At CPAC's 4th Annual Summit to Combat Human Trafficking, we were honored to present South Carolina Congressman Russell Fry with the CPAC Gold Standard Ratings Award for his perfect 100% score. This recognition highlights his unwavering commitment to conservative values and his dedication to addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time: human trafficking. As a true conservative champion, Fry has emerged as a leader in the fight against this heinous crime, advocating for policies that not only support survivors but also empower law enforcement. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act One of the key pieces of legislation that Congressman Fry has championed is the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act. This act aims to provide essential resources and support for victims of human trafficking, ensuring they receive the assistance they need to rebuild their lives. Fry emphasizes that this legislation is "pro-victim" and "pro-survivor," highlighting its focus on the needs and rights of those who have suffered from trafficking. Moreover, Fry notes that the act also serves as a critical tool for law enforcement. By equipping officers with the narratives and experiences of survivors, law enforcement agencies can better understand the complexities of trafficking cases. "They know their story, and they can go after the real bad actors," Fry stated, underscoring the importance of survivor testimonies in dismantling trafficking networks and holding perpetrators accountable. CPAC Summit: A Platform for Change The CPAC Summit serves as an important platform for discussing and addressing the challenges posed by human trafficking. Bringing together policymakers, activists, and community leaders, the summit fosters dialogue and collaboration aimed at developing effective strategies to combat this issue. Congressman Fry’s recognition at the summit is a testament to his hard work and dedication to creating lasting change in this arena. As the fight against human trafficking continues, it is crucial to support legislative efforts like the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act. By doing so, we can ensure that survivors are not only heard but also provided with the necessary tools to thrive. Fry’s leadership exemplifies the proactive approach needed to tackle this crisis head-on, combining victim support with robust law enforcement strategies. The Future Congressman Russell Fry stands out as a beacon of hope in the battle against human trafficking. His commitment to survivor advocacy and law enforcement collaboration is paving the way for a more effective response to this urgent issue. As we move forward, it is vital to continue supporting initiatives that prioritize the well-being of survivors while holding offenders accountable. Together, we can work towards a future free from the horrors of human trafficking.

Recently, President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address from the White House, announcing the immediate declassification of hundreds of intelligence reports exposing vulnerabilities in American election infrastructure. "America is back and doing really well, but we still have a major challenge that must be urgently addressed, because no country can be great without fair and honest elections," Trump told the nation. The documents, spanning January 2020 through June 2026, detail the capability of Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, and assorted nonstate actors to compromise U.S. election infrastructure including voter registration databases, electronic pollbooks, and state election websites. According to the President, Beijing commissioned a specialized data-exploitation unit to carry out what officials are calling the largest compromise of election data in American history: the acquisition of roughly 220 million U.S. voter files, containing names, addresses, phone numbers, party registration, and other sensitive identifying information. Intelligence reviewed by the administration reportedly shows that data belonging to tens of millions of voters across 18 states was bought, stolen, or hacked over a period beginning in the 2020 election cycle. This isn't the first time Beijing's interest in American voter data has surfaced. A declassified Intelligence Community Assessment from March 2021 already acknowledged that China had taken steps to study U.S. voters, political parties, and campaign staff. But, at the time, officials characterized the goal as Chinese intelligence-gathering in order to predict election outcomes and shape policy, not to inherently manipulate the vote itself. What Trump's Thursday address identified is a dedicated apparatus capable of both harvesting sensitive voter data and using it to directly target and influence the American electorate. Trump not only had a message for our adversaries abroad, but also for the deep-state bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. The president accused actors in the intelligence community of burying evidence of foreign election interference, withholding it from his own presidential briefings and from official reports. "Those responsible for sounding the alarm instead kept the information secret and hidden," Trump said. "They did not disclose it to me as president or to anyone else." Predictably, the left is already writing this off as another conspiracy theory–a symptom of Trump Derangement Syndrome. However, it seems ironic when considering that many of these voices are the same ones who spent years financing opposition research in the Steele dossier during Russiagate. The left’s position on election integrity has never been about integrity at all: It’s about manipulating the narrative to point fingers at Trump, all while being complicit in Beijing’s plot to undermine our own elections. Trump closed with a grim warning to Congress: pass the SAVE Act, or watch the integrity of American democracy erode at the hands of our foreign adversaries. This reinforces what the right has known for years–that citizenship verification, mandatory photo ID at the ballot box, and the removal of noncitizens from voter rolls is necessary if the United States wants to keep calling itself the global standard for free and fair elections.

