News & Commentary
Lilly Ledbetter: Celebrating a Champion Still Fighting for Us
Five years ago today, I was honored to stand with Lilly Ledbetter at the White House as President Obama made the legislation bearing her name his first major bill signed into law.
By By Deborah J. Vagins, ACLU Washington Legislative Office
Groundhog Day Must Be Congress' Favorite Movie
While working on reproductive rights in our nation's capital, your life starts to resemble the classic black comedy Groundhog Day in which the main character wakes up to find he's reliving the same day over and over again. I, like any good cinephile, enjoy seeing Bill Murray struggle to get his day right. However, when it comes to Congress trying to pass the same misguided bill intended to restrict women's ability to make personal medical decisions, I'm not such a big fan.
By By Elayne Weiss, Washington Legislative Office
The NSA's Shadow Database
Last week saw the release of yet another independent report condemning the NSA's bulk collection of Americans' phone records. In its report, the Privacy and Civil Liberties Oversight Board (PCLOB) called for an end to the program, concluding that it is unlawful, threatens the privacy of Americans, and does little to keep the country secure. Its recommendations reflect a deepening public consensus that President Obama and Congress must do more to halt the NSA's efforts to vacuum up as much of our personal data as possible.
By By Patrick C. Toomey, Staff Attorney, ACLU National Security Project
El Secretario Johnson visita la frontera para reunirse con los jefes, no con los abusados.
By By Astrid Dominguez, Advocacy Coordinator, ACLU of Texas
Alabama Hospitals To Pregnant Women – "Sorry, honey, we won’t help you here."
It's what every pregnant woman fears. There she is excited to be pregnant for the first time. She is finally getting over the morning sickness, and she and her husband have just shared the happy news with their friends and family. Then, one night the unimaginable happens. She is lying in bed and she begins to feel immense pain and cramping. She knows something isn't right. She goes to the bathroom and she sees blood. Quickly, she wakes up her husband and the two of them rush to the emergency room.
By By Jenny Lee, Staff Attorney, American Civil Liberties Union
Southwest Border Tour Excludes Border Communities
Newly confirmed Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson wrapped up a two-day visit to the southwest border region last week, starting in McAllen, Texas, and ending in Tucson, Ariz. The stated purpose of the trip was to "tour border operations, receive briefings on the department's efforts to secure the border while facilitating lawful travel and trade, and meet with state and local law enforcement officials and other stakeholders."
By By Mitra Ebadolahi, Border Litigation Staff Attorney, ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties & James Lyall, Border Litigation Staff Attorney, ACLU of Arizona
Sec. Johnson Visits Border to Meet with the Brass, Not the Abused
By By Astrid Dominguez, Advocacy Coordinator, ACLU of Texas
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