{"issues":[{"id":"news","name":"News","slug":"news","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false,"follower_count":46},{"id":"short-video","name":"Short Video","slug":"short-video","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false,"follower_count":36},{"id":"legislation","name":"Legislation","slug":"legislation","description":null,"page_title":null,"icons":{"black":"/assets/images/icons/default-black-issue-icon.svg","grey":"/assets/images/icons/default-grey-issue-icon.svg","white":"/assets/images/icons/default-white-issue-icon.svg"},"cover_image_url":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/m8q3wkaM/66e6ac/explore.jpg","is_following":false,"follower_count":48}],"legislators":[{"id":3,"chamber":"house","first_name":"Pete","last_name":"Aguilar","nickname":null,"party":"D","gender":"M","district":"31","state":"CA","state_name":"California","state_rank":"","birthday":"1979-06-19","senate_class":null,"term_start":"2021-01-03","term_end":"2023-01-03","title":"Rep","twitter_id":"reppeteaguilar","facebook_id":"reppeteaguilar","youtube_id":null,"website":"https://aguilar.house.gov","phone":"+1-202-225-3201","fax":null,"photos":{"small":"https://assets.hosted-assets.com/public/legislator/photo/A000371/small_rep_aguilar_1558565219.jpg","medium":"https://assets.hosted-assets.com/public/legislator/photo/A000371/medium_rep_aguilar_1558565219.jpg"},"represented_district_name":"California 31st Congressional District","ocd_id":"ocd-division/country:us/state:ca/cd:31","upper":false,"lower":true,"legislative_body_id":3}],"legislative_bodies":[{"name":"United States House","id":3,"district_id":"us"}],"districts":[{"name":"United States","ocd_id":"ocd-division/country:us","state":null,"cover_images":{"large":"https://countable-us.s3.amazonaws.com/district/cover_image/default.png"},"released":false,"id":"us"}],"articles":[{"title":"Taliban Rejects U.S. Cooperation Against ISIS-K in Afghanistan","id":489,"slug":"489-taliban-rejects-u-s-cooperation-isis-k-afghanistan","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/489-taliban-rejects-u-s-cooperation-isis-k-afghanistan","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=489","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/489/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":3108,"cta_prompt":"How do you feel about the Taliban rejecting U.S. cooperation against ISIS-K?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.18.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/106b15/106b15-TalibanRejectsUSHelpCounteringISIS.png","xsmall":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/106b15/106b15-TalibanRejectsUSHelpCounteringISIS.png","small":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/106b15/106b15-TalibanRejectsUSHelpCounteringISIS.png","medium":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/106b15/106b15-TalibanRejectsUSHelpCounteringISIS.png","large":"https://cdn.hosted-assets.com/we-hold-these-truths/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/106b15/106b15-TalibanRejectsUSHelpCounteringISIS.png"},"profile_id":11,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

The U.S. and Taliban over the weekend held their first formal talks since the American military withdrew from Afghanistan in late August after nearly 20 years of war, and the militant group that toppled the Afghan government rejected the possibility of cooperation with the U.S. in counterterrorism efforts targeting ISIS-K.
Defense officials had left open the possibility of U.S. cooperation with the Taliban on counterterrorism efforts against ISIS-K, which carried out the Kabul Airport terror attack that killed 13 U.S. servicemembers and at least 169 Afghans. ISIS-K has conducted other attacks against Taliban targets following the withdrawal, including a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Kunduz that killed dozens of Afghans.
A U.S. delegation led by Central Intelligence Agency Deputy Director David Cohen met with senior Taliban officials in Doha, Qatar, to discuss terrorism threats, evacuations of Americans and Afghan allies who have been stranded in Taliban territory since the withdrawal concluded, and humanitarian aid. Officials told CBS News that the meeting “is not about granting recognition or conferring legitimacy.”
Taliban political spokesman Suhail Shaheen told The Associated Press that the group intends to fight ISIS “independently” while another Taliban official told Newsweek that the U.S. is to blame for the growth of ISIS in Afghanistan.
In the aftermath of the Taliban’s takeover, national security officials have warned that al Qaeda ― which has close ties to the Taliban leadership ― or ISIS could reconstitute in Afghanistan within the next six to 36 months. Both terror groups harbor aspirations of attacking the U.S., although defense officials have recently assessed the immediate threat of such an attack originating from Afghanistan as being less urgent than other locations.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: State Department Photo by Ron Przysucha / Public Domain)

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-10-18T14:21:30.275Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? The U.S. and Taliban over the weekend held their first formal talks since the American military withdrew from","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"icon":"excited","text":"Excited","color":"#333174","stance":"excited"},{"icon":"happy","text":"Happy","color":"#58275E","stance":"happy"},{"icon":"apathetic","text":"Apathetic","color":"#6B2152","stance":"apathetic"},{"icon":"sad","text":"Sad","color":"#96143A","stance":"sad"},{"icon":"angry","text":"Angry","color":"#B60924","stance":"angry"}],"reaction_config_id":5,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-10-18T14:21:30.164Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Taliban Rejects U.S. Cooperation Against ISIS-K in Afghanistan","cta_prompt":"How do you feel about the Taliban rejecting U.S. cooperation against ISIS-K?","html_content":"

What’s the story?

The U.S. and Taliban over the weekend held their first formal talks since the American military withdrew from Afghanistan in late August after nearly 20 years of war, and the militant group that toppled the Afghan government rejected the possibility of cooperation with the U.S. in counterterrorism efforts targeting ISIS-K.
Defense officials had left open the possibility of U.S. cooperation with the Taliban on counterterrorism efforts against ISIS-K, which carried out the Kabul Airport terror attack that killed 13 U.S. servicemembers and at least 169 Afghans. ISIS-K has conducted other attacks against Taliban targets following the withdrawal, including a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in Kunduz that killed dozens of Afghans.
A U.S. delegation led by Central Intelligence Agency Deputy Director David Cohen met with senior Taliban officials in Doha, Qatar, to discuss terrorism threats, evacuations of Americans and Afghan allies who have been stranded in Taliban territory since the withdrawal concluded, and humanitarian aid. Officials told CBS News that the meeting “is not about granting recognition or conferring legitimacy.”
Taliban political spokesman Suhail Shaheen told The Associated Press that the group intends to fight ISIS “independently” while another Taliban official told Newsweek that the U.S. is to blame for the growth of ISIS in Afghanistan.
In the aftermath of the Taliban’s takeover, national security officials have warned that al Qaeda ― which has close ties to the Taliban leadership ― or ISIS could reconstitute in Afghanistan within the next six to 36 months. Both terror groups harbor aspirations of attacking the U.S., although defense officials have recently assessed the immediate threat of such an attack originating from Afghanistan as being less urgent than other locations.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: State Department Photo by Ron Przysucha / Public Domain)

