Capital Prayer Alert - 4-30-23

From Carol Bauer

Heavenly Father, author of our lives, we thank you for those moments that clarify our life experience. It is easy to get wrapped up in the challenges of daily life and not see the bigger lessons You are teaching us. 

 

Prompt us to take a breath, quiet our minds and hearts and listen to You and what You desperately want us to learn. Open our eyes to the lessons we need to learn and the many ways, some big, many small, that we can have an impact on those around us and our fellow citizens. 

 

Remind us that though we are to focus on You for guidance and direction we are also called to live out our faith in the soil and place where You have planted us. Open our eyes to steps we may take in our families, churches and communities to affirm You, encourage others and keep the beacon of faith alive and shining in our culture and our country.

VEOA Coalition Call With Congressman Bob Good

Over the past year, we have focused primarily on education choice at the state level. We have been fortuante to have Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, Secretary  of Education Aimee Guidera, Will Estrada, president of Parentalrights.org, and a number of well informed speakers discussing the challenges facing students and parents in Virginia. This coming week on May 4th at 12pm we will be switching gears a bit. We will be focusing on what Congress is doing to help parents and students. We will have Congressman Bob Good speak to what Congress is doing to help parents find the best education for their children.

Congressman Bob Good, Virginia's 5th Congressional District

Recently, legislation has been written to provide federal tax credits to cover expenses parents incur for their childrens' education. Congressman Good has signed on to this legislation and has a vast knowledge of how the legislation will help parents. He will provide insight on the status of the legislation and suggestions for us on how we can help make it a reality. We look forward to seeing you on May 4th at 12pm. Please REGISTER HERE See you next week,

Craig DiSesa Executive Director Virginia Education Opportunity Alliance

Congressman Bob Good: Don't "California" Our Country

Americans are already struggling with the reckless and extreme policies of the Biden Administration. I went to the House floor to talk about President Biden's nominee to become Secretary of Labor, because the last thing we need right now is an anti-right-to-work Labor Secretary who takes orders from anti-American big labor bosses. Julie Su's agenda would make federal policies more like the disaster she helped create in California, so I am calling on the Senate to oppose her nomination as Secretary of Labor.

Save the Date!

2023 STAND Awards Dinner

The Neo-Marxist Left vs. Parents

By Gary Bauer

There's something bizarre going on in the fevered minds of progressives and leftists these days. I know that doesn't surprise you. 

But consider this: Today's left is demonizing parents who want to protect their children from inappropriate material, while simultaneously trying to prevent young adults from learning the things they should know.

Joe Biden said this week that parents protecting their children from explicit, graphic sexual material in public schools are "banning books." That kind of rhetoric recalls images of Nazis burning books by Jewish authors in the 1930s. 

Get it? Biden wants us to think America's parents are Nazis. Of course, it was Joe Biden who ordered the FBI to spy on concerned parents at school board meetings. Talk about fascism!

Meanwhile, more than 670 professors at the University of North Carolina signed a letter protesting new legislation that would require college students to learn about America's founding documents -- the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, the Gettysburg Address and even the writings of Martin Luther King, Jr. 

These neo-Marxist professors condemned the legislation as "ideological indoctrination."

No, that's exactly what the legislation is trying to combat!

There's no denying the left's efforts to demonize moms and dads who want to keep disgusting sexual material and anti-American material away from the hearts and minds of our children. 

Remember former Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe? He spoke for a lot of liberals when he said parents should have no say over what is taught in the schools we pay for with our tax dollars. 

Yet, progressive politicians haven't learned much from McAuliffe's defeat to Glenn Youngkin. Two left-wing Virginia legislators were caught on an open mic bashing parental rights legislation as "crap," "garbage" and "stupid." 

This is insane! But that's today's left.

Donalds And Clyburn Introduce House Companion Of The International Nuclear Energy Act

