CPAC congratulates John James, Chris Stigall, and Kevin D. O’Brien on their well-earned recent victories. Their success is another reminder that conservative ideas remain powerful when courageous candidates take them directly to the voters. The primaries may be over, but the fight is just beginning. CPAC is proud to stand with these conservative leaders as they turn their attention toward November and work to deliver victories for freedom, limited government, and the American people. Conservative voters delivered a clear message at the ballot box this week, propelling three CPAC-endorsed candidates to victory in critical Republican primaries. In Michigan, Congressman John James secured the Republican nomination for Governor, advancing to the November general election and giving conservatives a strong opportunity to bring principled leadership to Lansing. James has built his career fighting for the values that make America strong, and his victory demonstrates that Michigan Republicans are ready to rally behind a conservative vision for the future. In Missouri’s 6th Congressional District, conservative broadcaster Chris Stigall emerged victorious from a competitive five-candidate Republican primary, earning the opportunity to carry the conservative banner into November. Meanwhile, in Kansas, Kevin D. O’Brien won the Republican primary for State House District 101, defeating his opponent with more than 60 percent of the vote. These victories show that from Congress to state legislatures, grassroots conservatives are choosing candidates prepared to defend freedom, strengthen their communities, and stand up for the principles that have long defined the conservative movement.

In June, a 219 page report was published by the Rape Gang Inquiry, an independent, survivor-led initiative set up to uncover the full reality of organized child sexual exploitation networks across Great Britain. The Inquiry is led in day-to-day operations by survivor-turned-activist Sammy Woodhouse along with a panel of experts. It has stepped up where official institutions have failed for decades. Operating completely independent of the British government or any political party, the entire project was funded directly by public donations from citizens demanding answers. The team behind the inquiry gathered survivor testimonies, parent accounts, whistleblower reports, and many court documents to map out the systemic crimes across 149 of the 296 local authority districts in England, divisions that define the counties of the country. To make this data accessible to the public, they launched the Rape Gang Inquiry Hub, an open digital platform detailing the crime rings, trafficking operations, and cover-ups going on in Britain. By combining fresh survivor evidence with prior official findings–like the 2014 Jay Report on Rotherham and the 2022 Crowther Report on Telford, the inquiry delivered a new and all-encompassing look at how these networks operate in plain sight. There is no room for soft language, excuses, or leniency regarding the crimes committed; the actions of these rape gangs are pure evil. For years, these networks have targeted, groomed, and destroyed the lives of thousands of young girls, subjecting them to systematic statutory rape, sex trafficking, unlawful imprisonment, and the forced production and distribution of child sexual abuse material. Every single person involved in these networks- from the central ringleaders to the lower-tier "spotters," "runners," and "drivers" who locate and transport victims- should be apprehended, prosecuted, and put behind bars for the maximum sentence allowed by law. Just as infuriating as the crimes themselves is the apathy of the institutions meant to protect these children. Police departments, social services, and local councils received warning after warning, yet they repeatedly dismissed victims, silenced whistleblowers, and swept evidence under the rug to protect reputations and political narratives. That institutional silence made the state complicit in these horrible crimes. Accountability cannot stop at the rapists; anyone who looked the other way or helped cover up these crimes must face real consequences. The findings of the Rape Gang Inquiry should be a massive wake-up call for the entire Western world. When political convenience takes priority over protecting innocent children, the rule of law completely breaks down. Protecting our youth and backing law enforcement are non-negotiable foundations of any sane society. Exposing this truth is only the first step; the safety of our children requires complete transparency, total prosecution of the perpetrators, and long-overdue justice for every victim.

