On Wednesday, House Republicans narrowly passed a budget proposal featuring sweeping spending cuts.
House leadership framed the bill—the Limit, Save, Grow Act of 2023 (H.R. 2811)—as a step towards fiscal responsibility. In reality, it’s a brazen attempt to slash some of our nation’s most effective anti-poverty programs.
The proposal seeks to strip access to nutrition, housing, and health programs from millions of people. It would repeal some of the most essential environmental components of last year’s historic Inflation Reduction Act (Public Law No: 117-169). Broadly, it has the potential to stall our peacemaking agenda for years to come.
Thankfully, there is almost zero chance that it will turn into law. The Democrat-controlled Senate will not pass the bill, and even if they did, President Biden has promised to veto it.
So why should you, a faithful advocate for peace and justice, care?
Because this vote was never about passing this legislation—it was about setting the terms for ongoing negotiation around raising our nation’s borrowing limit. In the coming weeks and months, House Republicans will continue to use the debt ceiling—and the threat of economic calamity—as leverage to try to secure harmful budget cuts. This vote was the first step in that process. That’s why it was such an important moment to weigh in. (With thanks to our network, which sent thousands of letters to Congress this week making clear our opposition to this harmful step.)
This is the time to draw our lines in the sand. The outcome of the budget and debt ceiling negotiations will have far-reaching implications. It will dictate whether we can invest in peace building abroad, support violence interrupter programs here at home, and start building a more humane migration system.
Don’t be distracted by the political circus around this week’s vote. What needs to happen is clear: The debt ceiling should be raised without conditions, and lawmakers need to pass a budget that fulfills our moral obligation to care for our neighbors. Our lobbyists will be bringing that message to Capitol Hill throughout the summer. We’ll keep you updated on what’s happening and where your voice can make an impact as Congress winds its way to an agreement.
Elsewhere
Administration Unveils Harsh New Migration Policies
As the Biden administration prepares for the rollback of Title 42—a pandemic-era policy that allowed the United States to swiftly expel migrants without processing their asylum claims—they announced a series of harsh new policies that further inhibit the right to asylum. While the new rules will expand some legal migration pathways, they do not meet the scale of the humanitarian need. This proposal goes against our nation’s legal and moral obligation to protect vulnerable communities fleeing harm.
As War Grinds On, China and Ukraine Open Lines of Communications
Recently leaked Pentagon documents reveal that the United States believes the war in Ukraine is headed toward a protracted stalemate. Yesterday, saw the deadliest attacks on civilians in weeks. The need for a diplomatic solution grows more urgent as the war grinds on. So, it is significant that China’s Xi Jinping and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a one-hour phone call this week. This was the first known contact between the two leaders since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Bipartisan Push for Accountability in Somalia
For years, Congress has been silent about U.S. troop deployment and drone strikes in Somalia. This week, for the first time, the House held a vote on a resolution to withdraw U.S. forces from the country, with a bipartisan group of over 100 lawmakers voting in favor of withdrawal.
Six Decades On, King’s Words Continue to Light the Way
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” It has been 60 years since Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. penned his “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” It was written in response to eight white, moderate faith leaders who publicly criticized the nonviolent movement for justice as “unwise and untimely.” Its message endures as a “road map” for those who seek justice and equal rights.
The Friends Committee on National Legislation is a national, nonpartisan Quaker organization that lobbies Congress and the administration to advance peace, justice, and environmental stewardship. This Week in the World. The FCNL weekly newsletter of advocacy actions and updates and opportunities to take action on the issues you care about.