Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act of 2017
In the weeks ahead, Senator Rob Portman (OH) will be introducing legislation called the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act of 2017. This bill will amend Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA) to help hold those who run sites that facilitate sex trafficking (such as Backpage.com) civilly and criminally accountable for their crimes. Click here for a one-page summary of the bill.

From Interfaith Power and Light
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is trying to delay and rewrite methane pollution standards that protect our children and our planet from dangerous methane pollution. For more information, click here. ACT NOW: Tell EPA Administrator Pruitt that weakening the methane pollution standard is unacceptable.

From World Beyond War
Sign the Declaration of Peace which states “I understand that wars and militarism make us less safe rather than protect us, that they kill, injure and traumatize adults, children and infants, severely damage the natural environment, erode civil liberties, and drain our economies, siphoning resources from life-affirming activities. I commit to engage in and support nonviolent efforts to end all war and preparations for war and to create a sustainable and just peace.”

From Catholic Climate Movement
Pope Francis just endorsed the Laudato Si Pledge! Have you signed the pledge yet to commit to pray for and with creation, live more simply, and advocate to protect our common home? Click here to sign the pledge.

From USCCB Justice for Immigration
Call on your Senators to support DACA and DREAMERS by sending this letter.

• Save Medicaid
  Good news: due to incredible pressure from activists around the country like you, Senator McConnell pushed back a vote on health care until after the July 4 recess. But we can’t let this delay lead to passage like it did in the House — we’ve got to keep the pressure on!

  Call your Senators at 1-888-738-3058 NOW to oppose the GOP health plan and protect Medicaid. Call twice to reach both Senators.

  These calls matter whether your Senators are Republicans or Democrats! Here are a few ways you can make noise in your community over the next few weeks:
  1. Keep making phone calls, and encourage anyone you know in Alaska, Arizona, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, or West Virginia to make their calls as well.
  2. Read the news and write Letters to the Editor. These short messages should clearly state your opposition to Medicaid cuts and the Senate health proposals, and mention your Senator(s) by name. See our tips for getting your LTE published on NETWORK’s website, and send us published pieces at info@networklobby.org.
  3. Meet with your Senator at their office, town hall, 4th of July event, or elsewhere. Congress is home from July 1-9. Visit NETWORK’s website for printouts, graphics, and more that you can bring with you to their events.
  4. Post on social media! It sounds silly, but Senators and reporters alike are watching what’s being said online. Find your Senator on Facebook and Twitter, and let them know your thoughts using #Faith4Medicaid, #SaveMedicaid, and #ProtectOurCare.

  The Congressional Budget Office predicts that if this bill becomes law, 15 million currently insured individuals will lose their health insurance next year, and 22 million will lose their insurance by 2026. It cuts Medicaid by almost $800 billion, which will adversely affect our nation’s most vulnerable. And Senator McConnell is still wheeling and dealing to get more Senators on board, which will only make the bill worse for our nation.

  Let’s be clear: Republican Senators are working long hours to try and make a deal happen, and the House of Representatives will follow their lead. When this is over, we can’t be left wondering if there was more we could have done to stop this bill.

• From Ohioans to Stop Executions: 
  Ohio is anticipated to resume executions on July 26 and has scheduled 27 executions. Sign a petition here asking Governor Kasich not to resume executions.

  On Wednesday, July 12th, Ohioans to Stop Executions and partners are hosting a peaceful Vigil to Stop Executions, and you’re invited!
  Stop the Execution Vigil at Riffe Tower
  WHEN:  July 12 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
  WHERE: Riffe Tower, 77 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215
  Join for a prayerful vigil and visibility action on the sidewalk in front of the Vern Riffe State Office Tower at State & High Street, across from the Statehouse. A short program of prayer, song & organizing information will happen around 12:20pm.

• From The Coalition of Women for Peace: 
  Sign this petition calling on the EU and UN to take a stand to better the lives of Gazans, particularly women and youth, and act to end the siege!

Click here for the Spring 2017 United Nations Newsletter from the Dominican Leadership Conference NGO.

From Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns: Click here to urge President Trump to stay in the Paris Climate Agreement.

From Catholics Confront Global Poverty: Remind the President and Congress to protect poverty-focused foreign aid.