CPAC Chairman Matt Schlapp (left) and Rep. Greg Steube (98% Lifetime CPAC Rating) pictured above holding two of Rep. Steube’s awards for Conservative Excellence. The House approved an amendment by Republican Congressman Greg Steube (98% CPAC Rating) seeking to further shrink Nigerian aid from 50% to 100% of U.S. aid to the country until the Secretary of State certifies that Nigeria has taken effective steps to prevent, respond to, and hold those accountable for religious violence and Christian Persecution. The provision is contained in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Appropriations Act, championed by fellow Republican Congressman Riley M. Moore (94% CPAC Rating), and aligns with President Trump’s "America First” foreign policy agenda.

CPAC celebrates the long-awaited release of Pastor Ezra Jin and gives thanks for this important victory for religious freedom. We are especially grateful to President Donald J. Trump for focusing attention on Pastor Jin’s case and on the broader crisis of Christian persecution around the world. At a time when too many have turned a blind eye to the suffering of believers, President Trump’s leadership on this issue is deeply important. We also commend Grace Jin Drexel for her tireless advocacy on behalf of her father. Through her powerful testimony before Congress, her remarks at CPAC, and her continued work to raise awareness about Pastor Jin’s imprisonment, Grace has been a courageous and faithful voice for persecuted Christians everywhere. While we celebrate Pastor Jin’s release, we know there is still much work to do. Christians around the world continue to face imprisonment, harassment, violence, and oppression for their faith. The CPAC Christian Persecution Coalition will continue fighting for persecuted Christians wherever they are targeted and will keep working to ensure their voices are heard.

Reading comprehension is the foundation of all learning, yet too many American schools have fallen behind—prioritizing divisive ideology and limiting parents' control over their children's education. If America is going to stay competitive on the world stage, the foundations of education must be significantly revitalized. When Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed the LEARNS (Literacy, Empowerment, Accountability, Readiness, Networking and Safety) Act into law in 2023, Arkansas reorganized its schools primarily around two principles: parents should choose where and how their children learn, and every child must learn the key foundations for furthering education. These two ideas are the heart of the law—expanded school choice gives families real power over their children's education, and a renewed focus on early literacy ensures the schools they choose actually teach the foundational skill on which everything else depends. Together, they offer a clear and practical model for fixing the American education system. The first pillar is school choice. Through the new Educational Freedom Accounts, the LEARNS Act gives families up to 90% of per-student funding to choose the school that fits their child’s needs, with eligibility expanding until every Arkansas student qualifies by 2025-26. The law also removes the old caps on the number of charter schools and on transfers between districts, so families are no longer locked into a single assigned school. The principle is simple and deeply American: families' hard-earned money would support their children by giving them the freedom to choose the best school for their unique circumstances. The second pillar is teaching children to read early and well. The LEARNS Act follows the actual science behind early childhood development: explicit, phonics-based instruction grounded in evidence rather than the ideologically infused methods that failed a generation of students. It requires reading screening for every child from kindergarten through third grade, places reading coaches in struggling schools, and refuses to push a child past third grade who can't yet read at grade level, pairing that standard with intensive help to meet it. This matters because reading is the foundation of all learning: through third grade, a child is learning to read, and ever after, they are reading to learn. Get those early years right, and every subject opens up; get them wrong and a child falls behind. Arkansas has shown that empowering parents and teaching children to read are not competing goals but a single, proven strategy. Other states should not wait. Legislators and governors across the country should follow Arkansas's lead—put parents in charge, ground reading instruction in real science, and give every child the foundation to succeed.

