It would be reasonable to conclude that the current economic conditions in the United States would create a nearly singular focus in Washington, D.C. However, that has not been the case. In fact, the new Administration and current Congress have moved at a record pace to change federal policy on a wide-array of issues. Unfortunately, many of these changes have been troubling, most notably on the issue of life.
First, Congress has moved to rescind the long-standing Mexico City policy, which prohibited taxpayer dollars from funding abortions overseas. Additionally, the Kemp-Kasten Amendment, which prohibits taxpayer dollars from flowing to organizations that participate in coercive abortions, was undermined by Congress. Finally, the Obama Administration has moved quickly to rescind the regulations know as the Conscience Clause, which ensure that physicians and medical personnel are not required to violate their conscience by being forced to participate in abortions. This proposed rescission is open for public comment until April 9. The ACLJ is filing formal comments, as well as gathering thousands of your signatures in opposition for presentation to the White House.
It also seems that the new Administration is poised to staff the government and the judiciary with a growing number of appointees who do not defend life. One of the most troubling appointments is that of Dawn Johnsen to the Office of Legal Counsel. Johnsen is the former Legal Director for NARAL and one of the most outspoken abortion advocates in the nation. In fact, Johnsen authored legal briefs suggesting that limitations to abortion were somehow in violation of the Thirteenth Amendment, which outlaws slavery.
Meanwhile, the first judge nominated to the Circuit Courts is David Hamilton, who has been nominated to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. Judge Hamilton has a record of opposing legislative prayer and state informed consent laws on abortion, arguing that an 18-hour waiting period for an abortion constitutes an “undue burden.” This type of record suggests not only a pro-abortion inclination, but also hostility towards any measure that might cause a mother-to-be to consider any alternative to abortion. This is entirely out-of-step with the opinion of the majority of Americans.
Our Washington team continues to engage the issues that matter most to you and your family. We will continue to fight to defend your rights and freedoms in our nation’s capitol. Stay tuned to Jay Sekulow Live! and on our website.