It’s appropriations season on Capitol Hill. That means that Congress is deciding where and how to spend trillions of taxpayer dollars in the next fiscal year (which starts on October 1). This is important work, since most laws—good and bad—can only be implemented if they are funded.
These budget negotiations don’t always grab headlines, but they are a major component of how we work to advance our vision for a more just and peaceful world. Much of FCNL’s advocacy focuses on increasing spending on things like peacebuilding and anti-poverty programs; and decreasing spending for endless war and border militarization.
Scripture tells us, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34). Where we spend our money as a nation reflects what and whom we care about.
In the past week, we have seen several encouraging developments.
On Thursday, the House appropriations committee passed a bill—which now moves to the full house—funding the Veterans Administration and many infrastructure projects. The bill specifically prohibits military construction money from being diverted to pay for a wall at the southern border—months after the president siphoned off more than $5 billion for it.
Yesterday, the House subcommittee responsible for foreign operations reported its preliminary bill. The legislation contains provisions prohibiting any funds from being used to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement. It also allocates $30 million for the Complex Crises Fund (CCF). The CCF supports programs to prevent violent conflict around the world and is a major priority for our peacebuilding team. This marks the first year that the House has proposed fully funding the CCF.
Scripture tells us, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:34). Where we spend our money as a nation reflects what and whom we care about. We have a long way to go in the appropriations process, but we are encouraged to see that the persistent, behind-the-scenes work of lobbyists and advocates around the country is leading to important victories.
