Blog
Coalition Letter Urges Congressional Leaders to Keep Reauthorization of Section 702 Out of NDAA
Exposé of ‘Scandalous’ US Spying Sparks Calls for Congress to Act
Joint Employer Rule CRA Organizational Sign-On Letter
Senate Urged Not to Extend Surveillance Authority in Stopgap
Demand Progress Appalled that Leader Schumer May Sell Out Privacy, Ram Controversial Extension of Warrantless Surveillance Authority
WASHINGTON, D.C. — According to reports from CQ-Roll Call and Wired, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to jam an extension of an extremely controversial warrantless FISA spying authority into the upcoming “must-pass” Continuing Resolution. This authority, “Section 702,” has been continuously abused to undermine civil rights, including through facilitating unlawful spying on activists protesting the murder of George Floyd, … Continued
Bipartisan Coalition Applauds Government Surveillance Reform Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Sen. Wyden, Sen. Lee, Rep. Davidson, and Rep. Lofgren introduced the Government Surveillance Reform Act (GSRA), a sweeping package of legislation that would enact comprehensive privacy protections for people in the United States while creating a path forward for reauthorization of the controversial warrantless surveillance authority known as “Section 702.” This authority is set … Continued
Counterterror Director Used Hamas Attack to Justify Mass Surveillance Program Renewal
30+ Groups Relaunch Historic Battle for the Net Campaign in Support of FCC Rulemaking to Restore Net Neutrality, Title II Protections
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, over 30 groups relaunched BattleForTheNet.com following the Federal Trade Commission’s (FCC) vote to move forward a rulemaking to restore net neutrality and Title II authority. The petition is designed to drive contacts to both the FCC and members of Congress in support of the commission’s move to restore neutrality. The groups involved with the … Continued
25+ Orgs Call on Senator Menendez to Resign
Demand Progress Applauds FCC for Advancing Rulemaking to Reclassify Broadband Under Title II, Restore Net Neutrality
WASHINGTON, D.C. — This morning, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to move forward a rulemaking that would reclassify broadband under Title II and restore net neutrality. In response to the vote, Demand Progress Communications Director Maria Langholz issued the following statement: “When Trump’s FCC Chair Ajit Pai led the repeal of net neutrality and rolled back … Continued
Letter Urging State Dept To Support Colombian Gov-ELN Peace Negotiations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Last Wednesday, over 20 US and international organizations sent a letter to the State Department urging it to support Colombian government-ELN peace negotiations. With regards to the letter, Demand Progress Foreign Policy Advisor Cavan Kharrazian issued the following statement: “There is a lot of work to be done in securing a permanent, … Continued
Announcing a New Home for First Branch Forecast
The team behind the First Branch Forecast is proud to announce a new destination for our work and this newsletter: We’re joining forces with our friends at POPVOX Foundation. After a brief hiatus, the First Branch Forecast will return to your inbox, but from a new address, so please check your promotions and spam folders … Continued
Over 60 Orgs Call for Ceasefire in Israel/Palestine
20 Orgs Urge Congress to Reject FY 24 NDAA Measures That Support Stockpiling and Using Indiscriminate Weapons That Harm Civilians
First Branch Forecast for October 9, 2023: Opportunity in Crisis
A PROGRAMMING NOTE This will be the last full issue of the First Branch Forecast for a few weeks. Watch for an email from us from a new email address, most likely in November. More to come. TOP LINE As soon as it was restored in January’s rules package, the motion to vacate the chair … Continued
Letter to FTC Applauding Amazon Lawsuit
Statement on Resolution Commemorating Coup in Chile
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-backed coup against Chile’s democratically-elected government, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), and Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), introduced a resolution commemorating the tragic event. The resolution formally apologizes for the United States’ … Continued
Statement on Resolution Commemorating Coup in Chile
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the 50th anniversary of the U.S.-backed coup against Chile’s democratically-elected government, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), and Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.), introduced a resolution commemorating the tragic event. The resolution formally apologizes for the United States’ involvement, acknowledges … Continued