The People’s Watchdog Newsletter - March 28

This week's Common Cause newsletter is just a 7.5 minute read at 800 words.

Saturday, March 28, 2026 👋 Hi Pamela! Happy Saturday. In the Watchdog Newsletter, we share what you need to know to hold power accountable from the nonpartisan source you can trust. This watchdog doesn't give in to pressure from presidents. This week's Common Cause newsletter is just a 7.5 minute read at 800 words. ✈️ ICE Out of Our Airports Over the last week, President Trump deployed ICE agents to airports nationwide — an alarming escalation in the battle over Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding. But thanks to swift pushback from Common Cause and an uproar from the people, the Senate took action. As of Friday afternoon, the deal to fund DHS without more money for ICE or Border Patrol passed the Senate but was rejected by the House. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson called the funding bill a "joke," even as TSA employees continue to quit and call out sick in record numbers over the lack of pay. Thanks to Trump & Johnson's manufactured chaos in the federal government, airport lines have become unmanageable, leading to mass delays and cancellations. But the administration's initial "solution" wasn't to support or pay workers. It was to send ICE to step in for TSA agents. ICE agents' presence does not make airports safer; it only creates a climate of intimidation and fear for travelers. That's why Common Cause launched a digital ad campaign at the Philadelphia International Airport and the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta to reach those stuck in long lines. A few months ago, more ICE funding looked like a done deal. But pressure from Common Cause members like you stopped it and pushed out Kristi Noem. Now, we keep fighting for real ICE reforms. Together, we're demanding that our representatives pay our TSA workers and commit to no more funding for ICE. ⛽ The High Cost of an Illegal War President Trump dragged us into a war a majority of Americans do not support — and it's costing us a pretty penny. Instead of pouring billions of our tax dollars into an illegal conflict, that money could be used to protect the very programs the Trump administration has already slashed. From Medicaid and SNAP to rental assistance and even cultural staples like NPR and PBS, the government is diverting your tax dollars from supporting the people to fuel a war no one wants. So far, the financial burden is hitting hard at the pump and in the air. Gas prices are soaring, making everything from daily commutes to spring break travel plans more expensive than ever. For millions of Americans living paycheck to paycheck, being forced to foot the bill for an illegal war is a burden they just can't afford. Every dollar spent on warmongering abroad is a dollar taken away from struggling Americans. Join us and tell Congress: stop Trump's one-man march to war. Click here to read more about what your tax dollars could fund instead of this war. 👭 Honoring Women's History by Protecting Women's Rights While President Trump often claims he "loves women," the actual policies coming out of this administration tell a different story. This Women's History Month, we're doing more than just honoring women trailblazers and changemakers. We're taking a step back to examine the systems still in place that disproportionately hurt women and how strengthening our democracy fights against this. Whether it's the rollback of protections for transgender women or ICE violence that tears families apart, this administration is making it clear: women's safety and autonomy are not this administration's priority. From the SAVE Act, which creates red tape for married women who've changed their names, to gutting family planning services and healthcare, the this administration is systemically dismantling the decades of progress women have fought for. Read about 7 ways the Trump administration is hurting women. 📱 Our Favorite Post 👀 ICYMI We're working so hard to protect our democracy, we could write you a novel instead of a newsletter. Instead, here are the top headlines you don't want to miss: Rhode Island ⚓️: Common Cause's Rhode Island Director, John Marion, was honored with the John Gideon Memorial Award, the highest honor awarded by the Election Verification Network for a lifetime of dedication to bettering our democracy. California🐻: We're exposing how special interest groups use dark money to influence leaders in the state capitol. Public trust depends on knowing who is footing the bill and currying favor behind the scenes. Read more. Oregon 🦫: We're stopping special interests from spending big to influence our elections. Keeping donation limits in place will keep big money out of the Beaver State's elections. Read more here. Florida 🍊: We are leading the opposition to the state version of the SAVE Act. This legislation, if signed into law, will block millions of voters from accessing the ballot in 2027. Learn more. Georgia🍑: We're standing up to DOJ demands for private voter information, ensuring the Peach State's personal data is secure and the public has confidence casting their ballots in the upcoming midterms. Read more about our work here. 📊 By the Numbers 🗞️ Kicker Quote 👕 Wear Your Values If you're not following Common Cause, you're not getting the truth. If you were forwarded this newsletter and want to sign up too, click here. For updates, follow us on X [Twitter], Instagram, Threads, Facebook, and TikTok. Common Cause is a leader in fights that matter at the local and state level. 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