MICHAEL DE DORA

- On January 6, we submitted a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee requesting that, during its confirmation hearing for Attorney General nominee Sen. Jeff Sessions, members inquire about Sessions long history of antipathy towards the role of the Department of Justice and the federal government in ensuring equal protection under the law for all Americans. - In early February, a draft executive order by the Trump administration on religious freedom was leaked to the public. The draft order, Establishing a Government-Wide Initiative to Respect Religious Freedom, would grant individuals and corporations who claim a religious rationale a presumptive exemption from participat[ing] in activities that violate their conscience, and require all government agencies to review every existing and prospective order for compliance. CFI immediately urged the President Donald Trump to not issue the order. The Center for Inquiry (CFI) has reviewed the order and considers it an unprecedented capitulation to the wish list of the Religious Right - a veritable religious blank check for conservative Christians to claim special privileges because of their religion and discriminate in almost every area of public life. - On February 13, we issued an action alert urging all members of Congress and tell them to reject the Free Speech Fairness Act (H.R. 781 and S. 264), which would give religious leaders expanded influence in the political process. - On March 8, we were amongst 86 religious and secular groups to write a letter to President Trump and members of Congress to urging them to preserve the Johnson Amendment and keep partisan politics out of 501(c)(3) organizations.

We issued an action alert urging all members of Congress to reject resolutions in the House (H.J. Res. 27) and the Senate (S.J. Res. 4) that would block the District of Columbia's Death With Dignity Act, which allows medical aid in dying, from being implemented. Lobbyist Michael De Dora left his post with CFI in early June.

- On February 15, we issued an action alert urging all members of Congress to reject resolutions in the House (H.J. Res. 27) and the Senate (S.J. Res. 4) that would block the District of Columbia's Death With Dignity Act, which allows medical aid in dying, from being implemented.

On April 13, we were one of more than 50 national organizations to support U.S. Senator Cory Bookers (D-NJ) introduction of the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act, S. 2765, which lays out a comprehensive vision for sexual education policy in the United States. The bill was already introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as H.R. 1706 by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA). On April 13, we urged all members of Congress to support the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act, (S. 2765 / H.R. 1706). On May 16, we joined more than two dozen advocacy organizations in writing a letter to leadership of the House Committee on Appropriations to voice opposition to policy riders to the Fiscal Year 2017 appropriations bills that would undermine womens access to health care while purporting to protect religious liberty.

On April 27, we joined partners in the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination in sending a letter to the House Committee on Armed Services opposing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, H.R. 4909, which would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant. On May 10, we joined partners in the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination in sending a letter to the Senate Committee on Armed Services that voices strong opposition to any amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, S. 2814, that would allow taxpayer-funded discrimination. On May 17, we urged all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, H.R. 4909, which would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant. The so-called Russell Amendment was approved and included in the final version of H.R. 4909 which passed the full House. On May 19, we applauded and supported the introduction of the Do No Harm Act" (H.R. 5272), an amendment to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that would prevent its use in situations that involve third-party harm, helping to end the laws sanctioning of religious discrimination and imposition. On June 30, we urged all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose and cancel a hearing on the First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598 / H.R. 2802), a bill that would bar the federal government from denying a tax exemption, grant, contract, license, certification, accreditation, or employment to a business, non-profit, or individual based on their belief that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, or that sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage.

On July 6, we joined more than 70 organizations in sending a letter to Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) Congress to oppose and cancel a hearing on the First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598 / H.R. 2802). The Act, introduced by Rep. Labrador (R-ID) and Sen. Lee (R-UT), would bar the federal government from denying a tax exemption, grant, contract, license, certification, accreditation, or employment to a business, non-profit, or individual based on their belief that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, or that sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which Rep. Chaffetz chairs, announced its hearing on this measure would take place exactly one month (July 12) after the mass murder of 49 LGBTQ people and allies at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. On August 11, we urged all members of Congress to support the Freedom of Religion Act of 2016 (H.R. 5207). The Act, proposed by Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA),, would ensure that immigrants, refugees and international travelers are not denied entry to the U.S. solely based on their religion, or lack of religion. On August 25, we joined 90 organizations in writing a letter to all Senate and House leadership opposing a provision (the "Russell Amendment") in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017 (H.R. 4909) that would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant.

On August 3, we urged all members of Congress to support the Restore Honor to Service Members Act (H.R. 3068 / S. 1766), which would require the review boards of the military services to establish a timely, consistent, and transparent process for reviewing the records of service members claiming to have been discharged solely because of their sexual orientation. It would also simplify the paperwork requirement necessary for service members to initiate a review in an effort to make the process for corrective action achievable for all.

On January 4, the Center for Inquiry and its members messaged the U.S. House of Representatives urging its members to oppose a provision in the budget bill -- H.R.3762, the Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act -- which would withdraw a significant portion of federal funding from Planned Parenthood and defund parts of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

On April 5, we joined partners in the National Coalition for Public Education in sending a letter to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs opposing Sen. John McCains (R-AZ) bill, S. 2711, which would allow federal Bureau of Indian Education money to fund state Education Savings Account (ESA) programs. ESAs are effectively no different than school vouchers; they place funding that would ordinarily support students attending public schools into an account for students to use on other education expenses, including private school tuition. On April 13, we joined partners in the National Coalition for Public Education in sending a letter to the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee opposing H.R. 4901, the reauthorization of the District of Columbia private school voucher program. The bill would pass through Committee. On April 27, we again joined with the NCPE in sending a letter to the full House of Representatives opposing passage of H.R. 4901. The bill would pass the House. It now moves to the Senate.

On January 25, the Center for Inquiry and its members urged both chambers of Congress to oppose H.R. 4901, the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results (SOAR) Reauthorization Act, sponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, which would reauthorize the school voucher program in the District of Columbia.