War often leaves its deepest scars on families. Among the most heartbreaking consequences of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been the separation of children from their parents and loved ones. This week, another step was taken to help address that humanitarian challenge. Recently, First Lady Melania Trump facilitated the fifth family reunification involving children affected by the war between Ukraine and Russia. Five children were safely reunited with their relatives, bringing the total number of children reunited through the initiative to 33 since the effort began in 2025. The First Lady emphasized that humanitarian efforts should remain focused on children regardless of the broader conflict. "While diplomacy and peacebuilding are important to this effort, they are surpassed by our collective ability to place children above international disputes." She added that each successful reunification serves as "a reminder that compassion, dignity, and family can transcend even the darkest of times: war." This process requires continued communication between representatives from both Russia and Ukraine, which takes a special kind of dedication and tact so that displaced children can safely return to their families and communities. The First Lady’s initiative has succeeded in multiple rounds of reunification since late 2025, reflecting ongoing cooperation on this humanitarian issue despite the broader challenges of the conflict. Children are often among the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict. Separation from family members can create significant emotional hardship while increasing the need for coordinated humanitarian support. First Lady Melania Trump’s success in identifying children, verifying family connections, and safely reuniting them requires cooperation among hostile governments, multiple aid organizations, and many other partners working toward the same objective. Thanks to the First Lady, the latest reunification highlights how humanitarian initiatives can continue even during periods of international conflict. While diplomatic negotiations often focus on broader geopolitical issues, the return of children to their families represents a tangible outcome with an immediate positive impact on individual lives. As reunification efforts continue with heavy support from the First Lady, the focus remains on safely returning displaced children to their families whenever possible. Each successful reunion represents more than a logistical achievement; it restores a connection that conflict once interrupted and offers families an opportunity to begin moving forward together once again.

For years, it was declared by high-level federal health officials that any skepticism about the government’s reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic was a blatant spread of “misinformation.” However, following the subpoena and release of Dr. Anthony Fauci’s personal diary by Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, it’s clear that the most influential source of public health misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic was the state itself, led by Dr. Fauci. Even now, years after the crisis has subsided, Fauci is reluctant to reveal the truth and confront the public record–a reality made starkly apparent when he invoked his Fifth Amendment right dozens of times during a subpoenaed Senate hearing in late July. Rather than offering evidence-based guidance about COVID, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), led by Dr. Fauci, systematically relied on four core deceptive practices to control the narrative, enhance the risk, and enforce public compliance: 1. Suppressing the Virus’s Origin Story The foundation of public distrust started with the refusal to acknowledge the truth of where SARS-CoV-2 originated. In the first few months of the pandemic, virologists raised questions that the genome of the virus seemed to be lab-created through genetic manipulation, specifically at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. Instead of sharing the legitimate scientific concerns with the public, Dr. Fauci led the effort to brand the lab-leak hypothesis as a dangerous conspiracy theory. However, after his diaries were released, it’s clear that he knew he was feeding lies to the public, stating in an entry from January 26, 2020, “Now we know the market was not the source, it was the amplifier.” Covering up the virus’s origins to save face set a dangerous precedent: holding onto political power mattered more than telling the scientific truth. 2. Inflating Mortality Rates To maintain a continuous state of emergency, public health guidance intentionally blurred the lines between two distinct realities: patients dying because of COVID-19 and its symptoms versus patients dying of something unrelated while also diagnosed with COVID-19. Federal recording protocols encouraged hospitals to list COVID-19 on death certificates for anyone who tested positive at the time of death, regardless of the primary cause of death. A patient admitted for severe traumatic injury, end-stage kidney disease, or advanced cancer who happened to return a positive COVID test was added to the official death count. Hospital financial incentives tied to COVID diagnoses further incentivized this overcounting. By refusing to separate real COVID deaths from basic positive tests, official statistics painted a wildly exaggerated