Issue 84: Saturday, 2 July 2022

THIS WEEK IN DC – Oversight Committee To Hold Hearing On Impact Of Roe Reversal; Pentagon Unveils $820 Million Security Assistance Package For Ukraine; Biden Concedes Democrats Don’t Have Votes To Change Filibuster; 71 Percent Don’t Want Biden To Run For Reelection; SCOTUS Ruling Ups Pressure On Schumer To Strike Climate Deal With Manchin; Nearly 4 In 10 Say Roe V. Wade Overturning Made Them Much More Interested In Voting; High Court Sides With Biden Over ‘Remain In Mexico’; Kinzinger Says Hutchinson Has ‘More Courage Than Most In GOP’; Rep. Judy Chu Among Those Arrested At Pro-Abortion Rights Protest On Capitol Grounds; Ketanji Brown Jackson Sworn In As Supreme Court Justice.

Once the fireworks of Independence Day fade, how independent are we?

By: Muslim Public Affairs Council, previously published in Arab American News

This article was published in 2018 during the Trump Administration and much of the content of this article is still true today. These sentiments should be a reflection of how we want to move our country forward and see an America that embodies equal justice for all.

Every July 4th holiday, most Americans spend time with their families, indulge in grilled foods and watch awestruck as dazzling explosions light up the night sky. For many of us, it’s a time to reflect on the complex juxtapositions that define our nation; from the loftiest ideals — equal rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness — outlined in our Declaration of Independence, to the countless times throughout our brief history that we’ve fallen far short of that vision.

As an American Muslim public policy institution, MPAC constantly grapples with that line between what makes us great and what holds us back. This week we take a close look at the following major policy areas we focus on and see just how far we have to go…

Read full article→

ICYMI

Ongoing: House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol

Cassidy Hutchinson, an aide to then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows, testifies before the House select committee. Image via CNN

The House Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol continues with a series of committee hearings.

Watch the recordings →

GOOD TO KNOW

Biden to present Khizr Khan with the Presidential Medal of Freedom
How Nazem Kadri lifted an entire community with the Cup
Agha Khan, Republican who challenged Sires, Payne, dies at 73
Flying this July 4 weekend? Brace for 'operational challenges'
They waited years to make the Hajj. A web portal could stop them.

- THIS WEEK IN HISTORY -

June 26, 1243 - Seljuk Sultanate engage in Battle of Köse Dağ against Mongol Ilkhanids; June 26, 1879 - Ismael Pasha resigns as the khedive of Egypt; June 27, 1977 - France granted independence to Djibouti; June 28, 1098 - Fighters of the first crusade defeat Kerbogha of Mosul; June 28, 1389 - Ottomans defeat the Serbian Army in Battle of Kosovo, opening the way for Ottoman conquest in Southeastern Europe; June 28, 1964 - Malcolm X forms the Organization of Afro American Unity; June 29, 1967 - Israel removes barricades reunifying Jerusalem; June 29, 2006 - The Supreme Court rules George W. Bush's plan to try Guantanamo Bay detainees in military tribunals violate US and international law; July 1, 1097 - Turks, led by Kilij Arslan, fail to defeat Crusaders at Dorylaeum; July 1, 1930 - Great Britain signs accord for the independence of Iraq; July 1, 1962 - Algeria votes for independence from France.

June 26, 1917 - First U.S. troops arrive in France during WWI; June 27, 1974 - President Nixon visits USSR; June 27, 1950 - The U.S. decides to send troops in the Korean War; June 28, 1776 - Final draft of Declaration of Independence submitted to Continental Congress; June 28, 1969 - Stonewall Riots in NY begin which begins the start of the Gay Rights movement; June 29, 1949 - South Africa begins implementing Apartheid with mixed marriages banned; June 29, 1956 - President Eisenhower signs the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 by creating the interstate highway system; June 29, 1982 - Voting Rights Act extended; June 30, 1964 - Civil Rights Act of 1964 passed after an 83-day filibuster in the U.S. Senate; July 1, 1863 - The battle of Gettysburg in the U.S. Civil War begins; July 1, 2002 - The ICC is established to prosecute individuals for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity; July 2, 1964 - President Johnson signs the Civil Rights Act.

Founded in 1988, the Muslim Public Affairs Council improves public understanding and policies that impact American Muslims by engaging our government, media, and communities. Our policy analysts provide insight from D.C. to the palm of your hand on the most pressing issues impacting American Muslims. Email is an important way for us to communicate with supporters like you. Should you want to stop hearing from us or change your preferences, click here to update your contact info or unsubscribe.

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