – our families are struggling to pay bills. Some are debating whether to pay their rent over life-saving medicine. All meanwhile, Reps. D’Esposito and Santos have spent their time in Congress protecting wealthy tax cheats instead of their constituents on Long Island. We call on Representatives D’Esposito and Santos to stop siding with the MAGA extremists of their party and protect the programs thousands of families on Long Island rely on.”

Daniel Altschuler, Co-Executive Director of Make the Road Action, added, “Of course Rep. Santos should resign or be expelled. But let’s not be confused about his other Nassau county colleague, Rep D’Esposito. He wants you to think they’re different, but D’Esposito and Santos vote together virtually all the time. If you did a blind taste test of their congressional records, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference.”

Loren Amor, Director of Protect Our Care New York, shared, “Across the state, New Yorkers are standing up against right-wing extremism in Washington, especially as it threatens access to live-saving healthcare for Long Islanders and all Americans. We need more common-sense healthcare solutions from Washington, but Republicans in Congress – including Anthony D’Esposito – are pushing a Big Pharma-backed agenda that would put millions of New Yorkers insured through Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act at risk. The Biden Administration and Congressional Democrats have reduced prescription drug costs, made certain vaccines free, capped insulin costs at $35, and so much more. We can’t let Anthony D’Esposito and his MAGA allies in Washington roll back that progress now.”

Food drive will benefit Black Men United Food Bank. Free drinks and food will be available upon donation to all attendees.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, November 16th, Courage for America will host a “Back Off Our Benefits: Food Drive” at Bärchen Beer Garden, which will benefit Black Men United Food Bank. The goal of the event is to raise awareness about escalating threats to critical food assistance programs like SNAP, which 27,596 (9.8%) NE-02 families rely on. The food drive will bring together community members dedicated to protecting critical food assistance programs during the holiday season and beyond. Free drinks and food will be available upon donation to all attendees.

WHAT: Back Off Our Benefits: Food Drive

WHO:  Courage for America
NE-02 residents

WHEN: Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 5PM – 8PM
             Media availability with local officials, partners and residents: 5:30PM 

WHERE: Bärchen Beer Garden, 6209 Maple St. Omaha, NE 68104

LINK: https://fb.me/e/4OU6RdXbu

The event is open press. To RSVP, please email [email protected] 

MORE INFORMATION: 

• 27,596 (9.8%) NE-02 households rely on SNAP benefits for nutrition assistance.
• In September 2023, Rep. Bacon voted for the House Republicans’ continuing resolution that would have:
  • Taken away food assistance from moms, kids, and seniors.
  • Raised the cost of housing, home heating, food, and health care.
  • Cut access to Social Security.
• In April 2023, Rep. Bacon voted for the Default on America Act (Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023) which would have led to 275,000 people losing benefits in an average month, and 19,000 seeing reduced monthly benefits.

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Food drive will benefit Vista del Camino Food Bank. Free drinks and food will be available upon donation to all attendees.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, November 16th, Courage for America, Honest Arizona and the Arizona Students’ Association will host a “Back Off Our Benefits: Food Drive” at Hula’s to benefit Vista del Camino Food Bank.

The event will raise awareness about escalating threats to critical food assistance programs like SNAP, which 42,000 families, or more than one in seven families, in the first congressional district rely on. The food drive will bring together community members and grassroots organizations dedicated to protecting critical food assistance programs during the holiday season and beyond.

Free drinks and food will be available upon donation to all attendees.

WHAT: Back Off Our Benefits: Food Drive

WHO: Courage for America
Honest Arizona
Arizona Students’ Association
AZ-01 residents

WHEN: Thursday, November 16, 2023 from 4-7PM
             Media availability with partners and residents: 5:00PM

WHERE: Hula’s Modern Tiki, 7213 E 1St. Ave. Scottsdale, AZ 85251

LINK:    https://fb.me/e/1C2giOfxh

The event is open press. To RSVP, please email [email protected] 

MORE INFORMATION:

• 42,128 (14.7%) AZ-01 households rely on SNAP benefits for nutrition assistance.
• In September 2023, Rep. Schweikert voted for the Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill which would cut $32 billion in SNAP funding and cut the Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC) by $800 million.
• In April 2023, Rep. Schweikert voted for the Default on America Act (Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023), which would have led to 275,000 people losing SNAP benefits in an average month, and 19,000 seeing reduced monthly benefits.