picture. This artificial inflation tricked the public into believing the virus was far more lethal to the average, healthy American than real-world data supported. Through this process, the government created an inflated tally that misled the public about how dangerous the virus actually was. 3. Media Manipulation and the Exclusion of Critical Context Misinformation isn’t created by stating outright lies; it’s created by systematically hiding the full story from the public. Working in close coordination with compliant media networks, federal health officials ran non-stop, terrifying daily death counts on TV screens across America while deliberately leaving out the most important piece of context: who was actually at risk. From the very beginning of the outbreak, both international and domestic data clearly showed that healthy children and working-age adults had an overwhelming survival rate well above 99.8%. Yet, instead of giving families honest facts so they could protect elderly relatives, health authorities broadcast frightening daily death tallies without ever explaining that severe outcomes were heavily concentrated among the elderly and those with serious underlying conditions. By treating every American as if they faced the same deadly threat, officials turned reasonable caution into a wave of blind panic. They then weaponized that manufactured fear to force heavy-handed, blanket mandates on entire communities, crushing small businesses, eliminating social contact, removing adults from the workplace, and forbidding children from attending school. 4. The False Security of Mandates Maybe the biggest lie of all was the “safety” that turned everyday life upside down for no real medical reason. Citizens were told to wipe down their groceries, wear face coverings every time they left home, and to stand 6 feet away from all other people. These rules were ineffective, considering how COVID-19 actually spreads. In reality, this virus spreads on surfaces and through the air just like a common cold. But instead of admitting that, officials forced Americans to wear cloth masks and makeshift bandanas that did nothing to stop microscopic airborne particles. Since real, medical-grade masks were virtually impossible for many to find or afford for months, people were left wearing pieces of fabric just to be allowed inside a grocery store or to keep their kids in a classroom. The Real Tragedy Looking back, the real tragedy is that those in charge manipulated the story to force compliance through fear. By covering up the source of the virus, exacerbating the numbers of deaths, hiding the truth about who was actually at risk and forcing the American people to follow ineffective “containment” procedures, the NIAID, with Dr. Anthony Fauci at the helm, shattered America’s trust.

CPAC's Future of Freedom program engages passionate, motivated individuals in the workings of governance, policy-making, and public advocacy. Participants work alongside experienced professionals, contribute to real projects, and cultivate the skills and connections that shape a career. This isn't just a line on a resume — it's the beginning of a career journey. Many of our interns advance to fellowships or full-time positions. Genuine Responsibility from the Start Our team members are integrated into various core areas of our organization, gaining comprehensive exposure to our work and contributing to initiatives impacting millions. Policy Our team members engage with issue-specific policy centers — conducting legislative research, drafting memos, and influencing positions on key topics for our movement. Partnerships & International Collaborate with coalition partners to build grassroots support, coordinate advocacy efforts, and engage with stakeholders nationwide to advance shared priorities. Events Assist in planning and executing major events — from policy summits to flagship conferences — gaining practical experience in logistics, communications, and attendee engagement. Philanthropy Contribute to fundraising and development efforts — assisting with donor relations, managing contributions, and coordinating exclusive events to support our movement's long-term growth. Digital Create engaging multimedia and online content — helping with social media management, video production, and digital strategy to amplify our message across major platforms. Impact Begins on Day One Intern Gain hands-on experience in policy research, legislative tracking, communications, and more. Interns attend briefings, draft memos, and shadow senior staff across departments. Work-Study Continue gaining experience while completing your education. Work remotely on meaningful projects, enhance your professional skills, and stay connected to the conservative movement while balancing academic responsibilities. Fellow A transitional role with increasing responsibility. Fellows manage policy portfolios, represent the organization at coalition meetings, and prepare for a full-time role with structured mentorship. Coordinator Begin your career as a full-time team member. Coordinators work across departments, develop specialized expertise, and establish a foundation for long-term growth within the organization. Full-Time Staff Become a staff member. Our alumni serve as Vice Presidents, Directors, Coordinators, Analysts, and more throughout our entire organization. Learn more about the program including how you can support it here.

