Capitol Conversations

Matt, Steven and Travis check in on a variety of policy items the ERLC is paying attention to as Congress returns to work. Topics include religious freedom in Malaysia; a U.S House vote in the fight against online sex trafficking; foster care reform. The team also discusses recent decisions in court cases DHS v. Regents Of Univ. Of Cal. and Zarda v. Altitude Express.

Malaysia

Fighting online sex trafficking

Foster care reform

Court cases

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The ERLC’s Matt Hawkins and Jeff Pickering reflect on what happened in the Senate debate on immigration reform last week, and look ahead to the next month in Congress.

Senate fails to secure border and resolve Dreamer issue

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The ERLC’s DC team runs down what to expect in a week of rare activity in the Senate: an open amendment and debate process on immigration reform. Will they secure 60 votes?

DACA & Dreamers

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The ERLC’s DC team reviews the status of politics and policy in Washington including abortion, immigration, and (yet another) CR week. Also, a quick look at the MLK50 Conference in Memphis, TN on April 3-4.

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Travis Wussow, ERLC VP for Public Policy, interviews four panelists during the 2018 Evangelicals for Life conference. The panel, "Politics and the Person: Why Legislation Matters for the Pro-Life Cause" includes Tim Goeglein (Focus on the Family), Charles Camosy (Fordham University), Denise Harle with (Alliance Defending Freedom), and Shannon Royce (U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services).

Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

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Matt and Travis review the political landscape surrounding a legislative solution for “Dreamers” and DACA recipients. Also, it’s the week of the annual March for Life and the Evangelicals for Life conference.

DACA and Dreamers

Conscience Protection Act (CPA)

It’s March for Life week!

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Matt welcomes Vanessa Gutierrez (Michigan) and Elisa Gonzalez (South Carolina) who share what it’s like to be “Dreamers” and DACA recipients.

Vanessa Gutierrez, Office administrative assistant, Sinclair Recreation, Holland, Mich.

“I am from the city of Monterrey in the State of Nuevo Leon, Mexico. I came to the U.S. at the age of 3 years old. I went to school and graduated with my diploma at West Ottawa High School and diploma in biblical studies at Leaders for Christ Training Center (International School of Ministry) in Holland, MI. I also studied part time at Grand Rapids Community College and desire to continue pursuing a college degree. I live in Holland, MI and work as the administrative assistant and customer service for a private company. In the future my goals are to become a U.S citizen, travel abroad, and become a published author.”

Elisa Gonzalez, Intern Development Director, Urban Hope, Spartanburg, S.C.

“I was born in Quaretaro, Mexico, but my mother brought me to the United States when I was eight months old. I have lived in the Spartanburg, South Carolina for 18 years where I graduated from Spartanburg High School. I'm currently a Sophomore at Converse College, double majoring in Business International and Spanish. I also work at a nonprofit in Spartanburg called, Urban Hope where I organize events for the specific programs, handle social media, and fundraising. Our mission is to connect youth who come from broken and low income families to Christ. When I graduate I hope to work with an organization that creates stability for low income neighborhoods, specifically in Spartanburg.”

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Lauren and Michael McAfee stop by the Leland House on Capitol Hill to chat about the Museum of the Bible with Matt and Travis. The Museum of Bible is now open in Washington, D.C., just blocks from the U.S. Capitol and National Mall. The museum was built to invite all people to engage with the Bible through its history, narrative, and impact.

Museum of The Bible

Guests

Matt and Jeff welcome Melissa Swearingen from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to discuss the Conscience Protection Act.

Conscience Protection Act

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What happened inside SCOTUS? Matt and Travis catch up with attorneys Michael and Jonathan Whitehead to hear what they witnessed during the oral arguments in the Masterpiece Cakeshop Supreme Court case. Michael Whitehead formerly served as counsel for the ERLC in the early 1990s. Jonathan currently serves on the ERLC’s board of trustees. Both contributed amici in the Masterpiece case.

Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado

Guests

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