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: 37K Afghan Evacuees to Be Resettled Around U.S. - How You Can Help","id":488,"slug":"488-big-thing-37k-afghan-evacuees-resettled-u-s-help","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/488-big-thing-37k-afghan-evacuees-resettled-u-s-help","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=488","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/488/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.14.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/9f832d/9f832d-a2e1f4-AfghanEvacuees9-18.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/9f832d/9f832d-a2e1f4-AfghanEvacuees9-18.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/9f832d/9f832d-a2e1f4-AfghanEvacuees9-18.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/9f832d/9f832d-a2e1f4-AfghanEvacuees9-18.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/9f832d/9f832d-a2e1f4-AfghanEvacuees9-18.png"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

State Dept. data for the Afghan Placement and Assistance program obtained by the Associated Press and Axios indicates where the first group of nearly 37,000 Afghan evacuees will be residing once they complete their post-evacuation processing.
Evacuees tend to request states where they have family and close friends already residing, and resettlement agencies tend to have a larger presence in those states.
California is the state slated to receive the largest number of Afghans (5,255); followed by Texas (4,481); Oklahoma (1,800); Washington (1,679); and Arizona (1,610). Only the District of Columbia and four states ― Hawaii, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming ― won’t receive any of the first group of Afghan evacuees.
This group of 37,000 Afghans will likely precede more resettlements of similar groups later this year, as more make their way through processing at U.S. bases around the country and overseas. Flights from those bases in third countries to the U.S. were put on pause from September 13th through at least the 20th due to several measles cases, and processing centers are now administering measles vaccines which should be completed by the end of the weekend.

How can you help?

A national initiative known as Welcome.US was launched this week to help channel the interest and support of the American public and the private sector through collaboration with federal agencies in the resettlement of Afghans.
It seeks to offer information and volunteer opportunities for the community, such as donating time and resources, or by hosting or sponsoring an Afghan family; provide resources for Afghans (including in Dari and Pashto); and answer frequently asked questions about resettlement and vetting processes.
Welcome.US is a non-profit, non-partisan initiative of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) and includes more than 250 organizations, leaders, and businesses.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Jumprope: U.S. Army photo by Spec. Elliott Page / Public Domain | Clothes: Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mitchell Johnson / Public Domain)

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What’s the story?

State Dept. data for the Afghan Placement and Assistance program obtained by the Associated Press and Axios indicates where the first group of nearly 37,000 Afghan evacuees will be residing once they complete their post-evacuation processing.
Evacuees tend to request states where they have family and close friends already residing, and resettlement agencies tend to have a larger presence in those states.
California is the state slated to receive the largest number of Afghans (5,255); followed by Texas (4,481); Oklahoma (1,800); Washington (1,679); and Arizona (1,610). Only the District of Columbia and four states ― Hawaii, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming ― won’t receive any of the first group of Afghan evacuees.
This group of 37,000 Afghans will likely precede more resettlements of similar groups later this year, as more make their way through processing at U.S. bases around the country and overseas. Flights from those bases in third countries to the U.S. were put on pause from September 13th through at least the 20th due to several measles cases, and processing centers are now administering measles vaccines which should be completed by the end of the weekend.

How can you help?

A national initiative known as Welcome.US was launched this week to help channel the interest and support of the American public and the private sector through collaboration with federal agencies in the resettlement of Afghans.
It seeks to offer information and volunteer opportunities for the community, such as donating time and resources, or by hosting or sponsoring an Afghan family; provide resources for Afghans (including in Dari and Pashto); and answer frequently asked questions about resettlement and vetting processes.
Welcome.US is a non-profit, non-partisan initiative of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) and includes more than 250 organizations, leaders, and businesses.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Jumprope: U.S. Army photo by Spec. Elliott Page / Public Domain | Clothes: Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mitchell Johnson / Public Domain)

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Almost two years ago, we made the call for Mavericks – people who challenge the status quo; people who defend the dignity of all; and people who work in service of a cause greater than oneself. Thousands, maybe millions, have answered the call.

As the 2020 Election approaches, we need mavericks more than ever before. Like the original maverick, Senator John McCain, we ask you to use your vote to challenge the status quo, defend the dignity of all people and support causes greater than one’s self.

Watch the video and let us know how you plan on Maverick Voting. Post your responses and videos here and/or on Twitter and Facebook pages and take the pledge if you haven’t already at https://www.mavericksneeded.org/.

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","custom_cta_text":"Record Video","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":3,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Local News Source Guide - Western Region","id":395,"slug":"395-local-news-source-guide-western-region","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/395-local-news-source-guide-western-region","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=395","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/395/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"3.4.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/e0773c/West%20region.jpg"},"profile_id":10,"action_count":2,"html_content":"

Arizona - AZ AZCentral

New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal

Oregon - OR The Oregonian

Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal

California – CA Los Angeles Times

Washington - WA The Seattle Times

Utah - UT Deseret News

Colorado - CO The Denver Post

Hawaii - HI Honolulu Star Advertiser

Alaska - AK Anchorage Daily News

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:43.123Z","status":"published","snippet":"Arizona - AZ AZCentral New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal Oregon - OR The Oregonian Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal","share_count":1,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:43.121Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - Western Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Arizona - AZ AZCentral

New Mexico - NM Albuquerque Journal

Oregon - OR The Oregonian

Nevada - NV Las Vegas Review Journal

California – CA Los Angeles Times

Washington - WA The Seattle Times

Utah - UT Deseret News

Colorado - CO The Denver Post

Hawaii - HI Honolulu Star Advertiser

Alaska - AK Anchorage Daily News

","custom_cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Ask the Expert - Episode 6: When can you expect to know the election result?","id":359,"slug":"359-ask-expert-episode-6-expect-know-election-result","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/359-ask-expert-episode-6-expect-know-election-result","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=359","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/359/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QPdVFA0dxMg/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QPdVFA0dxMg/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QPdVFA0dxMg/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QPdVFA0dxMg/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/QPdVFA0dxMg/0.jpg"},"profile_id":9,"action_count":10,"html_content":"

As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center, the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with important voter information and answer all your questions about the upcoming 2020 election. For more, check out Campaign Legal Center's State and Locally Focused Resources for Supporting Voting Rights.

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The second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service has been awarded to the people of Hong Kong in recognition of their fight for democracy. The award, which was presented to the people of Lesbos, Greece, last year was presented this year to former lawmaker Emily Lau Wai-hing and activist Figo Chan Ho-wun on Saturday, November 23rd. The two accepted the award from Cindy McCain, the wife of late Senator John McCain, alongside the Halifax Security Forum, on behalf of all protesters in Hong Kong.

Giving this award to the people of Hong Kong makes the Halifax Security Forum—a network of international experts, academics, military officials, entrepreneurs and authors—the first international organization to recognize the struggles of the city’s people. This certainly comes at a delicate time: last week, the US Congress almost unanimously voted to pass the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act. This act would impose stricter monitoring of Hong Kong and, should any action be taken by the government to erode at the city’s freedoms, sanctions against China. President Trump, who has been in the process of working out a new trade deal with Beijing as a focal point of his re-election campaign, has yet to comment on whether he will sign the act into law or not.