When it comes to safeguarding the American food supply chain and supporting the families who raise our nation’s livestock, biosecurity isn’t something to check off; it is vital to the nation's sovereignty and economic survival. The strategic closure of Southern livestock ports in May of 2025 was critical to slowing the spread of the New World Screwworm, providing essential time to reinforce U.S. biosecurity for when NWS did enter the United States. The Trump Administration and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins took strong, proactive measures to put American producers first, ensuring that foreign pests did not devastate domestic herds or drive up costs for American consumers. Now, as the USDA announces a coordinated, phased reopening of key southern trade ports, beginning with Douglas, Arizona, on August 24, 2026, it’s important to maintain a measured, security-first approach. This decision represents a controlled and conditional strategy; a structured framework built to monitor risks, maintain rigorous regulatory oversight, and shield American livestock from additional exposure. By focusing initially on low-risk northern Mexican states like Sonora and Chihuahua, which have maintained strict disease control infrastructure and protocols, the USDA is showing that free and fair trade must be paired with rigorous accountability. The opening of the southern border comes with zero sacrifices on biosecurity. Every single animal that crosses the border will be undergoing a mandatory, comprehensive USDA inspection to guarantee that it is completely free of screwworm. The planned reopenings at Santa Teresa and Columbus, New Mexico are contingent on Mexico meeting the milestones of the USDA’s Joint Action Plan. Secretary Rollins made it abundantly clear that if risk levels rise or commitments falter, the USDA has complete authority to pause operations immediately. That firm stance reflects the exact principle conservative agriculture advocates have long demanded: strong border security backed by absolute accountability. For American cattle ranchers, the phased model balances trade stability with strong border protection. American ranchers rely on steady markets and clear rules to run their businesses, but protecting the domestic herd will always be the top priority. Reopening these ports under strict supervision keeps essential trade moving while ensuring foreign producers meet our high standards. By holding imports to rigorous inspection rules, the administration is proving that we can support economic growth without ever compromising on border security. As this multi-phased plan unfolds over the coming months, it’s important to continue to closely monitor port audits and enforcement standards. Ranchers and consumers alike must stay vigilant in order to safeguard our markets, protect the national food supply chain, and guarantee that federal regulators keep the American rancher at the center of U.S. agricultural policy.

The conservative movement has arrived in Britain. From July 16th to 18th, CPAC Great Britain made its debut at the InterContinental London beside the O2, bringing leaders, activists, and thinkers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and allied movements across Europe together under one banner: "Save Britain, Save the West." Chaired by former Prime Minister Liz Truss, the summit delivered on its promise to be more than just another conference. Truss pledged that CPAC Great Britain would be "a launchpad for the policies and leaders" shaping the future of the West, and the lineup proved her right. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage headlined the summit, joined by CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp and CPAC Senior Fellow Mercedes Schlapp, who carried the American movement's message across the Atlantic. Former Home Secretary and Reform UK spokesperson for Education, Skills and Equalities Suella Braverman, former Cabinet minister Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, and former Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith took the stage alongside Shadow Business Secretary Andrew Griffith, historian David Starkey, and Free Speech Union founder Toby Young. Broadcasters Dan Wootton and Mike Graham made the case for building a new truthful media, and former President of Poland Andrzej Duda underscored the summit's international reach. The message from the stage was unmistakable: the challenges facing Britain and America are one and the same. As Chairman Matt Schlapp told the crowd, conservatives on both sides of the Atlantic must recognize that the forces working to undermine one nation are working to undermine them all. From national sovereignty and border security to free speech and economic growth, the summit made clear that the fight to defend Western values is a shared one and that the movement is stronger when patriots stand together. The emotional high point came with the tribute to Ann Widdecombe, who passed away just days before the summit. A Conservative MP for Maidstone for more than two decades, a minister under John Major, and later shadow Home Secretary, Widdecombe spent her career standing for faith, conviction, and country, and carried the Brexit banner to Brussels as an MEP in 2019. She was honored from the main stage as proceedings opened. The energy peaked when Farage delivered his keynote, a rousing defense of those who believe in family, community, country, decency, democracy, free speech, and putting the national interest first. CPAC Great Britain was a historic first, but it will not be the last. London now joins the growing family of global CPACs carrying the conservative message to every corner of the free world. Britain has answered the call to save the West. Will you answer the call, too?