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Targets Americans under age 35 in AZ-01, AZ-02, CO-02, FL-01, NC-09, NE-02, NY-04 and NY-21

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Courage for America launched a new ad campaign that holds Congressional Republicans responsible for threatening a MAGA shutdown in order to pursue their extreme agenda, including cuts to critical food programs like SNAP, just days before the Thanksgiving holiday. The ad features social media influencer Syanne Centeno, a disabled Afro-Indigenous Latina activist who participated in Courage for America’s lobby day earlier this year.

This is the first time a digital influencer will be featured in a Courage for America ad, and reflects Courage for America’s goal of reaching young Americans where they are, with voices that reflect their own.

The digital ads, which will target Americans under the age of 35, call on House Republicans to avert a government shutdown and stop threatening to cut food assistance programs like SNAP and WIC. The ad will run throughout the week of November 13 in the districts of eight extreme House Republicans:

• Rep. Bacon (NE-02)
• Rep. Boebert (CO-03)
• Rep. Crane (AZ-02)
• Rep. D’Esposito (NY-04)
• Rep. Gaetz (FL-01)
• Rep. Hudson (NC-09)
• Rep. Schweikert (AZ-01)
• Rep. Stefanik (NY-21)

“It’s unfathomable that as we approach the holiday season, Speaker Mike Johnson and extreme MAGA Republicans are threatening to shut down the government unless they are able to cut programs that ensure moms and kids have food on the table,” said José Morales, Jr., spokesperson for Courage for America. “While Speaker Johnson and extreme MAGA Republicans push to make basic things like food harder to afford, it’s imperative young Americans’ voices are heard loud and clear as decisions are made about their lives. That’s why we are meeting young Americans on the platforms they use via the voices they trust to deliver a clear message: call on Congress to reject MAGA extremism once and for all.”

WATCH: “Hungry for the Holidays”

TRANSCRIPT:

Hey guys, if you’re like me, you’re preparing for the holidays – a time to be with loved ones at the dinner table. 

Meanwhile, MAGA extremists are threatening to shut down the government if they don’t get cuts to things like food programs for moms and kids.

Join me in calling on Congress to back off our benefits and stop the MAGA shutdown.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

• In September 2023, extreme House Republicans voted for the Agriculture-FDA appropriations bill, which would cut $32 billion in SNAP funding and cut WIC by $800 million.
• In September 2023, extreme House Republicans voted for the continuing resolution that would have taken away food assistance from moms, kids, and seniors.
• In April 2023, extreme House Republicans voted for the Default on America Act (Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023), which would have made changes to SNAP that would lead to 275,000 people losing benefits in an average month, and 19,000 seeing reduced monthly benefits.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Courage for America Council Members and veterans Naveed Shah and Peter Lucier commemorated Veterans Day and called on Congress and House Speaker Mike Johnson to stop putting veterans’ benefits on the chopping block.

“The veterans I served with and have met since leaving the military are some of the most selfless people I know. Many of us joined to serve during wartime, knowing the risks and sacrifices we would have to make. Instead of gratitude from our country, we are too often faced with the prospect of losing benefits we earned,” said Naveed Shah, Courage for America Council Member and U.S. Army Veteran. “For members of Congress who pay lip service by thanking us for our service today, we need them to be courageous and stand up to extremists who want to cut benefits we all pay into like Social Security. We cannot expect young people to serve their country if they can see with their own eyes that Congress will not respect or value their service and targeting their benefits.”

“On Veterans Day, Americans seek ways to thank veterans for the sacrifices they made in protection of our nation and our democracy. While free meals at restaurants, themed jerseys, and other tributes are welcome ways to commemorate those who served, striving to live up to ‘earn this’ is the highest form of thanks veterans can receive – striving to make the country and our democracy worthy of veterans’ sacrifices,” said Peter Lucier, Courage for America Councilmember and U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “The extremist brand of politics practiced by some current members of the House is not ‘earning it.’ Extremist House members attack bedrock principles of democracy, and do so in a manner unbecoming of the nation we should strive to be. This Veterans Day, we can thank veterans by demanding accountability from elected leaders. By striving for a government we can be proud of, rather than one that makes us want to change the channel. By earning it.”

