It’s easy to become overwhelmed with the constant stream of rapidly changing news about North Korea. However, we’ve assembled these articles to offer you important context and perspectives on the current crisis, demonstrating the consequences for choosing war and the opportunities possible with diplomacy.
We waited anxiously for very-last minute-decisions on some key programs, especially the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. As it turned out, Congress did provide a temporary extension for these critical programs.
Congress left for 2017 after rapidly passing a major tax overhaul and preventing a government shutdown for another month, leaving a number of “must do items” undone. These include:
December was a disappointing month for public lands. Congressional and executive actions over the past few weeks have opened up millions of acres of once-protected land in Utah and Alaska to oil and gas drilling, putting the environment at risk while breaching the trust and endangering the security of thousands of Native Americans.
May your holidays and 2018 be filled with love.
The Pentagon will spend $2,283,044. And that amount is only set to increase in the budget proposals we’ve seen.
Earlier this month, we received a letter from Mark, who is currently incarcerated. He wrote to let us know how much he appreciated FCNL’s resources on criminal justice reform. He was also wondering if we could provide insights into some of the pieces of legislation making their way through Congress. In his letter, Mark mentioned that he is helping write sentence reduction appeals for other prisoners, and he wants to make sure he’s current on the most recent changes in the law.
At FCNL, we seek an earth restored. Our policy statement reads “we must make choices that protect, sustain and regenerate the earth’s ecosystems.” We must also make decisions that bring justice to vulnerable and marginalized communities, which often experience the effects of climate change first and worst.
On December 12 President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2018. In it is a statement that reads: “Climate change is a direct threat to the national security of the United States.”
Spring Lobby Weekend registration is open! As you may have heard, from March 17-20, 2018, we will be lobbying Congress to advance meaningful reforms to our broken immigration system, not endless enforcement.
Stay informed and stay active