Public Opinion Sways  

     Part 3

     "'One goal is to build public awareness of the regulation world,' said Eric Kniffin of the EPPC. He wants to get other groups involved too. 'Regulatory agencies can change the world,' he says. 

     "That's why he believes it's critical to hold the government accountable early in the process. This is not about agency expertise, he says. It's about an administration that wants a policy outcome and can't get it through the lawmaking process. 

     "The EPPC team contributed to several regulation changes in the Dept. of Health and Human Services. One such win was a provision in an LGBTQ+ foster care rule, acknowledging existing legal protections for religious freedom, conscience and free speech. 

     "Kniffin said, 'These rules are based on congressional laws that have been passed, but they have been warped to fit the policy goals.' This team tries to get regulations back in line with the actual laws. 

     "Rachel Morrison says 'a reticence to take on the administrative state has hurt the right. The left is very good at this. Folks on the right say, 'The administrate state is unconstitutional, so we're not going to engage.' But until you change the process, you're only shooting yourself in the foot.' More people are engaging.

     "The team sees a change on the government side too. Agencies realize they can't just ignore religious liberty issues. Kniffin says the team knows the truth is on their side. 'We're also fighting for what's genuinely good for people.'"

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