MORE INFORMATION ON ANTI-VETERAN VOTES FROM GOP HOUSE THIS YEAR: 

• In April 2023, 217 Republicans voted for the Default on America Act, which made drastic cuts to veterans’ health care and other benefits and would have:
  • Resulted in 30 million fewer outpatient health care visits for veterans at VA health centers, impacting cancer screenings, mental health care, substance disorder treatments, and general wellness visits.
  • Increased wait times for veterans and their families to receive benefits, including for pensions and life insurance.
  • Impaired the VA’s ability to expand access to telehealth services, particularly harming veterans in rural areas.
  • Delayed and impaired the ability of the VA to construct new health care facilities and to maintain cemeteries housing veterans and their families.
• In July 2023, 219 Republicans voted for the Department of Veterans Affairs and Military Construction Appropriations bill, which would further cut veterans’ health care by prohibiting VA medical centers from providing abortion services and gender-affirming health care.

MORE INFORMATION ON NEW SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON’S ANTI-VETERAN VOTING RECORD:

• Johnson was one of only 88 House members to vote against the bipartisan Honoring Our PACT Act, the largest expansion of veterans benefits and services in decades. The PACT Act expanded crucial health care services to veterans exposed to burn pits and other toxins while in the line of duty.
• Johnson was one of only 43 House members to vote against the bipartisan Student Veteran Work Study Modernization Act to establish a pilot work-study program for veterans.
• Johnson voted against the bipartisan Ensuring Veterans’ Smooth Transition (EVEST) Act to automatically enroll eligible veterans in VA health care services.
• Johnson voted against the bipartisan Guard And Reserve G.I. Bill Parity Act, which provided new veterans with information regarding their eligibility for health care services and helped National Guard and Reserve troops qualify for education benefits.

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Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s office refused to accept a petition with over 115,000 signatories

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Courage for America launched a national campaign to stop a MAGA shutdown, which would harm millions of Americans, especially our troops, veterans, seniors and people with disabilities. In the morning, Courage for America launched a significant six-figure TV and digital ad campaign targeting over a dozen extreme House Republicans, including Lauren Boebert (CO-03) and Matt Gaetz (FL-01).

In addition to the national ad launch, Courage for America hosted Gen Z social media influencers on Capitol Hill yesterday. They met with Representatives Veronica Escobar, Lauren Underwood, Mark Takano and Maxwell Frost, to discuss why Gen Z Americans are opposed to MAGA extremists shutting down the government and holding our democracy hostage. In partnership with MoveOn, Win Without War and Americans for Tax Fairness, the influencers attempted to deliver a petition with over 115,000 signatories to the office of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, urging him to stop a MAGA shutdown. However, McCarthy’s office refused to accept the petitions.

“Courage for America was built for times like this – when our Congressional leaders need reminding, through the stories of everyday Americans, that their job is to fight for all of us. That’s why we are going on the offensive, taking the fight to their home turf in order to stop a MAGA shutdown before it’s too late,” said José Morales Jr., spokesperson for Courage for America. “While unsurprising, it is deeply disappointing that Speaker Kevin McCarthy refused to listen to the voices of thousands of Americans who are concerned about a government shutdown and the deep cuts MAGA extremists are pushing for. Courage for America will ensure their voices will not be silenced.”

“Let’s be clear: the Republican Party’s brinkmanship will have dangerous consequences for the economy and working families will be the ones paying the price. The GOP are risking an economic catastrophe for cuts that would make life harder for everyday people – raising costs for families and hurting students, seniors, and rural communities. Their MAGA chaos agenda is out-of-step with the vast majority of the country on the issues that actually impact their day-to-day lives. It’s time for House Republicans to do their jobs and stop holding our communities hostage,” said Rahna Epting, Executive Director of MoveOn.

