Policy Priorities
Protecting Life and promoting the HOPE Agenda
Defending Religious Liberty
Restoring Parental Rights
The core of American government is, as the Declaration of Independence states, “to secure these rights” — namely, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Today, a dizzying array of ideas and influences counter to foundational Judeo-Christian Values threaten our inalienable rights, our democratic republic system of government, and our freedoms as Americans. The America First Policy Institute’s American Values will advance values-based messaging, develop policy ideas, craft legislation, and foster key relationships in order to protect life and promote the HOPE Agenda, defend religious liberty for all, and restore parental rights.
American Values is home to two impactful initiatives: the America First HOPE Agenda and Biblical Foundations. The HOPE Agenda is a state-focused 20-point policy agenda based on promoting the Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, and Empowerment of women, children, and families. This initiative emboldens state leaders and policymakers with policy recommendations so they may create life-affirming cultures within their respective states. Biblical Foundations encourages “faith in action” as faith leaders and congregations around the nation are engaged in a sermon series and events focusing on 10 foundational pillars of biblical truth in America. This initiative empowers the faith community to rise up and lead fearlessly as light in the darkness.
Team
Dr. Richard Rogers
Vice Chair, American Values
Jennifer Bauwens, Ph.D.
Director, American Values
Margo Nicholas
Senior Policy Analyst, American Values
Rebecca Yardley
Executive Director, America First Georgia & Digital State Action Coordinator, Project Coordinator and Assistant to the Vice Chairman of American Values
Drake Franklin
Southeastern Development Director & Policy Analyst, American Values
Latest
Issue Brief
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January 16, 2026
The Physical and Mental Health Effects of Chemical Abortion
In 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved two drugs, mifepristone and misoprostol (mifepristone and misoprostol may also be referred to as chemical abortion, abortion with pills, drugs, and medication), for the sole purpose of terminating a pregnancy.
State Model Policy
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January 12, 2026
Temporary Caregiver Authorization Act
State Model Policy
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January 12, 2026
Family Preservation and Protection Act
This Act protects parents’ ability to make reasonable child-rearing decisions by ensuring that age-appropriate independence, educational choices, and ordinary family circumstances are not misclassified as neglect. It clarifies the legal standard for state intervention, limits unnecessary investigations and removals, and ensures that child-welfare resources remain focused on cases involving actual harm or immediate danger, thereby strengthening family autonomy and safeguarding the integrity of the home.
Issue Brief
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December 15, 2025
Defending Children from Online Dangers that Threaten Their Innocence and Future Wellbeing
Approximately 68.4% of American adolescents, defined as ages 10 to 19, have been exposed to pornography (Giordano et al., 2022). The average age of initial pornography exposure is between 11 and 12 years old and has stayed consistent around this age for over a decade (2022). Some studies estimate even higher rates of exposure, with 93% of boys and 63% of girls viewing pornography before the age of 18 (Jhe et al., 2023; Coca & Wikle, 2024). Other studies show that 19%-37% of teens intentionally access pornographic content, while 35%-66% of teens unintentionally view this content.
Op-Ed
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December 12, 2025
College Football Leadership: A Study in Narcissism
College football was never intended to function as a sovereign empire, operating independently from the academic life of the university. It was meant to complement education, not eclipse it. It was designed to foster character, discipline, teamwork, and community — all within the broader purpose of preparing young people to become thoughtful, responsible adults. Yet today, the leadership culture surrounding college football often reflects something very different: a system driven by ego, prestige, and the relentless pursuit of winning at any cost.
Topics
- Criminal Justice & Public Safety
- The Courts
- Work & Jobs
- American Dream
- Post Secondary Education
- K-12 Education Freedom
- Public School Transparency
- Government De-Regulation
- Healthcare Reform
- Public Health
- Transgenderism
- Asia
- Marriage, Family, & Children
- Faith & Religious Liberty
- Sanctity of Life
- Parental Rights
- Protect Women’s Sports
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issues-new
Videos
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Honoring the Courage of Israeli Hostages and Advocating for Their Return
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Framing Religious Freedom Globally
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Biblical Foundations Launch: Applying Biblical Principles to Public Policy
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STATEMENT: Supreme Court Decision on Roe v. Wade
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