In this context, the Halifax Forum’s recognition of the Hong Kongese could be seen as a challenge to Beijing itself. However, the Forum stands firm in its decision. Cindy McCain, who is also a board member of the Forum, said that she hopes “this tribute to those who are struggling for their rights in Hong Kong will encourage more people around the world to raise their voices in support of their cause, especially in my country’s government. They are fighting for something larger than themselves.”

Article: People of Hong Kong awarded 2019 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service – an honour that comes at delicate time in US-China relations

","comments_count":3,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":false,"created_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.848Z","status":"published","snippet":"The second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service has been awarded to the people of Hong Kong in recognition","share_count":3,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":{"state":"","region":"country","geolocate":true,"select_path":"Contact Reps : Federal : Geolocate","lower_chamber":"house","upper_chamber":"senate","chamber_choice":"all","state_required":false,"default_message":"This issue is important to me.","chosen_legislators":["3"],"lower_chamber_name":"House","upper_chamber_name":"Senate"},"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-11-25T15:26:21.846Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"People of Hong Kong Receive Leadership Award","cta_prompt":"Second annual John McCain Prize for Leadership and Public Service awarded to people of Hong Kong","html_content":"

Article: People of Hong Kong awarded 2019 John McCain Prize for Leadership in Public Service – an honour that comes at delicate time in US-China relations

","custom_cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":3,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[3]},{"title":"Introducing the Diplomacy Caucus","id":119,"slug":"119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/119-introducing-diplomacy-caucus","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=119","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/119/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":898,"cta_prompt":"A bipartisan group of lawmakers are banding together to support America's diplomats","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/ZBVBgDke/a2c50b/brandon-mowinkel-H2b1a5WNSW0-unsplash.jpg"},"profile_id":6,"action_count":7,"html_content":"

The ongoing impeachment hearings in Washington, DC have had the unintended consequence of dragging down the morale of America’s foreign service as U.S. diplomats have been caught up in the partisan crossfire. To remedy this, four members of congress, two Republicans and two Democrats, have announced the creation of the Diplomacy Caucus. The caucus will bring together lawmakers of both parties in the interest of strengthening the U.S. diplomatic corps through legislation. Do you feel that America’s public servants are being protected enough by Congress, or is the creation of this caucus a necessity?

Article: With State Department Under Fire, Lawmakers Form a Diplomacy Caucus

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-12-04T19:22:29.919Z","status":"published","snippet":"The ongoing impeachment hearings in Washington, DC have had the unintended consequence of dragging down the morale of America’s","share_count":3,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-12-04T19:22:29.917Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Introducing the Diplomacy Caucus","cta_prompt":"A bipartisan group of lawmakers are banding together to support America's diplomats","html_content":"

Article: With State Department Under Fire, Lawmakers Form a Diplomacy Caucus

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"U.S. Condemns China's 'Provocative' & 'Destabilizing' Military Activity Near Taiwan","id":487,"slug":"487-u-s-condemns-china-s-provocative-destabilizing-military-activity-near-taiwan","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/487-u-s-condemns-china-s-provocative-destabilizing-military-activity-near-taiwan","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=487","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/487/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":3108,"cta_prompt":"Are you concerned about China’s military activities near Taiwan?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.11.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/b52ec5/b52ec5-ChinaMilitaryActivityTaiwan10-5-21.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/b52ec5/b52ec5-ChinaMilitaryActivityTaiwan10-5-21.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/b52ec5/b52ec5-ChinaMilitaryActivityTaiwan10-5-21.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/b52ec5/b52ec5-ChinaMilitaryActivityTaiwan10-5-21.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/b52ec5/b52ec5-ChinaMilitaryActivityTaiwan10-5-21.png"},"profile_id":11,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

The State Dept. issued a statement Monday that condemned the People’s Republic of China’s increased military activity near Taiwan, which featured record numbers of Chinese military flights within Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Over the course of four days from Friday, October 1st to Monday, October 4th, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported a total of 149 Chinese military aircraft including multirole fighters, bombers, and surveillance aircraft flew through Taiwan’s ADIZ. Many countries, including the U.S., Taiwan, and PRC, have an ADIZ that is broader than the national airspace for security purposes.
The total included 38 Chinese military flights on Friday, 39 on Saturday, 16 on Sunday, and 56 on Monday. The number of sorties on Friday, Saturday, and Monday each set a new record for most daily intrusions by Chinese military aircraft. Taiwanese officials called China’s activities “over the top” and said, “countries that wish to annex Taiwan will be deterred.”
State Dept. Spokesperson Ned Price released a statement saying that the U.S. is “very concerned by the People’s Republic of China’s provocative military activity near Taiwan, which is destabilizing, risks miscalculations, and undermines regional peace and stability.” He added:

“We urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan. We have an abiding interest in peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We will continue to assist Taiwan in maintaining a sufficient self-defense capability, and we will maintain our commitments as outlined in the Three Communiqués, the Taiwan Relations Act, and the Six Assurances. The U.S. commitment to Taiwan is rock solid and contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and within the region. We will continue to stand with friends and allies to advance our shared prosperity, security, and values and deepen our ties with democratic Taiwan.”

Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials, including General Secretary Xi Jinping, have made reunification with Taiwan a priority in what they see as an “unshakeable commitment” the China’s ascent into a position of global leadership. The CCP regards Taiwan (also known as the Republic of China or ROC) ― which is a self-governing democracy ― as a rogue province and has threatened to compel a reunion by military force across the 110 mile-wide Taiwan Strait if the ROC pursues formal independence.
U.S. defense officials have expressed increasing concern in recent years about the growing capability of the CCP to attempt to seize Taiwan by force, with some predicting that an invasion could occur in the next six years, with or without Taiwan pursuing international recognition as its own country. While an invasion could be preceded by an increased level of Chinese military flights in Taiwan’s ADIZ, the recent flights could be saber-rattling meant to intimidate Taiwan and its allies without being a prelude to war.
October has historically been a time of significant friction between the PRC and Taiwan. The PRC celebrates its National Day on October 1st while Taiwan celebrates its National Day on October 10th. The origins of both governments lie in the communists’ victory over the nationalists in the Chinese Civil War, which prompted the nationalists to flee to Taiwan.
China’s recent military flights in Taiwan’s ADIZ could also be a response to recent training by the U.S. military and several allied militaries in the Western Pacific. Notably, four aircraft carriers ― including the American carriers USS Ronald Reagan and USS Carl Vinson, the British HMS Queen Elizabeth, and the Japanese JS Ise ― maneuvered along with supporting warships from allied navies over the weekend in the Philippine Sea near Taiwan, Okinawa, and the Philippine island of Luzon.