Deep fissures within the Democratic Party are emerging, as the party adopts more radical policies and elects self-proclaimed socialists. Congressional Democratic leaders are growing anxious over the dissatisfaction with their leadership. The Democratic base is increasingly turning to more radical candidates promising free healthcare, abolishing ICE, universal free college, and ending aid to Israel. It is a cause for national concern as professed Democratic Socialists of America members are winning primary elections, and the Democratic Party’s mainstream positions slip more into extremism, antisemitism, and socialism. This Tuesday, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani-endorsed candidates swept the Democratic Party primary elections in New York, serving as a litmus test for his growing influence since he handily won the Mayoral election last November. These wins mark a significant shift within the party, demonstrating their openness to destructive and anti-American policies. "It's a big win for the progressive wing of the party. We are a new party that will call out the genocide, tax the billionaires, and stand up for single payer healthcare,” said Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-D) to CNN, who has become one of the more radical and anti-establishment figures within the Democratic Party. Darializa Avila Chevalier (NY-13, upper Manhattan & the Bronx), Claire Valdez (NY-7, north Brooklyn & western Queens), and Brad Lander (NY-10, Lower Manhattan & parts of Brooklyn) all won their primary elections this past Tuesday, the 23rd, a show of force for the more progressive socialist wing of the Democratic Party. Valdez’s victory night speech featured chants from the crowd of “you’re next” after referencing House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, showing a deep dissatisfaction with the status quo and the extreme direction of the new Democratic Party. "We haven't just won an election. We have declared that this movement is durable — that it is growing, and that it will not stop until working people are no longer asked to just build the table, no longer just offered a seat at the table, but will run the table,” said Claire Valdez at her victory night speech. There are concerning trends growing within the Democratic Party. As this primary election cycle becomes tougher on incumbents, there have been key issues that have been the dividing line between the old and new Democratic Party. Avila Chevalier and Valdez, both being card-carrying Democratic Socialists of America members, and Lander, a former member, campaigning alongside them, have espoused rhetoric that should be foreign to American values, vowing to fight for: Single-payer Medicare for All and eliminating private health insurance Free universal college tuition and student loan forgiveness Universal rent control and government-built “social housing” Demonizing Jewish communities across the country with calls to end all aid to Israel Universal gender-affirming care in the adoption of a Transgender Bill of Rights Defunding ICE and granting citizenship — and, in Valdez's case, voting rights — to millions here illegally These are not fringe positions on an otherwise mainstream platform; they are the platform now, and the candidates make no secret of it. Valdez has called for universal rent control and government-built housing, taxpayer-funded gender-affirming care, and extending voting rights to non-citizens. Avila Chevalier built her campaign around abolishing ICE and ending aid to Israel. Brad Lander vowed to fight for universal healthcare and end all aid to Israel. The center of the party has moved, and its own leaders are visibly anxious — watching incumbents swept out in their own backyard, unsure whether to confront the insurgents or accommodate them. Defenders will say these were safe, deep-blue districts where socialism wins and the more moderate suburbs don't follow. But primaries in safe seats are where the next generation of the party is chosen, and where sitting moderates learn that stepping out of line invites a challenge from their left. A party does not need a socialist majority to be pulled in a socialist direction. It only needs its members to fear one. As the younger and more radical wing of the Democratic Party takes control, the Democratic Party will only become more radical and embrace socialism. That is the real significance of this Tuesday's election. Mamdani has proven he can take his machine beyond City Hall and win, and an already anxious Democratic Party now has a kingmaker pulling it toward policies most Americans have never supported. This is no longer a fight confined to New York's deep-blue districts — it is a preview of the direction the entire party is heading, and the only check on it lies with voters. This November, Americans who believe in secure borders, a strong alliance with Israel, free markets over government control, and common sense over socialist experiments must show up and make their voices heard. Vote for strong conservative leaders who will stand firm against this radical tide. The Democratic Party has shown us exactly what it intends to become — the only question left is whether the rest of the country will answer.

