In June, Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), advocates, and partners succeeded in repealing the 2002 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution (Iraq AUMF), used as a blank check for war for nearly two decades.
FCNL’s Advocacy Teams program helped move this legislation forward. Through a network of 125 grassroots teams, more than 1,500 Quakers and friends across 44 states and the District of Columbia use their power as constituents to influence Congress. These teams bridge faith backgrounds, but their advocacy is based on Quaker traditions like deep listening and speaking to that of God in everyone.
As the United States approached 20 years of war following 9/11, Advocacy Teams urged Congress to repeal the 2002 AUMF. Finally in June, the House took action. Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) named FCNL first among groups that assisted in this monumental step in remarks on the House floor, later calling the organization “one of the most well-organized and strategic advocacy teams in Washington.” She told the Religion News Service: “I have found them to be an invaluable ally in our shared efforts to end war and advance human rights and needs.”
President Biden supports the repeal, and the Senate version (S.J. Res. 10) advanced in August. Advocacy Teams then turned their focus to getting the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.
Learn more: Friends Committee on National Legislation
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