Do We Need to Reform Conservatism? (Freedom Focus)Latest updates on hot policy issues including AI, China, abortion, housing, and foreign policy |
Greetings from all of us at Advancing American Freedom. It’s been a busy week on the Hill — and AAF is at the center of it all. As the end of the year approaches, we’re pushing forward with promoting the conservative values that lead to a more prosperous nation.
It's Time to Fire FDA Director Makary Earlier this week, AAF Founder Mike Pence released a statement on X emphasizing the need for pro-life policies to be enacted in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This starts with the firing of FDA commissioner Marty Makary — who refuses to follow through on investigating the dangers of the abortion pill. AAF will push for the removal of officials who refuse to make the safety of women and children a major priority. This is why we stood against the nomination of Secretary Kennedy and continue to call for his removal. America deserves better.
Welcome to the Team, Jonathan and Madeline! We’re happy to announce that the AAF team is expanding.
Jonathan Moy is joining our development team to serve as a Major Gift Officer. He comes from the Heritage Foundation, where he worked as Manager of Corporate and Donor Relations. He previously worked at American Philanthropic, the American Conservative Union, and interned at the White House. Jonathan earned a bachelor’s degree in political economy at Hillsdale College and is currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Virginia.
Additionally, we’re proud to announce that Madeline Alfonso will be joining the team as a Digital Assistant. She joins the team from Rep. Keith Self’s office and graduated with a degree in English from Baylor University.
Thanks to your ongoing support, we’re able to not only maintain a dedicated and steady staff — but to grow and expand in our mission to promote true conservative policy.
The Conservative Movement Needs a Reformation As I warned in the Washington Examiner this week, today’s Conservatism has been poisoned by extremist voices obsessed with self-grievance. Populism, which has a healthy form, has been twisted by attention-seeking figures for their own gain. As true conservatives, we can’t stand idly by. Now is the time for leaders and institutions to speak clearly, reject destructive fringes, and recommit to the timeless principles that built the American republic. The future of our movement depends on it.
Read the full op-ed HERE.
Don't Sell Advanced AI Chips to China In an era when the global contest for artificial intelligence will decide whether the future reflects American freedom or Chinese authoritarianism, the U.S. cannot afford to falter. As AAF Policy Director John Shelton wrote in the Washington Examiner, a country’s AI abilities determine its military and technological fortitude on the world stage. The administration’s green-light for Nvidia to sell advanced chips to China is dangerously worrisome. This is why Congress must reassert its constitutional authority by passing Chairman Brian Mast’s legislation to treat these chips as arms transfers and halt exports that would strengthen our adversaries’ war-fighting capabilities.
Read the full op-ed HERE.
AAF Chairman Marc Short: We Need to Talk About Affordability AAF Chairman Marc Short appeared on CNN this week to discuss affordability and the economic state of the country. As he noted, the President is right to emphasize the accomplishment of lowering energy prices. But for many Americans — especially in middle America — the cost of living is still painfully elevated. As we approach next year’s midterm elections, it’s critical that Republicans address the issue that matters most the American people: affordability.
The End of Marijuana in Massachusetts? Marijuana has had a destructive impact on families, communities, and public health, and Massachusetts (of all places) is finally waking up to that reality. As AAF Policy Director John Shelton writes in WORLD Magazine, the state is recognizing that it moved “too far too fast,” and that the consequences — from addiction and mental-health disorders to more traffic deaths and soaring youth usage — are undeniable. Public opinion on the drug is shifting, and Massachusetts may see change for the better if they are able to fight against marijuana lobbyists and for the health of their children.
Read the full op-ed HERE.
The U.S. Needs a Strong Military As mentioned this week in The Hill, AAF is proud to see the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) take meaningful steps toward rebuilding American strength at a moment of rising global tensions. We’re also encouraged that Congress removed the IVF mandate, a proposal deeply concerning to pro-life Americans due to practices that routinely result in the destruction of human embryos. Still, this NDAA is not without shortcomings: Naval investments are far too small, and Nvidia’s AI chips are still able to be imported by China. While we must do more to ensure our nation’s safety, the bill takes us in a good direction.
Freedom Forum: Fixing Housing Yesterday, AAF hosted a webinar where we heard from Edward J. Pinto, senior fellow and codirector of the Housing Center at the American Enterprise Institute and Joel Griffith, Senior Fellow at Advancing American Freedom Foundation.
Ed explained why a 50-year mortgage plan would worsen affordability and deepen dependence on Washington, and how a market-driven path forward can restore affordability to home ownership.
Watch the full webinar below:
Are You Considering a Year End Gift? Thank you for your support for AAF’s mission to promote and defend the ideas that have made this nation great - free markets, traditional values, and strong American leadership abroad.  Did you know we have a sister 501(c)(3) organization called Advancing American Freedom Foundation that accepts tax deductible gifts?
Several donors have asked about different options as they are considering year-end gifts. We ask you to consider a special, year-end, tax-deductible gift given how important it is to stand firm for our shared values. Watch a video about AAF’s vision here.
If you have any questions, please contact Roger Custer at 703-338-8615 or via email at [email protected].
Here are ways you can give:
1. Stock
You can avoid capital gains taxes by gifting stock directly to Advancing American Freedom Foundation. The top federal tax rate is 37%, and your top tax rate could soar close to 50% when combined with state capital gains taxes. Moreover, if you itemize, you may still take a charitable tax deduction for the fair market value of your gift provided you held your stock for more than one year. If you would like to make a gift of stock, please contact AAF Development Director Roger Custer at 703-338-8615 or [email protected] to learn the details.
2. Individual Retirement Account (IRA)
If you are 70½ or older, you can make a tax-free gift of up to $108,000 from your IRA to Advancing American Freedom Foundation. This qualified charitable distribution (QCD) counts toward your required minimum distribution (RMD) without increasing your taxable income. You can simply tell your IRA plan administrator to make a gift directly to Advancing American Freedom Foundation, 801 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 930, Washington, DC 20004, tax identification # 87-2090900.
3. Donor Advised Fund
If you have a fund with Fidelity, Vanguard, National Christian Foundation, Donors Trust, Bradley Impact Fund, or any other Donor Advised Fund, you can recommend a gift be made to Advancing American Freedom Foundation, 801 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 930, Washington, DC 20004, tax identification # 87-2090900. If your fund would like more information such as an IRS recognition letter or other documentation, please contact Roger Custer at [email protected] or 703-338-8615.
4. Foundation
If you have a family foundation or serve on the board of one, you can recommend a gift to Advancing American Freedom Foundation, 801 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Suite 930, Washington, DC 20004, tax identification # 87-2090900.
5. Check or Credit Card
This is the easiest way to give. Contributions to Advancing American Freedom Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt educational organization, are deductible to the full extent of the law. To give a gift via check, please mail your check to Advancing American Freedom Foundation, 801 Pennsylvania Ave NW Suite 930, Washington, DC 20004. To make a tax deductible credit card contribution, please visit this site or click here:
With thanks,
Tim Chapman
President, Advancing American Freedom
|
|
|
|
|
Paid for by Advancing American Freedom
|
|
801 Pennsylvania Ave Ste 930
Washington, DC 20004
|
Privacy Policy
To unsubscribe from Advancing American Freedom, click here |
| |
|
