Issue One

Today, Issue One honors the life and legacy of Sen. Alan Simpson (R-WY), a member of our bipartisan ReFormers Caucus who passed away on March 14, 2025 at the age of 93. Amb. Tim Roemer (D-IN) and Rep. Zach Wamp (R-TN), co-chairs of the ReFormers Caucus, remember Sen. Simpson’s impact and dedication to public service: https://lnkd.in/e3icpDwn

With foreign interference and cyber threats on the rise, election security has never been more important. But with the Trump administration's recent cuts to CISA, how can we continue safeguarding our elections? Join Kim Wyman, Rob Rock, and Wesley Wilcox as they share insights on critical infrastructure protections, risk assessments, and the future of election security. Register now: https://lnkd.in/ew9zEmHy

Gen Z voices keep the spotlight this week on The Reform Compass: "Gen Z men have been exposed to various symbols of false 'empowerment' that have continuously taught them that democratic institutions have left them behind. In order to combat this narrative, we need to continue our journey in this fight for American democracy. Read more: https://lnkd.in/efiyYtah

We must check executive overreach to defend our democracy. The U.S. Constitution was designed to prevent unchecked power. The separation of powers isn’t just a technicality—it’s the foundation of our democracy. Yet today, we face an unprecedented crisis. Elon Musk has positioned himself as the sole authority on government hiring, spending, and operations—bypassing Congress entirely. This is not governance; it’s a direct threat to democratic accountability. If lawmakers fail to act, Congress risks becoming a ceremonial body, debating policies it no longer has the power to enforce. The stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s time to demand oversight and accountability. Congress must retain its constitutional powers—before it’s too late. #CheckTheExec Learn more and take action: https://bit.ly/43pE48S

NEW from The Reform Compass: In 2024, 41 million members of Gen Z became eligible to vote, and the population stands as one of the most diverse generations in the U.S. to date, but their trust in our media and institutions is failing. What can we do to reengage increasingly disillusioned young people in our political system? Why it matters: "Coming to adulthood during the age of technological innovation has molded Gen Z to regularly intake massive amounts of media, leading the group to gain an impressive breadth of knowledge on socio-political issues despite their age. Uniquely embedded in both the digital and offline worlds, Gen Z’s worldly perspective and tech competency will present valuable insights to shape our policy and the future of our country." Read more: https://lnkd.in/ey_gNq4x

New from The Reform Compass: "Our government isn’t beholden to one voice, or just the voices of the ultra wealthy. It’s designed to be the voice of all of us. We didn’t elect Elon Musk to carry out functions that Congress should be doing." https://lnkd.in/ePpMiH7Q

We must check executive overreach to defend our democracy. The U.S. Constitution was designed to prevent unchecked power. The separation of powers isn’t just a technicality—it’s the foundation of our democracy. Yet today, we face an unprecedented crisis. Elon Musk has positioned himself as the sole authority on government hiring, spending, and operations—bypassing Congress entirely. This is not governance; it’s a direct threat to democratic accountability. If lawmakers fail to act, Congress risks becoming a ceremonial body, debating policies it no longer has the power to enforce. The stakes couldn’t be higher. Join Issue One's ReFormers Caucus and demand oversight and accountability. Congress must retain its constitutional powers—before it’s too late. #CheckTheExec Learn more and take action: https://bit.ly/43pE48S

Congress must do its job and #CheckTheExec. More than 60 bipartisan former members of Congress are calling on lawmakers to exercise their constitutional authority and stop the alarming expansion of executive power. Today, Issue One launches a new initiative in defense of Article I, warning of the serious consequences if Congress cedes its power and allows the executive branch to act without oversight or accountability. Former Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel (R-NE), former House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt (D-MO), and other leaders have signed an open letter urging Congress to: ?? Hold comprehensive oversight hearings ?? Subpoena key officials and documents ?? Publicly reaffirm its constitutional authority ?? Reject efforts to shift power into unaccountable private hands Now is the time for Congress to stand up and defend the system of checks and balances that has served our democracy for nearly 250 years. https://lnkd.in/eX9eUNZ6

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The State Dept. has cracked down on news subscriptions, instructing embassies and consulates to prioritize the termination of contracts with the Economist, the New York Times, Politico, Bloomberg News, the Associated Press and Reuters. This is not only likely to hinder the efficacy and efficiency of threat assessment and threaten the safety of diplomatic travel, this crackdown comes as another move to punish the media— a theme becoming increasingly prevalent with the new administration. https://wapo.st/4h9tExn