October 23, 2014

Dear Friend,

As part of MPAC’s philosophy of civic and political engagement, we are releasing our first ever Congressional Report Card. The report card assesses the 113th Congress’ positions on issues that directly affect the American Muslim community, grading each House and Senate Member on their voting record on relevant legislation. Our goal is to provide insight into how our representatives have voted on the major concerns of American Muslims, concerns such as national security, civil rights, human rights, and the Middle East peace process.

Based on our core principles of peace, equality and justice, we looked at legislation and determined whether MPAC was for or against that particular piece. Then, based on whether Members voted in accordance with MPAC’s positions, we awarded them points and assigned them a grade (A through F). The report card is meant to serve as an informative tool for the community to make the best decision possible when voting.

On November 4, 2014, we will be asked to fulfill a civic duty by going to the ballot boxes and helping to choose the direction of our country. An informed constituency is an influential constituency. Being informed allows voters to hold their representatives accountable and speak with authority on their records. With the introduction of this report card, MPAC hopes to encourage American Muslims to take initiative and become informed about the actions taken by their representatives on issues that affect the American Muslim community in particular and the American public at large.

Sincerely,

Hoda Elshishtawy, National Policy Analyst