Civic reform advocate issues bold call to reclaim the People’s House before America’s 250th birthday

As America nears its 250th birthday, Navy veteran and civic reform advocate Michael Bedenbaugh is launching Project 2026, a citizen-driven movement to restore accountability, rebalance power and renew faith in self-government before the nation’s semi-quincentennial in 2026.

Bedenbaugh, author of “Reviving Our Republic: 95 Theses for the Future of America,” said Project 2026 is more than a commemoration — it’s a call to action.

“When the People’s House is divided by factions and citizens’ voices are drowned out by corporate monopolies, it becomes the duty of free citizens to rise and restore balance,” Bedenbaugh said. “The 250th anniversary of our founding must not only celebrate independence from a king — it must declare independence from corporate dominance and political collusion.”

A fulcrum for renewal
At the heart of Project 2026 is the creation of a Fulcrum Caucus — a coalition of both new and independent-minded congressional members who will stand in the breach to restrain the political duopoly and return government to the people.

Bedenbaugh believes that even a caucus of 10 to 20 reformers could hold the balance of power in Congress and restore civic equilibrium.

“Like the Minutemen of 1776, these men and women will answer the call of citizenship,” he said. “This is not a moment for despair, but for resolve. Our history proves that when good people rise, tyranny falters, and liberty endures.”

Project 2026 goals
Grounded in the reforms outlined in Reviving Our Republic, Project 2026 seeks structural change that restores accountability, disperses power and reawakens civic virtue.

Among its key objectives
Term limits
End career politics by ensuring regular turnover and fresh leadership.

Clarified personhood
Distinguish between natural citizens and corporate entities to ensure human voices, not corporate money, shape public policy.

Curbing monopolies
Break up concentrated power in media, healthcare and finance to revive fair competition.
Reining in the military-industrial complex
Phase out perpetual wars and return to constitutional limits on military engagement.

Restoring fiscal discipline
Control federal spending and safeguard future generations from unsustainable debt.

Rebalancing federalism
Empower states and local communities to govern closer to home and reduce dependence on Washington’s centralized control.

Readers can explore the foundation of this movement in Reviving Our Republic — and join the effort to light the torch of renewal for the next generation.