RELATED READING

\nSenate’s China Competition Bill Aims to Bolster U.S. Support for Taiwan - Are You in Favor? (6/7/21)\n
\nBlinken Warns China Using Military Force Against Taiwan Would Be ‘Serious Mistake’ (4/12/21)\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: U.S.-Taiwan: iStock.com / avdeev007 | Chinese Bomber: alert5 via Wikimedia / Creative Commons)

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-10-11T15:41:09.477Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? The State Dept. issued a statement Monday that condemned the People’s Republic of China’s increased military","share_count":0,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-10-11T15:41:09.295Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"U.S. Condemns China's 'Provocative' & 'Destabilizing' Military Activity Near Taiwan","cta_prompt":"Are you concerned about China’s military activities near Taiwan?","html_content":"

What’s the story?

The State Dept. issued a statement Monday that condemned the People’s Republic of China’s increased military activity near Taiwan, which featured record numbers of Chinese military flights within Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
Over the course of four days from Friday, October 1st to Monday, October 4th, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported a total of 149 Chinese military aircraft including multirole fighters, bombers, and surveillance aircraft flew through Taiwan’s ADIZ. Many countries, including the U.S., Taiwan, and PRC, have an ADIZ that is broader than the national airspace for security purposes.
The total included 38 Chinese military flights on Friday, 39 on Saturday, 16 on Sunday, and 56 on Monday. The number of sorties on Friday, Saturday, and Monday each set a new record for most daily intrusions by Chinese military aircraft. Taiwanese officials called China’s activities “over the top” and said, “countries that wish to annex Taiwan will be deterred.”
State Dept. Spokesperson Ned Price released a statement saying that the U.S. is “very concerned by the People’s Republic of China’s provocative military activity near Taiwan, which is destabilizing, risks miscalculations, and undermines regional peace and stability.” He added:

“We urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan. We have an abiding interest in peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We will continue to assist Taiwan in maintaining a sufficient self-defense capability, and we will maintain our commitments as outlined in the Three Communiqués, the Taiwan Relations Act, and the Six Assurances. The U.S. commitment to Taiwan is rock solid and contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and within the region. We will continue to stand with friends and allies to advance our shared prosperity, security, and values and deepen our ties with democratic Taiwan.”

Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials, including General Secretary Xi Jinping, have made reunification with Taiwan a priority in what they see as an “unshakeable commitment” the China’s ascent into a position of global leadership. The CCP regards Taiwan (also known as the Republic of China or ROC) ― which is a self-governing democracy ― as a rogue province and has threatened to compel a reunion by military force across the 110 mile-wide Taiwan Strait if the ROC pursues formal independence.
U.S. defense officials have expressed increasing concern in recent years about the growing capability of the CCP to attempt to seize Taiwan by force, with some predicting that an invasion could occur in the next six years, with or without Taiwan pursuing international recognition as its own country. While an invasion could be preceded by an increased level of Chinese military flights in Taiwan’s ADIZ, the recent flights could be saber-rattling meant to intimidate Taiwan and its allies without being a prelude to war.
October has historically been a time of significant friction between the PRC and Taiwan. The PRC celebrates its National Day on October 1st while Taiwan celebrates its National Day on October 10th. The origins of both governments lie in the communists’ victory over the nationalists in the Chinese Civil War, which prompted the nationalists to flee to Taiwan.
China’s recent military flights in Taiwan’s ADIZ could also be a response to recent training by the U.S. military and several allied militaries in the Western Pacific. Notably, four aircraft carriers ― including the American carriers USS Ronald Reagan and USS Carl Vinson, the British HMS Queen Elizabeth, and the Japanese JS Ise ― maneuvered along with supporting warships from allied navies over the weekend in the Philippine Sea near Taiwan, Okinawa, and the Philippine island of Luzon.

RELATED READING

\nSenate’s China Competition Bill Aims to Bolster U.S. Support for Taiwan - Are You in Favor? (6/7/21)\n
\nBlinken Warns China Using Military Force Against Taiwan Would Be ‘Serious Mistake’ (4/12/21)\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: U.S.-Taiwan: iStock.com / avdeev007 | Chinese Bomber: alert5 via Wikimedia / Creative Commons)

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Should big tech bend to authoritarians’ demands to subvert democracy?","id":483,"slug":"483-big-thing-big-tech-bend-authoritarians-demands-subvert-democracy","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/483-big-thing-big-tech-bend-authoritarians-demands-subvert-democracy","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=483","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/483/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"9.21.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/ef928f/ef928f-1100x619_cmsv2_ce64346d-b427-5301-8ab2-2ed91b48a546-6079240.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/ef928f/ef928f-1100x619_cmsv2_ce64346d-b427-5301-8ab2-2ed91b48a546-6079240.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/ef928f/ef928f-1100x619_cmsv2_ce64346d-b427-5301-8ab2-2ed91b48a546-6079240.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/ef928f/ef928f-1100x619_cmsv2_ce64346d-b427-5301-8ab2-2ed91b48a546-6079240.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/ef928f/ef928f-1100x619_cmsv2_ce64346d-b427-5301-8ab2-2ed91b48a546-6079240.jpg"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":74,"html_content":"

What is it?

Last weekend, Russians went to the polls to vote for their representation in Russia’s lower house of Parliament, known as the Duma.
Leading up to the election, the Russian government shut down opposition politician Alexei Navalny’s smart-voting system/application, thus restricting the Russian people’s right to vote.
Big Tech companies including Apple and Google have removed Navalny’s voting app from their platforms, bowing to pressure from the Moscow’s censorship office.
Navalny and his team created an app to fight electoral corruption by giving Russian citizens a platform to vote in opposition to Putin in a way that would avoid splitting ballots between members of the opposition.

Why is it important?

By limiting the options to vote for Russians, the Kremlin has shown that they aren’t interested in providing free and fair elections, and would rather limit the voting options of the public for their own gain
This is another example of the choices many tech companies must consider when operating in foreign countries. In this case, Apple and Google chose bent to the Russian government when they removed the app from their stores, effectively turning their back on the Russian people and democratic norms.

What can you do?

Raising awareness of this issue on social media would help show the Russian public that they are not alone, as well as showing the government that their actions have not gone unnoticed

Authored by Andriy Nix

","comments_count":10,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-09-21T15:41:45.442Z","status":"published","snippet":"What is it? Last weekend, Russians went to the polls to vote for their representation in Russia’s lower house of Parliament,","share_count":5,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-09-21T15:41:45.418Z","allow_advocacy":false,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"One Big Thing: Should big tech bend to authoritarians’ demands to subvert democracy?","cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","html_content":"

What is it?

Last weekend, Russians went to the polls to vote for their representation in Russia’s lower house of Parliament, known as the Duma.
Leading up to the election, the Russian government shut down opposition politician Alexei Navalny’s smart-voting system/application, thus restricting the Russian people’s right to vote.
Big Tech companies including Apple and Google have removed Navalny’s voting app from their platforms, bowing to pressure from the Moscow’s censorship office.
Navalny and his team created an app to fight electoral corruption by giving Russian citizens a platform to vote in opposition to Putin in a way that would avoid splitting ballots between members of the opposition.

