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. The threat of an even broader war is growing.
Donald Trump has variously threatened to intervene and said that the United States will wait to see the results of negotiations. This week, he demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” and even urged 10 million civilians in Tehran to evacuate.
Amid all this, we need to realize one foundational constitutional truth: Only Congress has the authority to declare war.
After decades of presidential overreach and mounting tensions in the Middle East, the United States faces a crossroads.
Israel’s unprovoked strikes on Iran have raised the temperature and increased the risk of U.S. entanglement in a catastrophic war. The stakes are too high for Congress to remain silent.
Senator Tim Kaine (VA) introduced a resolution to reassert Congress’ power to declare war and send a message to Trump that the American people do not want war with Iran. A majority of Americans—across party and faith lines—oppose this war, with only 16% supporting U.S. involvement, according to recent YouGov polling.
Elsewhere
World Refugee Day Today
Today, June 20, marks World Refugee Day. Mandela Gapala, a diaspora organizer with FCNL, wrote a reflection on his story as a refugee. He noted that fleeing isn’t a choice — it’s survival.
The Trump administration’s sudden halt to refugee admissions and resettlement endangers members of Gapala’s family and thousands of others who are fleeing violence. We have a responsibility to welcome and Congress must act.
People Harmed by U.S. Nuclear Program Need Justice
The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) expired in June 2024. FCNL’s Allen Hester spells out why reauthorization “is not just about compensation—it is about recognition. It is about justice.”
Your Gift Doubled Through June 30!
Right now, Congress is considering legislation that would cut SNAP and Medicaid, while funneling more funding into mass deportation and weapons of war. With your support, FCNL is lobbying to stop these efforts—and with your help, we can do even more.
Thanks to a generous group of donors, every gift in June 2025 will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $346,129. Please give today to double your impact on behalf of people, peace, and the planet!
Upcoming Events
- Join Tim Heishman, senior Advocacy Teams manager, and Larissa Gil Sanhueza, young adult program director, for the final installation of our Quaker Changemakers Event series on Wednesday, June 25 at 6:30 p.m. ET. We are celebrating the ten-year anniversaries of FCNL’s Advocacy Teams and Advocacy Corps. These two programs have empowered thousands of F/friends and young adults to become effective advocates and organizers.
- Also on Wednesday, June 25, we have our monthly Intro to Advocacy call at 8 p.m. ET. You will learn how you can effectively advocate for the issues that matter most to you. We know grassroots advocacy can bring real change, and we are excited to share details with you.
