The current fiscal year 2026 federal government shutdown threatens to harm millions of people, weaken bipartisan policymaking, and increase the risk of executive overreach at a critical point of inflection for the United States.
The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) is alarmed by House budget reconciliation proposals advancing in committees that would significantly cut Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and critical clean energy investments, and restrict access to the Child Tax Credit.
FCNL is deeply disappointed but undaunted by today’s Senate passage (51-48) of the budget resolution for fiscal year 2025.
Lopez Island Friends Meeting (LIFIM) recognizes that human life is sacred, and that Spirit can guide us individually and collectively. LIFM supports individual discernment in a spirit of love and truth in making reproductive healthcare decisions, as we do in other areas of conscientious moral choice.
Quakers have not found unity on the issue of abortion. The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn the Roe v. Wade ruling calls us to renew our discernment.
Universal access to affordable, effective, comprehensive health care is necessary to allow all people to fulfill their potential. Comprehensive health care includes primary, acute and long-term care as well as mental health and substance abuse treatment.
Surprise medical billing has gotten out of hand. FCNL is strongly in favor of legislation that would protect patients from unaffordable and unanticipated medical bills.
The cost of prescription drugs in the U.S. has caused incredible harm for far too long. But bipartisan momentum for a drug pricing reform bill is growing. The president called for such a bill in the 2020 State of the Union address, and there is bipartisan legislation in the House and the Senate.
FCNL believes that health care is a right. We seek a world where all people have adequate resources to maintain their health, where health care is supported by the federal government, and where health outcomes are considered in all matters of public policy. As we advocate for a more just health policy, FCNL considers the following principles.
Throughout election season—and in the health policy world in general—there are many differences of opinion about the way forward for quality and affordable health coverage for all people. From “Medicare for all” to universal health care to expanding upon the Affordable Care Act (ACA), the various options can be somewhat confusing.
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