On July 6, we joined more than 70 organizations in sending a letter to Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) Congress to oppose and cancel a hearing on the First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598 / H.R. 2802). The Act, introduced by Rep. Labrador (R-ID) and Sen. Lee (R-UT), would bar the federal government from denying a tax exemption, grant, contract, license, certification, accreditation, or employment to a business, non-profit, or individual based on their belief that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, or that sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which Rep. Chaffetz chairs, announced its hearing on this measure would take place exactly one month (July 12) after the mass murder of 49 LGBTQ people and allies at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. On August 11, we urged all members of Congress to support the Freedom of Religion Act of 2016 (H.R. 5207). The Act, proposed by Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA),, would ensure that immigrants, refugees and international travelers are not denied entry to the U.S. solely based on their religion, or lack of religion. On August 25, we joined 90 organizations in writing a letter to all Senate and House leadership opposing a provision (the "Russell Amendment") in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017 (H.R. 4909) that would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant.

On October 4, we urged members of the House of Representatives to oppose a bill (H.R. 6195) proposed by Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA) that would amend IRS law to allow partisan political activity by tax-exempt, non-profit organizations. On October 20, and again on November 10, we urged members of the Senate to oppose the Russell Amendment, a provision within the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4909) that would require all federal agencies to allow religiously affiliated contractors and grantees to discriminate in employment on the basis of religion when using taxpayer money. On November 22, we signed a coalition letter sent to the House Appropriations Committee opposing Section 136 of the House Financial Services bill (H.R. 5485), which would weaken the ban on houses of worship engaging in partisan politics (known as the Johnson Amendment).

On April 27, we joined partners in the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination in sending a letter to the House Committee on Armed Services opposing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, H.R. 4909, which would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant. On May 10, we joined partners in the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination in sending a letter to the Senate Committee on Armed Services that voices strong opposition to any amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, S. 2814, that would allow taxpayer-funded discrimination. On May 17, we urged all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, H.R. 4909, which would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant. The so-called Russell Amendment was approved and included in the final version of H.R. 4909 which passed the full House. On May 19, we applauded and supported the introduction of the Do No Harm Act" (H.R. 5272), an amendment to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that would prevent its use in situations that involve third-party harm, helping to end the laws sanctioning of religious discrimination and imposition. On June 30, we urged all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose and cancel a hearing on the First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598 / H.R. 2802), a bill that would bar the federal government from denying a tax exemption, grant, contract, license, certification, accreditation, or employment to a business, non-profit, or individual based on their belief that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, or that sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage.

On July 6, we joined more than 70 organizations in sending a letter to Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) Congress to oppose and cancel a hearing on the First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598 / H.R. 2802). The Act, introduced by Rep. Labrador (R-ID) and Sen. Lee (R-UT), would bar the federal government from denying a tax exemption, grant, contract, license, certification, accreditation, or employment to a business, non-profit, or individual based on their belief that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, or that sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which Rep. Chaffetz chairs, announced its hearing on this measure would take place exactly one month (July 12) after the mass murder of 49 LGBTQ people and allies at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. On August 11, we urged all members of Congress to support the Freedom of Religion Act of 2016 (H.R. 5207). The Act, proposed by Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA),, would ensure that immigrants, refugees and international travelers are not denied entry to the U.S. solely based on their religion, or lack of religion. On August 25, we joined 90 organizations in writing a letter to all Senate and House leadership opposing a provision (the "Russell Amendment") in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017 (H.R. 4909) that would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant.

On April 27, we joined partners in the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination in sending a letter to the House Committee on Armed Services opposing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, H.R. 4909, which would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant. On May 10, we joined partners in the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination in sending a letter to the Senate Committee on Armed Services that voices strong opposition to any amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, S. 2814, that would allow taxpayer-funded discrimination. On May 17, we urged all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, H.R. 4909, which would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant. The so-called Russell Amendment was approved and included in the final version of H.R. 4909 which passed the full House. On May 19, we applauded and supported the introduction of the Do No Harm Act" (H.R. 5272), an amendment to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that would prevent its use in situations that involve third-party harm, helping to end the laws sanctioning of religious discrimination and imposition. On June 30, we urged all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose and cancel a hearing on the First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598 / H.R. 2802), a bill that would bar the federal government from denying a tax exemption, grant, contract, license, certification, accreditation, or employment to a business, non-profit, or individual based on their belief that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, or that sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage.

On October 4, we urged members of the House of Representatives to oppose a bill (H.R. 6195) proposed by Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA) that would amend IRS law to allow partisan political activity by tax-exempt, non-profit organizations. On October 20, and again on November 10, we urged members of the Senate to oppose the Russell Amendment, a provision within the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4909) that would require all federal agencies to allow religiously affiliated contractors and grantees to discriminate in employment on the basis of religion when using taxpayer money. On November 22, we signed a coalition letter sent to the House Appropriations Committee opposing Section 136 of the House Financial Services bill (H.R. 5485), which would weaken the ban on houses of worship engaging in partisan politics (known as the Johnson Amendment).

On October 4, we urged members of the House of Representatives to oppose a bill (H.R. 6195) proposed by Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA) that would amend IRS law to allow partisan political activity by tax-exempt, non-profit organizations. On October 20, and again on November 10, we urged members of the Senate to oppose the Russell Amendment, a provision within the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4909) that would require all federal agencies to allow religiously affiliated contractors and grantees to discriminate in employment on the basis of religion when using taxpayer money. On November 22, we signed a coalition letter sent to the House Appropriations Committee opposing Section 136 of the House Financial Services bill (H.R. 5485), which would weaken the ban on houses of worship engaging in partisan politics (known as the Johnson Amendment).

