The $100,000 award will support the organization’s work to reform the federal government from within.
A healthy skepticism of big government’s ability to solve small-town American problems has motivated many who fight for the vibrant civil society for which Tocqueville once commended us. Amidst wavering public trust in government institutions, Feds for Freedom stands out as a beacon of hope and innovation. This nonprofit organization comprises over 9,000 federal employees who aim to reform government operations from within, the largest group of internal reformers in federal history. Their members work tirelessly to ensure that the government respects the constitutional liberties of all, maintains transparency in its operations, and preserves accountability to the people it serves.
In recognition of the important work that Feds for Freedom performs, and in support of its plans to challenge the federal government’s enforcement of “preferred pronoun” use, the Heritage Foundation awarded the organization a $100,000 2024 Heritage Innovation Prize on May 20th. The Heritage Foundation’s president, Dr. Kevin Roberts, emphasized how crucial the organization’s efforts are in preserving governmental integrity: “All Americans should praise Feds for Freedom’s unveiling of [federal agencies’] abuses. Their critical work allows the American people to see how the government uses their taxpayer dollars and paves the way for them to be held more accountable.”
Founded in 2021 by a group of brave federal employees from different agencies, Feds for Freedom emerged from these individuals’ deep commitment to public service and shared frustration with certain government mandates as well as a disturbing lack of freedom of expression and religion. These patriots recognized that genuine reform of any organization must start from within. By forming a cohesive unit, they sought to create a supportive space for like-minded federal employees and a vehicle for holding the federal government accountable.
Entirely run by volunteers with full-time federal jobs, Feds for Freedom has achieved historic wins during its young existence. Within one year of its founding, it created the single largest coalition of federal workers and contributed over $1 million dollars in support of legal efforts to protect all federal workers. This swift action led to a landmark injunction against Biden’s executive orders in Feds for Med Freedom v. Biden, saving the jobs of thousands of federal workers who were facing an unconstitutional “jab or job” choice.
Besides facing overwhelming opposition from leadership within the federal government, Feds for Freedom has had to navigate systemic challenges. One of these challenges is helping its members understand the delicate balance between advocating for governmental reform and adhering to the Hatch Act. The Hatch Act, enacted in 1939, bars federal employees from engaging in partisan political activities, in order to ensure that government functions remain nonpartisan. While this law is essential for maintaining the integrity of federal operations, it can sometimes create tension for employees passionate about political expression and reform. Feds for Freedom provides clear guidance and resources to its members on how to advocate for systemic changes without violating the Hatch Act.
For years, federal government agencies have been adding rules and regulations that many believe encroach upon the freedoms and liberties of the citizenry. Non-elected bureaucrats hold significant influence within the federal workforce, often prioritizing preserving their own power and control at taxpayers’ expense. Feds for Freedom aims to address this issue by raising awareness about the inner workings of the administrative state and taking legal action when federal agency rules infringe on constitutional rights. With the support and involvement of the public, Feds for Freedom strives to enhance our nation by returning power to the American people, as envisioned by the founding fathers. The 2024 Heritage Innovation Prize will help this important organization continue to do just that.
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