• President Obama continues to make far-left appointments, including a child-porn defender as the second-in-command at the Justice Department. Thanks to your support, Focus Action marshaled concerned citizens to express their opposition to David Ogden's nomination. Although Ogden was ultimately confirmed by a majority of senators, the Senate committee considering Ogden reportedly received 11,000 letters, e-mails and phone calls opposing him.¹
• Congressional Democrats are trying to chip away at restrictions on taxpayer funding of abortions established over the last 25 years. In response, Focus Action gathered more than 250,000 petition signatures opposing any effort to require U.S. taxpayers to fund abortions. We're pleased to report that all but one restriction remained intact in the 2009 budget bills. However, we'll remain vigilant in defense of preborn lives that remain vulnerable as the 2010 budget process soon begins.

Playing defense-and offense-all over the country
But our nation's capital is not the only source of concern for the welfare of the family. Our staff (and budget) has been put to the test this year with a nonstop barrage of anti-family legislation in state after state. I couldn't be prouder of how our team has risen to the challenge of addressing each situation. And I'm so thankful for friends like you who have prayed for us or who have given to support our work on behalf of the family.

• Homosexual activists are pushing their agenda in state after state.
  • Same-sex marriage: Four states (New York, New Hampshire, Maine and Minnesota) are facing full-fledged same-sex "marriage" bills, and an attempt is expected in New Jersey before the end of the year. Vermont recently legalized gay marriage by a vote of its Legislature. And Iowa started issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples this week following a state Supreme Court ruling earlier this month that created gay marriage.
  • Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships: Bills in Hawaii and New Mexico were defeated this spring, thanks to citizen involvement. Unfortunately, a bill to extend all rights and benefits of marriage to domestic partners in Washington state is expected to be signed into law; and a bill to grant benefits for the same-sex partners of Colorado state employees is heading to the governor's desk.
  • "Bathroom Bills": We're thrilled to report that "bathroom bills" - which would allow men to use women's restrooms in the name of preventing discrimination against transgendered individuals - failed in North Dakota, New York and New Hampshire. These victories are due to the diligent work of state-based, pro-family groups, as well as resources we were able to deliver because of your support.
• Focus Action has also worked to support good pro-life bills that would require women to be offered the chance to see her preborn baby by ultrasound prior to having an abortion. These bills are moving forward in Nebraska and South Carolina. The North Dakota governor just signed one of these bills into law.