Represent

Lobbying
Lobbying by Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy

Lobbying Relationship

Client

Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy

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Lobbying firm

Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy

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CFI's Office of Public Policy lobbied in favor of the "Health Share Transparency Act," which was introduced by Rep. Jared Huffman in November 2023. CFI lobbied for additional co-sponsors to join the Act, which would increase federal regulation of health care sharing ministries. These ministries are alternative health insurance arrangements based on shared religious community, but they frequently provide insufficient coverage and leave patients vulnerable to costly medical bills to be paid out of pocket.

Duration: June 29, 2006 to present

General Issues: Religion, Science/Technology, Pharmacy, Civil Rights/Civil Liberties, Consumer Issues/Safety/Protection, Health Issues, Budget/Appropriations, Education, Law Enforcement/Crime/Criminal Justice, Immigration, Taxation/Internal Revenue Code, Defense, Government Issues, Constitution, Foreign Relations, Family Issues/Abortion/Adoption, Environmental/Superfund, Disaster Planning/Emergencies, District of Columbia, Energy/Nuclear, Alcohol & Drug Abuse, Media (Information/Publishing), Medical/Disease Research/Clinical Labs, Marine/Maritime/Boating/Fisheries, Torts

Spending: about $650,891 (But it's complicated. Here's why.)

Agencies lobbied since 2006: U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), Education - Dept of, Office of Management & Budget (OMB), Labor - Dept of (DOL), Veterans Affairs - Dept of (VA), Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Justice - Dept of (DOJ), Homeland Security - Dept of (DHS), Agriculture - Dept of (USDA), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Treasury - Dept of, President of the U.S., State - Dept of (DOS), White House Office, Defense - Dept of (DOD), Justice - Dept of (DOJ), U.S. Commission on International Religous Freedom, Defense - Dept of (DOD), Office of Faith-Based & Community Initiatives, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, Health & Human Services - Dept of (HHS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Health & Human Services, Dept of (HHS), House of Representatives, Senate, U.S. Senate,, Violence Against Women Program, Executive Office of the President (EOP), Executive Office of the President (EOP),, Natl Institutes of Health (NIH), Office of Science & Technology Policy (OSTP)

Bills mentioned

H.J.RES.27: Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving...

Sponsor: Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio)

S.J.RES.4: A joint resolution disapproving the action of the District of Columbia...

Sponsor: James Lankford (R-Okla.)

H.R.781: Free Speech Fairness Act

Sponsor: Steve Scalise (R-La.)

S.264: The Free Speech Fairness Act

Sponsor: James Lankford (R-Okla.)

H.R.1387: SOAR Reauthorization Act

Sponsor: Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah)

H.R.6195: Free Speech Fairness Act

Sponsor: Steve Scalise (R-La.)

H.R.4909: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

Sponsor: William M. Thornberry (R-Texas)

H.R.5485: Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2017

Sponsor: Ander Crenshaw (R-Fla.)

H.RES.290: Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy laws.

Sponsor: Joe Pitts (R-Pa.)

S.1598: First Amendment Defense Act

Sponsor: Mike Lee (R-Utah)

H.R.2802: First Amendment Defense Act

Sponsor: Raúl Labrador (R-Idaho)

H.R.5207: Freedom of Religion Act of 2016

Sponsor: Donald Beyer (D-Va.)

S.304: Conscience Protection Act of 2016

Sponsor: John Thune (R-S.D.)

H.R.3068: Restore Honor to Service Members Act

Sponsor: Mark Pocan (D-Wis.)

S.1766: Restore Honor to Service Members Act

Sponsor: Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)

S.2814: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017

Sponsor: John McCain (R-Ariz.)

H.R.5272: Do No Harm Act

Sponsor: Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-Mass.)

S.2711: Native American Education Opportunity Act

Sponsor: John McCain (R-Ariz.)

H.R.4901: SOAR Reauthorization Act

Sponsor: Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah)

S.2765: Real Education for Healthy Youth Act of 2016

Sponsor: Cory Booker (D-N.J.)

H.R.1706: Real Education for Healthy Youth Act of 2015

Sponsor: Barbara Lee (D-Calif.)

H.RES.561: Expressing support for support of transgender acceptance.

Sponsor: Michael M. Honda (D-Calif.)

H.R.3762: To provide for reconciliation pursuant to section 2002 of the concurrent...

Sponsor: Tom Price (R-Ga.)

H.RES.396: Calling on the Government of Bangladesh to protect the human rights of...

Sponsor: Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii)

H.R.5: Student Success Act

Sponsor: John Kline (R-Minn.)

H.R.10: SOAR Reauthorization Act

Sponsor: John A. Boehner (R-Ohio)

S.1881: A bill to prohibit Federal funding of Planned Parenthood Federation of...

Sponsor: Joni Ernst (R-Iowa)

H.J.RES.43: Disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving...

Sponsor: Diane Black (R-Tenn.)

H.R.1425: Preserve and Protect God in Military Oaths Act of 2015

Sponsor: Sam Johnson (R-Texas)

H.RES.67: Expressing support for designation of February 12, 2015, as "Darwin Day"...

Sponsor: Jim Himes (D-Conn.)

S.RES.67: A resolution amending rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate to...

Sponsor: Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)

S.2578: Protect Women's Health From Corporate Interference Act of 2014

Sponsor: Patty Murray (D-Wash.)

S.2687: Access to Contraception for Women Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2014

Sponsor: Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.)

S.2706: Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2014

Sponsor: Michael B. Enzi (R-Wyo.)

H.R.5285: Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2014

Sponsor: Mike Kelly (R-Pa.)

H.R.2028: Every Child Deserves a Family Act

Sponsor: John Lewis (D-Ga.)

S.1069: Every Child Deserves a Family Act

Sponsor: Kirsten E. Gillibrand (D-N.Y.)

H.R.2175: World War II Memorial Prayer Act of 2014

Sponsor: Bill Johnson (R-Ohio)

S.1909: CHOICE Act

Sponsor: Tim Scott (R-S.C.)

S.1968: Scholarships for Kids Act

Sponsor: Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.)

H.R.4000: Scholarships for Kids Act

Sponsor: Luke Messer (R-Ind.)

H.R.3774: Repealing Ineffective and Incomplete Abstinence-Only Program Funding Act...

Sponsor: Barbara Lee (D-Calif.)

H.R.7: No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure...

Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith (R-N.J.)

S.862: EACH Act

Sponsor: Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.)

H.RES.467: Expressing support for designation of February 12, 2014, as "Darwin Day"...

Sponsor: Rush Holt (D-N.J.)

S.1044: World War II Memorial Prayer Act of 2013

Sponsor: Rob Portman (R-Ohio)

H.R.5: Student Success Act

Sponsor: John Kline (R-Minn.)

H.R.301: To provide for the establishment of the Special Envoy to Promote...

Sponsor: Frank R. Wolf (R-Va.)

S.1094: Strengthening America's Schools Act of 2013

Sponsor: Tom Harkin (D-Iowa)

H.R.592: Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act of 2013

Sponsor: Christopher H. Smith (R-N.J.)

H.R.3803: District of Columbia Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act

Sponsor: Trent Franks (R-Ariz.)

S.1925: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012

Sponsor: Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.)

H.R.4970: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012

Sponsor: Sandra Adams (R-Fla.)

H.R.4227: Workforce Investment Act of 2012

Sponsor: John F. Tierney (D-Mass.)

S.1813: MAP-21

Sponsor: Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.)

H.CON.RES.13: Reaffirming "In God We Trust" as the official motto of the United States...

Sponsor: J. Randy Forbes (R-Va.)

H.R.4213: Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2010

Sponsor: Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.)

S.182: Paycheck Fairness Act

Sponsor: Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.)

H.R.1283: Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009

Sponsor: Ellen O. Tauscher (D-Calif.)

H.R.2262: Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2009

Sponsor: Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.)

H.R.1736: International Science and Technology Cooperation Act of 2009

Sponsor: Brian Baird (D-Wash.)

H.CON.RES.131: Directing the Architect of the Capitol to engrave the Pledge of...

Sponsor: Dan Lungren (R-Calif.)

H.R.11: To amend title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Age...

Sponsor: George Miller (D-Calif.)

S.181: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009

Sponsor: Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.)

H.R.1105: Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009

Sponsor: David R. Obey (D-Wis.)

S.1843: Fair Pay Restoration Act

Sponsor: Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.)

H.R.2831: Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2007

Sponsor: George Miller (D-Calif.)

H.R.5687: Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of 2008

Sponsor: William Lacy Clay (D-Mo.)

S.2045: CPSC Reform Act of 2007

Sponsor: Mark Pryor (D-Ark.)

H.R.3043: Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and...

Sponsor: David R. Obey (D-Wis.)

S.1710: Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and...

Sponsor: Tom Harkin (D-Iowa)

H.R.3221: Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008

Sponsor: Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)

H.R.6263: Fulfilling the Potential of Women in Academic Science and Engineering...

Sponsor: Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas)

H.R.6314: Fulfilling the Potential of Women in Academic Science and Engineering...

Sponsor: Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas)

H.R.2478: Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women's Services Act

Sponsor: Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.)

S.2793: Stop Deceptive Advertising for Women's Services Act

Sponsor: Robert Menendez (D-N.J.)

H.R.3132: Safe Schools Improvement Act of 2007

Sponsor: Linda T. Sánchez (D-Calif.)

H.R.1704: Second Chance Act of 2005: Community Safety Through Recidivism Prevention

Sponsor: Rob Portman (R-Ohio)

H.R.1: An Act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the...

Sponsor: Kevin Brady (R-Texas)

H.R.5199: Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2018

Sponsor: Jim Banks (R-Ind.)

S.2517: Military Education Savings Account Act of 2018

Sponsor: Ben Sasse (R-Neb.)

H.R.3222: Do No Harm Act

Sponsor: Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-Mass.)

S.2918: Do No Harm Act

Sponsor: Kamala Harris (D-Calif.)

S.2525: First Amendment Defense Act

Sponsor: Mike Lee (R-Utah)

H.RES.852: Expressing support for the designation of May 3, 2018, as a "National...

Sponsor: Jared Huffman (D-Calif.)

S.3158: Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and...

Sponsor: Roy Blunt (R-Mo.)

H.R.6157: Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and...

Sponsor: Kay Granger (R-Texas)

H.R.88: Shiloh National Military Park Boundary Adjustment and Parker's...

Sponsor: Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.)

S.3649: First Step Act

Sponsor: Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa)

H.R.5682: FIRST STEP Act

Sponsor: Doug Collins (R-Ga.)

H.R.1605: Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2019

Sponsor: Jim Banks (R-Ind.)

S.695: Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2019

Sponsor: Ben Sasse (R-Neb.)

H.R.1450: Do No Harm Act

Sponsor: Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-Mass.)

S.593: Do No Harm Act

Sponsor: Kamala Harris (D-Calif.)

H.R.5: Equality Act

Sponsor: David Cicilline (D-R.I.)

