NH House Votes to Bring Them Home!

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Free State Project, Executive Director

"Live Free or Die" is not just a slogan.

On Monday, we celebrated the anniversary of a key moment in history — January 5, 1776 — when New Hampshire asserted its freedom and declared independence, six months before the twelve other colonies.

By Friday, liberty legislators at the State House had proven once again — across 250 years until today — how New Hampshire continues to lead as the #1 state for freedom across America.

Here are a few things we are reporting on in this week’s Porcupine Post newsletter:

• Defend the Guard Advances —A bipartisan majority of the NH House voted this week to bring our National Guard troops home from wars not declared by Congress.
• Celebrate Porcupine Day X— On February 3, join us for our 10th annual celebration of the moment the FSP reached 20,000 pledges and triggered the move to come and build the Free State.
• A Win for Food Freedom — The NH House voted this week to nullify federal restrictions on local meat processing.
• 250 Years of Freedom — Free Staters celebrate two and a half centuries since NH declared its independence and blazed a trail, at a gathering hosted by AFP-NH.
• Build Freedom at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum — We’re excited to announce that Jim Babka, President of Downsize DC and founder of the Zero Aggression Project, will join us on the main stage at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum.
• A Porcupine Patron Update — Thank you to our 280 Porcupine Patrons who helped fund the FSP in 2025. Can I count you in to be a patron for 2026?

These weekly FSP newsletters are often long because a lot is happening. Treat it like a Sunday paper and skip ahead to whatever interests you.

From Iraq to Afghanistan to Syria to Somalia to Yemen and now (potentially) to Venezuela, our troops have been sent abroad into foreign lands for decades with unclear missions that Congress has never cared enough to define.

This posture of forever war has come with tremendous cost to our military families and to the constitutional structure of our republic.

Petitions to Washington, D.C. against these forever wars have long gone ignored.

Congress would rather collect contributions from war profiteers, while deferring accountability to the executive branch, so they stand by and watch the war machine rage on — throwing a new generation of American and foreign kids into the meat grinder.

Through all of this, state national guardsmen have accounted for nearly half of all boots on the ground in the Middle East — often patrolling poppy fields abroad, instead of assisting in local emergencies here at home.

A few short years ago, New Hampshire became the first state to pass Defend the Guard (DTG) in a lower chamber — seeking to call home all NH National Guard units from foreign wars not declared by Congress.

(Unfortunately, the NH Senate would not even take the bill up for a roll call vote and it died between the bodies.)

Thankfully, Rep. Tom Mannion (Free Stater and retired U.S. Marine), re-introduced the legislation last year.

With liberty gains in the NH Senate during the 2024 election cycle, a strong contingent is now ready to demand a roll call — guaranteeing it cannot be filed away and forgotten as in the past (as long as DTG passed the NH House once again).

This week, DTG passed the NH House — once again — with a wide bipartisan majority: 182-159.

Now, Defend the Guard goes to the NH Senate.

For those who would like to dive deeper, below are videos of recent floor remarks from leading legislators, as well as my own committee testimony on the bill from last year.

Join us for Porcupine Day X — February 3, 2026 — for the 10th annual celebration of the moment the FSP "triggered the move" for thousands of liberty-lovers to come and build the Free State.

On February 3, 2016 the Free State Project reached a historic milestone: 20,000 liberty-loving people pledged to move to New Hampshire.

Ten years later, we’re still growing, still building, and still proving that liberty works best when practiced together.

Check out event details for Porcupine Day X and get your tickets here.

Your ticket helps fuel the next chapter, supporting outreach, community-building, and the work that makes New Hampshire the freest state in the nation.

• General Admission: $50 – Includes finger food, networking, celebration and direct support of the Free State Project’s mission
• VIP Admission: $100 – Includes all GA befits, plus a limited-edition keepsake and a complimentary drink ticket.

Porcupine Patrons receive a free drink ticket at registration when wearing their Patron pin! Not a Patron yet? Become a patron today!

Ten years down and a freer future ahead! Join us for Porcupine Day X and help power the next decade of liberty!

But, if you are going to start using the 10th Amendment to nullify unconstitutional laws and actions from the Washington machine, you might as well go all in.