Why is it important?

By limiting the options to vote for Russians, the Kremlin has shown that they aren’t interested in providing free and fair elections, and would rather limit the voting options of the public for their own gain
This is another example of the choices many tech companies must consider when operating in foreign countries. In this case, Apple and Google chose bent to the Russian government when they removed the app from their stores, effectively turning their back on the Russian people and democratic norms.

What can you do?

Raising awareness of this issue on social media would help show the Russian public that they are not alone, as well as showing the government that their actions have not gone unnoticed

Authored by Andriy Nix

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":7,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Local News Source Guide - Midwest Region","id":394,"slug":"394-local-news-source-guide-midwest-region","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/394-local-news-source-guide-midwest-region","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=394","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/394/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"3.4.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/4c91d0/Midwest%20region.jpg"},"profile_id":10,"action_count":1,"html_content":"

Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune

Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman

Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star

Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register

Kansas - KS Wichita Eagle

Michigan - MI Detroit News

Minnesota - MN Duluth News Tribune

Montana - MT Billings Gazette

Missouri - MO St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Nebraska - NE Lincoln Journal Star

Wyoming - WY Casper Star-Tribune

Ohio - OH Cincinnati Enquirer

Wisconsin - WI Wisconsin State Journal

North Dakota - ND Bismarck Tribune

South Dakota - SD Rapid City Journal

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:00.175Z","status":"published","snippet":"Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register Kansas","share_count":1,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:07:00.169Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - Midwest Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Illinois - IL Chicago Tribune

Idaho - ID Idaho Statesman

Indiana - IN Indianapolis Star

Iowa - IA The Des Moines Register

Kansas - KS Wichita Eagle

Michigan - MI Detroit News

Minnesota - MN Duluth News Tribune

Montana - MT Billings Gazette

Missouri - MO St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Nebraska - NE Lincoln Journal Star

Wyoming - WY Casper Star-Tribune

Ohio - OH Cincinnati Enquirer

Wisconsin - WI Wisconsin State Journal

North Dakota - ND Bismarck Tribune

South Dakota - SD Rapid City Journal

","custom_cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Ask the Expert - Episode 5: What is \"Ballot Harvesting\" or \"Ballot Assistance\"?","id":358,"slug":"358-ask-expert-episode-5-ballot-harvesting-ballot-assistance","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/358-ask-expert-episode-5-ballot-harvesting-ballot-assistance","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=358","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/358/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/aajlcjVZyVo/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/aajlcjVZyVo/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/aajlcjVZyVo/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/aajlcjVZyVo/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/aajlcjVZyVo/0.jpg"},"profile_id":9,"action_count":4,"html_content":"

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-12-04T20:55:31.252Z","status":"published","snippet":"As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center , the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-12-04T20:55:31.250Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/aajlcjVZyVo","video_dimensions":[480,270],"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Ask the Expert - Episode 5: What is \"Ballot Harvesting\" or \"Ballot Assistance\"?","cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","html_content":"

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":1,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Congressman Introduces Bill Requiring Arrested Protesters to Pay for Police Overtime","id":89,"slug":"89-congressman-introduces-bill-requiring-arrested-protesters-pay-police-overtime","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/89-congressman-introduces-bill-requiring-arrested-protesters-pay-police-overtime","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=89","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/89/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Should protesters have to pay for police? Tell your Rep. how you feel.","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.8.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/dc7cc9/WHTT_ArrestedProtestersPayPoliceOvertime_TakeAction_20191007.jpg"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":44,"html_content":"

Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested protestors to pay for police overtime.

Rep. Banks (R-Ind.) said \"Hoosier taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for illegal protests — it is a violation of their 1st Amendment rights.”

Despite Banks’ statements, such a bill would erode First Amendment protections and make citizens less likely to protest.

\nArticle: GOP lawmaker to introduce bill requiring arrested DC protesters pay for police overtime\n

Banks claims that this bill would not prohibit other demonstrations or protests, but historically speaking, many of our nation’s most important civil rights victories have come from protests that led to arrests. It seems likely that adding financial responsibility on top of the threat of arrest may prevent would-be-activists from participating in future protests.

Is this an intimidation tactic? If so, is it a violation of our First Amendment rights?

What do you think? Should activists ever be on the hook for police overtime?

","comments_count":4,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-08T16:57:59.427Z","status":"published","snippet":"Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested","share_count":13,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-08T17:09:45.576Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Congressman Introduces Bill Requiring Arrested Protesters to Pay for Police Overtime","cta_prompt":"Should protesters have to pay for police? Tell your Rep. how you feel.","html_content":"

Republican Representative Jim Banks responded to September’s climate protests by introducing a bill that would force arrested protestors to pay for police overtime.

Rep. Banks (R-Ind.) said \"Hoosier taxpayers shouldn't be on the hook for illegal protests — it is a violation of their 1st Amendment rights.”

Despite Banks’ statements, such a bill would erode First Amendment protections and make citizens less likely to protest.

\nArticle: GOP lawmaker to introduce bill requiring arrested DC protesters pay for police overtime\n

Is this an intimidation tactic? If so, is it a violation of our First Amendment rights?

What do you think? Should activists ever be on the hook for police overtime?

","custom_cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":4,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"New California Law Prohibits Political Deepfakes","id":100,"slug":"100-new-california-law-prohibits-political-deepfakes","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/100-new-california-law-prohibits-political-deepfakes","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=100","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/100/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Should deepfake videos be considered protected speech?","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.22.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/843872/WHTT_PoliticalDeepFake_Explore_20191021.jpg"},"profile_id":6,"action_count":15,"html_content":"

California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false information about political candidates.

Specifically, the bill applies to instances where deepfake technology is used to intentionally spread false information about a candidate within 60 days of an election.

The bill includes exceptions for parody and satire, as well as cases where the broadcaster or publisher makes it clear that the media has been manipulated.

Article: California Becomes The Second State To Restrict Political “Deepfakes”

The bill has already drawn harsh criticism from free speech advocates, including the ACLU, who claimed \"this bill will not solve the problem of deceptive political videos; it will only result in voter confusion, malicious litigation, and repression of free speech.”

It’s worth noting that libel and defamation have never been protected by the first amendment, and many deepfake videos could be classified as libel or defamation.

Do you think outlawing deepfake videos is an attack on the first amendment? Can we stop the spread of misinformation without relying on censorship? Let us know in the comments below.

","comments_count":3,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["legislation","news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-22T14:57:04.556Z","status":"published","snippet":"California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false","share_count":2,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Yes","color":"#333373","stance":"yes"},{"text":"Maybe","color":"#9F1962","stance":"maybe"},{"text":"No","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"no"}],"reaction_config_id":6,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-22T15:29:37.361Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"New California Law Prohibits Political Deepfakes","cta_prompt":"Should deepfake videos be considered protected speech?","html_content":"

California recently became the second state to pass a bill restricting the use of “deepfake” technology to spread false information about political candidates.