S.788: Equality Act

Sponsor: Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)

H.R.590: Freedom of Religion Act of 2019

Sponsor: Donald Beyer (D-Va.)

H.R.1709: Scientific Integrity Act

Sponsor: Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.)

S.775: Scientific Integrity Act

Sponsor: Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii)

H.R.3351: Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2020

Sponsor: Mike Quigley (D-Ill.)

H.R.1994: Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019

Sponsor: Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.)

H.RES.512: Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws.

Sponsor: Jamie Raskin (D-Md.)

H.R.3654: Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2019

Sponsor: Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.)

H.R.2862: VACCINES Act of 2019

Sponsor: Kim Schrier (D-Wash.)

S.RES.458: A resolution calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and...

Sponsor: James Lankford (R-Okla.)

H.RES.947: Expressing support for the designation of May 7, 2020, as a "National...

Sponsor: Jamie Raskin (D-Md.)

H.R.5184: HEALS Act

Sponsor: Tom O'Halleran (D-Ariz.)

S.1624: HEALS Act

Sponsor: John Cornyn (R-Texas)

S.178: UIGHUR Act of 2019

Sponsor: Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)

H.R.849: Scientific Integrity Act

Sponsor: Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.)

H.RES.357: Expressing support for the designation of May 7, 2021, as a "National...

Sponsor: Jamie Raskin (D-Md.)

S.2752: Do No Harm Act

Sponsor: Cory Booker (D-N.J.)

S.1975: Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021

Sponsor: Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.)

S.RES.309: A resolution expressing support for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sponsor: Mike Braun (R-Ind.)

S.RES.407: A resolution designating the week of October 3, 2021, through October 9,...

Sponsor: Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.)

H.R.5480: To clarify the applicability of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of...

Sponsor: Ron Estes (R-Kansas)

S.4348: FDASLA Act of 2022

Sponsor: Patty Murray (D-Wash.)

H.R.5: Parents Bill of Rights Act

Sponsor: Julia Letlow (R-La.)

Show All Mentioned Bills

Lobbyists

Lobbyists named here were listed on a filing related to this lobbying engagement. They may not be working on it now. Occasionally, a single lobbyist whose name is spelled two different ways on filings may be represented twice here.

Lobbyist	Covered positions?
Toni Van Pelt	Sec of State Clinton Sec. of the Dept of HHS Speaker Of the House Sec. Mike Leavitt
Michael De Dora	Lobbyist Director
Jason Lemieux	Director of Government Affairs
Azhar Majeed	Director of Government Affairs
Michael De Dora Jr.	n/a
Matthew Separa	n/a
Matt Separa	n/a
Ruth Mitchell	n/a
Topni Van Pelt	n/a
Matthews Separa	n/a
Aaron Green	n/a

Disclosures Filed

Once a lobbying engagement begins, the lobbyist or firm is required to file updates four times a year. Those updates sometimes change which lobbyists are involved or add new issues being discussed. When lobbyists stop working for a client, the firm is also supposed to file a report disclosing the end of the relationship.

4th Quarter, 2023

Q4 Report

In Q4, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 18. Original Filing: 301528714.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2023

Q3 Report

In Q3, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 25, 2023. Original Filing: 301517742.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2023

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 27, 2023. Original Filing: 301493773.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2023

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 20, 2023. Original Filing: 301462014.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2022

Q4 Report

In Q4, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 20, 2023. Original Filing: 301442381.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2022

Q3 Report

In Q3, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 19, 2022. Original Filing: 301410138.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2022

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 19, 2022. Original Filing: 301385427.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2022

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 6, 2022. Original Filing: 301343854.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2021

Q4 Report

In Q4, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 3, 2022. Original Filing: 301319857.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2021

Q3 Report

In Q3, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 18, 2021. Original Filing: 301301579.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2021

Registration

3rd Quarter, 2021

Registration

2nd Quarter, 2021

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 20, 2021. Original Filing: 301287084.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2021

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 20, 2021. Original Filing: 301261645.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2020

Q4 Report

In Q4, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Feb. 15, 2021. Original Filing: 301248307.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2020

Q3 Report

In Q3, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Nov. 5, 2020. Original Filing: 301226137.xml

Lobbying Issues

CFI supports freedom of and from religion for all persons. In the 3rd Quarter of 2020, CFI lobbied to support H.Res. 512/S.Res. 458, Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws. This legislation calls on the State Department to work to repeal these criminal laws in countries around the world. CFI supports the well-settled right of every person to secular addiction recovery services that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. In the 3rd Quarter of 2020, CFI lobbied for a small portion of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program appropriation for Fiscal Year 2021 to be dedicated to develop the capacity and infrastructure of evidence-based mutual aid recovery support programs that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. CFI believes that there is no freedom of religion without a government that is free from religion. In the 3rd Quarter of 2020, CFI lobbied to oppose the nomination of Judge Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court of the United States (PN2252). Judge Barrett has publicly argued that Catholic beliefs should supersede the secular obligations of federal judges.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

CFI supports the right of every person to secular addiction recovery services that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. In the 3rd Quarter of 2020, CFI lobbied for a small portion of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program appropriation for Fiscal Year 2021 to be dedicated to develop the capacity and infrastructure of evidence-based mutual aid recovery support programs that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. The Center for Inquiry believes that public dollars belong in public schools. Funding private, largely religious schools with government revenue egregiously violates the separation of church and state, forcing taxpayers of all religious beliefs and no beliefs at all to subsidize sectarian education and proselytization. In the 3rd Quarter of 2020, CFI lobbied to oppose school voucher provisions in legislation including the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability Protection, and Schools Act (HEALS) Act (H.R. 5184/S. 1624), and the Delivering Immediate Relief to Americas Families, Schools and Small Businesses Act (SA 2652 to S. 178).

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2020

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Aug. 26, 2020. Original Filing: 301205783.xml

Lobbying Issues

CFI supports freedom of and from religion for all persons. In the 2nd Quarter of 2020, CFI lobbied to support H.Res. 512/S.Res. 458, Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws. This legislation calls on the State Department to work to repeal these criminal laws in countries around the world. CFI supports the well-settled right of every person to secular addiction recovery services that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. In the 2nd Quarter of 2020, CFI lobbied for a small portion of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program appropriation for Fiscal Year 2021 to be dedicated to develop the capacity and infrastructure of evidence-based mutual aid recovery support programs that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. CFI believes that it is important to celebrate the role of clear thinking in our countrys greatest accomplishments-those past and those yet to come. In the 2nd Quarter of 2020, CFI lobbied in support of a resolution to establish a National Day of Reason (H.Res. 947) that encourages us to apply reason, critical thought, the scientific method, and free inquiry to improving the welfare of humanity. In the 2nd Quarter of 2020, CFI lobbied against a proposed regulation that would allow religious organizations to discriminate against nonbelievers in federally funded education services. The proposed regulation, Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in Department of Education Programs and Activities: Implementation of Executive Order 13831 (RIN# 1840-AD45), would allow faith-based organizations to accept federal grant funding for public service projects while forcing nonbelievers to participate in religious services, turning away nonbelievers who seek the public services the faith-based organization has agreed to provide, and/or engaging in religious practices that violate the conscience of nonbeliever beneficiaries. The proposed regulation eliminates critical church-state protections including the requirement that faith-based organizations that accept these funds must provide each beneficiary with written notice of the beneficiary's right to an alternate referral to a secular service provider of comparable quality, who has the capacity to accept the beneficiary, and is within reasonable geographic proximity. The proposed regulation would unacceptably harm the right of nonbelieving Americans to access public services on an equal, secular basis.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

CFI supports freedom of and from religion for all persons. In the 2nd Quarter of 2020, CFI lobbied to support H.Res. 512/S.Res. 458, Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws. This legislation calls on the State Department to work to repeal these criminal laws in countries around the world. CFI supports the well-settled right of every person to secular addiction recovery services that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. In the 2nd Quarter of 2020, CFI lobbied for a small portion of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program appropriation for Fiscal Year 2021 to be dedicated to develop the capacity and infrastructure of evidence-based mutual aid recovery support programs that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. In the 2nd Quarter of 2020, CFI lobbied against a proposed regulation that would allow religious organizations to discriminate against nonbelievers in federally funded education services. The proposed regulation, Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in Department of Education Programs and Activities: Implementation of Executive Order 13831 (RIN# 1840-AD45), would allow faith-based organizations to accept federal grant funding for public service projects while forcing nonbelievers to participate in religious services, turning away nonbelievers who seek the public services the faith-based organization has agreed to provide, and/or engaging in religious practices that violate the conscience of nonbeliever beneficiaries. The proposed regulation eliminates critical church-state protections including the requirement that faith-based organizations that accept these funds must provide each beneficiary with written notice of the beneficiary's right to an alternate referral to a secular service provider of comparable quality, who has the capacity to accept the beneficiary, and is within reasonable geographic proximity. The proposed regulation would unacceptably harm the right of nonbelieving Americans to access public services on an equal, secular basis.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

In the 2nd Quarter of 2020, CFI lobbied against a proposed regulation that would allow religious organizations to discriminate against nonbelievers in federally funded education services. The proposed regulation, Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in Department of Education Programs and Activities: Implementation of Executive Order 13831 (RIN# 1840-AD45), would allow faith-based organizations to accept federal grant funding for public service projects while forcing nonbelievers to participate in religious services, turning away nonbelievers who seek the public services the faith-based organization has agreed to provide, and/or engaging in religious practices that violate the conscience of nonbeliever beneficiaries. The proposed regulation eliminates critical church-state protections including the requirement that faith-based organizations that accept these funds must provide each beneficiary with written notice of the beneficiary's right to an alternate referral to a secular service provider of comparable quality, who has the capacity to accept the beneficiary, and is within reasonable geographic proximity. The proposed regulation would unacceptably harm the right of nonbelieving Americans to access public services on an equal, secular basis.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2020

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on May 22, 2020. Original Filing: 301183434.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2019

Q4 Report

In Q4, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on March 4, 2020. Original Filing: 301142811.xml

Lobbying Issues

CFI supports freedom of and from religion for all persons. In the 4th Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support H.Res. 512, Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws. This legislation calls on the State Department to work to repeal these laws in countries around the world. CFI supports the right of every person to freedom from religious discrimination inpublic service provision, public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system. Such discrimination is especially prominent against LGBTQ persons. In the 4th Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to oppose proposed regulations in eight departments that would provide a privileged exemption from civil rights and anti-discrimination law to any "faith-based" organization that seeks federal grant funding but refuses to provide a public service free of religious discrimination as guaranteed by the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution. The proposed regulations are: -Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in DHSs Programs and Activities: Implementation of Executive Order 13831 (RIN 1601-AA93) -Equal Opportunity for Religious Organizations in U.S. Department of Agriculture Programs: Implementation of Executive Order 13831 (RIN 0510-AA08) -Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in USAIDs Programs and Activities: Implementation of Executive Order 13831 (RIN 0412-AA99) -Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in Department of Justices Programs and Activities: Implementation of Executive Order 13831 (RIN 1105-AB58) -Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in the Department of Labors Programs and Activities: Implementation of Executive Order 13831 (RIN 1291-AA41) -Equal Participation of Faith-Based Organizations in Veterans Affairs Programs: Implementation of Executive Order 13831 (RIN 2900-AQ75) -Ensuring Equal Treatment of Faith-Based Organizations (RIN 0991-AC13) -Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, Direct Grant Programs, State-Administered Formula Grant Programs, Developing Hispanic-Serving Institutions Program, and Strengthening Institutions Program (RIN 1840-AD45) CFI supports the well-settled right of every person to secular addiction recovery services that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. In the 4th Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied for a small portion of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program appropriation to be dedicated to develop the capacity and infrastructure of evidence-based mutual aid recovery support programs that support Medication-Assisted Treatment.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2019