This week, the NH House of Representatives also voted to nullify federal prohibitions on intrastate meat processing — a big win for food freedom that will give small farmers more options to sell to their neighbors.

Some other states, like Maine, have made significant strides for food sovereignty in the last half decade, but this is one step for freedom that those other states have been afraid to take.

Here is a recent report from the NH Bulletin:

"House Bill 396, which would permit the in-state sale of certain meat products processed at non-U.S. Department of Agriculture facilities, including cuts of beef and pork, passed the House, 214-119, on Wednesday.

"Such sales would go against federal law, which calls for meat sold commercially in the United States to be inspected and approved by the USDA, or by a state agency partnered with the department. In New Hampshire, which does not have a state inspection program, meat for commercial sale must be processed at a USDA-approved facility with a federal inspector present during the slaughter.

"There are four such USDA facilities in the state, but proponents of the bill said wait times for slaughter appointments are long and difficult to secure for small farmers. This bill, they said, was an important step to help those farms compete in the state’s meat market.

“We need to be cognizant that our consumers and our farmers want this. They don’t have to do it, but they want it, and it gives more security to our state by giving more options,’ said Rep. Barbara Comtois, a Barnstead Republican and the bill’s prime sponsor."

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE.

Massie is the sponsor of the PRIME Act, which seeks to restore the same freedoms for meat processing through federal legislation.

We are returning to the Grappone Conference Center in Concord with the theme "Build Freedom."

This is a conference for those actively building solutions for a future grounded in individual human liberty. Of course, that’s the whole purpose of the Free State Project — to build a homeland for freedom builders.

Thank you for being an email subscriber. Please use discount code "PorcPost" to save 5% on your tickets for the 2026 NH Liberty Forum.

• "Build Freedom" Main Stage Series – short-form talks and panels for a large audience;
• "Liberty In Practice" Dialogue Series – eight small group deep-dives (limited to 25 participants each), led by respected freedom builders with topics ranging from raising the next generation to the practical steps necessary for interstate secession.

In addition to speakers already announced, we’re excited to welcome Jim Babka, a longtime liberty advocate and President of Downsize DC, to the main stage at the 2026 NH Liberty Forum.

Jim has spent decades fighting for limited government, individual liberty, and grassroots activism.

From his work with the Libertarian Party to building Downsize DC into a powerful voice for reducing federal overreach, Jim brings a wealth of experience and a clear vision for building freedom.

Remember to use discount code "PorcPost" to save 5% on your tickets for the 2026 NH Liberty Forum.

For just $10/month, you can support our year-round efforts to build "Liberty in Our Lifetime" — outreaching and inviting new movers to join us in the Free State.

Additionally, you will receive exclusive patron benefits, including our quarterly print newsletter, access to our private Signal group, and perks at all FSP events.

We reached 280 in 2025 — and we need to keep the momentum going in 2026.

If you’ve ever thought about becoming a $10/month Porcupine Patron (or at a higher tier), this is the week I’d be especially grateful if you did.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all donations to the Free State Project are 100% tax-deductible. We welcome donations in dollars and many forms of cryptocurrency.

Can I count you in as a Porcupine Patron?

Please read on for more of our weekly newsletter from the Free State, prepared with assistance from our Communications Director, Mahgdalen Rose.

For Liberty!
Hon. Eric Brakey
Executive Director
Free State Project

Founded by Free Stater Jody Underwood, EdOpt organizes Fairs around the state. They invite local education providers to showcase the range of different approaches to educating children that are available in their regions, from homeschooling, learning centers and activities, to private schools. Free entry. Kid activities and snacks are provided.

Click here to register for attendees and vendors (if you want a table). Share with your friends. Word of mouth is the best way to reach people.

Dennis Pratt, Owner of the Independence Inn, is seeking participants and organizers for Porcupine Theme Weekends throughout 2026.

Please email him — DennisGPratt — if you would be interested in participating or helping build a theme weekend for liberty lovers regarding any of the following interests.

• Musicians: Playing music together
• Gamers: Playing tabletop games
• Couples: Natalism / Birthing
• Politicians: Winning political office
• Historians: Celebrating the Pine Tree Riot
• Marksmanship
• 2nd Amendment: Shooting guns
• Family Freedom: Raising a free family your way
• Tom Woods Cruise: Pre Gathering
• Sailors: Tall ship schooner
• Medical Workers
• Theatre Workshops

Other ideas are also welcome.

