For eight years, Yemen’s people have suffered a brutal civil war. Hundreds of thousands have been killed, and over 16 million more are on the brink of famine.
Following the lead of Yemeni advocates, the FCNL network has applied immense pressure on congressional lawmakers to end U.S. complicity in this tragedy and bring the war to an end. You’ve sent tens of thousands of letters, raised awareness in your community, and lobbied your members of Congress—all in the name of peace.
Finally, that peace might be upon us. This week, a delegation of leaders from Saudi Arabia and Oman met with Houthi leaders in the Yemeni capital of Sana’a. Their aim is to reinstate the truce in Yemen, which lapsed in October, and pave the way for broader talks to end the conflict entirely.
Hans Grundberg, the UN envoy for Yemen, said this is “the closest Yemen has been to real progress towards lasting peace.” After years of struggle, the people of Yemen finally have some measure of hope.
But as exciting as the news is, a lot still needs to happen. For one, the United States must remain engaged diplomatically and bolster peace talks in any way possible. Congress should also reintroduce and pass a long-overdue Yemen War Powers Resolution to prevent backsliding from the Saudi-led coalition and ensure that the United States does not resume its unauthorized military involvement if hostilities are renewed.
Even if a permanent ceasefire is reached, the humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains very urgent. As lawmakers assemble the FY 2024 budget, they should prioritize funding for significant humanitarian assistance to Yemen.
We’ll be working hard to ensure that Congress follows through on these actions, and we know that you’ll be right there alongside us. Stay tuned for more updates on what could be a monumental breakthrough and continue to hold all Yemenis in the Light.
Elsewhere
Biden Signs Bill Ending COVID-19 National Emergency
On Tuesday, President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan congressional resolution into law to formally end the federal national emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergency lifted, programs such as expanded access to health care and food assistance, mortgage forbearance, and more are coming to an end.
Mass Shooting Rocks Louisville
Once again, our hearts are broken by another devastating and senseless act of gun violence—this time a workplace shooting in Louisville, KY. There have been more mass shootings than days in 2023. How do we interrupt the violence? Join our next Quaker Changemaker Event on Wednesday, April 26, to learn more.
Florida Tests Draconian Immigration Measures
Florida lawmakers introduced a series of aggressive anti-immigrant laws this week. The bills, which are expected to pass, would make it a felony to offer aid to migrants. This sweeping package is the most extreme example of anti-immigrant legislation being proposed at the state and local level. It goes against our call to care for our neighbors in need.
House Republicans Eye Harmful Cuts to Safety Net
As they negotiate their budget proposal for Fiscal Year 2024, the House Republican caucus is considering cuts and work requirements to two crucial anti-poverty programs: Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly food stamps). Experts agree that such cuts and requirements would do little to reduce government spending. Instead of punishing an already vulnerable population and keeping more people in poverty, lawmakers should look to the bloated Pentagon budget as a potential source of budget savings.
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.