Q3 Report

In Q3, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Nov. 20, 2019. Original Filing: 301091567.xml

Lobbying Issues

CFI supports freedom of and from religion for all persons. In the 3rd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support H.Res. 512, Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws. This legislation calls on the State Department to work to repeal these laws in countries around the world. In addition, CFI lobbied to keep in the FY2020 Labor-HHS-Education and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPs) appropriations bills essential protections for the Title X family planning program, and to repeal the global gag rule. CFI supports the right of every person to freedom from religious discrimination inpublic service provision, public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system. Such discrimination is especially prominent against LGBTQ persons. In the 3rd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to oppose the proposed Department of Labor rule, Implementing Legal Requirements Regarding the Equal Opportunity Clauses Religious Exemption (RIN 1250-AA09). CFI supports the well-settled right of every person to secular addiction recovery services that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. In the 3rd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied for a small portion of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program appropriation to be dedicated to develop the capacity and infrastructure of evidence-based mutual aid recovery support programs that support Medication-Assisted Treatment.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

CFI supports freedom of and from religion for all persons. In the 3rd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support H.Res. 512, Calling for the global repeal of blasphemy, heresy, and apostasy laws. This legislation calls on the State Department to work to repeal these laws in countries around the world. In addition, CFI lobbied to keep in the FY2020 Labor-HHS-Education and State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs (SFOPs) appropriations bills essential protections for the Title X family planning program, and to repeal the global gag rule. CFI supports the right of every person to freedom from religious discrimination inpublic service provision, public accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system. Such discrimination is especially prominent against LGBTQ persons. In the 1st Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to oppose the proposed Department of Labor rule, Implementing Legal Requirements Regarding the Equal Opportunity Clauses Religious Exemption (RIN 1250-AA09). CFI supports the well-settled right of every person to secular addiction recovery services that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. In the 2nd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied for a small portion of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program appropriation to be dedicated to develop the capacity and infrastructure of evidence-based mutual aid recovery support programs that support Medication-Assisted Treatment.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

CFI supports the right of every person to secular addiction recovery services that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. In the 3rd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied for a small portion of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program appropriation to be dedicated to develop the capacity and infrastructure of evidence-based mutual aid recovery support programs that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. CFI opposes the inclusion in public policy and the use of public funds to support pseudoscientific theories of health and medicine that endanger patient health and waste consumer money. In the 3rd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to oppose the Center for Medicare Services Proposed Decision Memo for Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain (CAG-00452N) and the Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act (H.R. 3654). CFI supports policies that protect evidence-based medicine from pseudoscientific misinformation campaigns that undermine public health. In the 3rd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support the Vaccine Awareness Campaign to Champion Immunization Nationally and Enhance Safety (VACCINES) Act (H.R. 2862).

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2019

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Aug. 8, 2019. Original Filing: 301060810.xml

Lobbying Issues

CFI opposes school voucher programs, which divert money from public schools to private religious schools that are permitted to discriminate in admissions and employment. In the 2nd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to oppose provisions in H.R.3351, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2020, that would fund the D.C. Scholarship Opportunity Program. In addition, CFI lobbied to oppose a provision in H.R. 1994, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (SECURE Act), that would have expanded 529 education savings accounts to cover homeschooling expenses. Homeschooling is poorly regulated and often religious in character. CFI strongly supports the Johnson Amendment, which protects the right of Americans to a secular electoral process free from partisan endorsement by tax-exempt religious organizations. In the 2nd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to keep offending provisions out of pending FY 2020 House and Senate appropriations legislation. CFI supports the right of every person to freedom from religious discrimination inpublic accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system. Such discrimination is especially prominent against LGBTQ persons. In the 1st Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support H.R. 5/S. 788, the Equality Act. CFI supports the First Amendment right of every person to freedom from religion and freedom from religious discrimination. CFI is particularly concerned that discrimination continues against groups that have historically been marginalized for religious reasons. One person's religious beliefs are never an acceptable justification for discrimination or harmful conduct toward another person or group of individuals. CFI supports the right of children and families to federally funded adoption and foster care services free from religious discrimination, including against LGBTQ people. Federal dollars should never be used to discriminate.In the 2nd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support the Every Child Deserves a Family Act. CFI supports the right of every person to secular addiction recovery services that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. In the 2nd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied for a small portion of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program appropriation to be dedicated to develop the capacity and infrastructure of evidence-based mutual aid recovery support programs that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. CFI met with officials at the U.S. Department of Labor and the White House Office of Management and Budget to oppose the proposed rule, Implementing Legal Requirements Regarding the Equal Opportunity Clause's Religious-Organization Exemption (RIN: 1250-AA09).

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

CFI opposes school voucher programs, which divert money from public schools to private religious schools that are permitted to discriminate in admissions and employment. In the 2nd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to oppose provisions in H.R.3351, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2020, that would fund the D.C. Scholarship Opportunity Program. In addition, CFI lobbied to oppose a provision in H.R. 1994, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019 (SECURE Act), that would have expanded 529 education savings accounts to cover homeschooling expenses. Homeschooling is poorly regulated and often religious in character. CFI supports the First Amendment right of every person to freedom from religion and freedom from religious discrimination. CFI is particularly concerned that discrimination continues against groups that have historically been marginalized for religious reasons. One person's religious beliefs are never an acceptable justification for discrimination or harmful conduct toward another person or group of individuals. CFI supports the right of children and families to federally funded adoption and foster care services free from religious discrimination, including against LGBTQ people. Federal dollars should never be used to discriminate.In the 2nd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support the Every Child Deserves a Family Act. CFI supports the right of every person to freedom from religious discrimination inpublic accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system. Such discrimination is especially prominent against LGBTQ persons. In the 2nd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support H.R. 5/S. 788, the Equality Act. CFI supports the right of every person to secular addiction recovery services that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. In the 2nd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied for a small portion of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program appropriation to be dedicated to develop the capacity and infrastructure of evidence-based mutual aid recovery support programs that support Medication-Assisted Treatment.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

CFI supports the right of every person to secular addiction recovery services that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. In the 2nd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied for a small portion of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program appropriation to be dedicated to develop the capacity and infrastructure of evidence-based mutual aid recovery support programs that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. CFI strongly supports the Johnson Amendment, which protects the right of Americans to a secular electoral process free from partisan endorsement by tax-exempt religious organizations. In the 2nd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to keep offending provisions out of pending FY House and Senate 2020 appropriations legislation. CFI opposes school voucher programs, which divert money from public schools to private religious schools that are permitted to discriminate in admissions and employment. In the 2nd Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to oppose provisions in H.R.3351, the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act of 2020, that would fund the D.C. Scholarship Opportunity Program.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2019

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 19, 2019. Original Filing: 301031496.xml

Lobbying Issues

CFI opposes school voucher programs, which divert money from public schools to private religious schools that are permitted to discriminate in admissions and employment. In the 1st Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to oppose H.R. 1605/S. 695, the Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2019, and the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program. CFI supports the right of all service members, including nontheists, to freely exercise their religious belief or lack thereof, to receive equal treatment, and to receive equal access to pastoral care in the U.S. military. In the 1st Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied for congressional oversight of military chaplain policy and, in particular, the provision of pastoral care to all service members regardless of their religion or lack thereof. CFI strongly supports the Johnson Amendment, which protects the right of Americans to a secular electoral process free from partisan endorsement by tax-exempt religious organizations. In the 1st Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to keep offending provisions out of pending FY 2020 appropriations legislation. CFI supports the First Amendment right of every person to freedom from religion and freedom from religious discrimination. CFI is particularly concerned that discrimination continues against groups that have historically been marginalized for religious reasons. One person's religious beliefs are never an acceptable justification for discrimination or harmful conduct toward another person or group of individuals. In the 1st Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support the Do No Harm Act (H.R. 1450 and S. 593). CFI supports the right of every person to freedom from religious discrimination inpublic accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system. Such discrimination is especially prominent against LGBTQ persons. In the 1st Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support H.R. 5/S. 788, the Equality Act. CFI supports the right of every person to secular addiction recovery services that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. In the 1st Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied for a small portion of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program appropriation to be dedicated to develop the capacity and infrastructure of evidence-based mutual aid recovery support programs that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. CFI supports the right of every person to freedom from religious discrimination in immigration and asylum rights. In the 1st Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support H.R. 590, the Freedom of Religion Act.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

CFI opposes school voucher programs, which divert money from public schools to private religious schools that are permitted to discriminate in admissions and employment. In the 1st Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to oppose H.R. 1605/S. 695, the Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2019 and the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program. FI supports the right of all service members, including nontheists, to freely exercise their religious belief or lack thereof, to receive equal treatment, and to receive equal access to pastoral care in the U.S. military. In the 1st Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied for congressional oversight of military chaplain policy and, in particular, the provision of pastoral care to all service members regardless of their religion or lack thereof. CFI supports the First Amendment right of every person to freedom from religion and freedom from religious discrimination. CFI is particularly concerned that discrimination continues against groups that have historically been marginalized for religious reasons. One person's religious beliefs are never an acceptable justification for discrimination or harmful conduct toward another person or group of individuals. In the 1st Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support the Do No Harm Act (H.R. 1450 and S. 593). CFI supports the right of children and families to federally funded adoption and foster care services free from religious discrimination, including against LGBTQ people. Federal dollars should never be used to discriminate. In the 1st Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support the Every Child Deserves a Family Act. CFI supports the right of every person to freedom from religious discrimination inpublic accommodations and facilities, education, federal funding, employment, housing, credit, and the jury system. Such discrimination is especially prominent against LGBTQ persons. In the 1st Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support H.R. 5/S. 788, the Equality Act. CFI supports the right of every person to secular addiction recovery services that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. In the 1st Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied for a small portion of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program appropriation to be dedicated to develop the capacity and infrastructure of evidence-based mutual aid recovery support programs that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. CFI supports the right of every person to freedom from religious discrimination in immigration and asylum rights. In the 1st Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support H.R. 590, the Freedom of Religion Act.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

CFI supports the right of every person to secular addiction recovery services that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. In the 1st Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied for a small portion of the Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant program appropriation to be dedicated to develop the capacity and infrastructure of evidence-based mutual aid recovery support programs that support Medication-Assisted Treatment. CFI supports the First Amendment right of every person to freedom from religion and freedom from religious discrimination. CFI is particularly concerned that discrimination continues against groups that have historically been marginalized for religious reasons, including in health care. One person's religious beliefs are never an acceptable justification for discrimination or harmful conduct toward another person or group of individuals. In the 1st Quarter of 2019, CFI lobbied to support the Do No Harm Act (H.R. 1450 and S. 593).

