Why is the Government Shutting Down: Are you wondering “How did we get here again? At 12:01amET on October 1st the Government effectively “shut down”. A government shutdown happens when Congress and the President fail to agree on and pass new spending bills to fund government operations by the funding deadline. As a result, federal […]| Secure Families Initiative
The Other Hero at HomeBy Cassi Hernandez, Secure Families Initiative PCS Safety Fellow Every year on Labor Day, we pause to recognize the contributions of American workers—the hands and hearts that keep our country moving. But there is a massive labor force that continues to go unseen. Uncounted. Unpaid. It’s the labor of military spouses. […]| Secure Families Initiative
Secure Families Initiative Calls for Secretary of Defense to Resign After Reposting Video of Statement that Women Should Not be Allowed to VoteStatement from Brandi Jones and Rebecca Nowatchik, Military Spouses and Co-Acting Executive Directors of Secure Families Initiative Military families place profound faith in their leadership. We trust that those in charge will protect […]| Secure Families Initiative
Did you know that nine military families were relocated from a single base in the U.S. after their children faced vicious racism at their local school? The minute I heard this happened I knew it was wrong, unconstitutional and reflected a constant fear for military families of color like mine. …| Secure Families Initiative
We Did It! Historic Protections for Active Duty Military Families Included in Proposed Senate Defense Bill We have historic, groundbreaking news!! Due to the fierce leadership of SFI’s BIPOC Caucuses and years of knocking on the doors of Congress - our collective stories were heard. Today, the Senate Armed Services…| Secure Families Initiative
On Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we’re proud to launch something that has been in the making for months—something born directly from the voices, experiences, and concerns of our own community: the SFI Resource Readiness Military Family Toolkit. This isn’t just a collection of resources. It’s a reflection of our collective truth. It’s a tool built […]| Secure Families Initiative
On April 29, 2025, Secure Families Initiative testified before the U.S. Committee on House Administration at a hearing on election administration in California. SFI Director of External Partnerships Rebecca Nowatchik described the barriers that military and overseas voters face when casting their ballots, and shared examples of policy solutions that would most effectively protect ballot […]| Secure Families Initiative
Born in Tucson, Arizona in 1966, Irene Pena is a proud member of the Yaqui So Cal tribe. Serving on the council for a year and a half, Irene is dedicated to giving back to her community through traditional songs and the sacred drum. Beginning her military service in 1983,…| Secure Families Initiative
Military families, veterans, caregivers, and overseas voters deserve secure access to the very democracy we serve to protect — no matter where we’re stationed or how we serve. The March 25, 2025 Executive Order undermines this foundation. This new order would mean that the veteran who is a full-time caretaker at home, who has done […]| Secure Families Initiative
Secure Families Initiative is calling on Members of Congress to join our bipartisan pledge to support a military family bill of rights. Background: Since SFI launched our Campaign for PCS Safety last spring, we have been hearing so many heartbreaking stories of indignities that our military families have faced during their military journeys. Navigating the complexities of […]| Secure Families Initiative
15 March 2025 The President of the United States has signed a proclamation, invoking a 1798 law called the Alien Enemies Act, declaring that all Venezuelan citizens who are suspected to be members of the Tren de Aragua gang are “Alien Enemies” of the state, and can be summarily detained…| Secure Families Initiative
Campaign for PCS Safety for military families. Secure Families Initiative policy proposals to ensure safety, dignity and quality of life for all military families. PCS Safety Campaign.| Secure Families Initiative
In 2005, my husband and I were at his recruiting office in Birmingham, Alabama discussing the upcoming Marine Corps Ball that would take place in Mississippi. My husband's boss warned during the conversation that we should “not make any stops on the drive there.” When he said it, I didn’t…| Secure Families Initiative
