| NCC Legislative Update: A Faithful Voice for Justice in a Time of Crisis | | What You Need to KnowSince October 1, the federal government has been shut down following the failure of Congress to pass a funding agreement that protects health care access. The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) grieves this inaction, which has immediate and devastating consequences for millions of Americans, particularly the most vulnerable.Without an extension of the health insurance premium tax credit, more than 20 million Americans will face higher health care costs, and many rural hospitals are expected to close, leaving entire communities without access to life-saving care. Further, families already struggling are being pushed into crisis and forced to make impossible choices between food, housing, and medical care. The shutdown also disrupts access to WIC, Head Start, and SNAP, endangering critical nutrition and early education services now and into November. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of federal employees—including essential workers such as TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and active-duty military—are working without pay or have been furloughed. This week, the Trump Administration began firing tens of thousands of federal workers, drawing bipartisan opposition and allegations of illegality. Thankfully, a federal judge has temporarily halted further firings.Meanwhile, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has called an extended recess while lawmakers attempt to reach an agreement to reopen the government. As of now, negotiations remain stalled. Some sources suggest that President Trump intends for the shutdown to continue through November. Recent polling indicates widespread public disapproval of Congress’s failure to act, with many Americans holding all parties involved in the decision-making responsible for the ongoing gridlock.Meanwhile, the Senate, which was in session this week, passed the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which sets forth policies and authorities for Department of Defense programs, military construction, and national security operations within the Department of Energy. The bill authorizes programs but does not appropriate funding—those decisions will depend on future appropriations bills. At least one senator has expressed intent to move forward with the defense authorization despite the ongoing shutdown, underscoring the political imbalance between military priorities and domestic needs.Gaza CeasefireThis week, President Trump addressed the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas that went into effect last Friday. As part of the ceasefire, Hamas released the 20 remaining living hostages, and Israel is expected to release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.In his remarks, President Trump framed the ceasefire as a triumph of American and Israeli strength, declaring, “We now have the strongest military we’ve ever had.” He boasted of rebuilding “every aspect” of U.S. military power, highlighting tanks and advanced defense systems as evidence of unmatched dominance. He further claimed to have “settled eight wars in eight months,” casting military superiority as the foundation for peace.Trump’s address also adopted explicitly religious and ideological tones, proclaiming “the end of an age of terror” and “the beginning of an age of faith, hope, and God.” His rhetoric emphasized a vision of peace through military rule—raising moral and theological concerns about equating faith with force, and power with peace.Voting RightsAt home, questions of democracy and equality remain at the forefront of the judicial agenda. In 2009, the Supreme Court ruled in Northwest Austin Municipal Utility District No. 1 v. Holder that the “bailout” provision of the Voting Rights Act applies to all political subdivisions, including local governments. This decision allowed such jurisdictions to seek exemption from Section 5’s preclearance requirement, which had mandated federal review of new voting procedures in areas with a history of racial discrimination in voting.In 2013, the Court further weakened the Voting Rights Act in Shelby County v. Holder, striking down Section 4(b)—the “coverage formula” that determined which jurisdictions were subject to federal preclearance under Section 5. By invalidating this formula, the Court effectively ended the preclearance system, removing a critical safeguard against racially discriminatory voting laws. Together, the Northwest Austin and Shelby County decisions significantly limited the federal government’s ability to review and block changes that could restrict voting rights.More recently, in 2023, the Supreme Court ruled in Allen v. Milligan that Alabama’s congressional redistricting map diluted Black voting strength by creating only one majority-Black district, even though Black residents comprise roughly 27 percent of the state’s population. The Court found that this likely violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits voting practices that discriminate on the basis of race.This week, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Louisiana v. Callais, a case challenging Louisiana’s newly drawn majority-Black congressional district. The state created the district to comply with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. However, the plaintiffs allege it constitutes an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. The Supreme Court’s decision on this case could further erode federal protections for voters of color and continue the trend of limiting the federal government’s ability to prevent discriminatory voting practices.What This MeansOur nation faces a profound moral crisis. The ongoing struggle for voting rights, a government unable to provide essential services, and the growing embrace of military rule at home and abroad all point toward authoritarianism. Democracy itself is under threat, which puts American lives, livelihoods, and way of life in jeopardy.
The federal shutdown threatens the wellbeing of families, workers, and entire communities. Rural hospitals may close, nutrition and early education programs have already been disrupted, and millions face higher healthcare costs. At the same time, the prioritization of defense spending over domestic needs reflects a moral imbalance that values power over people.
The erosion of the Voting Rights Act shows how fragile our democracy has become and reminds us that justice must be actively defended.
For people of faith, these are not only political challenges but also moral imperatives. We are called to speak truth in love, speak truth to power, defend the vulnerable, and work toward a society where justice, compassion, and the common good prevail over control, fear, and oppression.
The prophet Micah reminds us what the Lord requires: “to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). In this moment of division and uncertainty, we are called not to despair but rather to discern and to lift our voices for the poor, the sick, the silenced, the marginalized, and the stranger.
Now is the time for moral leadership. We cannot wait; we must act. NCC urges faith communities to take the following actions to care for our neighbors, advocate for justice, and defend our democracy. What We’re DoingThe National Council of Churches is:Urging Congress to end the government shutdown by protecting funding for healthcare, nutrition, and education programs that serve millions. Last week, we stood with interfaith leaders and a dozen members of Congress to push back on efforts to take away access to healthcare. Bearing witness against the politicization of government and the misuse of religious language to justify militarism. Calling for sustained investment in domestic priorities, including healthcare access, food assistance, and affordable housing. Defending voting rights by continuing to urge Congress to pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which restores and updates the Voting Right Act of 1965. Mobilizing our member communions to contact lawmakers, share resources, and participate in coordinated advocacy for justice and democracy.
What You Can DoContact your members of Congress and demand they act to end the shutdown by protecting critical services for families. Urge lawmakers to restore the Voting Rights Act’s full protections and update the landmark legislation through the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, and oppose efforts that weaken democratic participation. Preach, teach, and share in your communities about the moral dangers of militarism and the spiritual call to peace and justice. Consider hosting a Bible study series on this issue and invite the community to attend. Use social media to amplify NCC’s advocacy efforts and encourage others to raise their voices for justice and equality. Pray for leaders to act with wisdom and the courage to do what is best for the common good, and to always choose people over politics. Share stories and photos of resistance with us so we can highlight the work you are doing in your communities.
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