EVENT PHOTOS HERE

(All images free for use with credit to Courage for America)

(Gen Z social media influencers gather together in the Capitol rotunda) 

(Influencers attempt to deliver petitions to Speaker McCarthy’s office) 

(Nikita Redkar in conversation with Rep. Maxwell Frost) 

(Influencers in conversation with Rep. Lauren Underwood) 

(Matt Bernstein meeting with Rep. Mark Takano)

To speak with one of the social media influencers or a Courage for America spokesperson, contact [email protected] 

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About Courage for America
Courage For America is a campaign advised by a council of proud Americans speaking out against an extreme MAGA agenda that puts money and power over the rights and freedoms of the American people. The campaign is amplifying the voices of Americans in communities across the country — veterans, educators, faith leaders, and more — to demand the People’s House works for the people.

About the Influencers

• Andrew Townsend (TikTok) is a creator who creates fun facts focused content about various topics. Originally from Ohio, he is now based in Florida and finishing college.
• Chante Reddest (Instagram and TikTok) is a creator who creates content primarily about his culture. He is focused on creating content that inspires the next generation and is passionate about various issues.
• Jose Enrique Aguilar Hernandez (Instagram and TikTok) is a creator who primarily creates skits and comedic content. He often comments on issues he is passionate about in partnership with nonprofits.
• Matt Bernstein (Instagram and TikTok), popularly known as ‘mattxiv’, is creator and podcast host who creates content primarily educating his audience on various LGBTQ+ issues.
• Nikita Redkar (Instagram and TikTok) is a writer, comedian and actor based out of New York City. Originally from Texas, the plethora of shows she has written or been featured in can be found on her website.
• Richie Fontane (Instagram and TikTok) is a comedian and content creator best known for hosting his comedy show Late Night with Richie Fontane. He is currently on tour, selling out shows across the United States.
• Schuyler Bailar (Instagram), also known as ‘Pinkmantaray’, is an educator, author, advocate and content creator. He is the first transgender athlete to compete in any sport on the NCAA Division 1 Men’s team.
• Syanne Bloom (Instagram and TikTok) is more than just a model; she’s a voice. She is a leading disability rights activist, political science scholar, and sought-after professional model. Beyond the runway, she’s a dedicated Council member for Courage for America.

“Today and every day, we must honor their courage by fighting for the democracy they protected”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Courage for America Council Members Naveed Shah, a U.S. Army Veteran, and former D.C. Police Officer Michael Fanone, commemorated the 22nd anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

“As we commemorate the anniversary of 9/11, I recall the feelings I had as a child, witnessing the attack on the Pentagon only miles away from my school. As a young Muslim American, I chose to serve my country to uphold the principles of democracy and protect the values we hold dear. It’s those same ideals that drive me to want a better America for my kids and yours,” said Naveed Shah, Courage for America Council Member and U.S. Army Veteran.

“Every day, our men and women in uniform answer the call to service because of love for our country and understanding that the freedoms we enjoy are not presumed but instead must be protected and valued. The horrific attacks on 9/11 showed our country how vital our law enforcement’s bravery is and just how fragile our freedoms and safety can be. Today and every day, we must honor their courage by fighting for the democracy they protected. The stakes could not be higher,” said Michael Fanone, Courage for America Council Member and Former DC Police Officer Injured in the January 6th Insurrection.

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“It is both inappropriate and ethically reprehensible that Congressman Roy would trivialize the sacrifices of our service members by choosing culture wars and cheap partisan politics over our military readiness.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Courage for America Council Member Steven Kling, a former United States Army Captain, combat veteran and TX-21 constituent, responded to news reports that Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) introduced a bill late last week to defund the Reynolds Scholar Program at the Marine Corps University. The Reynolds Program is named after retired Lieutenant General Lori Reynolds, the third woman to earn the rank of Lieutenant General in Marine Corps history.

“Our military schools and institutions are critical components of our nation’s security apparatus and to the readiness of our military. It is unconscionable that Congressman Roy, like so many career politicians who have not served in uniform themselves, is joining continued efforts to weaken our military and country. From blocking critical appointments of military leadership to now stripping away important scholarships from our men and women in uniform, ideologues like Chip Roy continue to let their misguided, extreme views sow chaos and disharmony in our ranks,” said Courage for America Council Member Captain Steven Kling. “Those of us in uniform took a sacred oath to defend this country and protect the freedoms of every American. It is both inappropriate and ethically reprehensible that Congressman Roy would trivialize the sacrifices of our service members by choosing culture wars and cheap partisan politics over our military readiness. This is yet another example of MAGA extremists attempting to hold critical military and veteran services hostage – and it comes at the expense of our nation’s stability and security.”