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2018

Q4 Report

In Q4, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 7, 2019. Original Filing: 301002491.xml

Lobbying Issues

CFI supports the Constitutional right of every person to freedom from religious discrimination. Religious beliefs are never an acceptable justification for discrimination or harmful conduct toward another person or group of individuals. CFI is particularly concerned that discrimination continues against groups that have historically been marginalized for religious reasons. In the 4th Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to oppose Section 407 of the Retirement, Savings, and Other Tax Relief Act of 2018 (H.R. 88). This section would allow nonprofit organizations to endorse or oppose electoral candidates, overturning the longstanding Johnson Amendment and transforming charitable religious organizations into tax-exempt partisan campaign organizations. In the 4th Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to oppose the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court (PN2259-115). Judge Kavanaugh has a demonstrated record of support for religious discrimination. In the 4th Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to oppose a provision in the First Step Act (S. 3649/H.R. 5682 that would permit federal funding of faith-based programming as "evidence-based recidivism reduction programs." The federal funding of religious instruction is a violation of the Constitution's Establishment Clause.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2018

Q3 Report

In Q3, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 15, 2018. Original Filing: 300985606.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

CFI supports the Constitutional right of every person to freedom from religious discrimination. Religious beliefs are never an acceptable justification for discrimination or harmful conduct toward another person or group of individuals. CFI is particularly concerned that discrimination continues against groups that have historically been marginalized for religious reasons. In the 3nd Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to oppose the Aderholt Amendment to the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill in the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act (S. 3158) and the Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act (H.R. 6157). This Amendment permitted federally funded foster homes and adoption agencies to religiously discriminate against LGBTQ youth and prospective adopters in violation of the longstanding principle that federal dollars should never be used to discriminate. CFI opposes school voucher programs, which divert money from public schools to private religious schools that are permitted to discriminate in admissions and employment. In the 3nd Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to support "Contributions in Exchange for State or Local Tax Credits" (REG-112176-18), a proposed regulation that closes a loophole allowing wealthy donors to engage in tax profiteering from their donation to state school voucher programs. In the 3rd Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to oppose the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court (PN2259-115). Judge Kavanaugh has a demonstrated record of support for religious discrimination.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2018

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 16, 2018. Original Filing: 300965626.xml

Lobbying Issues

CFI opposes the use and spread of school voucher programs, which divert money from public schools to private religious schools. CFI strongly supports the Johnson Amendment, which protects the right of Americans to a secular electoral process free from government endorsement of or interference with religious affairs. In the 2nd Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to oppose H.R. 5199, the Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2018, S. 2517, the Military Education Savings Account Act of 2018, and identical provisions in the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA); and to keep out of FY 2019 appropriations legislation provisions that would weaken the Johnson Amendment, including Section 112 of the House Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

CFI opposes school voucher programs, which divert money from public schools to private religious schools that are permitted to discriminate in admissions and employment. In the 2nd Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to oppose H.R. 5199, the Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2018, S. 2517, the Military Education Savings Account Act of 2018, and identical provisions in the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). CFI strongly supports the Johnson Amendment, which protects the right of Americans to a secular electoral process free from partisan endorsement by tax-exempt religious organizations. In the 2nd Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to keep out of FY 2019 appropriations legislation provisions that would weaken the Johnson Amendment, including Section 112 of the House Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill. CFI supports the right of all service members, including nontheists, to freely exercise their religious belief or lack thereof, to receive equal treatment, and to receive equal access to employment opportunities in the U.S. military. In the 2nd Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied for congressional oversight of military chaplain accessions policy and, in particular, oversight of the U.S. Navy's rejection of a qualified Humanist candidate despite the lack of a single nontheist chaplain in the Chaplain Corps, which is responsible for providing pastoral care to all service members regardless of their individual belief system. CFI supports the First Amendment right of every person to freedom from religion and freedom from religious discrimination. CFI is particularly concerned that discrimination continues against groups that have historically been marginalized for religious reasons. One person's religious beliefs are never an acceptable justification for discrimination or harmful conduct toward another person or group of individuals. In the 2nd Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to support the Do No Harm Act (H.R. 3222 and S. 2918). In addition, CFI lobbied to oppose S. 2525, the First Amendment Defense Act. In addition, CFI lobbied to oppose the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court (PN2259-115). Judge Kavanaugh has a record of support for religious discrimination.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

CFI supports the right of all service members, including nontheists, to freely exercise their religious belief or lack thereof, to receive equal treatment, and to receive equal access to employment opportunities in the U.S. military. In the 2nd Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied for congressional oversight of military chaplain accessions policy and, in particular, oversight of the U.S. Navy's rejection of a qualified Humanist candidate despite the lack of a single nontheist chaplain in the Chaplain Corps, which is responsible for providing pastoral care to all service members regardless of their individual belief system. CFI opposes school voucher programs, which divert money from public schools to private religious schools that are permitted to discriminate in admissions and employment. In the 2nd Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to oppose H.R. 5199, the Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2018, and S. 2517, the Military Education Savings Account Act of 2018. In the 2nd Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to oppose H.R. 5199, the Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2018, and identical provisions in the FY2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

CFI supports the First Amendment right of every person to freedom from religion and freedom from religious discrimination. CFI is particularly concerned that discrimination continues against groups that have historically been marginalized for religious reasons. One person's religious beliefs are never an acceptable justification for discrimination or harmful conduct toward another person or group of individuals. In the 2nd Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to support the Do No Harm Act (H.R. 3222 and S. 2918). In addition, CFI lobbied to oppose S. 2525, the First Amendment Defense Act. In addition, CFI lobbied to oppose the nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court (PN2259-115). Judge Kavanaugh has a record of support for religious discrimination.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2018

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 18, 2018. Original Filing: 300947928.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

CFI opposes school voucher programs, which divert money from public schools to private religious schools that are permitted to discriminate in admissions and employment. In the 1st Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to oppose H.R. 5199, the Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2018, and S. 2517, the Military Education Savings Account Act of 2018. CFI strongly supports the Johnson Amendment, which protects the right of Americans to a secular electoral process free from partisan endorsement by tax-exempt religious organizations. In the 1st Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to remove offending provisions from H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; and to keep offending provisions out of pending FY 2019 appropriations legislation. CFI supports the right of all service members, including nontheists, to freely exercise their religious belief or lack thereof, to receive equal treatment, and to receive equal access to employment opportunities in the U.S. military. In the 1st Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied for congressional oversight of military chaplain accessions policy and, in particular, oversight of the U.S. Navy's rejection of a qualified Humanist candidate despite the lack of a single nontheist chaplain in the Chaplain Corps, which is responsible for providing pastoral care to all service members regardless of their individual belief system.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

CFI supports the right of all service members, including nontheists, to freely exercise their religious belief or lack thereof, to receive equal treatment, and to receive equal access to employment opportunities in the U.S. military. In the 1st Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied for congressional oversight of military chaplain accessions policy and, in particular, oversight of the U.S. Navy's rejection of a qualified Humanist candidate despite the lack of a single nontheist chaplain in the Chaplain Corps, which is responsible for providing pastoral care to all service members regardless of their individual belief system. CFI opposes school voucher programs, which divert money from public schools to private religious schools that are permitted to discriminate in admissions and employment. In the 1st Quarter of 2018, CFI lobbied to oppose H.R. 5199, the Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2018, and S. 2517, the Military Education Savings Account Act of 2018.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2017

Amendment

Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy amended a lobbying report for in-house lobbying in Q42017 on Jan. 25, 2018 Original Filing: 300938478.xml

Lobbying Issues

CFI opposes the use and spread of school voucher programs, which divert money from public schools to private religious schools. CFI strongly supports the Johnson Amendment, which protects the right of Americans to a secular electoral process free from government endorsement of or interference with religious affairs. CFI opposes the mingling of church and state through the appropriation of federal funds to replace and upgrade infrastructure in religious facilities. In the 4th Quarter of 2017, CFI lobbied to remove offending provisions from H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; and H.R. 4667, Making further supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, for disaster assistance for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and calendar year 2017 wildfires, and for other purposes.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2017

Q4 Report

In Q4, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 22, 2018. Original Filing: 300934389.xml

Lobbying Issues

CFI opposes the use and spread of school voucher programs, which divert money from public schools to private religious schools. CFI strongly supports the Johnson Amendment, which protects the right of Americans to a secular electoral process free from government endorsement of or interference with religious affairs. CFI opposes the mingling of church and state through the appropriation of federal funds to replace and upgrade infrastructure in religious facilities. In the 4th Quarter of 2017, CFI lobbied to remove offending provisions from H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; and H.R. 4667, Making further supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, for disaster assistance for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and calendar year 2017 wildfires, and for other purposes.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2017

Q3 Report

2nd Quarter, 2017

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Aug. 3, 2017. Original Filing: 300899065.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2017

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 19, 2017. Original Filing: 300869532.xml

Lobbying Issues

- On January 6, we submitted a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee requesting that, during its confirmation hearing for Attorney General nominee Sen. Jeff Sessions, members inquire about Sessions long history of antipathy towards the role of the Department of Justice and the federal government in ensuring equal protection under the law for all Americans. - In early February, a draft executive order by the Trump administration on religious freedom was leaked to the public. The draft order, Establishing a Government-Wide Initiative to Respect Religious Freedom, would grant individuals and corporations who claim a religious rationale a presumptive exemption from participat[ing] in activities that violate their conscience, and require all government agencies to review every existing and prospective order for compliance. CFI immediately urged the President Donald Trump to not issue the order. The Center for Inquiry (CFI) has reviewed the order and considers it an unprecedented capitulation to the wish list of the Religious Right - a veritable religious blank check for conservative Christians to claim special privileges because of their religion and discriminate in almost every area of public life. - On February 13, we issued an action alert urging all members of Congress and tell them to reject the Free Speech Fairness Act (H.R. 781 and S. 264), which would give religious leaders expanded influence in the political process. - On March 8, we were amongst 86 religious and secular groups to write a letter to President Trump and members of Congress to urging them to preserve the Johnson Amendment and keep partisan politics out of 501(c)(3) organizations.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

- On January 9, we submitted a letter to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions requesting that, during its confirmation hearing for Secetary of Education nominee Betsy DeVos, members thoroughly question Ms. DeVos regarding her history of supporting efforts to privatize public education, her beliefs about the importance of the public education system, and her plans for improving that system. We also issued an action alert urging all members of the Senate HELP committee to thoroughly question Ms. DeVos. - On March 21, we issued an action alert urging all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to reject a bill, H.R. 1387, that would reauthorize the school voucher program in Washington, D.C. for five years, as well as expand the pool of recipients. - Throughout the first quarter, we met with members of Congress to express concerns regarding Ms. DeVos and H.R. 1387. These offices include Sen. Tim Kaine, Sen. Maggie Hassan, Sen. Bill Cassidy, Rep. Paul Mitchell, Rep. John Faso, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Andy Biggs, Rep. Trey Hollingsworth, and Sen. Cory Booker.