April 28, 2023

WASHINGTON - Yesterday, Representatives Byron Donalds (R-FL) and James Clyburn (D-SC) introduced the bipartisan International Nuclear Energy Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation is the companion bill to Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Jim Risch's (R-ID) International Nuclear Energy Act in the U.S. Senate, and facilitates the development of a whole-of-government strategy for nuclear cooperation and nuclear exports. The International Nuclear Energy Act is also the ninth bill of the 2023-24 Donalds Nuclear Energy Package. "As a Vice-Chair of the Advanced Nuclear Caucus and as a strong nuclear energy proponent, I am proud to champion the International Nuclear Energy Act alongside Assistant House Democratic Leader Clyburn as the ninth bill of my 2023-24 Nuclear Energy Package," said Congressman Donalds. "The simple reality is that nuclear energy is the cleanest and greenest option in America's energy arsenal, and there is growing bipartisan support for its utilization. Now more than ever, it is time for our country to embrace a whole-of-government strategy for nuclear cooperation and nuclear exports."   "If we are going to meet our global climate goals and move closer towards a clean energy future, not only should we invest in nuclear here at home, but we must also create markets abroad for this carbon-free energy source," said Congressman Clyburn. "Maintaining U.S. global leadership in nuclear technology will bolster our ability to respond to the climate crisis and serve as a check on the influence of China and Russia." "Congress has demonstrated bipartisan support in passing legislation to assist the U.S. advanced civil nuclear industry over the past several years. Now, the Executive Office of the President must take the lead in coordinating a collaborative interagency effort to ensure those congressional efforts ultimately succeed, which is why the United States Nuclear Industry Council applauds Representative Donalds for introducing the International Nuclear Energy Act in the House of Representatives. As the former head of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency, I worked directly with many of the departments and independent agencies outlined in this legislation to help promote U.S. technology solutions overseas. But having an Assistant to the President in the White House solely focused on U.S. civil nuclear exports would supercharge our ability to compete more effectively against Chinese and Russian nuclear technology across the world, as well as help us build relationships in new markets that could last for the next one-hundred years," said Todd Abrajano, President and CEO, United States Nuclear Industry Council. "While the United States remains the foremost nuclear power in the world, from our power plants to our nuclear navy, developing countries have more recently looked to Russia and China for their new nuclear needs.  INEA wisely puts new tools in Team USA's tool belt to support American technologies racing to the global marketplace to compete," said Jeremy Harrell, Chief Strategy Officer, ClearPath Action. "Investing in our domestic supply chain and fostering export opportunities abroad will increase the energy security of our allies and create jobs here at home." "On behalf of America's nuclear professional community, we applaud the introduction of the bipartisan International Nuclear Energy Act.  This legislation seeks to counter the growing influence of Russia and China in the global nuclear export market. Russia's weaponization of energy during its invasion of Ukraine and China's saber-rattling over Taiwan underscore the importance of establishing a national strategy for America's nuclear energy exports. By coordinating on nuclear energy exports, America's private and public sectors can work together to safeguard our clean energy security. The International Nuclear Energy Act would help streamline advanced nuclear exports to overseas markets, create high-paying jobs here at home, and reestablish U.S. leadership in nuclear science and technology," said Craig Piercy, CEO and Executive Director, American Nuclear Society (ANS).       "The global conversation around energy has changed dramatically over the past year. Governments around the world are recognizing the vital role nuclear carbon-free energy will play in achieving not only climate goals but allowing for greater energy and national security.  We have already seen countries throughout the world take steps to extend or grow their commercial nuclear generation. The International Nuclear Energy Act will advance the deployment of U.S. nuclear energy technologies to partner nations, generating American jobs and extending U.S. influence in nuclear safety, nonproliferation and security. We commend Representatives Clyburn and Donalds for introducing this critical legislation in the House that will help maintain U.S. global leadership in commercial nuclear technology," said Maria Korsnick, President and CEO, Nuclear Energy Institute. "Authoritarian states like Russia and China view civil nuclear exports as more than revenue. They see them as a tool to expand their spheres of influence. America's ability to compete in nuclear export markets is not just in our commercial interest but also a national security imperative. The International Nuclear Energy Act supports a whole-of-government approach that puts American industry in a position to truly compete against state-owned nuclear companies. This is good for countries that want clean, reliable, and secure firm power and industrial heat and energy sovereignty. It's just as good for jobs and the security of the United States," said Josh Freed, Senior Vice President, Third Way's Climate and Energy Program. Background:  This bill facilitates the development of a whole-of-government strategy for nuclear cooperation and nuclear exports. In other words, this legislation will develop a framework to coordinate civil nuclear exports, establish nuclear financing relationships, promote regulatory harmonization, standardize nuclear licensing framework, and enhance safeguards and security. The International Nuclear Energy Act is the ninth bill of the 2023-24 Donalds Nuclear Energy Package: H.R. 1006 – NRC (Nuclear Regulatory Commission) Survey Act H.R. 1007 – Nuclear Assistance for America's Small Businesses Act H.R. 1009 – National Strategy to Utilize Microreactors for Natural Disaster Response Efforts Act H.Con.Res. 26 – National Nuclear Commitment Act H.Res. 124 – Pro-Nuclear Resolution H.R. 2462 – Protect American Energy From China Act H.R. 2487 – Rationalize Green Energy Act H.R. 2488 – Advanced Nuclear is Green Act H.R. 2938 – International Nuclear Energy Act More: Read the Donalds-Clyburn House Version of the International Nuclear Energy Act in its entirety HERE. Read the Manchin-Risch Senate Version of the International Nuclear Energy Act in its entirety HERE.

AFP Virginia Announces Eight Early Endorsements for General Assembly

AFP Virginia Announces Eight Endorsements Across Virginia

 

Americans for Prosperity Virginia has announced that they are endorsing Emily Brewer, Glenn Sturtevant, Mark Obenshain, Wren Williams, Bryce Reeves, Chris Head, Tara Durant, and Mike Dillender for the 2023 Virginia primaries. AFP Virginia is working to advance education opportunity, expand economic freedom, and encourage energy abundance in the Commonwealth. AFP believes these candidates will be champions of these policies and build the future Virginian's deserve.