Background information:

• Congressman Roy introduced a bill on Thursday to defund the Reynolds Scholar Program as an amendment to the House’s Department of Defense appropriations bill.
• The Marine Corps University is a federally funded professional military educational institute serving Marine, other service, international, and civilian students.
• The Reynolds Scholar Program was established as part of the Women, Peace, and Security Act of 2017 and is named after retired Lieutenant General Lori Reynolds, the third woman to earn the rank of Lieutenant General in Marine Corps history.

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MAGA and McCarthy’s Blind Loyalty to Trump and Attempts to Cover Their Own Anti-Democratic Actions Could End In Government Shutdown

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Wednesday, NPR’s Fresh Air dug into the far ranging implications, and deep seated origin, of House Republicans’ defense of Donald Trump amid his criminal indictment.

Fresh Air’s guest, Annie Karni, Congressional correspondent for The New York Times, detailed how MAGA Republicans are rushing to defend Trump’s actions because they themselves played a key role in the conspiracy. Karni also laid out the real risk that MAGA House Republicans will shut down the entire federal government as direct retaliation for Trump’s indictment and arraignment.

For his part, as Karni explained, Speaker McCarthy has no control over the chaos, owing his tenuous leadership role to both Trump and the far-right MAGA caucus willing to manufacture an economic crisis just to show their loyalty to the former president.

Read key experts from the episode below and listen to the full episode here:

On far-right and baseless claims of 2020 election fraud:

Annie Karni: “And a lot of the base – you know, this big lie that, you know, the election was stolen is a big part of what a lot of the hardcore base believes now. It’s definitional. So they are defending themselves. They’re defending their appeal with their constituents.”

On McCarthy and Trump:

Annie Karni: “With Kevin McCarthy, he owes his speakership to Donald Trump. He would not have been able to pass that debt ceiling deal without Trump agreeing to stay silent and not criticize the deal. His whole speakership depends on not alienating Donald Trump.”

On McCarthy and the far-right:
Annie Karni: “So they feel like they own [McCarthy]. He made these agreements with them, and that’s the only reason he’s speaker. And that June moment when they shut down the floor was a reminder – hey, you can’t function without us. […]  He caves to them at every turn.”

On McCarthy and Marjorie Taylor Greene:
Annie Karni: “She was loyal to him during the moments when it really looked like [McCarthy] was going to fail yet again at rising to become a speaker. And he has repaid her with treating her like a top policy adviser, standing up for her, fundraising for her, like, treating her like a serious member of Congress, which is what she’s become now in McCarthy – in the McCarthy-led House.”

On a potential MAGA-induced government shutdown: 
Annie Karni: “I mean, these charging documents have great big-picture implications for democracy and the future of our country, but granularly for Congress, we saw some statements put out last night that, you know, raise real questions about funding the government. In September, for instance, Marjorie Taylor Greene said that the indictment was a line in the sand and that she will not vote to fund a weaponized government while it politically persecutes not only President Trump but all conservative Americans. […] So if we see more Republicans adopt that – I mean, that’s pretty extreme – but adopt a line that if this is what the government’s going to be doing, they can’t vote for funding the government, that could be the nail in the coffin for appropriations bills this fall if this is the way Republicans choose to retaliate and seek revenge for Trump.”

For questions or additional commentary, please contact [email protected].
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As MAGA Leaders Loudly Defend Trump, Some Republicans Stay Silent in A Tacit Show of Support

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Ever since news broke of former President Trump’s indictment for his role in attempting a coup on January 6th, 2021, Republican Members of Congress are quickly falling into line in their response – either offering a full throated defense of the criminal activity or avoiding making any meaningful comment whatsoever. After a flurry of support yesterday, some MAGA Republicans are choosing the latter – suddenly going silent on the historic turn of events while happily letting their colleagues defend Trump at all costs. But make no mistake, both approaches deliver the same result: an absolute failure to stand up for our democracy in favor of supporting an extreme, dangerous MAGA agenda.