New year, same question: 👉 What are you actually changing—or just pretending to? On this week’s episode of The Independents, we cut through the noise and get grounded in what’s real, local, and already moving: New Year’s resolutions… New Hampshire–style Cannabis and other baked goods crossing the border from Canada 🇨🇦🍪 What’s happening this week in the Free State. MAHA quietly delivering real changes—while Trump makes the global chessboard messier. Upcoming events and actions with EdOpt, AFP-NH, and the Free State Project. No panic juice. No prepared scripts. Just sovereignty, sanity, and a little common sense served fresh.

Click to watch the full episode.

• The Keene Sentinel: Calling all feline fans, a new cat cafe is coming to Keene
• Valley News: New Hampshire celebrates 250 years of leading independence
• 97.5 WOKQ: New Hampshire’s 2nd Raising Cane’s Restaurant Reveals Grand Opening Date
• The Dartmouth: New Hampshire House considering legislation permitting firearm possession on college campuses
• New Hampshire Bulletin: Meat deregulation bill moves ahead
• Axios: NH Ranked the #1 Healthiest State to Live
• Union Leader: House approves BET tax cut along party lines

• Strafford, 6pm-9 – Accepted – Every month, Porcupines gather for “Freedom Films” – an intellectual and entertaining evening exploring cinematic liberty themes, and applying them to the free state. Whether you’re a seasoned Porcupine or just arriving and starting out, come leverage a movie to real life by doing what we love best – thinking! Hosted by Dennis Pratt. (Independence Inn, 6 Drake Hl Rd, Strafford)
• Online, 10pm-11 – Japanese Club – Join our weekly Discord call to practice Japanese…and swap anime recommendations. すべての日本語話者を歓迎します！ 元気な会話を楽しんでください。 Hosted by Yaro. (Discord)

Tuesday, January 13th

• Seabrook, 8am-9 – Weekly Patriot Breakfast – Now on Tuesday’s! A weekly social meeting of NH Patriots, think traditional Constitutional Republican. Hosted by Scott Forte. (Linda’s Breakfast & Lunch Place, 920 Lafayette Road, Seabrook)
• Bedford, 4pm-8 – Taproom Tuesday at Murphy’s Carriage House – Come meet fellow liberty lovers at our weekly event! $5 drafts & wine and $10 cocktails & appetizers for $10 all night! Please invite others! Hosted by Bill & Gail. (Murphy’s Taproom & Carriage House, 393 State Rte 101, Bedford)
• Derry, 6pm-8 –AFP-NH Pints & Policy: Freedom to Work– Join Americans for Prosperity New Hampshire as we host legislators and policy experts for a lively conversation about supporting universal license reciprocity—allowing skilled workers with two years of experience or substantially similar credentials to practice here without redundant hurdles. Dinner and drink provided. RSVP TODAY! Hosted by Sarah Scott. (Fody’s Tavern, 187 1/2 Rockingham Rd, Derry)
• Rollinsford, 7pm-8 – Basic Ammo Reloading Class– Your introduction to reloading ammunition with a record winning marksman. Hosted by Stephen Nass. (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford)

Wednesday, January 14th

• Lancaster, 8:30am-10:30 – North Country US History Course for Homeschoolers – Geared toward teenagers & adults, this United States History is a full survey course designed to help students think critically about history, engage with primary sources, and develop strong historical arguments. Free for The ‘Pine members ($5 donation for non-members). Hosted by Rep Calvin Beaulier. (the Pine, 70 Main St, Lancaster)
• Plymouth, 6pm-8:30 – PemiValley Porcupines – Come on over and join us liberty lovers for dinner and conversation at our semi-monthly event. Hosted by Aubrey Freedman. (Biederman’s Deli, 83 Main St, Plymouth)
• YouTube, 7pm-8 – FSP Porcupine Report – Free State Project Executive Director Eric Brakey sits down every week to interview the movers and shakers of New Hampshire. Join us on YouTube! Hosted by Eric Brakey.

