Recently, I joined Illinois Rep Danny Davis to talk about lifting the Pell Grant ban and giving people more access to education. Congress has introduced a bill - the bipartisan REAL Act (H.R.2168 /S.1074) - which would restore access to Pell Grants. But it is not moving as fast as planned and needs some helpful pressure for final passage.
As Congress resumes its work on Monday, Sept. 9, the House Judiciary committee is expected to take up three separate bills addressing different facets of gun violence. Taken together, these bills would represent a substantial step towards reducing the obscenely high rate of gun violence in the United States.
On August 29, the Trump administration announced yet another plan to lift regulations on methane emissions.
The Amazon is burning. Fires are blazing at record rates through the carbon-rich rain forest, known as the “lungs of the earth.”
To say that last month was hot is an understatement.
It has been one week since I said goodbye to the 20 young adult organizers who make up FCNL’s Advocacy Corps. After 10 days of training in Washington, DC, they are now in their communities organizing on a tragically relevant issue: gun violence.
Each year FCNL lobbyists work hard to bring federal spending decisions in line with Quaker values – but it’s a tough job. Invariably, Congress allocates more for the Pentagon and less for domestic and diplomatic programs than we believe is ethical. But this year – thanks to the concerted efforts of advocates like you – FCNL achieved impressive successes in almost every area.
Earlier this spring, I went to Hartford, CT, to give testimony on gun violence prevention bills and to support others doing the same. There was a diverse crowd ranging from gun safety advocates to “open carry” groups. I was there to advocate for laws I believe would reduce injuries and death by guns.
You do not have to be an expert or a professional to lobby Congress. Anyone can speak truth to power at any time. I am especially thrilled to see young Quakers claim this and train their peers.
Tensions with Iran are running high. As the current standoff threatens to escalate into open hostilities, the administration has argued that the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) could be used to justify war with Iran.
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