The Democratic Party once prided itself on drawing a bright moral line against extremism. Today, that line has become increasingly difficult to find. The emergence of Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner is only the latest example. Platner has come under scrutiny for a series of past online posts featuring violent rhetoric, self-identification as a communist, inflammatory statements about law enforcement, and comments that many Americans would find deeply offensive. More troubling, his campaign has faced persistent questions over a tattoo resembling the SS Totenkopf—one of the most recognizable Nazi symbols of the Third Reich. Platner says he did not understand the symbol's significance at the time and has since covered the tattoo, but the controversy has continued to shadow his campaign. Reports have also highlighted his repeated accusations that Israel is committing "genocide" in Gaza and his pledge to reject support from pro-Israel organizations. None of this prevented him from becoming a serious Democratic candidate. Even more revealing was the response from Democratic leadership. Democratic National Committee Chairman Ken Martin publicly acknowledged that he did not approve of Platner's past comments but said he did not consider them "disqualifying." It is difficult to imagine Democrats reacting the same way if a Republican candidate carried even half the political baggage Platner does. That response says as much about today's Democratic Party as Platner's record itself. For years, Americans have watched antisemitic rhetoric migrate from the political fringe into parts of the mainstream left. Conduct that would have ended a political career only a few years ago is now too often explained away, contextualized, or excused—particularly when the individual embraces progressive causes. College campuses have become epicenters of anti-Israel activism that frequently spills over into open hostility toward Jewish students. Members of Congress have repeatedly accused Israel of genocide while minimizing or ignoring Hamas terrorism. Activists who traffic in antisemitic tropes are routinely given the benefit of the doubt so long as they frame their rhetoric as "anti-Zionism." This is not about disagreement over Israeli government policy. Democracies welcome vigorous debate. It is about whether political leaders are willing to recognize that demonizing the world's only Jewish state, excusing extremist rhetoric, and repeatedly giving passes to those who engage in it creates an environment in which antisemitism flourishes. The Democratic Party still has some leaders who strongly support Israel and stand firmly against antisemitism. Too often, however, those voices appear reluctant to confront the radical elements within their own coalition. Doing otherwise sends a dangerous message: that hatred is unacceptable - unless it comes wrapped in the language of progressive activism. That is a standard no democracy - and certainly no friend of the Jewish people - can afford to accept.

Monday, June 8, 2026 in Washington, DC CPAC will be hosting the CPAC Ratings Awards Ceremony, bringing together Members of Congress, conservative leaders, and dedicated supporters to celebrate the champions of the conservative movement. This exclusive evening will honor the top-performing legislators from CPAC’s annual Legislative Scorecard, widely regarded as the gold standard for measuring commitment to conservative principles in Washington. Honoring Conservative Leadership Each year, CPAC evaluates the voting records of Members of Congress to produce its trusted Ratings, a clear and transparent benchmark of who is truly fighting for limited government, individual liberty, and the Constitution. The CPAC Ratings Awards Ceremony recognizes those lawmakers who have demonstrated unwavering dedication to these values—leaders who have stood firm in defense of freedom when it mattered most. This event is not only a celebration, but a reaffirmation of the principles that define the conservative movement. An Evening of Recognition and Connection Guests will enjoy an elegant evening featuring: Presentation of awards to top-rated Members of Congress Remarks from leading conservative voices Opportunities to connect with policymakers, donors, and activists A reception in one of Washington’s most prestigious settings Featured Honorees CPAC will recognize Members of Congress who achieved the highest scores in the 2025 Legislative Ratings. Secure Your Spot This event is expected to draw a distinguished audience of conservative leaders and supporters from across the country. Space is limited. Register today to reserve your place at this special evening honoring conservative excellence at CPAC.org/Awards/RSVP. Advancing the Conservative Movement The CPAC Ratings Awards Ceremony is more than an event—it is a reflection of our ongoing commitment to accountability and principled leadership in Washington. By recognizing those who stand strong for conservative values, we strengthen the movement and inspire the next generation of leaders. We look forward to welcoming you on June 8 for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the leaders shaping the future of the conservative movement.