On December 5, we urged members of the House of Representatives to support a resolution (H. Res 290) calling for the repeal of blasphemy laws around the world.

On January 28, the Center for Inquiry and its members urged members of the U.S. House of Representatives to support H. Res 561, proposed by U.S. Rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), which "recognizes the systematic and structural challenges facing the transgender community and the need for action to improve safety and opportunity for transgender people" and "supports the transgender community and allies." On February 3, the Center for Inquiry met with the office of rep. Mike Honda (D-CA), to discuss support for H. Res 561, which "recognizes the systematic and structural challenges facing the transgender community and the need for action to improve safety and opportunity for transgender people" and "supports the transgender community and allies."

On April 27, we joined partners in the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination in sending a letter to the House Committee on Armed Services opposing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, H.R. 4909, which would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant. On May 10, we joined partners in the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination in sending a letter to the Senate Committee on Armed Services that voices strong opposition to any amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, S. 2814, that would allow taxpayer-funded discrimination. On May 17, we urged all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, H.R. 4909, which would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant. The so-called Russell Amendment was approved and included in the final version of H.R. 4909 which passed the full House. On May 19, we applauded and supported the introduction of the Do No Harm Act" (H.R. 5272), an amendment to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that would prevent its use in situations that involve third-party harm, helping to end the laws sanctioning of religious discrimination and imposition. On June 30, we urged all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose and cancel a hearing on the First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598 / H.R. 2802), a bill that would bar the federal government from denying a tax exemption, grant, contract, license, certification, accreditation, or employment to a business, non-profit, or individual based on their belief that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, or that sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage.

On July 6, we joined more than 70 organizations in sending a letter to Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) Congress to oppose and cancel a hearing on the First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598 / H.R. 2802). The Act, introduced by Rep. Labrador (R-ID) and Sen. Lee (R-UT), would bar the federal government from denying a tax exemption, grant, contract, license, certification, accreditation, or employment to a business, non-profit, or individual based on their belief that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, or that sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which Rep. Chaffetz chairs, announced its hearing on this measure would take place exactly one month (July 12) after the mass murder of 49 LGBTQ people and allies at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. On August 11, we urged all members of Congress to support the Freedom of Religion Act of 2016 (H.R. 5207). The Act, proposed by Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA),, would ensure that immigrants, refugees and international travelers are not denied entry to the U.S. solely based on their religion, or lack of religion. On August 25, we joined 90 organizations in writing a letter to all Senate and House leadership opposing a provision (the "Russell Amendment") in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017 (H.R. 4909) that would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant.

On August 3, we urged all members of Congress to support the Restore Honor to Service Members Act (H.R. 3068 / S. 1766), which would require the review boards of the military services to establish a timely, consistent, and transparent process for reviewing the records of service members claiming to have been discharged solely because of their sexual orientation. It would also simplify the paperwork requirement necessary for service members to initiate a review in an effort to make the process for corrective action achievable for all.

On April 5, we joined partners in the National Coalition for Public Education in sending a letter to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs opposing Sen. John McCains (R-AZ) bill, S. 2711, which would allow federal Bureau of Indian Education money to fund state Education Savings Account (ESA) programs. ESAs are effectively no different than school vouchers; they place funding that would ordinarily support students attending public schools into an account for students to use on other education expenses, including private school tuition. On April 13, we joined partners in the National Coalition for Public Education in sending a letter to the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee opposing H.R. 4901, the reauthorization of the District of Columbia private school voucher program. The bill would pass through Committee. On April 27, we again joined with the NCPE in sending a letter to the full House of Representatives opposing passage of H.R. 4901. The bill would pass the House. It now moves to the Senate.

On April 13, we were one of more than 50 national organizations to support U.S. Senator Cory Bookers (D-NJ) introduction of the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act, S. 2765, which lays out a comprehensive vision for sexual education policy in the United States. The bill was already introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as H.R. 1706 by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA). On April 13, we urged all members of Congress to support the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act, (S. 2765 / H.R. 1706). On May 16, we joined more than two dozen advocacy organizations in writing a letter to leadership of the House Committee on Appropriations to voice opposition to policy riders to the Fiscal Year 2017 appropriations bills that would undermine womens access to health care while purporting to protect religious liberty.

On April 27, we joined partners in the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination in sending a letter to the House Committee on Armed Services opposing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, H.R. 4909, which would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant. On May 10, we joined partners in the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination in sending a letter to the Senate Committee on Armed Services that voices strong opposition to any amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, S. 2814, that would allow taxpayer-funded discrimination. On May 17, we urged all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, H.R. 4909, which would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant. The so-called Russell Amendment was approved and included in the final version of H.R. 4909 which passed the full House. On May 19, we applauded and supported the introduction of the Do No Harm Act" (H.R. 5272), an amendment to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that would prevent its use in situations that involve third-party harm, helping to end the laws sanctioning of religious discrimination and imposition. On June 30, we urged all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose and cancel a hearing on the First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598 / H.R. 2802), a bill that would bar the federal government from denying a tax exemption, grant, contract, license, certification, accreditation, or employment to a business, non-profit, or individual based on their belief that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, or that sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage.

On July 12, we joined dozens of organizations in sending a letter to every member of the U.S. House of Representatives, calling on them to vote no on the Conscience Protection Act (S. 304). The Act, proposed by Rep. John Fleming (R-LA) and Sen. James Lankford (R-OK), would privilege the religious beliefs of health care entities over the rights of individuals seeking care.

