This week, Congress is negotiating a stopgap measure for federal spending for Fiscal Year 2026 which begins October 1. Lawmakers must reach a resolution or discretionary spending halts and the government will shut down.
As the deadline approaches, Congress must pass legislation that:
1. Keeps the government open.
Government shutdowns halt vital programs and services and harm people across the country.
A shutdown this year could be particularly harmful, with the Trump administration reportedly preparing “mass firings” of federal employees. This would add to the destructive cuts DOGE has already inflicted on public servants.
We are also concerned that President Donald Trump could seek to exploit a shutdown to expand executive power. While presidential authorities in a shutdown are intended to be limited and temporary, this administration has repeatedly disregarded the law and abused its authority.
2. Prioritizes the needs of working families and protects the most vulnerable.
As Congress sets funding levels for the coming fiscal year, our lawmakers must put the urgent needs of our communities above the interests of billionaires, wealthy corporations, and weapons contractors.
Particularly after the passage of Trump’s cruel and harmful budget reconciliation bill in July, members of Congress must protect programs that millions rely on for affordable healthcare.
With important tax credits expiring without congressional action, millions of Americans could face unaffordable health insurance premiums. This spike in the cost of healthcare will impact at least 24 million Americans, and could undo major progress toward more affordable healthcare.
3. Ensures key funding is protected from Trump’s authoritarian efforts to override Congress.
This is not a normal moment. “What is exceptional about the fiscal 2026 appropriations process is that the Trump Administration has repeatedly undermined last March’s bipartisan appropriations law,” the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities explained. The administration has disrespected Congress’s power of the purse, illegally withholding funds for the current fiscal year.
Congress must ensure this authoritarian playbook is not repeated – both to protect critical programs, and to protect the vital checks and balances that our democratic system relies on.
Elsewhere
Trump Memos Disrespect Democracy and Human Dignity
President Trump signed two egregious memos this past week. One ordered the federal government to seek the death penalty when possible in Washington, D.C., an immoral punishment which does not work and which the people of D.C. do not want. The other targets his political opposition, blaming them for “domestic terrorism and organized political violence.”
As the ACLU’s Hina Shamsi puts it, this is a “shameful and dangerous move.” President Trump is attempting to silence his critics by baselessly accusing them of violence. Our political system must recognize the dignity of all people by respecting political disagreement and dissent. That is how we build true democracy.
Steps Toward Justice and Healing for Native Boarding Schools
Current legislation in Congress would create a commission to formally investigate the abuses of the Native American boarding school system, which ran for decades and attempted to forcibly assimilate Native children. This body would document the harms, gather testimony from survivors, and make recommendations for federal accountability and tribal-led healing. This month, FCNL’s Rachel Overstreet participated in a lobby effort with the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) and spoke at an Episcopal event about the situation in Congress.
Israel’s Growing Isolation amid Gaza War
As the violence continues in Gaza, pressure is growing on the Israeli government to end its genocidal campaign. Legislation is gaining ground in the Senate and the House to block offensive weapons to Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu just gave a speech at the United Nations General Assembly during which representatives of dozens of countries walked out. Within Israel, Netanyahu is unpopular, with a growing number of Israelis recognizing that more war is not the answer.
Join the Call for Faithful Advocacy
FCNL will host a webinar on October 16 at 8:00 p.m. ET highlighting two important legislative opportunities: securing justice for victims of Indian boarding schools and preventing war with Venezuela. We will train participants in effective legislative action and offer support and guidance to advocates.
