Statement

We are devastated, outraged, and profoundly alarmed by the escalating state killings, violent kidnappings, and the horrific response to those peacefully calling out injustice in Minneapolis and around our country. A surge of unchecked federal agents has turned American streets into scenes of state violence and terror. Recent deaths of Alex Pretti, Renee Good, and at least 53 other deaths in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as well as Customs and Border Protection (CBP) custody were not inevitable atrocities.

Washington, D.C. – The Friends Committee on National Legislation applauds today’s vote in the Senate to advance a bipartisan war powers resolution, S.J.Res.98, to direct the removal of U.S. troops from hostilities in or against Venezuela.

Washington, D.C. – The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) strongly condemns the U.S. government’s attack on Venezuela and kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. This is a deeply immoral and unjust escalation of President Trump’s campaign of violence against Venezuela. It is an unauthorized act of war in violation of both domestic and international law. President Trump’s claim that the United States will “run the country” following this attack is deeply concerning and a clear violation of Venezuela’s sovereignty.

Washington, D.C. – The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) celebrates today’s repeal of the Iraq War authorization, known as the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force against Iraq (Iraq AUMF). We can build peace by removing the legal justification for war.

While we are grateful that the government will finally reopen, we are deeply disappointed that the current Senate-passed bill (H.R. 5371) to do so fails to prevent the health care premium tax credits from expiring.  Nor does it enact the necessary guardrails to prevent the administration from rescinding the funds Congress enacts.  

The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) is deeply opposed to President Trump’s announced goal for refugee admissions at just 7,500, with most admissions allocated for Afrikaners.

The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) is deeply disappointed by Congress’ failure to avert a government shutdown and pass spending legislation to fund essential programs and services.  

“The people’s priorities are clear: healthcare access for 22 million at risk Americans, affordable food on the table, essential services, and democracy.”

“Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

 - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Loving Your Enemies” sermon, 1957

In the midst of starvation and genocide in Gaza, FCNL applauds the 27 U.S. senators who took a principled stand against U.S. complicity by voting to block offensive arms sales to the Israeli government. 

Congress has turned its back on the most vulnerable people on earth by approving drastic cuts to foreign assistance which will have devastating impacts on global access to basic health care, education, and on global peace, climate resilience, forced migration and more.