This Week in the World

This weekend, the Senate is expected to vote on President Trump’s “Big Beautiful” budget bill (H.R.1).

Nothing is “beautiful” about this morally bankrupt budget proposal. As one advocate put it, it is better described as a “blueprint for cruelty.” If passed, it will do enormous harm to so many of us – working families, vulnerable children, immigrant communities, and many others.

Israel and Iran are continuing to bomb each other and the situation is getting worse. As in all wars, civilians are suffering the most. Israel launched initial, illegal, strikes last week on Iran’s nuclear program and military leadership.

Developing: Israel attacks Iran military and nuclear program

Last night, Israel suddenly attacked Iran’s nuclear program and military, killing several leaders and scientists. The attacks are expected to continue for days, and Iran is responding.

Yesterday, we joined more than 75 leading faith-based, humanitarian, and human rights groups urging Congress to reject the Trump administration’s efforts to dismantle foreign assistance that is meeting urgent human needs around the globe.

Amid the Trump administration’s devastating attacks on migrants, this Sunday marks the start of Immigrant Heritage Month. It is an important time to honor the dignity of immigrants and the enormous contributions they have made – and continue to make — to the United States.

The violence from the war in Gaza is extending far beyond the borders of Israel/Palestine, from Yemen to Washington, D.C.

We are dismayed by the murder of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington, D.C. this week. The attacker said he “did it for Gaza.” As a Quaker organization, we abhor violence and believe there is that of God in everyone. We condemn this attack and are holding the victims, their families, and everyone impacted in the Light.

This week, committees in the House advanced budget reconciliation proposals that pose grave threats to families and communities across the country.

“As Quakers, we are called to speak truth and to care for our neighbors. The budget reconciliation proposals are immoral, robbing poor people to give to the rich,” FCNL’s Bridget Moix explained in a statement Tuesday.

What to know:

This week, President Donald Trump released an alarming new budget proposal that would dramatically reshape the federal government.

Its sweeping overhaul of federal spending goes far beyond typical adjustments in annual presidential budget requests to Congress.

This week marked 100 days since the start of the second Trump administration. A lot has happened over that time. Each day brings new attacks on our neighbors, our rights, and our democracy.

Amid all the chaos, it is easy to lose sight of what is happening elsewhere in the world – like in Gaza. We must not forget Gaza and all the people trapped or held hostage there.

This week, we joined in mourning the passing of Pope Francis. We hold those who loved him in the Light. We will miss his witness, but Pope Francis’ enduring legacy as a champion of so many FCNL priority issues will continue to inspire us.

Creation Care