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4th Quarter, 2016

Q4 Report

In Q4, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Feb. 7, 2017. Original Filing: 300860136.xml

Lobbying Issues

On October 4, we urged members of the House of Representatives to oppose a bill (H.R. 6195) proposed by Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA) that would amend IRS law to allow partisan political activity by tax-exempt, non-profit organizations. On October 20, and again on November 10, we urged members of the Senate to oppose the Russell Amendment, a provision within the National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4909) that would require all federal agencies to allow religiously affiliated contractors and grantees to discriminate in employment on the basis of religion when using taxpayer money. On November 22, we signed a coalition letter sent to the House Appropriations Committee opposing Section 136 of the House Financial Services bill (H.R. 5485), which would weaken the ban on houses of worship engaging in partisan politics (known as the Johnson Amendment).

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3rd Quarter, 2016

Q3 Report

In Q3, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Nov. 15, 2016. Original Filing: 300841726.xml

Lobbying Issues

On July 6, we joined more than 70 organizations in sending a letter to Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah) Congress to oppose and cancel a hearing on the First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598 / H.R. 2802). The Act, introduced by Rep. Labrador (R-ID) and Sen. Lee (R-UT), would bar the federal government from denying a tax exemption, grant, contract, license, certification, accreditation, or employment to a business, non-profit, or individual based on their belief that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, or that sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, which Rep. Chaffetz chairs, announced its hearing on this measure would take place exactly one month (July 12) after the mass murder of 49 LGBTQ people and allies at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. On August 11, we urged all members of Congress to support the Freedom of Religion Act of 2016 (H.R. 5207). The Act, proposed by Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA),, would ensure that immigrants, refugees and international travelers are not denied entry to the U.S. solely based on their religion, or lack of religion. On August 25, we joined 90 organizations in writing a letter to all Senate and House leadership opposing a provision (the "Russell Amendment") in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017 (H.R. 4909) that would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant.

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2nd Quarter, 2016

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 27, 2016. Original Filing: 300822835.xml

Lobbying Issues

On April 27, we joined partners in the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination in sending a letter to the House Committee on Armed Services opposing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, H.R. 4909, which would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant. On May 10, we joined partners in the Coalition Against Religious Discrimination in sending a letter to the Senate Committee on Armed Services that voices strong opposition to any amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, S. 2814, that would allow taxpayer-funded discrimination. On May 17, we urged all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2017, H.R. 4909, which would authorize taxpayer-funded discrimination in each and every federal contract and grant. The so-called Russell Amendment was approved and included in the final version of H.R. 4909 which passed the full House. On May 19, we applauded and supported the introduction of the Do No Harm Act" (H.R. 5272), an amendment to the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that would prevent its use in situations that involve third-party harm, helping to end the laws sanctioning of religious discrimination and imposition. On June 30, we urged all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to oppose and cancel a hearing on the First Amendment Defense Act (S. 1598 / H.R. 2802), a bill that would bar the federal government from denying a tax exemption, grant, contract, license, certification, accreditation, or employment to a business, non-profit, or individual based on their belief that marriage is a union between a man and a woman, or that sexual relations are properly reserved to such a marriage.

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On April 5, we joined partners in the National Coalition for Public Education in sending a letter to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs opposing Sen. John McCains (R-AZ) bill, S. 2711, which would allow federal Bureau of Indian Education money to fund state Education Savings Account (ESA) programs. ESAs are effectively no different than school vouchers; they place funding that would ordinarily support students attending public schools into an account for students to use on other education expenses, including private school tuition. On April 13, we joined partners in the National Coalition for Public Education in sending a letter to the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee opposing H.R. 4901, the reauthorization of the District of Columbia private school voucher program. The bill would pass through Committee. On April 27, we again joined with the NCPE in sending a letter to the full House of Representatives opposing passage of H.R. 4901. The bill would pass the House. It now moves to the Senate.

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On April 5, we met with Rep. Brad Sherman's staff to discuss steps to address the human rights crisis in Bangladesh. On April 7, we urged all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to support House Resolution 396, which demands that Bangladesh affirm its secular constitution, protect minorities, prevent the growth of extremism, and guarantee human rights for all. On April 13, we met with Rep. Tulsi Gabbard's staff to discuss steps to address the human rights crisis in Bangladesh. On April 14, we met with Rep. Albio Sires' staff to urge them to support House Resolution 290, which calls for the repeal of blasphemy laws around the world. On May 18, we met with Rep. Mike Honda's staff to discuss steps to address the human rights crisis in Bangladesh.

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On April 13, we were one of more than 50 national organizations to support U.S. Senator Cory Bookers (D-NJ) introduction of the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act, S. 2765, which lays out a comprehensive vision for sexual education policy in the United States. The bill was already introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as H.R. 1706 by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA). On April 13, we urged all members of Congress to support the Real Education for Healthy Youth Act, (S. 2765 / H.R. 1706). On May 16, we joined more than two dozen advocacy organizations in writing a letter to leadership of the House Committee on Appropriations to voice opposition to policy riders to the Fiscal Year 2017 appropriations bills that would undermine womens access to health care while purporting to protect religious liberty.

Agencies Lobbied

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1st Quarter, 2016

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on May 19, 2016. Original Filing: 300805394.xml

Lobbying Issues

On February 3, the Center for Inquiry met with the office of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI) to discuss support for House Resolution 396, which demands that Bangladesh affirm its secular constitution, protect minority communities, and guarantee human rights for all. On February 19, the Center for Inquiry joined 37 organizations and more than 70 religious leaders and human rights advocates in urging the U.S. Department of State to formally declare the Islamic States (ISIS) systematic destruction of ancient religious minority communities in Iraq and Syria to be genocide. On February 26, the Center for Inquiry and its members messaged the U.S. House of Representatives to urge members to support House Resolution 396, sponsored by Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI), which demands that Bangladesh affirm its secular constitution, protect minority communities, and guarantee human rights for all.

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4th Quarter, 2015

Q4 Report

In Q4, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Feb. 17, 2016. Original Filing: 300786696.xml

Lobbying Issues

On October 5, CFI was amongst 355 national, state, and local secularist who have signed a letter sent to the Congressional chaplains urging them to allow a qualified humanist celebrant deliver an invocation before Congress. On October 19, CFI was amongst 17 organizations to write a letter to United States government officials urging them to address concerns over human rights issues such as freedom of religion and belief with His Excellency, Mr. Nawaz Sharif, the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, during his visit to Washington, D.C. this week.It was sent to President Barack Obama; Secretary of State John Kerry; Daniel Feldman, U.S. Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan; Richard Olson, U.S. Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan; David Saperstein, U.S. Ambassador of International Religious Freedom; Sen. Bob Corker, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Sen. Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; Rep. Ed Royce, Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs; and Rep. Eliot Engel, Ranking Member of the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs. On November 20, CFI was amongst 17 organizations and two individuals that sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry today urging him to press Saudi Arabian King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to halt the execution of Sheikh Nimr Baqir al-Nimr and several other demonstrators from the countrys marginalized Eastern Province. On December 21, CFI joined seven leading advocacy organizations in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry that urges the State Department to provide humanitarian parole to threatened publishers and writers in Bangladesh. Copies of the letter were also sent to Marcia Bernicat, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh; Scott Busby, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor; Nisha Desai Biswal, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs; and Tom Malinowski, Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. CFI also spent a significant amount of time promoting H. Res 396, which calls on the government of Bangladesh to protect human rights. In particular, between November 30 and December 3 we brought the survivor of an extremist attack, Bonya Ahmed, to Washington D.C. to meet with members of Congress to promote H. Res 396. We met with staff from the offices of Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, Sen. Jonny Isakson, Sen. David Purdue, and the State Department Office of International Freedom.

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Throughout this quarter, we worked through the National Coalition for Public Education to oppose any attempts in Congress to send taxpayer funds to private and religious schools. On October 16, we joined 56 education, civil rights, religious, and secularist groups in writing a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to reject any amendments to the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), H.R. 5, that would create or lead to a private school voucher scheme. The letter was sent to the chairs and ranking members of the House and Senate committees which will handle ESEA reauthorization. In the House, the letter was sent to Rep. John Kline (R-MN), chair of Education and the Workforce Committee, and Rep. Bobby Scott (D-VA), ranking member. In the Senate, the letter was sent to Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), chair of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, and Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member. In addition, on October 6, CFI joined a letter sent to Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and ranking member Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-MD), opposing a bill in Congress, H.R. 10, to reauthorize the District of Columbias school voucher program. CFI also met with staff from the following members of Congress to oppose H.R. 10: Sen. Barbara Feinstein, Sen. Cory Booker, Sen. Tom Carper, Sen. Harry Reid, and Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton.

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On November 23, the Center for Inquiry and the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason & Science filed comments with the Federal Trade Commission urging the FTC to put an end to false advertising by the manufacturers of homeopathic products. We pointed to the overwhelming scientific consensus that these pseudoscientific alternative remedies have no effect (other than a placebo effect) on any condition, and harm consumers who rely on them in lieu of real, science-based medicine. In December, CFI joined a coalition of more than 100 organizations in signing a statement opposing any effort to reinstate the harmful global gag rule. The global gag rule, also known as the Mexico City Policy, prohibits foreign organizations that use their own funds to provide information, referrals, or services for legal abortion, or to advocate for access to abortion services in their own country, from receiving U.S. international family planning assistance. Our letter was sent to every member of Congress. Throughout the quarter we also lobbied for a draft bill by American Atheists, the Patient's Right to Known Act, which would mandate religiously affiliated hospitals disclose up front to patients which services they do not provide based on their religious beliefs. In support of this draft bill we met with staff from the following members of Congress: Rep. Ruben Hinojosa, Rep. Doris Matsui, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Rep. Bobby Scott, Sen. Michael Bennet, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Agencies Lobbied

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3rd Quarter, 2015

Q3 Report

In Q3, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Nov. 3, 2015. Original Filing: 300767146.xml

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- On August 20, we joined a diverse coalition of 130 religious, secularist, civil rights, LGBT, and womens organizations in sending a letter to President Barack Obama, urging him to direct the Department of Justice to close to a legal loophole that allows faith-based groups to accept taxpayer funding to provide social services, yet still discriminate on religious grounds in hiring. The loophole stems from a 2007 memo issued by the Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) under then-President George W. Bush. According to that memo, faith-based groups do not have to comply with certain non-discrimination provisions even though they are funded by the government. In our letter, the coalition argues that the memo misinterprets the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) to permit unlawful religion-based discrimination by publicly funded religious groups.