“MAGA Republicans have proved time and again that they would put their own power over their country,” said José Morales, Jr., spokesperson for Courage for America. “House Republicans’ responses – ranging from defense to deafening silence – demonstrate how little American democracy means to them and the degree to which they’ll put their extreme, anti-voter agenda above all else.”

The following are statements that MAGA Republicans released:

“Jack Smith and his indictment will forever go down in history as a total disgrace to the United States of America. President Trump defended our democracy, and we have an obligation to defend him against the Deep State’s crusade to destroy our movement.” – Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL)

“He [Trump] said it best. ‘In the end, they’re not coming after me. They’re coming after you — and I’m just standing in their way.’ – @realDonaldTrump” – Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ)

“Trump will have his day in court to present his defense. I trust our judicial system to sift through both sides of the case and find a just verdict.” – Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE)

“There really is a challenge in this country right now. A lot of people do feel there are two tiers of justice […] And obviously the former president getting indicted multiple times. So people feel there are two tiers of justice, that the Justice Department has been weaponized, and I think that is a real challenge in our country.” – Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY)

To learn more or to speak with a Courage for America spokesperson, contact [email protected]. 
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Officer Michael Fanone: “It disgusts me that House Republicans are heinously coming to the defense of Trump’s criminal behavior while putting up the foundation of our democracy as collateral.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, former President Donald J. Trump was indicted on four counts connected to his attempt to remain in power after losing the 2020 election. MAGA Republicans in the House have continuously come to Trump’s defense, making excuses for his criminal conduct and dismissing the irrevocable damage to our democracy that took place as a direct result of his false claims of election fraud. Former DC Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone responded to the numerous MAGA Republicans, like Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Rep. Elise Stefanik, who have gone on the record defending Trump for his conduct in the lead up to January 6th.

“Our justice system has a duty to try those who commit crimes, and Donald Trump must answer for his — he is not above the law and his attack on our democracy was un-American, despicable, and unforgivable,” said Michael Fanone, Courage for America council member and former DC Police officer injured in the Jan. 6 insurrection. “I saw the Trump-fueled MAGA attack before my eyes. It was calculated, premeditated, and malicious. It disgusts me that House Republicans are heinously coming to the defense of Trump’s criminal behavior while putting up the foundation of our democracy as collateral.”

For questions or additional commentary, please contact [email protected].
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Navigator Research: “Americans reject Republican policies like banning mail-in voting, banning same-day voter registration, and reducing the number of public drop boxes for mail-in ballots.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — New polling from Navigator Research shows that Americans reject the anti-voting rights Big Lie Bill, also known as the ACE Act. On the other hand, there is vast support among Americans for the Freedom to Vote Act, House Democrats’ bill that would expand voting rights and protections.

“This recent polling from Navigator is clear: Americans reject the Big Lie Bill and want an open and accessible democracy free from partisan hurdles.” said José Morales, Jr., Courage for America Senior Campaign Director. “MAGA Republicans’ Big Lie Bill is a direct attempt to disenfranchise voters, specifically marginalized voters, and the American people resoundingly reject that proposition. Working Americans want voting systems that are more accessible, not more difficult. And when more people participate in our democracy, we are all better off.”

Navigator Research’s Key Findings:

• The newly-introduced American Confidence in Elections (ACE) from congressional Republicans is already underwater among Americans, including among independents and people of color. 
• By a 7-point margin, Americans oppose the ACE Act when described as a bill that would “ban same-day voter registration, ban universal mail-in voting, institute stricter voter ID laws for both mail and in-person voting, and reduce the number of public drop boxes for mail-in-ballots” (40 percent support – 47 percent oppose).
• Conversely, the Freedom to Vote Act — voting rights legislation proposed by Democrats in 2021 and recently reintroduced in the House — earned support from more than three in five Americans in an October 2021 survey when described as “legislation that would establish national standards to protect Americans’ freedom to vote, require every state to have automatic voter registration, make Election Day a holiday, restore federal voting rights to formerly incarcerated Americans, and address ‘dark money’ in the electoral process, by modernizing and expanding federal campaign finance reforms” (net +35; 61 percent support – 26 percent oppose).

The complete survey from Navigator Research can be found here.

For questions or additional commentary, please contact [email protected].
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