Despite the chaos in the opening weeks of the second Trump administration, FCNL remains focused on our legislative agenda for the 119th Congress. While executive actions impact our agenda—e.g. stopping funding for aid programs—we are also working closely with our coalition partners in addressing these actions to preserve our democracy.
The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) acts in faith to create a world free from war, a society with equity and justice for all, a community where every person’s potential may be fulfilled, and an earth restored. FCNL brings Friends’ spiritual values and testimonies to bear on U.S. federal public policy decisions, guided by legislative priorities.
The worsening climate crisis, U.S. complicity in war and humanitarian suffering throughout the world, threats to the foundation of democracy, and more urge Quakers across the country to action here in Washington D.C. and beyond.
Today’s crises have roots in historical concerns that have long been the focus of FCNL’s advocacy. These issues contain interconnected causes and solutions.
Our enduring challenge is to understand and address the root causes while persistently, creatively, and courageously working toward the World We Seek (FCNL’s Policy Statement).
Recognizing that the protection of democracy is fundamental to the following priorities, FCNL actively partners with numerous organizations to remedy threats to our electoral processes that limit access to voting and undermine open, secure, and fair elections.
We are mindful that our nation has a special responsibility to recognize, grieve, and repair the societal impact of our history of colonialism, slavery, genocide, and race-based and gender-based discrimination and oppression. This is foundational to FCNL’s work.
Discernment Process and Use of Priorities
To craft the legislative priorities for our lobbying and public education work, the policy committee sought input from meetings and churches, other Quaker groups, and FCNL staff and governors. The priorities are intended to be prophetic and values-based, simple and easy to communicate, and still specific enough to provide direction for subsequent actions.
Inevitably they will be circumscribed by legislative opportunities, specific expertise, leadings, and available organizational resources used in a strategic manner to allow for the greatest success. FCNL seeks to collaborate across the political spectrum to advance these priorities, which are rooted in the Strategic Plan, values, and our Policy Statement, The World We Seek.