Throughout April, we lobbied against two resolutions in the House of Representatives, H.J. Res. 43 and 44, that would strike down two new Washington, D.C. laws. The recently approved Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act protects D.C. employees from discrimination in the workplace based on their personal reproductive health care decisions; the Human Rights Amendment Act ensures that LGBT students at religiously affiliated schools and universities in D.C. have equal access to school facilities and services by repealing a discriminatory, explicitly anti-gay exemption in D.C.s Human Rights Act. On April 29, we joined 50 advocacy organizations in writing members of the House to oppose H.J. Res 43 and 44. And on April 30, we also joined 22 religious and secular groups in writing members of the House to oppose the resolutions. During floor debate on H.J. Res. 43, Rep. Bobby Scott introduced this letter into the record. The resolution would pass the House, 228-192.

Throughout this quarter, we worked through the National Coalition for Public Education to oppose any attempts in Congress to send taxpayer funds to private and religious schools. On October 16, we joined 56 education, civil rights, religious, and secularist groups in writing a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to reject any amendments to the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), H.R. 5, that would create or lead to a private school voucher scheme. The letter was sent to the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate committees which will handle ESEA reauthorization. In the House, the letter was sent to Rep. John Kline (R-MN), chair of Education and the Workforce Committee, and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), ranking member. In the Senate, the letter was sent to Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member. In addition, on October 6, CFI joined a letter sent to Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and ranking member Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), opposing a bill in Congress, H.R. 10, to reauthorize the District of Columbias school voucher program. CFI also met with staff from the following members of Congress to oppose H.R. 10: Sen. Barbara Feinstein, Sen. Cory Booker, Sen. Tom Carper, Sen. Harry Reid, and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton.

On January 16, Religious Freedom Day 2015, the Center for Inquiry urged all members of the 114th Congress in its new session to support the core principles of separation of church and state, freedom of religion, belief, and expression, and civil rights for all. The week of March 23-27, the Center for Inquiry urged all members of Congress to oppose a bill by Rep. Sam Johnson (R-TX), the Preserve and Protect God in Military Oaths Act of 2015 (H.R. 1425), which would prevent the military from making any changes to its oaths without obtaining congressional approval. This measure would effectively force cadets and servicemembers to swear an oath to God whether they believe in one or not.

Throughout this quarter, we worked through the National Coalition for Public Education to oppose any attempts in Congress to send taxpayer funds to private and religious schools. On October 16, we joined 56 education, civil rights, religious, and secularist groups in writing a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to reject any amendments to the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), H.R. 5, that would create or lead to a private school voucher scheme. The letter was sent to the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate committees which will handle ESEA reauthorization. In the House, the letter was sent to Rep. John Kline (R-MN), chair of Education and the Workforce Committee, and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), ranking member. In the Senate, the letter was sent to Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member. In addition, on October 6, CFI joined a letter sent to Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and ranking member Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), opposing a bill in Congress, H.R. 10, to reauthorize the District of Columbias school voucher program. CFI also met with staff from the following members of Congress to oppose H.R. 10: Sen. Barbara Feinstein, Sen. Cory Booker, Sen. Tom Carper, Sen. Harry Reid, and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton.

On July 13, we partnered with 22 religious and secularist organizations in writing each member of the House to support or co-sponsor H. Res. 290, which calls for the repeal of blasphemy laws around the world. We supplemented these letters with direct lobbying on Capitol Hill. Meetings included Rep. Juan Vargas, Rep. Elliot Engel, Rep. Ed Royce, Rep. Ami Beri, Sen. Chris Coons, Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Sen. Ed Markey, and Sen. Jeane Shaheen.

In the aftermath of the gruesome murders of secularist writers Avijit Roy and Washiqur Rahman, and the near-killing of Rafida Bonya Ahmed, by Islamic militants, the Center for Inquiry and Hindu American Foundation sent a letter on April 22 to Secretary of State John Kerry and International Religious Freedom Ambassador David Saperstein urging the State Department to use its influence to ensure the rights to freedom of religion, belief, and expression are protected in Bangladesh. Signatories to the letter, which were organized through the International Religious Freedom Roundtable, include individuals and organizations concerned about human rights, both religious and nonreligious. On May 26, we joined advocacy groups in writing a letter to the U.S. Department of State, calling on them to press for the release of a group of the most prominent Bahraini leaders arrested for peacefully protesting the Bahrainis government violation of its citizens human rights and religious freedoms. On June 9, the Center for Inquirys Office of Public Policy, along with the American Humanist Association, Secular Coalition for America, held briefings on Capitol Hill for congressional lawmakers and their staff regarding the state of international religious freedom. CFIs director of public policy, Michael De Dora, was among the speakers at these briefings. The briefing rooms were sponsored by Rep. Juan Vargas and Sen. Tim Kaine. On June 17, we issued an action alert in support of a resolution, H. Res 290, proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives that calls for the repeal of blasphemy laws around the world. In addition, on June 26 we joined 15 secularist organizations in writing a letter to every member of the House, urging them to either co-sponsor or support this resolution.

On July 13, we partnered with 22 religious and secularist organizations in writing each member of the House to support or co-sponsor H. Res. 290, which calls for the repeal of blasphemy laws around the world. We supplemented these letters with direct lobbying on Capitol Hill. Meetings included Rep. Juan Vargas, Rep. Elliot Engel, Rep. Ed Royce, Rep. Ami Beri, Sen. Chris Coons, Sen. Dick Durbin, Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Sen. Ed Markey, and Sen. Jeane Shaheen.