The ballot box in Nicaragua has officially reached its demise. In a speech that stripped away any remaining illusions of democracy, Dictator Daniel Ortega told his nation that elections are over, promising that ‘never, never, never’ again will opposition parties be allowed to take power in Nicaragua. The explicit rejection of elections as a whole solidifies what many free nations have known for years: that Nicaragua is a lawless and unchecked family dictatorship. To understand how this country lost its freedom ,it’s important to look at the country's history and the Sandinista Revolution. This revolution against the previous dictatorship ended with Ortega seizing power in 1979, which he held until he was voted out in 1990. Ortega managed to claw his way back into the presidency in 2007, a role he’s held onto since. Over the last two decades, Ortega and his wife, now "co-president," Rosario Murillo, have systematically destroyed every democratic guardrail in the country. They rewrote the constitution to strip term limits, packed the courts with loyalists, jailed or exiled political opponents, and turned state security forces on their own citizens during the bloody 2018 crackdowns. By banning elections entirely, Nicaragua is aligning themselves with the failed Communist models of Cuba and Venezuela. Like the Castro dynasty suffocated the Cuban people for over six decades, Ortega is forcing Marxism-Leninism onto Nicaragua, effectively destroying the free market, outlawing independent civic groups, and crushing individual liberty. Managua, the nation's capital, is now acting as a loyal satellite to communist forces, proving again that left-wing authoritarianism brings with it poverty, corruption, and the suppression of human rights. Staying true to the communist strategy, Ortega’s war on freedom isn’t limited to political dissent; faith itself is under attack. In a desperate desire to control every aspect of citizen’s lives, Ortega and his regime have launched a campaign against religious institutions, expelling the Catholic clergy, arresting priests, and outlawing thousands of religious practices. Dictators frequently attack Godly religions and faiths due in part to the fact that God is a higher authority than the state to those who follow Him. Ortega's war on the Church continues to solidify this point The free world, led by the United States and its regional allies, cannot stand idly by as a communist dictatorship entrenches itself in Central America. Speeches and dissent from foreign countries will not stop a tyrant who disagrees with the very concept of the consent of the governed. It is time to impose crushing economic sanctions, isolate the Ortega-Murillo regime on the global stage, and stand with the Nicaraguan people in their fight for their right to liberty.

If you're a parent or grandparent and you've never heard of Roblox or Discord, you're not alone. These platforms have quickly become part of daily life for millions of kids, and understanding them is one of the simplest, most powerful things family members can do to keep children safe. Roblox is an online gaming platform where kids can play games built by other users or make their own. Children design worlds, complete challenges, and play with friends. However, because so many of these games include chat features and content made by strangers, kids often end up talking to people they've never met from all across the world. Many Roblox games also link out to Discord. Discord isn't a game at all. It is a messaging application that runs exclusively on private servers where gamers can exchange texts, voice calls, photos, videos, and files. A conversation that starts on Roblox can move to Discord in seconds, and once it does, parents lose most of the visibility into who their child is talking to. Earlier this year, then Chicago resident James Childress pleaded guilty to production and attempted production of child pornography after communicating with multiple juvenile victims online. Federal court documents show that Childress found his first victim, a 13-year-old living at the Salvation Army in Lubbock, Texas, through Roblox. Prosecutors say he persuaded the children to send sexually explicit material and mailed unwanted packages to the younger victim. Thankfully, a social worker led the FBI to this case, and it has since become one of the hundreds of similar cases the agency has uncovered. Stories like these are exactly why many states have stepped in to demand more from online platforms. Several states, including Texas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee, Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, and Arkansas have filed consumer protection and child safety lawsuits, arguing Roblox failed to protect minors from predators, harmful content, and misleading safety claims. South Dakota reached a settlement worth nearly $10 million. Alabama, Nevada, and West Virginia secured settlements requiring safety overhauls and millions in compensation. These wins in the courts are substantive and have produced tangible results, driven by states holding a company accountable for the promises it made to families. Despite the headway made, there is still more work to be done, and families don't have to wait for a ruling to act now. Parents should be asking what games their children play, checking what apps are on their devices, and discussing who they're talking to online. Don't assume a platform is safe just because it's marketed to kids. States should continue enforcing consumer protection laws whenever a company fails to deliver the safety it promised. Congress should keep exploring policies that strengthen parental oversight, improve transparency on platforms built for children, and prevent kids' games from funneling minors onto unmonitored apps. America has always understood that protecting children starts with strong families. In the digital age, that means parents and guardians staying just as present online as they are in the real world. Protecting kids in today’s day and age means strengthening safety standards on videogame and messaging platforms to stop predators, prevent exploitation, and give parents the tools they need to keep their children safe. How many more kids will be harmed before Big Tech puts safety first?

