Downsize DC Foundation
Downsize DC is an organization which aims to limit the size of government in America through awareness and petitioning government. It's split into two organizations, the Downsize DC Foundation and DownsizeDC.org, for tax purposes. Contributions to DownsizeDC.org are not deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions to the Downsize DC Foundation can be tax-deductible if you itemize.
The Aim
The Downsize DC Foundation a non-partisan, non-profit educational foundation. It does not participate in political campaigns, and does not support, endorse, or oppose candidates for public office. Its aim is to show the positive side that Liberty has to offer. It illustrates the successes of the free market and human innovation, and how Liberty makes all of our lives better.
Members
The President of Downsize DC is Jim Babka, and former Libertarian Party Presidential candidate Harry Browne is the Director of Public Policy. Other co-founders include Steve Dasbach and Perry Willis.
Action
Downsize DC.org is currently focusing on a number of bills before Congress, as well as promoting one that it drafted, called the Read the Bills Act of 2005. This bill, if passed, would effectively make sure that:
- Congress must read every bill before they vote on it
- Congress must wait at least 7 days to vote on a bill after they've read it
- Congress must give the public 7-days-notice of when a vote will be held, and post each bill on the Internet for public review 7 days before the vote
History
Downsize DC.org has supported:
- The Parental Consent Act of 2005, HR 181, 1 February 2005
- The First Amendment Restoration Act, HR 689, 15 February 2005
- The Online Freedom of Speech Act (S.678 in the Senate), 18 April 2005
- The Read The Bills Act of 2005, 22 May 2005
- The Protection of Homes, Small Businesses, and Private Property Act of 2005, S. 1313, 18 July 2005, with the addition of an amendment written by DownsizeDC.org
It has opposed:
- The REAL ID Act
- Legislation conceptualized by Senator Stevens to censor cable television, 9 May 2005
- Defending America's Most Vulnerable: Safe Access to Drug Treatment and Child Protection Act of 2005, HR 1528, 31 May 2005
- The USAPATRIOT Act expansion proposed by the Senate Intelligence Committee, 13 June 2005
- The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), 10 July 2005