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
Fact Sheet
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January 28, 2026
Promises Kept: Protecting American Children from Chemical and Surgical
The Trump Administration has set out to purge gender ideology from the federal government and dismantle the social institutions that indoctrinate children as well as to ban the practice of child chemical and surgical mutilation and impose sufficient pressure on the medical community to abandon it as a discipline. Given the irreversible consequences of these procedures, it’s not surprising that President Trump’s policies command robust support—polls show that 56% of Americans favor banning interventions like puberty blockers, hormone therapies and surgeries on children.[1]
Commentary
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January 23, 2026
The American Dream Begins with Life
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.
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
51
issues
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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