JANUARY 2025 Edition

POLICY NOTES | ACTION ALERTS | FEATURED RESOURCES | DATES OF NOTE

POLICY NOTES

Continuing Resolution Impacts

In December 2024, Congress passed a three-month Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the government temporarily funded through March 14, 2025, while additionally providing about $110 billion in emergency disaster relief and farm aid. The measure also extended the lapsed authorization of the Farm Bill through Sept. 30, 2025. Lawmakers will be working to address at the end of January an expiring debt ceiling limit, while needing to quickly pivot to resolve the federal budget under new Republican majorities in the House and Senate.

COP29 Concludes

After two weeks of negotiations in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the UN Climate Summit (COP29), world leaders reached agreement about an updated commitment to deliver urgently needed climate finance to developing countries for greenhouse gas mitigation and climate adaptation and resilience. ELCA leaders in-person and virtually participated in a faith delegation. A Feb. 5 Webinar with these leaders is planned [see “Resources”].

Preventing Arms Sales to Sudan

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) has introduced legislation and a joint resolution of disapproval in response to the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) material support for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The joint resolution of disapproval (S.J.Res.118) is a companion to legislation (H.R.8501) already introduced by Rep. Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Africa.

H.R.9495 and Nonprofit Tax-Exemption

On Nov. 21, H.R.9495, the “Stop Terror Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act” passed in the House of Representatives. H.R.9495 would give the secretary of the Treasury unilateral power to designate nonprofits as suspected “Terrorist Supporting Organizations,” taking away their tax-exempt status unless they are able to prove they are not terrorist supporting.

FY25 Budget and the Homeland Security Bill

In mid-November, Senate Democrats released the FY25 Homeland Security bill. This bill is one of the most polarizing in Congress, touching on border security, immigration, disaster funding and more. The released bill includes funding to Custom and Border Protection’s (CBP) Shelter and Service Program and immigration backlog reduction, and an increase in overall funding for CBP detection and border security.

Engagement in the New Year

Thank you for your advocacy in 2024! Help us expand this advocacy network in the ELCA by inviting others. The QR code in the invitation button links to an easy-to-share Facebook post - also available from Instagram @ELCAadvocacy - or point people to ELCA.org/advocacy/signup.

Invitation

Urge U.S. Resumption of UNRWA Funding

UNRWA is needed for critical, life-saving care and resources.

Action Alert

Let's Help Combat HIV/AIDS

Urge Congress to reauthorize PEPFAR and fund both domestic and international HIV/AIDS programs.

Action Alert

FEATURED RESOURCES

ELCA EVENT | National Day of Racial Healing

The National Day of Racial Healing is an annual observance which follows Martin Luther King Jr. Day. A free ELCA online education event on Jan. 21, 2025, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. CT will center on the voices of ELCA leaders of color. Use the link to register.

BLOG POSTS | New Year Devotional Series from ELCA Hunger Advocacy Fellows

“New Changes and Unwavering Promises” is the first of our weekly opportunities to reflect on faith and the common good. New devotional series posts on six Wednesdays, including discussion questions.

WEBINAR | Voices of Faith in Climate Action: COP29 and Beyond

On Feb. 5, hear from our Lutheran group that took part in COP29, the UN Climate Change Conference. Connect your local, state and federal actions and passions with the latest developments on the global scene. “We believe that change is possible, but it requires that we work together and live out our faith in a way that centers the health of our planet, justice for communities and the stewardship of God’s creation,” says Christine Moffett, ELCA program director for environment and energy.

RESOURCE | Know Your Rights

This resources compiled by ELCA AMMPARO can help communities stay generally informed, prepared and united in support of immigrant neighbors.

LIVING LUTHERAN | Lutherans in the 119th Congress

The 119th U.S. Congress has begun a two-year term following swearing in on Jan. 3. Several legislators in this new session, both new and continuing, have Lutheran affiliation. More in our January column.

LIVING LUTHERAN | News from ELCA Advocacy (Dec. 2024)

Love Anyway Feasts are an intentional campaign after election day to remind us of the power of community and offer an alternative to “us-and-them” politics, and includes a step-by-step planning guide and conversation starters.

Inauguration Day

The 60th Presidential Inauguration will take place at the United States Capitol on January 20, 2025.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

“For people of faith, this holiday is important for practicing our faith out loud. Even more, we look to King’s life and legacy to regain our sense of beloved community and boldness to stand for justice and truth,” writes Valora Star. Use link for full Women of the ELCA blog post.