The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and CAIR Action today released their 2026 August Congressional Recess Toolkit and accompanying national advocacy webinar, and called on American Muslims, mosques, and Islamic centers nationwide to mobilize their communities to meet with members of Congress during the August congressional recess.
The toolkit and webinar equip advocates with talking points, legislative asks, fact sheets, and meeting resources to engage lawmakers on urgent civil rights, constitutional, and foreign policy issues.
READ AND WATCH:DOWNLOAD THE WEBINAR AND FULL TOOLKIT NOW!
August Recess Period: House: began July 24, returns August 31 | Senate: begins August 8, returns September 14
The webinar and toolkit were unveiled Thursday evening during a national advocacy training call and are now publicly available for download.
The August congressional recess is one of the most important opportunities of the year for constituents to engage lawmakers while they are back in their home states and districts. CAIR and CAIR Action are calling on imams, khateebs, mosque boards, and community leaders to encourage civic engagement from the pulpit, distribute the toolkit throughout their communities, and assist congregants in scheduling meetings with elected officials.
This year’s 2026 August Congressional Recess Toolkit provides talking points, legislative asks, meeting planning resources, fact sheets, and constituent questions focused on four major advocacy priorities:
1. Opposing U.S.-Israel Military and Intelligence Integration
The toolkit urges Congress to reject legislation that would deepen U.S.-Israel military, intelligence, defense-industrial, cyber, artificial intelligence, surveillance, and regional security integration while Israel continues its genocide in Gaza, expands its illegal occupation and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank, and escalates military operations throughout the region.
Advocates are encouraged to urge lawmakers to oppose provisions in the FY2027 National Defense Authorization Act, Intelligence Authorization Act, FUTURES Act, and related legislation that would expand U.S.-Israel military and intelligence cooperation.
2. Opposing the “Unequal Protection Act” and Defending Equal Protection and Free Speech
The toolkit highlights widespread concerns with the misleadingly titled Jewish American Security Act, which CAIR, CAIR Action, and more than 60 civil rights, faith-based, academic, and advocacy organizations have dubbed the “Unequal Protection Act.”
CAIR and CAIR Action warn that the legislation could create unequal federal protections, rely on the controversial IHRA definition of antisemitism, undermine free speech related to Palestine and Palestinian human rights, and potentially expose Muslim, Arab, Palestinian, student, nonprofit, and human rights advocates to discriminatory treatment.
3. Defeating the Sharia-Free America Caucus and Opposing Anti-Muslim Congressional Attacks
CAIR has designated the so-called Sharia-Free America Caucus as an anti-Muslim hate group masquerading as a congressional caucus and is urging lawmakers to reject the caucus, its hearings, and its legislation.
The toolkit highlights a bipartisan letter signed by 119 members of Congress condemning the caucus and warning that it promotes legislation that discriminates against American Muslims and undermines religious freedom.
CAIR and CAIR Action are asking American Muslims to urge Congress to reaffirm that American Muslims are entitled to the same constitutional protections, First Amendment rights, and equal citizenship as every other faith community.
4. Opposing Unauthorized Regional War in the Middle East
The toolkit calls on Congress to oppose any U.S. funding, authorization, weapons transfers, intelligence support, logistical assistance, or military participation that enables unauthorized regional war in the Middle East, including joint U.S.-Israel unprovoked attacks on Iran, Israel’s ongoing genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank, and Israel’s illegal occupation and military bombings in Lebanon and Syria.
Advocates are encouraged to support congressional efforts to reassert constitutional war powers, restrict offensive weapons transfers, and strengthen congressional oversight over decisions involving war and military escalation.
CAIR and CAIR Action are urging mosques and Islamic centers to:
- Make announcements during Friday khutbahs, classes, and community programs about the August congressional recess;
- Share the 2026 August Congressional Recess Toolkit with congregants and community members;
- Assist constituents in scheduling district and state meetings with members of Congress;
- Encourage attendance at congressional town halls and public events during the recess period.
If your mosque or community needs assistance understanding the toolkit, scheduling a congressional meeting, preparing for a town hall, or conducting effective advocacy during the recess, CAIR’s Government Affairs Department stands ready to assist.
CAIR is a 501(c)3 organization and America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
CAIR Action is a 501(c)4 organization. Its mission is to engage, educate, and mobilize Muslim voters, train emerging leaders, and champion policy priorities that enhance the well-being and representation of Muslim communities. Through its work, CAIR Action aims to foster a more equitable and inclusive democratic society where the rights and voices of Muslims are acknowledged and respected.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; Basim Elkarra, Executive Director, CAIR Action, [email protected]; CAIR Action Communications, [email protected]