At CPAC’s 4th Annual Summit to Combat Human Trafficking, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi delivered a keynote address focused on one of the most important challenges facing survivors after they escape exploitation: rebuilding their lives. While the summit brought together policymakers, law enforcement officials, survivor advocates, and industry leaders to discuss strategies for combating modern-day slavery, Hyde-Smith emphasized that successful anti-trafficking efforts must extend beyond prosecuting traffickers to ensuring survivors have the opportunity to recover with dignity and independence. Human trafficking leaves lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars, but many survivors also face criminal records for nonviolent offenses they were forced to commit under the coercion of their traffickers. Senator Hyde-Smith explained that these records often create lifelong barriers to employment, housing, education, and other opportunities, effectively continuing the punishment long after survivors have escaped. Rather than being treated solely as victims, many remain burdened by the legal consequences of crimes committed under threat of violence. At the center of Senator Hyde-Smith’s speech was the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2025, a bipartisan effort introduced in part by Hyde-Smith and championed by CPAC until it was signed into law earlier this year. The bill addresses the “criminalization catch-22” faced by many survivors of human trafficking, where many victims are forced by their abusers to participate in nonviolent offenses, ranging from financial fraud to petty theft, under threat of violence. When the victim escapes, they are often left burdened with criminal charges or federal arrest records that create lifelong barriers that create issues with housing, education, and employment. S.2255/H.R.4323 ensures that former victims aren't permanently connected to the trauma of their past by establishing a clear federal process to vacate convictions and expunge qualifying records. Crimes involving child victims remain explicitly excluded from expungement eligibility. Reflecting on the impact of this relief for victims, Hyde-Smith stressed, “They should not continue to be punished for their mistreatment and we have to ensure that they have the information, the legal resources, and the support that they need to access the relief now available to them. I was so proud to be part of this.” By allowing eligible survivors to clear records, the legislation removes barriers that have prevented countless individuals from fully rebuilding their lives. Hyde-Smith emphasized that survivors "should not continue to be punished for their mistreatment" and deserve access to the legal relief now available to them. Throughout her remarks, Senator Hyde-Smith emphasized that passing legislation is only the beginning. She noted that survivors must also have access to legal assistance, counseling, housing, employment opportunities, and community support to successfully navigate the recovery process. The legislation itself was developed with significant input from survivors and advocacy organizations, ensuring it reflects the realities they face after escaping trafficking. Looking ahead, Hyde-Smith also called for continued congressional action, including reauthorizing and modernizing the National Human Trafficking Hotline and advancing additional provisions of the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act. Senator Hyde-Smith’s address underscored a central theme of the CPAC Summit: justice does not end when traffickers are prosecuted. True success means ensuring survivors receive the legal protections, resources, and opportunities they need to reclaim their futures. By bringing together broad coalitions of lawmakers, law enforcement, advocacy organizations, and survivors themselves, the summit reinforced that survivor-centered justice is a unifying cause. Clearing a survivor’s legal record is not an act of leniency—it is an essential step toward restoring dignity, expanding opportunity, and giving survivors the fresh start they deserve.