CPAC hosted its inaugural Women Warriors Summit this week, May 20–21, bringing some of the most principled and passionate conservative women across America together in Washington, D.C. Held on Capitol Hill, this summit brought together grassroots organizers, policy leaders, community advocates, and women of faith from across the country with one unified purpose: to equip and empower conservative women to lead boldly with courage and conviction. From the opening reception on the evening of May 20 through a full day of speakers and panels on May 21, attendees rallied around the issues that matter most to women. Focusing on critical issues such as securing the southern border against narco-terrorism, protecting families from radical ideologies seeking to undermine the traditional American family, restoring freedom in the classroom from woke indoctrination for parents, and affirming that faith is not separate from government but must inform every decision made in the halls of power. "Let me start with saying, let's go out there and play some offense, because what we're doing is the winning message. Do not listen to the liberal media and all of their rhetoric." -Rep. Lisa McClain. The CPAC Women Warriors Summit featured an extraordinary lineup of women who delivered clear, urgent, and inspiring messages encouraging women across the country to stand up and fight. Rep. Lisa McClain (MI-9), Chair of the House Republican Conference, made clear that it is conservatives, not the left, who are truly fighting for women by working to lower the cost of living and creating the conditions in which parents can raise the next generation of strong, principled women leaders. Penny Nance, CEO and President of Concerned Women for America, issued a stirring call to Christian women, emphasizing that as believers, they carry a responsibility to mentor the next generation and help them grow spiritually so they are ready for whatever life brings. Anne Fundner, Angel Mom and fentanyl awareness advocate, delivered one of the most powerful testimonies of the day, bearing witness to the devastating truth that narco terrorism and an open border have destroyed families and ravaged communities, leaving grieving mothers across this country to pick up the pieces. The summit also featured KC Crosbie, RNC Co-Chair; Rep. Kat Cammack (FL-03); Erika Donalds, CEO of the Education Freedom Foundation; Nicole Neily, Founder and President of Defending Education; Martha Jenkins, President of the National Federation of Republican Women; pro-life advocate Isabel Brown, Host of The Isabel Brown Show; Amanda Radke, Host of 'Heart of Rural America'; Fanchon Stinger, Founder of Grit and Grace Nation; and Gabriela Berrospi, Founder & CEO of Latino Wall Street — among many other impactful voices, all united in the conviction that the time for conservative women to lead is now. "The most important thing that we try to pass on to them, which impacts every part of your life, is faith...as Christians, we try to make sure that we are strengthening them, encouraging them spiritually in their walk with Christ, and helping them to grow in that area of their life. That's the thing that I think, as we mentor people, is a really important thing." -Penny Nance. The CPAC Women Warriors Summit sent a clear, powerful message across America that conservative women are rising up, and they’re ready to fight. From securing our southern border and protecting families from radical ideologies to restoring trust in government and giving parents the authority to raise the next generation, this movement is rooted in the core values that define our nation. It’s growing, it’s united, and it’s calling on every conservative woman to step forward and lead with courage and conviction. The future of our country depends on it. Watch the CPAC Women Warriors Summit here.

