1. United States
2. Md.
3. Letter

ACT NOW: Investigate Ryan Higgins, Confront Christian Nationalism, and Protect Religious Freedom I demand immediate congressional action concerning Ryan C. Higgins, who serves as a senior adviser for religious issues under Secretary Hegseth. A post attributed to Higgins states: “Any DOW employee who disagrees with the President and @SecWar’s agenda SHOULD resign.” Congress must urgently investigate whether this expectation of political allegiance has influenced personnel decisions, official guidance, or treatment of employees. Public servants must execute lawful policies. They are not required to personally endorse an administration’s politics. Their duty is to the Constitution and the law. I reject the use of Christianity to legitimize nationalism, discrimination, or personal loyalty to political leaders. A culture that demands unquestioning allegiance and treats dissent as disloyalty bears the hallmarks of a personality cult. Congress must determine whether such expectations are being imposed on personnel. Allegations concerning Higgins’ statements about race, religion, women, and LGBTQ Americans require independent examination of the original records. Investigators must determine whether his conduct compromises fair treatment of people of every faith and no faith. Relevant protections include: • 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(1): prohibits specified discrimination in covered federal personnel actions, including religion and political affiliation as provided by applicable law. • 42 U.S.C. § 2000e-16(a): prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in covered federal employment actions. • 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b)(8)–(9): protects covered employees against specified whistleblower and complaint-related retaliation. • Article VI, Clause 3: prohibits religious tests for federal office. • The First Amendment: protects religious exercise, speech, and press freedom and prohibits government establishment of religion. Investigators must determine which protections apply and whether violations occurred. Religious liberty does not excuse abuse of public power. Act now: Demand preservation of relevant posts, communications, appointment records, personnel guidance, and complaints. Obtain his qualifications, appointment authority, duties, reporting chain, and influence over personnel and religious affairs. Request an expedited inspector general investigation and appropriate referrals to the Office of Special Counsel. Demand his removal from personnel decision-making pending review, and removal from office if discriminatory conduct or abuse is substantiated. Require safeguards against retaliation and confidential reporting channels. Hold oversight hearings and require Secretary Hegseth to answer. Within seven calendar days, identify your actions and deadlines. “Monitoring the situation” is insufficient. Preserve evidence, protect personnel, and demand accountability now.