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On July 22, in response to controversy created by the release of hidden-camera videos with Planned Parenthood officials, we issued an alert urging all members of Congress to reject S. 1881, a bill that would block federal funding for Planned Parenthood. On August 18, we wrote a letter to the Department of Defense challenging their funding of dangerous pseudoscientific experiments on veterans suffering from Gulf War Syndrome, which involve the Church of Scientologys Purif detoxifications, a sham treatment based on religious tenets, not science. http://www.centerforinquiry.net/docs/opp/DOD_Scientology_Letter_2015Aug18.pdf On August 20, we filed comments with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), urging them to subject homeopathic drugs to the same testing requirements as conventional drugs. Failing that, CFI urged the FDA to at least require homeopathic products to be clearly labeled as untested and unproven. http://www.centerforinquiry.net/docs/opp/CFI_FDA_HomeopathyComments_AUG2015.pdf

Agencies Lobbied

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2nd Quarter, 2015

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Aug. 6, 2015. Original Filing: 300748700.xml

Lobbying Issues

The Center for Inquiry has worked throughout April, May, and June to oppose any and all attempts by members of the Senate or House to insert amendments into the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) reauthorization bills in both chambers. In particular, CFI has lobbied all members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions and the House Education and the Workforce Committee to oppose these proposals, which have been submitted by lawmakers including Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Lamar Alexander (R-TN). We have also met with the offices of Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Richard Burr (R-GA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), and Michael Enzi (R-WY). On April 14, we joined more than 100 advocacy organizations in writing a letter to members of the Senate urging them to support an amendment to the Senate ESEA reauthorization bill that would require comprehensive and effective student conduct policies that prohibit bullying and harassment and include enumerated categories for protection (including religion, race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, and disability). On May 13, ahead of a hearing by the House Oversight & Government Reform Committee, we joined allies in the National Coalition for Public Education in writing a letter to Committee leadership voicing opposition to the reauthorization of the District of Columbia private school voucher program.

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In the aftermath of the gruesome murders of secularist writers Avijit Roy and Washiqur Rahman, and the near-killing of Rafida Bonya Ahmed, by Islamic militants, the Center for Inquiry and Hindu American Foundation sent a letter on April 22 to Secretary of State John Kerry and International Religious Freedom Ambassador David Saperstein urging the State Department to use its influence to ensure the rights to freedom of religion, belief, and expression are protected in Bangladesh. Signatories to the letter, which were organized through the International Religious Freedom Roundtable, include individuals and organizations concerned about human rights, both religious and nonreligious. On May 26, we joined advocacy groups in writing a letter to the U.S. Department of State, calling on them to press for the release of a group of the most prominent Bahraini leaders arrested for peacefully protesting the Bahrainis government violation of its citizens human rights and religious freedoms. On June 9, the Center for Inquirys Office of Public Policy, along with the American Humanist Association, Secular Coalition for America, held briefings on Capitol Hill for congressional lawmakers and their staff regarding the state of international religious freedom. CFIs director of public policy, Michael De Dora, was among the speakers at these briefings. The briefing rooms were sponsored by Rep. Juan Vargas and Sen. Tim Kaine. On June 17, we issued an action alert in support of a resolution, H. Res 290, proposed in the U.S. House of Representatives that calls for the repeal of blasphemy laws around the world. In addition, on June 26 we joined 15 secularist organizations in writing a letter to every member of the House, urging them to either co-sponsor or support this resolution.

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Throughout April, we lobbied against two resolutions in the House of Representatives, H.J. Res. 43 and 44, that would strike down two new Washington, D.C. laws. The recently approved Reproductive Health Non-Discrimination Amendment Act protects D.C. employees from discrimination in the workplace based on their personal reproductive health care decisions; the Human Rights Amendment Act ensures that LGBT students at religiously affiliated schools and universities in D.C. have equal access to school facilities and services by repealing a discriminatory, explicitly anti-gay exemption in D.C.s Human Rights Act. On April 29, we joined 50 advocacy organizations in writing members of the House to oppose H.J. Res 43 and 44. And on April 30, we also joined 22 religious and secular groups in writing members of the House to oppose the resolutions. During floor debate on H.J. Res. 43, Rep. Bobby Scott introduced this letter into the record. The resolution would pass the House, 228-192.

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On April 20, we delivered oral testimony at the Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) first public review of its policies regarding the regulation of homeopathic products in 25 years, held at the FDAs White Oak Campus in Silver Spring, MD. CFIs testimony was delivered by Michael De Dora, who briefly reviewed the scientific evidence on homeopathy, illustrated the harm caused by homeopathy, and proposed actions the FDA should take to hold homeopathic products to the same standards as non-homeopathic drugs in order to fulfill its mandate to protect the American public. Our testimony is available here: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/NewsEvents/UCM443495.pdf On May 13, we joined allied organizations in writing letters to members of the Senate and House of Representatives strongly urging them to reject policy riders in the Fiscal Year 2016 appropriations legislation that would withhold insurance coverage and funding for comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion.

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Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2015

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 29, 2015. Original Filing: 300729067.xml

Lobbying Issues

The Center for Inquiry has worked throughout January, February, and March to oppose any and all attempts by members of the Senate to insert amendments into the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) reauthorization, which is being called the Every Child Achieves Act, that would create a school voucher system or portability scheme. In particular, CFI has lobbied all members of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions to oppose these proposals, which have been submitted by Sens. Rand Paul (R-KY), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Lamar Alexander (R-TN). We have also met with the offices of Sens. Patty Murray (D-WA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Richard Burr (R-GA), Orrin Hatch (R-UT), Joe Donnelly (D-IN), and Michael Enzi (R-WY).

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4th Quarter, 2014

Q4 Report

In Q4, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Feb. 4, 2015. Original Filing: 300710412.xml

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3rd Quarter, 2014

Q3 Report

In Q3, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 31, 2014. Original Filing: 300690549.xml

Lobbying Issues

On July 4, we wrote a letter to the Food and Drug Administration requesting that the agency reverse its decision to green-light the clinical trials of Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski, whose expensive experimental cancer treatments have proven scientifically baseless and dangerous. On July 9, we urged U.S. Senators to support a bill that bars employers from refusing to cover any health coverage - including contraceptive coverage - promised to employees and their dependents under federal law. Proposed by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Mark Udall (D-Colo.), the "Protect Womens Health from Corporate Interference Act of 2014" (S. 2578) states that employers cannot refuse to cover any health coverage promised to employees and their dependents under federal law. It includes the exemption for houses of worship and the accommodation for religious non-profits already put into place by the Obama administration. On July 30, we joined 36 national organizations in urging the Senate to approve a proposal that would provide for comprehensive contraceptive coverage and family planning counseling for all servicemembers, as well as their dependents who rely on the military for health care. Introduced by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-New Hampshire), the Access to Contraception for Women Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2014 (S. 2687) would bring the militarys contraceptive coverage policies in line with civilian employer-based insurance plans. Under the militarys current health care program, all active servicemembers have coverage of all prescriptions without co-pay, no matter where or how they obtain their prescription. But, due to a statutory provision, the program does not cover dependents or women not on active duty; they are required to pay if their contraceptive prescription is filled anywhere but a military treatment facility. On August 8, we had our members contact their Senators and urge them to support the Access to Contraception for Women Servicemembers and Dependents Act of 2014 (S. 2687).

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On August 21, we urged Congress to reject a set of bills that would force the government to fund adoption and foster agencies that discriminate against families based on religion, keeping children in need from having a better life with loving families because of religious disapproval of nontraditional relationships. The Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act of 2014 (S. 2706, H.R. 5285), proposed by Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) and Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA), would allow adoption and foster agencies that receive government support to deny services to same-sex married couples, unmarried heterosexual and same-sex couples, and individuals who belong to other religions, or none at all - yet continue to receive taxpayer funds. Moreover, if this bill were passed, states that refuse to fund discriminatory religious agencies would lose 15 percent of their federal funding for child welfare services. On September 9, we urged Congress to pass the Every Child Deserves a Family Act (H.R. 2028, S. 1069). Proposed by Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), the bill would "prohibit discrimination in adoption or foster care placements based on the sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status of any prospective adoptive or foster parent, or the sexual orientation or gender identity of the child involved."

Agencies Lobbied

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2nd Quarter, 2014

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 21, 2014. Original Filing: 300668361.xml

Lobbying Issues

On May 20, 2014, the Center for Inquiry joined eight religious and secularist groups in writing Rep. Rob Bishop, Chairman, and Rep. Raul Grijalva, Ranking Member, of the Subcommittee on Public Lands and Environmental Regulation urging them to reject a problematic bill, H.R. 2175, which would direct the Secretary of the Interior to install in the area of the World War II Memorial in the District of Columbia a suitable plaque or an inscription with the words that President Franklin D. Roosevelt prayed with the United States on June 6, 1944, the morning of D-Day. The bill has since passed the House. On June 11, 2014, the Center for Inquiry joined 90 allied organizations in sending a letter to U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder calling for the end to a legal loophole that allows faith-based groups to accept taxpayer funding to provide social services, yet still discriminate on religious grounds when hiring staff. The loophole stems from a 2007 memo issued by the Office of Legal Counsel under then-President George W. Bush. It is particularly relevant now because the Obama Administration recently announced that it is using it to override the non-discrimination provision in the Violence Against Women Act, which Congress adopted last year. In addition to our letter, we also met with the offices of Sen. Al Franken, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Sen. Mazie Hirono to bring this situation to their attention.

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On April 16, 2014, the Center for Inquiry organized a letter from a coalition of physicians, medical officials, scientists, and public policy experts expressing to the Food and Drug Administration deep concern over the FDAs recent decision to allow cancer patients access to unapproved drugs provided by Texas-based doctor Stanislaw Burzynski. Over the course of four decades, Dr. Burzynski has claimed for more than 36 years that the use of his drugs, antineoplastons (ANPs), results in substantially better outcomes than the current standard of evidence-based care for malignant brain tumors. He has even claimed to be able to cure irremovable brainstem tumors - despite the total lack of reliable evidence to support his claims. Our letter urged the FDA to immediately end Dr. Burzynskis clinical trials, rescind his status as a medical researcher, and, in concert with the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Human Research Protection under whose jurisdiction it falls, close his Institutional Review Board permanently. Throughout April and May, the Center for Inquiry continued to lobby Senators to oppose or otherwise significantly narrow the language of Senate Bill 862, or the "EACH Act," which would create a religious exemption from the health insurance mandate of the Affordable Care Act. Lobbied offices included Sen. Harry Reid, Sen. Dick Durbin, Sen. Mazie Hirono, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Chris Coons, Sen. Thomas Carper, Sen. Tim Kaine, Sen. Sherrod Brown, and Sen. Brian Schatz. On May 14, 2014, the Center for Inquiry and its members urged all members of the Senate the reject Senate Bill 1670, or the "Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act," which would outlaw all abortions in the United States after 20 weeks - with exceptions only for the mothers life, and officially reported instances of rape and incest. On May 16, 20134, the Center for Inquiry joined more than 60 organizations in writing six letters to various members of Congress urging them to oppose any attempts to include abortion restrictions in the Appropriations process. Contacted members included Rep. Tom Udall, Chairman, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government; Rep. Jose Serrano, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government; Rep. Rosa DeLauro, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; Rep. Hal Rogers, Chairman, House Committee on Appropriations; Rep. Nita Lowey, Ranking Member, House Committee on Appropriations; Rep. Barbara Mikulski, Chairwoman, Senate Committee on Appropriations; and Rep. Richard Shelby, Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriations.