On October 5, CFI was amongst 355 national, state, and local secularist who have signed a letter sent to the Congressional chaplains urging them to allow a qualified humanist celebrant deliver an invocation before Congress. On October 19, CFI was amongst 17 organizations to write a letter to United States government officials urging them to address concerns over human rights issues such as freedom of religion and belief with His Excellency, Mr. Nawaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, during his visit to Washington, D.C. this week.It was sent to President Barack Obama; Secretary of State John Kerry; Daniel Feldman, U.S. Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan; Richard Olson, U.S. Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; David Saperstein, U.S. Ambassador of International Religious Freedom; Sen. Bob Corker, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Sen. Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Rep. Ed Royce, Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs; and Rep. Eliot Engel, Ranking Member of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. On November 20, CFI was amongst 17 organizations and two individuals that sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry today urging him to press Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to halt the execution of Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr and several other demonstrators from the countrys marginalized Eastern Province. On December 21, CFI joined seven leading advocacy organizations in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that urges the State Department to provide humanitarian parole to threatened publishers and writers in Bangladesh. Copies of the letter were also sent to Marcia Bernicat, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh; Scott Busby, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs; and Tom Malinowski, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. CFI also spent a significant amount of time promoting H. Res 396, which calls on the government of Bangladesh to protect human rights. In particular, between November 30 and December 3 we brought the survivor of an extremist attack, Bonya Ahmed, to Washington D.C. to meet with members of Congress to promote H. Res 396. We met with staff from the offices of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Sen. Jonny Isakson, Sen. David Purdue, and the State Department Office of International Freedom.

On September 23, we joined nine secular, humanist, and atheist organizations in urging members of the U.S. House of Representatives to support a resolution, H. Res 424, that recognizes the existence of climate change, and affirms the role of humanity in contributing to changes in climate.

On February 6, the Center for Inquiry urged all members of Congress to support resolutions proposed by Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT in both the U.S. House of Representatives (H. Res. 67) and Senate (S. Res 67) expressing support for the designation of February 12, 2015, as Darwin Day, and recognizing the importance of science in the betterment of humanity.

On July 22, in response to controversy created by the release of hidden-camera videos with Planned Parenthood officials, we issued an alert urging all members of Congress to reject S. 1881, a bill that would block federal funding for Planned Parenthood. On August 18, we wrote a letter to the Department of Defense challenging their funding of dangerous pseudoscientific experiments on veterans suffering from Gulf War Syndrome, which involve the Church of Scientologys Purif detoxifications, a sham treatment based on religious tenets, not science. http://www.centerforinquiry.net/docs/opp/DOD_Scientology_Letter_2015Aug18.pdf On August 20, we filed comments with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urging them to subject homeopathic drugs to the same testing requirements as conventional drugs. Failing that, CFI urged the FDA to at least require homeopathic products to be clearly labeled as untested and unproven. http://www.centerforinquiry.net/docs/opp/CFI_FDA_HomeopathyComments_AUG2015.pdf

On July 22, in response to controversy created by the release of hidden-camera videos with Planned Parenthood officials, we issued an alert urging all members of Congress to reject S. 1881, a bill that would block federal funding for Planned Parenthood. On August 18, we wrote a letter to the Department of Defense challenging their funding of dangerous pseudoscientific experiments on veterans suffering from Gulf War Syndrome, which involve the Church of Scientologys Purif detoxifications, a sham treatment based on religious tenets, not science. http://www.centerforinquiry.net/docs/opp/DOD_Scientology_Letter_2015Aug18.pdf On August 20, we filed comments with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urging them to subject homeopathic drugs to the same testing requirements as conventional drugs. Failing that, CFI urged the FDA to at least require homeopathic products to be clearly labeled as untested and unproven. http://www.centerforinquiry.net/docs/opp/CFI_FDA_HomeopathyComments_AUG2015.pdf - On September 22, we joined more than 100 organizations in writing letters to members in both chambers of Congress, urging them to restore funding for the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPPP) to at least the current level of $101 million and $6.8 million for evaluation, and for continued support for the Division of Adolescent School Health (DASH), at its current level of $32 million, as well as the elimination of abstinence-only-until-marriage (AOUM) funding in the final fiscal year (FY) 2016 funding deliberations.

On February 6, the Center for Inquiry urged all members of Congress to support resolutions proposed by Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) and Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT in both the U.S. House of Representatives (H. Res. 67) and Senate (S. Res 67) expressing support for the designation of February 12, 2015, as Darwin Day, and recognizing the importance of science in the betterment of humanity.

On August 21, we urged Congress to reject a set of bills that would force the government to fund adoption and foster agencies that discriminate against families based on religion, keeping children in need from having a better life with loving families because of religious disapproval of nontraditional relationships. The Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2014 (S. 2706, H.R. 5285), proposed by Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), would allow adoption and foster agencies that receive government support to deny services to same-sex married couples, unmarried heterosexual and same-sex couples, and individuals who belong to other religions, or none at all - yet continue to receive taxpayer funds. Moreover, if this bill were passed, states that refuse to fund discriminatory religious agencies would lose 15 percent of their federal funding for child welfare services. On September 9, we urged Congress to pass the Every Child Deserves a Family Act (H.R. 2028, S. 1069). Proposed by Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the bill would "prohibit discrimination in adoption or foster care placements based on the sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status of any prospective adoptive or foster parent, or the sexual orientation or gender identity of the child involved."

On May 20, 2014, the Center for Inquiry joined eight religious and secularist groups in writing Rep. Rob Bishop, Chairman, and Rep. Raul Grijalva, Ranking Member, of the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation urging them to reject a problematic bill, H.R. 2175, which would direct the Secretary of the Interior to install in the area of the World War II Memorial in the District of Columbia a suitable plaque or an inscription with the words that President Franklin D. Roosevelt prayed with the United States on June 6, 1944, the morning of D-Day. The bill has since passed the House. On June 11, 2014, the Center for Inquiry joined 90 allied organizations in sending a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder calling for the end to a legal loophole that allows faith-based groups to accept taxpayer funding to provide social services, yet still discriminate on religious grounds when hiring staff. The loophole stems from a 2007 memo issued by the Office of Legal Counsel under then-President George W. Bush. It is particularly relevant now because the Obama Administration recently announced that it is using it to override the non-discrimination provision in the Violence Against Women Act, which Congress adopted last year. In addition to our letter, we also met with the offices of Sen. Al Franken, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Sen. Mazie Hirono to bring this situation to their attention.

