Melanie Israel is a Policy Analyst in the Richard and Helen DeVos Center for Life, Religion, and Family at The Heritage Foundation, where she focuses on policy analysis and development related to life, conscience rights, and religious freedom.

A prolific policy analyst, Melanie has published op-eds for a variety of media outlets including USA Today, Sacramento Bee, Orlando Sentinel, Des Moines Register, and many more. She has also appeared in numerous media outlets, including EWTN, CBN, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Politico.

Prior to joining the Heritage Foundation, Melanie worked on Capitol Hill, in the office of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and in the Senate Judiciary Committee. She received a bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Texas.