Wednesday, May 20 and Thursday, May 21 in Washington DC. At a pivotal moment for our nation, strong, principled women are stepping forward to lead—and CPAC is proud to provide a platform to unite and empower them. On May 20–21 in Washington DC, CPAC will host the inaugural Women Warriors Summit, a first-of-its-kind gathering dedicated to equipping and elevating women who are shaping the future of our country through leadership, advocacy, and action. A Movement, Not Just a Meeting The Women Warriors Summit is more than a conference—it is a call to action. Across the country, women are rising to defend the values that define our nation: faith, family, and freedom. From grassroots organizers and policy leaders to cultural influencers and community advocates, this summit will bring together a powerful coalition of voices committed to making a lasting impact. As outlined in the summit’s invitation, this gathering aims to “unite these leaders, strengthen their voices, and advance a shared mission.” Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from and engage with influential women who are leading in their respective fields. Through dynamic conversations, networking, and collaboration, participants will gain the tools and inspiration needed to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond. The summit is designed to: Strengthen leadership skills rooted in principle Foster meaningful partnerships across sectors Address the most pressing challenges facing our nation Equip women to lead with clarity, courage, and conviction Building a Stronger Future Together At its core, the Women Warriors Summit is about building a movement—one that empowers women to stand firm in their values and take decisive action in shaping the future. By bringing together leaders from across faith, policy, culture, and community, CPAC is creating a space where ideas turn into action and leadership turns into lasting impact. Attendance & Access Levels The Women Warriors Summit offers multiple tiers of access to ensure attendees can engage at the level that best fits their experience and interests. Sponsorship Level — $8,000 An elevated opportunity for organizations or individuals looking to support the summit while gaining premier visibility and access. Includes 2 Co-Host Ticket Curated Branding at the Event Recognition as a supporting sponsor of the Women Warriors Summit Access to exclusive networking experiences To learn more about becoming a sponsor for the CPAC Women Warriors Summit, please reach out to Nadya Merdon, Associate Director of Coalitions at nmerdon@conservative.org. Co-Host Level — $2,500 The highest level of access, designed for those looking to play a leading role in the summit experience. Full access to all VIP ticket experiences Entry to private dinners and exclusive programming featuring special guest speakers Enhanced opportunities to connect with featured speakers and key leaders behind the scenes VIP Level — $500 A premium experience for attendees seeking deeper engagement. Access to invitation-only receptions and events Priority seating for key sessions Enhanced networking and curated experiences Secure your spot as a Co-Host or VIP today by visiting CPAC.org/WomenWarrior/Premium. General The Women Warriors Summit on Thursday May 21 is a free and widely attended event, offering meaningful opportunities to participate in the summit’s core discussions and programming. Register for the Women Warriors Summit by visiting CPAC.org/WomenWarrior/Attend. 📅 SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE (ET) 🗓️ Wednesday, May 20 5:30 PM | Location Provided Upon RSVP Welcome Reception and Dinner CO-HOST TICKET HOLDERS ARE WELCOMED TO JOIN 🗓️ Thursday, May 21 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM | Location Provided Upon RSVP Co-Host Brunch CO-HOST TICKET HOLDERS ARE WELCOMED TO JOIN 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Cannon Caucus Room Women Warriors Summit THIS IS A WIDELY ATTENDED EVENT THAT IS COMPLIMENTARY TO ATTEND Co-Host ticket holders will receive exclusive backstage access, including meet-and-greets and photo opportunities. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Farewell Reception CO-HOST AND VIP TICKET HOLDERS ARE WELCOMED TO JOIN Speakers Join us in Washington DC The Women Warriors Summit represents a defining moment for women committed to leading with purpose. Whether you are already on the front lines or preparing to step into leadership, this summit offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect, grow, and lead. Join us May 20–21 in Washington DC—and be part of a movement that is shaping the future of our nation.