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Lobbying Issues

On April 1, 2014, the Center for Inquiry joined religious and human rights leaders and organizations in urging House Majority Leader Eric Cantor to bring to the floor for a vote House Resolution 418, which urges the government of Burma to respect international human rights standards and end its persecution of Rohingya Muslims and other ethnic and religious minorities. It also calls on the United States and the international community to apply consistent pressure on Burma to end such discrimination. The bill would pass the House. On April 3, 2014, the Center for Inquiry joined more than a dozen individuals and groups in writing a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry urging him designate Pakistan as a Country of Particular Concern in accordance with the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. On May 30, 2014, the Center for Inquiry and its members contacted members of the House of Representatives, to urge passage of House Resolution 601, which urges Sudan to immediately release Meriam Ibrahim and drop all charges against her. Ibrahim is a 27-year-old pregnant Christian woman who was sentenced to 100 lashes and death by hanging for leaving Islam and marrying a Christian man. The bill remains in committee. On June 25, 2014, in an effort led by the Center for Inquiry, religious and secularist human rights organizations and leaders wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry to request that the State Department take an active role in securing the immediate and unconditional release of two detained human rights activists in Saudi Arabia, Waleed Abu al-Khair and Raif Badawi. Badawi, 30, is one of the founders of a website that promotes open discussion on social issues and religion. On May 7, 2014, a Saudi court sentenced him to 10 years in prison, 1,000 lashes, and a one million-riyal fine. Al-Khair, 35, is a human rights lawyer and founder of the organization Monitor of Human Rights in Saudi Arabia. On July 7, 2014 he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, a 15-year travel ban after his release, and fined 200,000 riyals.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2014

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 22, 2014. Original Filing: 300649695.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

On Jan. 6, the Center for Inquiry called on members of the House of Representatives to support a bill, H.R. 3774, that would stop taxpayer funding for federal abstinence-only programs and support comprehensive sexual education. The bill, proposed by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), remains in committee. In mid-January, the Center for Inquiry, as well as several hundred of our followers, urged the House of Representatives to reject a bill, H.R. 7, that would eliminate abortion coverage for millions of women. The measure, proposed by Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), would create a ban on using federal government funds on health care plans that include coverage for abortion. This means low-income women, civil servants, and women in the military would be forced to pay for abortions on their own. It passed 227-188. Throughout March, the Center for Inquiry joined several groups -- Americans United for Separation of Church and State, Secular Coalition for America, and the ACLU -- in lobbying against a Senate bill, S. 862, that would create a broad religious exemption from the individual health insurance mandate of the Affordable Care Act. Collectively we met with health issues staff members in offices of several co-sponsors, including Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE), Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). We also issued an action alert urging our followers to contact their U.S. Senator to oppose this proposal, which has not yet been voted on, but could reach the Senate floor at any moment.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2013

Q4 Report

In Q4, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 24, 2014. Original Filing: 300629083.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

On November 13, we joined participants of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Roundtable to urge President Barack Obama to appoint a new Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom as soon as possible, and to consider specific criteria as he reviews nominees for the position. On December 2, we again joined participants of the IRF Roundtable to invite two key United States government officials -Shaun Casey, head of the State Departments new Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, and Melissa Rogers, head of the White Houses Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships - to dialogue on how we can work together on issues of both international and domestic international religious freedom. On December 17, the Center for Inquiry urged leaders of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to ensure an international religious freedom bill before the Committee -- Senate Bill 653, also known as the Near East and South Central Asia Religious Freedom Act of 2013 -- protects secularists and dissidents, including the non-religious. The bill would create a special envoy within the State Department to promote the religious freedom of minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia, including countries such as Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It was reported out of Committee without amendment.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2013

Q3 Report

In Q3, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 18, 2013. Original Filing: 300600650.xml

Lobbying Issues

Throughout July, the Center for Inquiry lobbied members of the U.S. House of Representatives to reject any school voucher amendments to H.R. 5, the House's bill to reauthorize of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act. In particular, Amendments 60 and 74, proposed by Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT) and Rep. Matt Salmon (R-AZ), respectively, would have allowed Title I funding - roughly $14 billion that is specifically designated for schools most in need of help - to follow students to private and religious schools. CFI lobbied the offices of Rep. Cedric Richmond, Rep. Lee Terry, Rep. Pat Tiberi, Rep. Ed Whitfield, Rep. Daniel Lipinski, Rep. Charlie Dent, and Rep. Adam Kinzinger. On July 19, the full House approved an education bill free of voucher amendments.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Throughout September, the Center for Inquiry urged all members of the U.S. House of Representatives to reject efforts by religious right groups to introduce amendments to the Fiscal Year 2014 spending bill or continuing resolution that give preferential treatment to their religious beliefs. In particular, religious right groups wanted an amendment allowing that would allow employers to block employees access to birth control. Congress agreed on October 16 to a spending bill that did not include any such amendments. On September 16 and 17, the Center for Inquiry lobbied to amend H.R. 301, a bill to create a special envoy within the State Department to promote the religious freedom of minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia. We sought two specific changes: additional language to specify that the term religious minorities includes non-religious persons (atheists, agnostics, humanists, skeptics); and additional language alongside the several instances of persecution against other religious minorities (Christians, Muslims, Jews, Bahais) detailing cases of persecution against non-religious persons. The offices we lobbied included Rep. Frank Wolf, Rep. Anna Eshoo, Rep. Rush Holt, and Rep. Trent Franks. The full House approved the bill on Sept. 17 without these changes. On September 26, the Center for Inquiry joined more than a dozen individuals and organizations in writing to leaders in the United States government with specific recommendations to more effectively address the recent crackdown on civil society and religious freedom in Russia. U.S. government leaders receiving the letter include President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel, Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Suzan Johnson Cook, the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the House Foreign Affairs and Senate Foreign Relations Committees and their relevant subcommittees, the Chairs and Co-Chairs of U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, the U.S. Helsinki Commission, the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission, and the International Religious Freedom Caucus.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2013

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Aug. 1, 2013. Original Filing: 300588321.xml

Lobbying Issues

In June, we worked with dozens of organizations to oppose any amendments to the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in the Senate (S. 1094) and House (H.R. 5) that would create a federal school voucher program. The bills were, at the time, under consideration in the Senate and House Committees on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP). On the Senate side, we joined in writing a letter to Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), chair of the HELP Committee, and Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN), ranking member, to explain why we strongly oppose vouchers. We also lobbied in-person at the office of Sen. Harry Reid (D-CA). On the House side, we joined in writing Rep. John Kline (R-MN), chair of the HELP committee, and Rep. George Miller (D-CA), ranking member, to explain why we strongly oppose vouchers. We also lobbied in-person at the offices of Rep. Susan Bonamici (D-OR) and Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL).

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

On April 11, CFI wrote a letter to U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Suzan Johnson Cook regarding Bangladeshs recent crackdown on freedom of expression, specifically its persecution of atheist bloggers arrested under the current blasphemy law. We urged them to raise public awareness of the situation and to pressure the Bangladeshi government to honor its obligations to international human rights treaties. On April 19, CFI submitted formal comments to the United States Commission for Civil Rights regarding the Commissions recent briefing on reconciling non-discrimination principles with civil liberties. Our comments took the form of an amicus brief we submitted in the United States Supreme Court case of Christian Legal Society v. Martinez. It can be found here: http://www.centerforinquiry.net/advocacy/christian_legal_society_v._martinez/ On June 13, our director, Michael De Dora, joined the representatives of several secularist groups for an introductory meeting with Melissa Rogers, the new director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. We urged Ms. Rogers to protect the principle of separation of church and state in her new position.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

On April 8, CFI submitted formal comments urging the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to enact a final rule that requires all employers, apart from houses of worship, to provide or else arrange coverage for birth control without charging a co-payment. On May 8, CFI joined more than 70 organizations in writing members of Congress to oppose any attempts to add riders to the Fiscal Year 2014 appropriations process that would restrict womens access to comprehensive reproductive health care, such as abortion. In total, six letters were sent to thirteen federal lawmakers who are directly involved in the appropriations process in both chambers of Congress: Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) and Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) of the Senate Committee on Appropriations; Rep. Hal Rogers (R-KY) and Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) of the House Committee on Appropriations; Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) of the Senate Subcommittee on Financial Services; Rep. Jose Serrano (D-NY), Rep. Mike Quigley (D-IL), Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), and Rep. Ed Pastor (R-AZ) the House Subcommittee on Financial Services; Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) of the Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies; and Rep. Rose DeLauro (D-CT) of the House Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. On May 29, CFI opposed proposals in Congress to create a nationwide ban on abortions after 20 weeks, and urged members to contact their U.S. representatives and senators to reject any such measure. On June 20, CFI once again opposed proposals in Congress to create a nationwide ban on abortions after 20 weeks, and urged members to contact their U.S. representatives and senators to reject any such measure.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2013

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 19, 2013. Original Filing: 300557621.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

In February, we lobbied aides to Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) and Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA) on H.R. 301, a bill to establish a Special Envoy to promote religious freedom of religious minorities in the Near East and South Central Asia. We urged these aides to include in H.R. 301 explicit mention of discrimination against non-religious minorities. In February, we released a first-of-its-kind position paper that details the growth and entrenchment of religious fundamentalism in the United States Armed Forces. The paper, "For God and Country: Religious Fundamentalism in the U.S. Military," was authored by James Parco, PhD., Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.), an associate professor of economics and business at Colorado College. Copies were emailed to staffers on the Hill.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

In January, CFI joined members groups of the National Coalition for Public Education - a group of 60 church-state, civil rights, and education organizations - in writing the U.S. Department of Educations Director of the Information Collection Clearance Division to request that the Department continue and expand its survey of the D.C. school voucher program. In March, CFI again joined members groups of the National Coalition for Public Education, this time to oppose several amendments to the 2014 Senate Budget Resolution that would have created a federal school voucher program. Contacted offices include Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA), Sen. Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Sen. Dan Coats (D-IN), Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Sen. Mark Begich (D-AL), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