Specifically, the bill applies to instances where deepfake technology is used to intentionally spread false information about a candidate within 60 days of an election.

The bill includes exceptions for parody and satire, as well as cases where the broadcaster or publisher makes it clear that the media has been manipulated.

Article: California Becomes The Second State To Restrict Political “Deepfakes”

It’s worth noting that libel and defamation have never been protected by the first amendment, and many deepfake videos could be classified as libel or defamation.

Do you think outlawing deepfake videos is an attack on the first amendment? Can we stop the spread of misinformation without relying on censorship? Let us know in the comments below.

","custom_cta_text":"React","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"issue_ids":["legislation","news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"37K Afghan Evacuees to Be Resettled Around U.S. - How You Can Help","id":486,"slug":"486-37k-afghan-evacuees-resettled-u-s-help","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/486-37k-afghan-evacuees-resettled-u-s-help","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=486","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/486/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":3108,"cta_prompt":"Join the 17,292 people who've taken action on Causes this week","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.4.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/a2e1f4/a2e1f4-AfghanEvacuees9-18.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/a2e1f4/a2e1f4-AfghanEvacuees9-18.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/a2e1f4/a2e1f4-AfghanEvacuees9-18.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/a2e1f4/a2e1f4-AfghanEvacuees9-18.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/W28aVRDV/a2e1f4/a2e1f4-AfghanEvacuees9-18.png"},"profile_id":11,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

What’s the story?

State Dept. data for the Afghan Placement and Assistance program obtained by the Associated Press and Axios indicates where the first group of nearly 37,000 Afghan evacuees will be residing once they complete their post-evacuation processing.
Evacuees tend to request states where they have family and close friends already residing, and resettlement agencies tend to have a larger presence in those states.
California is the state slated to receive the largest number of Afghans (5,255); followed by Texas (4,481); Oklahoma (1,800); Washington (1,679); and Arizona (1,610). Only the District of Columbia and four states ― Hawaii, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming ― won’t receive any of the first group of Afghan evacuees.
This group of 37,000 Afghans will likely precede more resettlements of similar groups later this year, as more make their way through processing at U.S. bases around the country and overseas. Flights from those bases in third countries to the U.S. were put on pause from September 13th through at least the 20th due to several measles cases, and processing centers are now administering measles vaccines which should be completed by the end of the weekend.

How can you help?

A national initiative known as Welcome.US was launched this week to help channel the interest and support of the American public and the private sector through collaboration with federal agencies in the resettlement of Afghans.
It seeks to offer information and volunteer opportunities for the community, such as donating time and resources, or by hosting or sponsoring an Afghan family; provide resources for Afghans (including in Dari and Pashto); and answer frequently asked questions about resettlement and vetting processes.
Welcome.US is a non-profit, non-partisan initiative of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) and includes more than 250 organizations, leaders, and businesses.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Jumprope: U.S. Army photo by Spec. Elliott Page / Public Domain | Clothes: Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mitchell Johnson / Public Domain)

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-10-04T19:32:40.904Z","status":"published","snippet":"What’s the story? State Dept. data for the Afghan Placement and Assistance program obtained by the Associated Press and Axios","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-10-04T19:32:40.861Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"37K Afghan Evacuees to Be Resettled Around U.S. - How You Can Help","cta_prompt":"Join the 17,292 people who've taken action on Causes this week","html_content":"

What’s the story?

State Dept. data for the Afghan Placement and Assistance program obtained by the Associated Press and Axios indicates where the first group of nearly 37,000 Afghan evacuees will be residing once they complete their post-evacuation processing.
Evacuees tend to request states where they have family and close friends already residing, and resettlement agencies tend to have a larger presence in those states.
California is the state slated to receive the largest number of Afghans (5,255); followed by Texas (4,481); Oklahoma (1,800); Washington (1,679); and Arizona (1,610). Only the District of Columbia and four states ― Hawaii, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming ― won’t receive any of the first group of Afghan evacuees.
This group of 37,000 Afghans will likely precede more resettlements of similar groups later this year, as more make their way through processing at U.S. bases around the country and overseas. Flights from those bases in third countries to the U.S. were put on pause from September 13th through at least the 20th due to several measles cases, and processing centers are now administering measles vaccines which should be completed by the end of the weekend.

How can you help?

A national initiative known as Welcome.US was launched this week to help channel the interest and support of the American public and the private sector through collaboration with federal agencies in the resettlement of Afghans.
It seeks to offer information and volunteer opportunities for the community, such as donating time and resources, or by hosting or sponsoring an Afghan family; provide resources for Afghans (including in Dari and Pashto); and answer frequently asked questions about resettlement and vetting processes.
Welcome.US is a non-profit, non-partisan initiative of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors (RPA) and includes more than 250 organizations, leaders, and businesses.

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: Jumprope: U.S. Army photo by Spec. Elliott Page / Public Domain | Clothes: Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Mitchell Johnson / Public Domain)

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"issue_ids":["news"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Big Thing: Do you support the Local Journalism Sustainability Act of 2021?","id":476,"slug":"476-big-thing-do-support-local-journalism-sustainability-act-2021","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/476-big-thing-do-support-local-journalism-sustainability-act-2021","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=476","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/476/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","cta_type":"reactions","cta_text":"React","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"8.30.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/37f783/37f783-stack-450x300.png","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/37f783/37f783-stack-450x300.png","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/37f783/37f783-stack-450x300.png","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/37f783/37f783-stack-450x300.png","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/37f783/37f783-stack-450x300.png"},"profile_id":4,"action_count":63,"html_content":"

The Local Journalism Sustainability Act of 2021 is a bipartisan bill in support of local newsrooms across the country. The bill has a three-tiered approach which addresses local news outlets, small businesses who advertise or provide sponsorships for local news, and subscribers of these newsrooms:

\nFor local news organizations, the bill would provide a payroll tax credit which would creating an incentive to retain journalists.
\nFor small business sponsors, the bill would provide a tax credit to business who work with local newspapers, websites, radio or TV
\nFor subscribers, it would provide individual tax credits to help subsidize individual readers’ subscriptions to local news outlets.

Here are more details on how the bill works, the actual legislative language, and a dive into the weeds of what the bill’s components would do.

","comments_count":9,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-08-30T22:30:29.263Z","status":"published","snippet":"The Local Journalism Sustainability Act of 2021 is a bipartisan bill in support of local newsrooms across the country. The bill","share_count":9,"reaction_config":[{"text":"Support","color":"#333373","stance":"support"},{"text":"Oppose","color":"#DB0F06","stance":"oppose"}],"reaction_config_id":7,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-08-30T22:30:29.234Z","allow_advocacy":false,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"One Big Thing: Do you support the Local Journalism Sustainability Act of 2021?","cta_prompt":"Join us and take our poll","html_content":"

\nFor local news organizations, the bill would provide a payroll tax credit which would creating an incentive to retain journalists.
\nFor small business sponsors, the bill would provide a tax credit to business who work with local newspapers, websites, radio or TV
\nFor subscribers, it would provide individual tax credits to help subsidize individual readers’ subscriptions to local news outlets.