Last Thursday, May 14th, high-scoring lawmakers in the Oklahoma Senate and House of Representatives received awards for their commitment to conservative principles during the 2025 Legislative Session. The 2025 session proved to be one of the most consequential, marked by hard-fought battles over election integrity, parental rights in education, Second Amendment protections, and criminal justice reform. Oklahoma Republicans earned an average score of 87%, up from 77% the previous year, reflecting a legislature that grew more unified and impactful in its conservative vision. Democrats, by contrast, earned an average score of just 14%, underscoring the deep ideological divide shaping Oklahoma's political landscape. The 2025 session was defined by substantive conservative action across the issues Oklahomans care about most. Lawmakers moved decisively to protect the integrity of elections, tightening citizenship verification through SB 1086, securing voter rolls, and reinforcing precinct-based voting through HB 1865 to ensure elections remain trustworthy and transparent. In education, the Legislature struck at ideological bureaucracy by rolling back DEI programs in higher education through SB 796 and strengthening school choice funding through SB 674, making educational alternatives a real and reliable option for Oklahoma families. On Second Amendment protections, Oklahoma reaffirmed its commitment to lawful gun ownership by expanding carry protections through HB 1095 and closing statutory gaps through HB 2818 that had left law-abiding citizens unnecessarily exposed to government overreach. CPAC worked with lawmakers advocating for common-sense criminal justice reform that prioritizes drug and addiction treatment and promotes a system that rehabilitates without compromising being tough on crime. Not every vote was a win for broad-based conservatism; targeted tax carve-outs in HB 2260 and selective higher-education subsidies in HB 1727 revealed the persistent pull of special interests, but these were outliers in an otherwise principled session. The 2025 session paints a picture of a legislature that was decisive where it mattered most. Election protections were tightened, parental rights in education were reinforced, and constitutional freedoms were defended. The areas of friction were the exception, not the rule, and serve as useful guideposts for where future sessions can sharpen their focus. As these trends make clear, Oklahoma's conservative movement is not standing still. Republican cohesion is growing, and the legislative agenda is becoming more focused. At CPAC, we are proud to recognize the lawmakers who lead with principle, and we look forward to continuing to hold lawmakers accountable to the values that make Oklahoma a model for conservative governance. See the full scorecard here.

In Washington State, a multi-generational ranching family has become the symbol of a broader struggle to protect American families, their private land, and their constitutional rights. The King family, longtime stewards of thousands of acres, now finds itself under siege after trying to maintain basic stockwater ponds vital to their cattle operation. What should have been routine ranch management has spiraled into a high-stakes legal battle, raising alarms far beyond their fence lines. The conflict began when the Washington Department of Ecology accused the Kings of damaging protected wetlands, based not on field inspections, but satellite imagery. Without setting foot on the land, regulators issued $267,000 in fines starting in 2023. Yet these ponds aren’t optional; they’re lifelines in a region with no viable piping infrastructure, and the water rights are tied directly to the Kings’ property. Despite laws limiting the state’s ability to interfere with those rights, the family is now fighting to defend what they say is legally and historically theirs. The fallout has been brutal. The Kings lost a 13,000-acre grazing lease over just two acres of disputed land, forcing them to sell off part of their herd and leave productive land idle. They describe intense pressure tactics, being pushed to sign incomplete documents, employees hit with subpoenas, and legal bills so steep that they required criminal defense attorneys. Instead of a jury trial, their case has been funneled into an administrative process overseen by appointees tied to the same political structure behind the enforcement action. Under the USDA’s Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework, announced to protect producers, preserve land and liberty, purge burdensome regulations, and partner for the future, families like the Kings have a strong foundation to push back against regulatory pressure and defend their way of life. The framework seeks to safeguard private property rights, end agricultural lawfare, and support the hardworking men and women who produce our food, allowing them to continue their essential work without unfair government interference. The Kings’ fight underscores a simple but vital principle: American families should have the freedom to responsibly manage their own land, enjoy full due process, including the right to a jury trial when accused, and sustain their operations without fear of crippling penalties for longstanding practices that have supported rural communities for generations. The outcome of this case could shape the future of family ranches across the country, affirming that strong property rights and fair treatment are essential to keeping American agriculture thriving. See More Here: https://www.lonesomelands.com/new-blog/28k2g28w6l3ne73-kr9wa-k5fl3-tk4zj-249cp-jydtl-eza6b-4rjjn-ppbjf-wwn9h-rhzdj-s265y