Thursday, January 15th

• Manchester 6pm-8 – FSP Volunteer & Pizza Party – Please bring: your phone for making calls, a laptop or tablet for data entry & your favorite pen. This month we’ll be sending postcards and making phone calls to about 200 people who have recently signed up through our Outreach Team efforts. What would you like on your pizza? Hosted by Chris Lopez. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)
• Rochester 6pm-9 – Rochester Liberty Outreach Meetup – Are you tired of big government? Just want to live free? You’ll be in good company at our weekly liberty meetups every Thursday night. The goal of these meetups is to provide a place for those interested in the philosophy of liberty to learn more and get involved in our vibrant community of families, entrepreneurs, and activists. It’s all about good ideas, good people, and good eats. So come on down! Hosted by Seamus Casey. (Revolution Taproom & Grill, 61 N Main St, Rochester)
• Portsmouth, 6:30pm-8:30 – Seacoast Crypto Meetup – This monthly meetup is for both savvy devs and crypto-curious. Whether you have questions about crypto, need a co-founder for your startup, or just want to meet like-minded folks, you (and your family!) are welcome to come. Hosted by Joel Valenzuela. (La Maison Navarre, 121 Congress Street, Portsmouth)

Friday, January 16th

• Manchester, 6:30pm-7:30 – Manchester Monthly Shoot – Recurring every third Friday in Manchester! Regular rate is $25 per hour; use promo code #FSP5 for a $5 discount! Hosted by James. (Manchester Firing Line Range, 2540 Brown Ave, Manchester)
• Manchester, 7pm-9 – Inky Porcupines – Bring your words, your half-finished drafts, your wild ideas, your stubborn stories that won’t leave you alone. This is where we sharpen each other. This is where we make the blank page our ally. This is every third Friday! Hosted by Gavin & Carla. (the Quill, 131 Amory St, Manchester)

Saturday, January 17th

• Gilford, 12pm–1:30 – Lakes Region Porcupines – Come and meet up with your fellow Porcupines in the Lakes Region for Liberty, Laughter, and Local Fun every month on the third Saturday! Hosted by Rick. (El Tequila Restaurant, 1458 Lakeshore Rd Suite 5, Gilford)
• Lancaster, 4pm-7 – North Country Monthly Potluck – Come join the North Country Porcupines for our monthly potluck! Bring a dish and spend some time reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. Hosted by Staci Webb. (the ‘Pine, 70 Main St, Lancaster)

Sunday, January 18th

• Rollinsford, 12pm-2 – SHELL New Movers Potluck -DROP IN FOR THE MONTHLY SHELL SUNDAY OPEN HOUSE! Potluck brunch at noon, bring your favorite plate to share. Kids games all day! Coffee & chat! Hosted by Jack Garber (the SHELL, 3 Front St, Rollinsford, Unit B10)
• Candia, 1:15pm-3:15 – The Gruck a.k.a. Garnet Ruck – GRUCK: Granite Ruck. Rucking is the act of walking with weight on your back. It’s a low impact exercise based on military training workouts that improves cardio, strength, endurance, and character. Whether you come for camaraderie or to test your mettle, as long as you come in peace, you’re welcome! Hosted by Michael Rohan. (Garnet School, 456 Critchett Rd, Candia)
• Manchester, 2pm-4 – Ice Skating – A family friendly public skating event. Only $5 per person! Hosted by Patrick. (JFK Memorial Coliseum, 303 Beech St, Manchester)
• Manchester, 5pm-7:30 – Manchester Crypto Meetup – We’re not trying to shill any coin, token, or project. We are a group of individuals and businesses in support of cryptocurrency and its everyday uses. Hosted by Matt Ping. (Strange Brew, 88 Market St,
  Manchester)
• Keene, 5pm-6 – Social Sunday – Enjoy the company of other liberty-loving people at NH’s longest-running activist social! Hosted by Chris Waid. (Local Burger, 82 Main St, Keene)
• Nashua, 6pm-8 – Nashua Liberty Social – Weekly Nashua Meet-Up – Location varies each week. This calendar event is typically updated by 2PM on Sunday. Meet-ups are generally within about a 10 minute drive of the downtown area. Hosted by Jeff Creem.

For all FSP events and more details on those highlighted here, be sure to check out the NH Liberty Calendar.