CPAC Great Britain welcomed conservative leaders and influential voices from across the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond for its inaugural conference, featuring Nigel Farage, Matt Schlapp, Liz Truss, Mercedes Schlapp, Jacob Rees-Mogg, Jack Posobiec, and many others. The landmark gathering brought together policymakers, commentators, activists, and movement leaders to discuss the future of conservatism, national sovereignty, free speech, border security, and the defense of Western values.

The fight against human trafficking is on. CPAC’s 4th Annual Summit to Combat Human Trafficking brought together lawmakers, law enforcement officials, advocates, and conservative leaders committed to exposing and defeating one of the greatest evils of our time on Capitol Hill. There can be no excuses, no silence, and no delay. Every day, vulnerable children and adults are exploited by traffickers, sex offenders, and criminal networks. The urgency to act has never been greater. “There’s an urgency every day. Every day a child is hurt by a trafficker, a sex trafficker, a pedophile. We can’t stop the fight. The urgency is now,” said CPAC Senior Fellow Mercedes Schlapp. That urgency drove the conversations that took place at this year’s summit. CPAC is working to ensure that human trafficking remains a national priority and that those responsible for these horrific crimes are identified, prosecuted, and held fully accountable. Elected officials, activists, and survivors joined CPAC at the summit to continue this work. Congressman Burgess Owens returned to the CPAC Summit to Combat Human Trafficking to stand alongside advocates and leaders committed to protecting victims and confronting modern-day slavery. His participation reflects the importance of building a strong coalition in Congress and across the country to fight trafficking at every level. CPAC was also honored to present Congressman Russell Fry with the CPAC Gold Standard Ratings Award in recognition of his perfect 100 percent conservative rating. Congressman Fry has demonstrated principled conservative leadership and a strong commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting the most vulnerable. Fry was a major force behind passing the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act. Providing officers with the stories and experiences of survivors allows law enforcement agencies to gain a deeper understanding of the intricacies of trafficking cases. "They know their story, and they can pursue the true offenders," Fry emphasized, highlighting the crucial role of survivor testimonies in breaking down trafficking networks and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable. The summit also highlighted the leadership of women who have courageously worked to raise awareness, support survivors, strengthen families, and demand action from government officials. CPAC Senior Fellow Mercedes Schlapp joined many of these extraordinary women in reaffirming CPAC’s commitment to ending modern-day slavery and defending those who cannot defend themselves. Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway underscored the essential role state attorneys general and law enforcement officials play in dismantling trafficking networks. Congresswoman Lisa McClain (81% CPAC Lifetime Rating) emphasized that we cannot remain silent on modern-day slavery. "We need to not stay silent because, in my house what I always told my kids, silence is agreement. We cannot stand silent," said McClain. Similarly, Congressman Riley Moore (94% CPAC rating) advanced that proactive measures prevent the exploitation of individuals, defend human dignity and preserve peace and security.. "Our border policies and human trafficking, they're deeply connected. An open border incentivizes millions of people to come to America while surrendering control of our sovereignty to some of the most dangerous criminal groups on the earth. It inflicts chaos and creates the ideal conditions for human trafficking. A secure and orderly border does the opposite," said Moore. Holding traffickers accountable begins with leaders like these who are willing to enforce the law, pursue criminals, and ensure justice for victims. CPAC will continue bringing this fight directly to policymakers, law enforcement officials, and communities across America. Human trafficking thrives when people remain silent. Defeating it requires courage, cooperation, and an unwavering commitment to action. The fight will not stop until this evil is exposed, its victims are protected, and the traffickers responsible are brought to justice. Watch footage from the full event on YouTube @CPACPlus. Follow @CPAC on social media for behind the scenes photos and highlights from the Combating Human Trafficking Summit.