On Jan. 6, the Center for Inquiry called on members of the House of Representatives to support a bill, H.R. 3774, that would stop taxpayer funding for federal abstinence-only programs and support comprehensive sexual education. The bill, proposed by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), remains in committee. In mid-January, the Center for Inquiry, as well as several hundred of our followers, urged the House of Representatives to reject a bill, H.R. 7, that would eliminate abortion coverage for millions of women. The measure, proposed by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), would create a ban on using federal government funds on health care plans that include coverage for abortion. This means low-income women, civil servants, and women in the military would be forced to pay for abortions on their own. It passed 227-188. Throughout March, the Center for Inquiry joined several groups -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Secular Coalition for America, and the ACLU -- in lobbying against a Senate bill, S. 862, that would create a broad religious exemption from the individual health insurance mandate of the Affordable Care Act. Collectively we met with health issues staff members in offices of several co-sponsors, including Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). We also issued an action alert urging our followers to contact their U.S. Senator to oppose this proposal, which has not yet been voted on, but could reach the Senate floor at any moment.

Throughout March, the Center for Inquiry worked with coalition partners in the National Coalition for Public Education to lobby against a collection of bills in both the Senate and House (S. 1909, S. 1968, H.R. 4000) that would turn nearly all federal funding for public education into school vouchers. In particular, we met with education staff members in the offices of Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH), Rep. Chris Gibson (R-NY), Rep. Larry Buschon (R-IN), Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH), Rep. David Joyce (R-OH), and Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE).

On August 21, we urged Congress to reject a set of bills that would force the government to fund adoption and foster agencies that discriminate against families based on religion, keeping children in need from having a better life with loving families because of religious disapproval of nontraditional relationships. The Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2014 (S. 2706, H.R. 5285), proposed by Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), would allow adoption and foster agencies that receive government support to deny services to same-sex married couples, unmarried heterosexual and same-sex couples, and individuals who belong to other religions, or none at all - yet continue to receive taxpayer funds. Moreover, if this bill were passed, states that refuse to fund discriminatory religious agencies would lose 15 percent of their federal funding for child welfare services. On September 9, we urged Congress to pass the Every Child Deserves a Family Act (H.R. 2028, S. 1069). Proposed by Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the bill would "prohibit discrimination in adoption or foster care placements based on the sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status of any prospective adoptive or foster parent, or the sexual orientation or gender identity of the child involved."

On Jan. 6, the Center for Inquiry called on members of the House of Representatives to support a bill, H.R. 3774, that would stop taxpayer funding for federal abstinence-only programs and support comprehensive sexual education. The bill, proposed by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), remains in committee. In mid-January, the Center for Inquiry, as well as several hundred of our followers, urged the House of Representatives to reject a bill, H.R. 7, that would eliminate abortion coverage for millions of women. The measure, proposed by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), would create a ban on using federal government funds on health care plans that include coverage for abortion. This means low-income women, civil servants, and women in the military would be forced to pay for abortions on their own. It passed 227-188. Throughout March, the Center for Inquiry joined several groups -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Secular Coalition for America, and the ACLU -- in lobbying against a Senate bill, S. 862, that would create a broad religious exemption from the individual health insurance mandate of the Affordable Care Act. Collectively we met with health issues staff members in offices of several co-sponsors, including Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). We also issued an action alert urging our followers to contact their U.S. Senator to oppose this proposal, which has not yet been voted on, but could reach the Senate floor at any moment.

Throughout February, the Center for Inquiry, as well as several hundred of our followers, urged all members the House of Representatives to support a bill, H. Res. 467, "expressing support for the designation of February 12, 2014, as Darwin Day, and recognizing the importance of science in the betterment of humanity." The bill, proposed by Rep. Rush Holt (D-NJ), remains in committee.

On August 21, we urged Congress to reject a set of bills that would force the government to fund adoption and foster agencies that discriminate against families based on religion, keeping children in need from having a better life with loving families because of religious disapproval of nontraditional relationships. The Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2014 (S. 2706, H.R. 5285), proposed by Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), would allow adoption and foster agencies that receive government support to deny services to same-sex married couples, unmarried heterosexual and same-sex couples, and individuals who belong to other religions, or none at all - yet continue to receive taxpayer funds. Moreover, if this bill were passed, states that refuse to fund discriminatory religious agencies would lose 15 percent of their federal funding for child welfare services. On September 9, we urged Congress to pass the Every Child Deserves a Family Act (H.R. 2028, S. 1069). Proposed by Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the bill would "prohibit discrimination in adoption or foster care placements based on the sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status of any prospective adoptive or foster parent, or the sexual orientation or gender identity of the child involved."

Throughout March, the Center for Inquiry worked with coalition partners in the National Coalition for Public Education to lobby against a collection of bills in both the Senate and House (S. 1909, S. 1968, H.R. 4000) that would turn nearly all federal funding for public education into school vouchers. In particular, we met with education staff members in the offices of Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH), Rep. Chris Gibson (R-NY), Rep. Larry Buschon (R-IN), Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH), Rep. David Joyce (R-OH), and Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE).