 

C.J. Sailor, State Director for Americans for Prosperity-Virginia, released the following statement:   

 

"We are excited to announce our support for these seven policy champions. These candidates have proven that they will work tirelessly to pass transformative legislation for Virginians, and we are excited to support their continued efforts toward the Pathway for Virginia's future."

 

Additional endorsement announcements are possible in coming weeks.

 

AFP Skyline Region will be hosting phone banks coming up soon in Charlottesville to ensure our policy champions for education, energy, and economic reforms are elected.  Stay tuned for opportunities to volunteer as soon as Flint schedules the phone bank locations.

 

AFP Virginia Early Endorsements for 2023 General Assembly Candidates

 

Emily Brewer — Brewer has previously advocated for education opportunity, universal licensure, and red tape reduction alongside AFP in the past and will continue to fight for Virginians in these key policy areas. (SD17)

 

Glen Sturtevant — Sturtevant has proven to be a policy champion for AFP in the past and will work tirelessly to pass transformative legislation in Richmond. He has a strong track record of being a supporter of education opportunity and allowing Virginians to keep more of their hard-earned money. (SD12)

 

Mark Obenshain — As a strong policy champion in the legislature, Obenshain will continue to work for Virginians—pushing for economic growth and education options for parents to be more involved in their children's education. (SD2)

 

Bryce Reeves — During his time in Richmond, Bryce has been a proven leader on public safety and healthcare issues in the Virginia legislature. Reeves will also be a champion for economic growth, red tape reduction, and better opportunity for all Virginians. (SD28)

 

Chris Head — Head has worked hard to bring healthcare solutions to Virginia families – a key policy priority for AFP. He will continue to fight for citizens of the Commonwealth to keep more of their paycheck, as well as strive for better education options for parents. (SD3)

 

Tara Durant — As a legislator, Durant has been a champion for education opportunity as well as striving for economic freedom in the Commonwealth. She will continue to be a strong leader for Virginia and drive economic growth that is crucial for families right now. (SD27)

 

Wren Williams — An advocate for energy abundance, and economic opportunity, Williams has and will continue to drive AFP's vision for Virginia's future and bring common sense policy to the legislature. (HD47)

 

Mike Dillender — AFP believes Dillender will push for economic growth, education opportunity, and better healthcare for Virginians. With his background as a small business owner, Dillender knows what it takes to create opportunities for entrepreneurs to start businesses and succeed in the Commonwealth. (HD84)

 

Announcements coming soon of volunteer opportunities to phone bank in Charlottesville.

 

Let's elect our policy champions for education, energy and Virginia's economy!

 

Flint Engleman

Grassroots Engagement Director

State Strategic Education Capability Leader

Americans for Prosperity-Virginia | Skyline Region

(540)226-4591 | FEngleman@afphq.org

#AFPSkyline

 

Follow AFP Skyline Region Events & Policy Updates on Facebook

Go to and Like:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/afpskyline

 

Does a Data Breach Give 6,000 Illegal Aliens a Free Pass?

April 11, 2023

IRLI shows opportunistic lawsuit has no basis

WASHINGTON—Today, the Immigration Reform Law Institute (IRLI) filed a friend-of-the-court brief in DC federal district court in a case in which illegal aliens are trying to reopen their asylum cases on favorable terms because of a brief, accidental data breach of their personal information by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).   The breach of about 6,000 illegal aliens' personal information lasted only five hours, but the alien plaintiffs are suing under the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, the Privacy Act, and immigration law to have their asylum cases reopened with presumptions in their favor that would likely result in their being granted asylum.   In its brief, IRLI takes issue with plaintiffs' claims under the Constitution. IRLI makes the key point that plaintiffs do not allege in their complaint that they had even entered the country in a legal sense when the data breach happened. Thus, they fail to claim that they had any rights under our Constitution to be deprived of.   In immigration law, "entry" is a term of art, generally defined as presence in this country and freedom from official restraint. For example, a traveler at an American airport waiting to go through customs has not "entered" the United States. And a basic principle of constitutional law is that it is the American people—not aliens who have never entered the country in a legal sense, and have no substantial connection to it—who have rights under our Constitution.   Here, most of the plaintiffs were in ICE custody when the data breach happened, some had been removed from the country, and the rest fail to allege facts implying that, though released from detention and physically in the country, their freedom was unrestrained by immigration officials. Thus, according to the leading legal definition of "entry," plaintiffs fail to claim that they had effected entry into the U.S.—a prerequisite for coming under the protection of our Constitution.   "Illegal aliens are trying to use this data breach to their own advantage, but, even assuming that every factual assertion they make in their complaint is true, they lack any basis in law, including the Constitution, for the windfall they are after," said Dale L. Wilcox, executive director and general counsel of IRLI. "We hope the court clearly sees the prohibitive legal problems with all of these claims, and throws out this blatantly opportunistic attempt to game the system."   The case is Asylum Seekers Trying to Assure their Safety v. Johnson, No. 23-cv-00163 (D.D.C.).