Here are more details on how the bill works, the actual legislative language, and a dive into the weeds of what the bill’s components would do.

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":9,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Local News Source Guide - North East Region","id":393,"slug":"393-local-news-source-guide-north-east-region","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/393-local-news-source-guide-north-east-region","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=393","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/393/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"3.4.21","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/mE5aaeKj/8f6e67/NE%20region.jpg"},"profile_id":10,"action_count":0,"html_content":"

Region: North East

New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor

New York - NY New York Times

Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe

Connecticut - CT Hartford Courant

Delaware - DE The News Journal

Maine - ME Portland Press Herald

Maryland - MD Maryland Independent

Pennsylvania - PA York Dispatch

Rhode Island - RI The Providence Journal

Vermont - VT Burlington Free Press

West Virginia - WV The Herald-Dispatch

","comments_count":0,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":[],"private":false,"created_at":"2021-03-04T18:06:21.302Z","status":"published","snippet":"Region: North East New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor New York - NY New York Times Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe Connecticut -","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2021-03-04T18:06:21.300Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Local News Source Guide - North East Region","cta_prompt":"Join us and spread the word to your community","html_content":"

Region: North East

New Hampshire - NH Concord Monitor

New York - NY New York Times

Massachusetts - MA Boston Globe

Connecticut - CT Hartford Courant

Delaware - DE The News Journal

Maine - ME Portland Press Herald

Maryland - MD Maryland Independent

Pennsylvania - PA York Dispatch

Rhode Island - RI The Providence Journal

Vermont - VT Burlington Free Press

West Virginia - WV The Herald-Dispatch

","custom_cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":0,"issue_ids":[],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"Ask the Expert - Episode 4: How might China, Russia & Iran meddle with our election?","id":357,"slug":"357-ask-expert-episode-4-china-russia-iran-meddle-election","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/357-ask-expert-episode-4-china-russia-iran-meddle-election","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=357","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/357/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":1095,"cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","cta_type":"share","cta_text":"Share","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"12.4.20","image_urls":{"small":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/uy1tqtjjSqk/0.jpg","medium":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/uy1tqtjjSqk/0.jpg","large":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/uy1tqtjjSqk/0.jpg","thumb":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/uy1tqtjjSqk/0.jpg","xsmall":"https://img.youtube.com/vi/uy1tqtjjSqk/0.jpg"},"profile_id":9,"action_count":2,"html_content":"

","comments_count":2,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["short-video"],"private":false,"created_at":"2020-12-04T20:54:40.156Z","status":"published","snippet":"As a part of the We Hold These Truths 2020 Election Center , the Ask the Expert Series with Trevor Potter will provide you with","share_count":0,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2020-12-04T20:54:40.152Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":"https://www.youtube.com/embed/uy1tqtjjSqk","video_dimensions":[480,270],"video_aspect_ratio":"16x9","og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"Ask the Expert - Episode 4: How might China, Russia & Iran meddle with our election?","cta_prompt":"Watch the Video Here","html_content":"

","custom_cta_text":null,"cta_url":null}},"twitter_share_language":null,"email_share_subject":null,"email_share_body":null,"confirmed_users_replies_count":2,"issue_ids":["short-video"],"legislator_ids":[]},{"title":"One Year After Jamal Khashoggi’s Death, Many Questions Remain","id":85,"slug":"85-year-jamal-khashoggi-s-death-questions-remain","links":{"self":"https://www.weholdthesetruths.org/articles/85-year-jamal-khashoggi-s-death-questions-remain","article_comments":"/api/article_comments?article_id=85","signatures":"/api/v3/articles/85/signatures?include=user"},"user_id":27,"cta_prompt":"Do you think Congress Should Reopen an Investigation?","cta_type":"contact_reps","cta_text":"Contact Reps","cta_url":null,"formatted_publish_date":"10.2.19","image_urls":{"thumb":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","xsmall":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","small":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","medium":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg","large":"https://ul.weholdthesetruths.org/ul/q_auto/WvoqklEb/d363a5/WHTT_CountablePetition_20190926.jpg"},"profile_id":5,"action_count":18,"html_content":"

Wednesday, October 2nd marks one year since journalist Jamal Khashoggi died inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Khashoggi was a known political dissident, and many of his articles were critical of the Saudi government. The exact circumstances of his murder remain suspicious and largely unverified, and one year later, there are still many questions surrounding his death.

Here’s what you need to know about Khashoggi:

Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi was a Saudi born author, journalist and political dissident.
He was assassinated on October 2nd, 2018 inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Khashoggi was a legal resident of the United States, and a columnist for the Washington Post at the time of his death.
Saudi Arabia initially denied any knowledge of Khashoggi's death.
Later, the Saudi government claimed his death was the result of rogue actors.
\nBy November, the CIA had concluded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman ordered Khashoggi's assassination.\n
A United Nation’s Report concluded that he was killed and dismembered by Saudi state actors.
His remains have never been found.
\nInitially, President Trump promised “severe punishment” if it became clear that the Saudi government had assassinated Khashoggi. One month later, he backpedaled on this claim, citing his reluctance to “destroy the economy” by straining Saudi-U.S. relations.\n
\nA trial for 11 men accused of killing Khashoggi began in January, 2019 but has taken place in Saudi Arabia, mostly outside of public view.\n
\nLast week, Saudi Crown Prince admitted that Khashoggi’s death “happened under my watch.”\n
\nMohammed bin Salman still denies ordering the killing of Khashoggi.\n

Article: Khashoggi's murder: One year on, here's what we know

Even after multiple investigations and a Saudi trial, the exact details of the murder are still unknown. Khashoggi’s murder is a brutal blow to global press freedoms and an alarming strain to U.S.-Saudi relations. People deserve to know the truth about what happened to Jamal Khashoggi, and as long as the Saudi government and the White House continue to shroud this event in secrecy, people will continue to harbor suspicions about our government’s willingness to pursue justice and our democratic commitment to a free press.

Do you think Congress should demand an investigation into Khashoggi’s death? If so, let your Representative know.