On March 31, CFI urged its members to submit public comments to the Department of Health and Human Services on the birth control rule, which mandates that employers or health insurance companies provide free coverage for preventive health services, such as contraception. We urged members to tell HHS the following: -- Whatever accommodations might be adopted, nothing should prevent women from having straightforward, free access to birth control. -- The expansion of the definition of religious employer is wrong, and it gives organizations that claim to have a religious identity more control over the health care decisions of their employees. -- It is deeply troubling that the religious lobby has had so much influence over a major health and public policy decision, which should be based on reason, science, and the common good, rather than sectarian dogma. -- At the very least, employers should be responsible for notifying insurance providers that they will need to arrange coverage, and notifying employees that they will still receive coverage, at no additional cost, from their insurance provider. -- Coverage for health care benefits such as contraception should be seamless and any additional burdens created by HHS accommodations should be placed on the employer or else the insurance company-not the employee.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2012

Q4 Report

In Q4, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 30, 2013. Original Filing: 300544551.xml

Lobbying Issues

Formally wrote and urged our members to contact Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to end restrictions on emergency contraception and make the drug available over-the-counter. Scientists at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had previously announced that emergency contraception should be made accessible over-the-counter. The FDAs reasoning was based on more than decade of medical research that shows emergency contraception is both safe and effective enough for wider public use. This position is shared by respected medical associations and journals such as the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the New England Journal of Medicine. However, Sebelius exerted her authority and overruled the FDAs decision, a move that we believe cannot be justified by either science or reason.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

The Center for Inquiry (CFI) and American Humanist Association (AHA) sent a letter to the Internal Revenue Service voicing shared concerns and disappointment regarding the agencys lack of action against churches which are blatantly violating laws that prohibit 501(c)(3) organizations from endorsing political candidates and parties. Our letter outlined several glaring instances of churches engaging in illegal partisan political activities-including reference to several petitions filed by Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the Freedom From Religion Foundation-and posited that, by consequence of their behavior, churches have gained an unfair advantage in public policy debates over law-abiding 501(c)(3) groups such as CFI and AHA. We argued that there is no reason why churches should not be held accountable for their actions, and urged the IRS to immediately take steps to monitor partisan political activities by 501(c)(3) organizations, and faithfully apply the laws restricting such activities.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

In concert with a recently launched social campaign called the Campaign for Free Expression -- which seeks to raise awareness of people persecuted for their views and speech regarding religion, and organize support for the position that laws restricting human thought and speech are unacceptable -- the Center for Inquiry (CFI) mobilized its members to write their elected officials in Congress to tell them to make the promotion of the right to freedom of expression an integral part of their legislative and political agenda. In addition, we also shared with the State Departments Office of International Religious Freedom a 45-page collaborative report titled, 2012 Report on Discrimination against Atheists, Humanists, and the Nonreligious. This report contained information on laws used by governments around the world to restrict the right to freedom of expression, and cases of atheists, humanists, and the nonreligious being punished for speaking out on religion.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2012

Q3 Report

In Q3, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 22, 2012. Original Filing: 300516521.xml

Lobbying Issues

CFI met with officials from the administration, including Cecilia Munoz, director of the White House Domestic Policy Council; Joshua Dubois, head of the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships; and Michael Strautmanis, Deputy Assistant to the President and Counselor for Strategic Engagement to the Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett. Our meeting regarded our concerns over the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships' vague guidelines for religious groups that receive taxpaper dollars, which too often allow discrimination in hiring and providing benefits with federal funding. We presented them with letters and prepared documents outlining these concerns. Also, CFI joined 41 religious, secular, and civil rights groups in writing five members of the U.S. House of Representatives -- Reps. Michele Bachmann, Trent Franks, Louie Gohmert, Thomas Rooney and Lynn Westmoreland-- to express our disappointment over the lawmakers allegations that several Muslim individuals who work with the American government might be trying to spread the influence of the Islamic organization Muslim Brotherhood. The five legislators had written the inspectors general of several federal agencies to request an investigation into State Department official Huma Abedin and advisers to the Department of Homeland Security regarding their possible promotion of the Muslim Brotherhood within the U.S. government. Our letter argued that the lawmakers unfairly, and without good reason and evidence, targeted Abedin and other workers simply because of their religious affiliation.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Met with officials in the State Department's Office of International Freedom on Aug. 6 to present them with a report on blasphemy and other laws that restrict dissent from and criticism of religion abroad, along with cases of people who have been punished under such laws. We pushed them to include the experiences of secularists under repressive governments in their future State Department reports. We also implored them to draw attention to specific cases, such as Indonesia's Alexander Aan. Also met with staff from Sen. Frank Lautenberg's staff regarding the Lautenberg Amendment (no bill number; usually an amendment to appropriations measure), which provides Iranian religious minorities and dissidents greater access to attaining refugee status in the United States through our embassy in Austria. We support this measure and are strategizing with Lautenberg's office in order to secure its reauthorization this fall or spring.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Formally opposed H.R. 3803, sponsored by Rep. Trent Franks (R-AZ), which would have outlawed all abortions in Washington, D.C. after 20 weeks-with the only exception to save a mother from immediate death. H.R. 3803 would have prevented a woman from having an abortion in many important situations: where continuing a pregnancy could put at risk her health or ability to bear children in the future; where she is suffering from mental illness; and where she has learned of a severe or fatal fetal anomaly. It also would have imposed criminal penalties on any physician found to violate the law, including up to $250,000 in fines and two years in prison. CFI registered its disagreement over the measure with Franks' office and urged its members to contact their representatives to ask him or her to vote no. H.R. 3803 was defeated 220-154 (because rules were suspended, it required two-thirds to pass).

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2012

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 20, 2012. Original Filing: 300495403.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Released statement and sent an action alert to our ~30,000 members urging them to contact their Senator and tell him or her to support S. 1925: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2011, which provides both local communities and women essential resources to help combat domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking. Released statement and sent an action alert to our ~30,000 members urging them to contact their Representative and tell him or her to reject the House version of the VAWA reauthorization, H.R. 4970: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012. Contacted several Democratic members of the House to speak up during floor debate about provisions of H.R. 4970: Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2012, that would allow groups receiving government funds to discriminate in hiring and/or providing benefits. Lobbied lawmakers included Reps. Waters, Jackson Lee, Lofgren, Watt. Met with staffs of several Democratic members of the House on H.R. 4227: Workforce Investment Act of 2012. Made members aware of potential for Republicans to strip bill of provisions barring those who receive government funds from discriminating in hiring and providing services. Lobbied lawmakers included Reps. Grijalva, Woolsey, Kucinich, Hirono, Loebsack, Susan Davis, Robert Andrews. Joined 22 faith and humanist groups in urging President Barack Obama to issue an executive order banning discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees of federal contractors. Joined 34 secular and faith-based organizations in writing to United States Sens. Dick Durbin and Lindsey Graham to highlight shared objections to religious profiling. Our letter was sent following a hearing organized by the Senate Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights, of which Durbin and Graham are chairman and ranking member, respectively. The hearing, called "Ending Racial Profiling in America," focused on the different faces of profiling, and explored the harms of law enforcement using real or perceived race, ethnicity, nationality, or religion, as a factor that creates suspicion.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2012

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 16, 2012. Original Filing: 300461282.xml

Lobbying Issues

The Center for Inquiry (CFI) continued to lobby the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Barack Obama Administration to not retreat any further on its regulation, released Jan. 20, 2012, to require health insurance providers and organizations providing health care plans to cover preventive health services, such as birth control, without charging a co-payment. Our lobbying included an action alert and two letters to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and President Barack Obama urging them to stand firm on the rules and reject lobbying efforts by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. The Center for Inquiry also lobbied the Senate to reject the Blunt Amendment (S. 1813), which would have amended the 2010 Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to allow employers and health insurance providers to exclude any coverage that they deem immoral or contrary to their religious beliefs. S. 1813 was defeated 51-48. CFI wrote several Senators on why the amendment was wrong, and pushed members at the grassroots level to contact their local Senators.

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2011

Q4 Report

In Q4, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 19, 2012. Original Filing: 300444368.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2011

Q3 Report

In Q3, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 20, 2011. Original Filing: 300428024.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2011

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 20, 2011. Original Filing: 300400714.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2011

Registration

1st Quarter, 2011

Amendment

1st Quarter, 2011

Amendment

1st Quarter, 2011

Q1 Report

4th Quarter, 2010

Q4 Report

3rd Quarter, 2010

Q3 Report

3rd Quarter, 2010

Q3 Report

2nd Quarter, 2010

Amendment

Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy amended a lobbying report for in-house lobbying in Q22010 on Aug. 13, 2010 Original Filing: 300306920.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

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Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2010

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 19, 2010. Original Filing: 300293792.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

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Type of Issue

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Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2010

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 19, 2010. Original Filing: 300265752.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

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4th Quarter, 2009

Q4 Report

In Q4, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Jan. 19, 2010. Original Filing: 300236358.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

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3rd Quarter, 2009

Q3 Report

In Q3, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 19, 2009. Original Filing: 300210495.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

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2nd Quarter, 2009

Amendment

Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy amended a lobbying report for in-house lobbying in Q22009 on July 31, 2009 Original Filing: 300196404.xml

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2nd Quarter, 2009

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 20, 2009. Original Filing: 300186085.xml

Lobbying Issues

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Agencies Lobbied

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1st Quarter, 2009

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 28, 2009. Original Filing: 300196018.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Funding for Scientific Research, CRA, Appropriation riders-FY 2009 for the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education Appropriations Subcommittee investments in the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the House and Senate versions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.Release of the FY2009 U.S. contribution to UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund. Provision in the economic recovery package that would save states money and expand eligibility for contraceptive coverage under Medicaid, a key out-of-pocket health care cost for millions of women. Hyde Amendment repeal for poor women in the federal budget Coburn amendment S.A. 828 FY2010 Amendment number 601 Omnibus approperations act 0f 2009 H.R. 1105 restricting title 10 funding to Planned Parenthood health care centers.

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1st Quarter, 2009

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 20, 2009. Original Filing: 300162844.xml

Lobbying Issues

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Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

4th Quarter, 2008

Q4 Report

In Q4, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Feb. 3, 2009. Original Filing: 300136499.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

3rd Quarter, 2008

Q3 Report

In Q3, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on Oct. 20, 2008. Original Filing: 300101460.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2008

Q2 Report

In Q2, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on July 30, 2008. Original Filing: 300084731.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2008

Amendment

Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy amended a lobbying report for in-house lobbying in Q12008 on May 6, 2008 Original Filing: 300058121.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

1st Quarter, 2008

Q1 Report

In Q1, Center for Inquiry, Inc. Office of Public Policy had in-house lobbyists. The report was filed on April 17, 2008. Original Filing: 300041619.xml

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

Lobbying Issues

Agencies Lobbied

Type of Issue

2nd Quarter, 2006

Registration

Source: Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives and Secretary of the Senate

Legislators

Bills

Statements

Lobbying

Travel

Lobbyists

Disclosures Filed