Throughout March, the Center for Inquiry worked with coalition partners in the National Coalition for Public Education to lobby against a collection of bills in both the Senate and House (S. 1909, S. 1968, H.R. 4000) that would turn nearly all federal funding for public education into school vouchers. In particular, we met with education staff members in the offices of Sen. Roy Blunt (R-MO), Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), Rep. Pat Tiberi (R-OH), Rep. Chris Gibson (R-NY), Rep. Larry Buschon (R-IN), Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), Rep. Bill Johnson (R-OH), Rep. David Joyce (R-OH), and Rep. Lee Terry (R-NE).

On July 4, we wrote a letter to the Food and Drug Administration requesting that the agency reverse its decision to green-light the clinical trials of Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, whose expensive experimental cancer treatments have proven scientifically baseless and dangerous. On July 9, we urged U.S. Senators to support a bill that bars employers from refusing to cover any health coverage - including contraceptive coverage - promised to employees and their dependents under federal law. Proposed by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Mark Udall (D-Colo.), the "Protect Womens Health from Corporate Interference Act of 2014" (S. 2578) states that employers cannot refuse to cover any health coverage promised to employees and their dependents under federal law. It includes the exemption for houses of worship and the accommodation for religious non-profits already put into place by the Obama administration. On July 30, we joined 36 national organizations in urging the Senate to approve a proposal that would provide for comprehensive contraceptive coverage and family planning counseling for all servicemembers, as well as their dependents who rely on the military for health care. Introduced by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), the Access to Contraception for Women Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2014 (S. 2687) would bring the militarys contraceptive coverage policies in line with civilian employer-based insurance plans. Under the militarys current health care program, all active servicemembers have coverage of all prescriptions without co-pay, no matter where or how they obtain their prescription. But, due to a statutory provision, the program does not cover dependents or women not on active duty; they are required to pay if their contraceptive prescription is filled anywhere but a military treatment facility. On August 8, we had our members contact their Senators and urge them to support the Access to Contraception for Women Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2014 (S. 2687).

On July 4, we wrote a letter to the Food and Drug Administration requesting that the agency reverse its decision to green-light the clinical trials of Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, whose expensive experimental cancer treatments have proven scientifically baseless and dangerous. On July 9, we urged U.S. Senators to support a bill that bars employers from refusing to cover any health coverage - including contraceptive coverage - promised to employees and their dependents under federal law. Proposed by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Mark Udall (D-Colo.), the "Protect Womens Health from Corporate Interference Act of 2014" (S. 2578) states that employers cannot refuse to cover any health coverage promised to employees and their dependents under federal law. It includes the exemption for houses of worship and the accommodation for religious non-profits already put into place by the Obama administration. On July 30, we joined 36 national organizations in urging the Senate to approve a proposal that would provide for comprehensive contraceptive coverage and family planning counseling for all servicemembers, as well as their dependents who rely on the military for health care. Introduced by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), the Access to Contraception for Women Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2014 (S. 2687) would bring the militarys contraceptive coverage policies in line with civilian employer-based insurance plans. Under the militarys current health care program, all active servicemembers have coverage of all prescriptions without co-pay, no matter where or how they obtain their prescription. But, due to a statutory provision, the program does not cover dependents or women not on active duty; they are required to pay if their contraceptive prescription is filled anywhere but a military treatment facility. On August 8, we had our members contact their Senators and urge them to support the Access to Contraception for Women Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2014 (S. 2687).

On August 21, we urged Congress to reject a set of bills that would force the government to fund adoption and foster agencies that discriminate against families based on religion, keeping children in need from having a better life with loving families because of religious disapproval of nontraditional relationships. The Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2014 (S. 2706, H.R. 5285), proposed by Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), would allow adoption and foster agencies that receive government support to deny services to same-sex married couples, unmarried heterosexual and same-sex couples, and individuals who belong to other religions, or none at all - yet continue to receive taxpayer funds. Moreover, if this bill were passed, states that refuse to fund discriminatory religious agencies would lose 15 percent of their federal funding for child welfare services. On September 9, we urged Congress to pass the Every Child Deserves a Family Act (H.R. 2028, S. 1069). Proposed by Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the bill would "prohibit discrimination in adoption or foster care placements based on the sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status of any prospective adoptive or foster parent, or the sexual orientation or gender identity of the child involved."

On Jan. 6, the Center for Inquiry called on members of the House of Representatives to support a bill, H.R. 3774, that would stop taxpayer funding for federal abstinence-only programs and support comprehensive sexual education. The bill, proposed by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), remains in committee. In mid-January, the Center for Inquiry, as well as several hundred of our followers, urged the House of Representatives to reject a bill, H.R. 7, that would eliminate abortion coverage for millions of women. The measure, proposed by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), would create a ban on using federal government funds on health care plans that include coverage for abortion. This means low-income women, civil servants, and women in the military would be forced to pay for abortions on their own. It passed 227-188. Throughout March, the Center for Inquiry joined several groups -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Secular Coalition for America, and the ACLU -- in lobbying against a Senate bill, S. 862, that would create a broad religious exemption from the individual health insurance mandate of the Affordable Care Act. Collectively we met with health issues staff members in offices of several co-sponsors, including Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). We also issued an action alert urging our followers to contact their U.S. Senator to oppose this proposal, which has not yet been voted on, but could reach the Senate floor at any moment.

In February, we lobbied aides to Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) and Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) on H.R. 301, a bill to establish a Special Envoy to promote religious freedom of religious minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia. We urged these aides to include in H.R. 301 explicit mention of discrimination against non-religious minorities. In February, we released a first-of-its-kind position paper that details the growth and entrenchment of religious fundamentalism in the United States Armed Forces. The paper, "For God and Country: Religious Fundamentalism in the U.S. Military," was authored by James Parco, PhD., Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.), an associate professor of economics and business at Colorado College. Copies were emailed to staffers on the Hill.