You can also sound off on twitter using the hashtags #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

Or, you can reach out to the 2020 Presidential candidates below using #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

","comments_count":1,"comments_enabled":true,"issue_slugs":["news"],"private":null,"created_at":"2019-10-02T15:59:54.482Z","status":"published","snippet":"Wednesday, October 2nd marks one year since journalist Jamal Khashoggi died inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.","share_count":5,"reaction_config_id":null,"recipient_config":null,"show_byline_follow_button":true,"show_suggested_profiles":false,"published_at":"2019-10-02T16:04:51.013Z","allow_advocacy":true,"signed":false,"signatures_count":null,"signatures_goal":100,"signable_progress":0,"video_url":null,"video_dimensions":null,"video_aspect_ratio":null,"og_title":null,"og_description":null,"translations":{"en":{"status":"published","title":"One Year After Jamal Khashoggi’s Death, Many Questions Remain","cta_prompt":"Do you think Congress Should Reopen an Investigation?","html_content":"

Here’s what you need to know about Khashoggi:

Jamal Ahmad Khashoggi was a Saudi born author, journalist and political dissident.
He was assassinated on October 2nd, 2018 inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Khashoggi was a legal resident of the United States, and a columnist for the Washington Post at the time of his death.
Saudi Arabia initially denied any knowledge of Khashoggi's death.
Later, the Saudi government claimed his death was the result of rogue actors.
\nBy November, the CIA had concluded Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman ordered Khashoggi's assassination.\n
A United Nation’s Report concluded that he was killed and dismembered by Saudi state actors.
His remains have never been found.
\nInitially, President Trump promised “severe punishment” if it became clear that the Saudi government had assassinated Khashoggi. One month later, he backpedaled on this claim, citing his reluctance to “destroy the economy” by straining Saudi-U.S. relations.\n
\nA trial for 11 men accused of killing Khashoggi began in January, 2019 but has taken place in Saudi Arabia, mostly outside of public view.\n
\nLast week, Saudi Crown Prince admitted that Khashoggi’s death “happened under my watch.”\n
\nMohammed bin Salman still denies ordering the killing of Khashoggi.\n

Article: Khashoggi's murder: One year on, here's what we know

Do you think Congress should demand an investigation into Khashoggi’s death? If so, let your Representative know.

You can also sound off on twitter using the hashtags #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

Or, you can reach out to the 2020 Presidential candidates below using #JusticeforKhashoggi and #RememberKhashoggi

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In July of 2018, investigative reporter Susan Greene filmed an interaction between Denver police and a naked, handcuffed man. Police asked Greene to stop recording, and when she refused, they seized her phone, handcuffed her, and pushed her into a police car. The interaction was captured on police body cam footage.

\nArticle: Denver Police Agree to First Amendment Training After Unlawful Arrest of Journalist\n

The right to record police officers have been repeatedly upheld by the courts as an essential element of free speech and free press.

After a 7 month internal investigation, the Denver Police Department agreed to provide First Amendment training for their officers, specifically conceding the right to photograph and record in public.

Is this a win for free speech? Let us know in the comments below.

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\nArticle: Denver Police Agree to First Amendment Training After Unlawful Arrest of Journalist\n

The right to record police officers have been repeatedly upheld by the courts as an essential element of free speech and free press.

Is this a win for free speech? Let us know in the comments below.

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What’s the story?

The House on Thursday cast a bipartisan vote of 316-113 to advance the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2022 after bipartisan lawmakers increased the defense spending authorization level above the White House’s request and held off attempts by progressive Democrats to reverse the funding boost.
When the bill was considered in the House Armed Services Committee, Ranking Member Mike Rogers (R-IL) introduced an amendment to boost the level of authorized defense spending in FY2022 by $23.9 billion above the $744 billion proposed by President Joe Biden.
Rogers’s amendment allowed for an increased operational budget ($3 billion); the procurement of additional ships ($4.7 billion), aircraft ($1.7 billion), and vehicles ($878 million); along with other items such as research and development ($5.2 billion).
The Rogers amendment was adopted on a bipartisan 42-17 vote in the committee, where 14 Democrats joined all Republicans by voting in favor and 17 Democrats were opposed.
The committee then went on to approve its version of the NDAA on an overwhelming 57-2 vote, sending it to the House floor for further debate this week, when progressive Democrats offered a pair of amendments aimed at reversing the bipartisan budget increase.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) offered an amendment to reduce the authorization level by 10% (or $76.8 billion) for all military accounts except for those related to personnel, the Dept. of Defense civilian workforce, or health programs. It was defeated on an 86-332 vote, with all GOP lawmakers and 126 Democrats opposed.
Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) offered an amendment on behalf of Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) that would reduce the authorization level to the amount requested in Biden’s budget ($744 billion). It failed on a 142-286 vote with unanimous opposition from Republicans, although it did garner a 142-77 majority of the Democratic caucus. The full House then voted 316-113 to send its NDAA to the Senate.
On Wednesday, the Senate Armed Services Committee cast a bipartisan 23-3 vote to advance its version of the NDAA which also authorizes $768 billion in FY2022, a number in sync with the House’s bipartisan NDAA topline as passed Thursday.

RELATED READING

\nH.R. 4350: National Defense Authorization Act for FY22 (House-Passed)\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jake Cox via Flickr / Creative Commons)

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What’s the story?

The House on Thursday cast a bipartisan vote of 316-113 to advance the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2022 after bipartisan lawmakers increased the defense spending authorization level above the White House’s request and held off attempts by progressive Democrats to reverse the funding boost.
When the bill was considered in the House Armed Services Committee, Ranking Member Mike Rogers (R-IL) introduced an amendment to boost the level of authorized defense spending in FY2022 by $23.9 billion above the $744 billion proposed by President Joe Biden.
Rogers’s amendment allowed for an increased operational budget ($3 billion); the procurement of additional ships ($4.7 billion), aircraft ($1.7 billion), and vehicles ($878 million); along with other items such as research and development ($5.2 billion).
The Rogers amendment was adopted on a bipartisan 42-17 vote in the committee, where 14 Democrats joined all Republicans by voting in favor and 17 Democrats were opposed.
The committee then went on to approve its version of the NDAA on an overwhelming 57-2 vote, sending it to the House floor for further debate this week, when progressive Democrats offered a pair of amendments aimed at reversing the bipartisan budget increase.
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) offered an amendment to reduce the authorization level by 10% (or $76.8 billion) for all military accounts except for those related to personnel, the Dept. of Defense civilian workforce, or health programs. It was defeated on an 86-332 vote, with all GOP lawmakers and 126 Democrats opposed.
Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA) offered an amendment on behalf of Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) that would reduce the authorization level to the amount requested in Biden’s budget ($744 billion). It failed on a 142-286 vote with unanimous opposition from Republicans, although it did garner a 142-77 majority of the Democratic caucus. The full House then voted 316-113 to send its NDAA to the Senate.
On Wednesday, the Senate Armed Services Committee cast a bipartisan 23-3 vote to advance its version of the NDAA which also authorizes $768 billion in FY2022, a number in sync with the House’s bipartisan NDAA topline as passed Thursday.

RELATED READING

\nH.R. 4350: National Defense Authorization Act for FY22 (House-Passed)\n

— Eric Revell

(Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jake Cox via Flickr / Creative Commons)

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Weekly Roundup: April 9, 2020

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