Throughout September, the Center for Inquiry urged all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to reject efforts by religious right groups to introduce amendments to the Fiscal Year 2014 spending bill or continuing resolution that give preferential treatment to their religious beliefs. In particular, religious right groups wanted an amendment allowing that would allow employers to block employees access to birth control. Congress agreed on October 16 to a spending bill that did not include any such amendments. On September 16 and 17, the Center for Inquiry lobbied to amend H.R. 301, a bill to create a special envoy within the State Department to promote the religious freedom of minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia. We sought two specific changes: additional language to specify that the term religious minorities includes non-religious persons (atheists, agnostics, humanists, skeptics); and additional language alongside the several instances of persecution against other religious minorities (Christians, Muslims, Jews, Bahais) detailing cases of persecution against non-religious persons. The offices we lobbied included Rep. Frank Wolf, Rep. Anna Eshoo, Rep. Rush Holt, and Rep. Trent Franks. The full House approved the bill on Sept. 17 without these changes. On September 26, the Center for Inquiry joined more than a dozen individuals and organizations in writing to leaders in the United States government with specific recommendations to more effectively address the recent crackdown on civil society and religious freedom in Russia. U.S. government leaders receiving the letter include President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Suzan Johnson Cook, the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees and their relevant subcommittees, the Chairs and Co-Chairs of U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, the U.S. Helsinki Commission, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, and the International Religious Freedom Caucus.

In February, CFI urged members of the U.S. House of Representatives to reject H.R. 592, a bill that would allow taxpayer funding to go towards the rebuilding of damaged houses of worship. In March, CFI joined representatives from several groups to meet with aides to Sen. Carl Levin (D-MI), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL). Our goal was to convince these senators to oppose the Senate introduction of H.R. 592. The measure remains unfiled.

During the week of November 18-22, we worked with several groups in writing a letter to members of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, urging them to reject a bill -- S. 1044, the World War II Memorial Prayer Act of 2013 -- that would direct the Secretary of the Interior to install a prayer inscription or plaque in the area of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The Committee approved the measure on a voice vote. However, Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) noted our concerns and submitted our letter for inclusion in the official record.

Formally opposed H.R. 3803, sponsored by Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), which would have outlawed all abortions in Washington, D.C. after 20 weeks-with the only exception to save a mother from immediate death. H.R. 3803 would have prevented a woman from having an abortion in many important situations: where continuing a pregnancy could put at risk her health or ability to bear children in the future; where she is suffering from mental illness; and where she has learned of a severe or fatal fetal anomaly. It also would have imposed criminal penalties on any physician found to violate the law, including up to $250,000 in fines and two years in prison. CFI registered its disagreement over the measure with Franks' office and urged its members to contact their representatives to ask him or her to vote no. H.R. 3803 was defeated 220-154 (because rules were suspended, it required two-thirds to pass).

Released statement and sent an action alert to our ~30,000 members urging them to contact their Senator and tell him or her to support S. 1925: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2011, which provides both local communities and women essential resources to help combat domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking. Released statement and sent an action alert to our ~30,000 members urging them to contact their Representative and tell him or her to reject the House version of the VAWA reauthorization, H.R. 4970: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012. Contacted several Democratic members of the House to speak up during floor debate about provisions of H.R. 4970: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012, that would allow groups receiving government funds to discriminate in hiring and/or providing benefits. Lobbied lawmakers included Reps. Waters, Jackson Lee, Lofgren, Watt. Met with staffs of several Democratic members of the House on H.R. 4227: Workforce Investment Act of 2012. Made members aware of potential for Republicans to strip bill of provisions barring those who receive government funds from discriminating in hiring and providing services. Lobbied lawmakers included Reps. Grijalva, Woolsey, Kucinich, Hirono, Loebsack, Susan Davis, Robert Andrews. Joined 22 faith and humanist groups in urging President Barack Obama to issue an executive order banning discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees of federal contractors. Joined 34 secular and faith-based organizations in writing to United States Sens. Dick Durbin and Lindsey Graham to highlight shared objections to religious profiling. Our letter was sent following a hearing organized by the Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, of which Durbin and Graham are chairman and ranking member, respectively. The hearing, called "Ending Racial Profiling in America," focused on the different faces of profiling, and explored the harms of law enforcement using real or perceived race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion, as a factor that creates suspicion.

Released statement and sent an action alert to our ~30,000 members urging them to contact their Senator and tell him or her to support S. 1925: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2011, which provides both local communities and women essential resources to help combat domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking. Released statement and sent an action alert to our ~30,000 members urging them to contact their Representative and tell him or her to reject the House version of the VAWA reauthorization, H.R. 4970: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012. Contacted several Democratic members of the House to speak up during floor debate about provisions of H.R. 4970: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012, that would allow groups receiving government funds to discriminate in hiring and/or providing benefits. Lobbied lawmakers included Reps. Waters, Jackson Lee, Lofgren, Watt. Met with staffs of several Democratic members of the House on H.R. 4227: Workforce Investment Act of 2012. Made members aware of potential for Republicans to strip bill of provisions barring those who receive government funds from discriminating in hiring and providing services. Lobbied lawmakers included Reps. Grijalva, Woolsey, Kucinich, Hirono, Loebsack, Susan Davis, Robert Andrews. Joined 22 faith and humanist groups in urging President Barack Obama to issue an executive order banning discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees of federal contractors. Joined 34 secular and faith-based organizations in writing to United States Sens. Dick Durbin and Lindsey Graham to highlight shared objections to religious profiling. Our letter was sent following a hearing organized by the Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, of which Durbin and Graham are chairman and ranking member, respectively. The hearing, called "Ending Racial Profiling in America," focused on the different faces of profiling, and explored the harms of law enforcement using real or perceived race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion, as a factor that creates suspicion.