from the ELCA advocacy office in Washington, D.C. – the Rev. Amy E. Reumann, Senior Director
LANDMARK SUPREME COURT DECISION | FARM BILL ADVANCES IN CONGRESS | VOTE CANCELED ON ESA AMENDMENTS |CUBA WAR POWERS RESOLUTION FAILS | CHURCHES FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE CONFERENCE | THROUGH “RECONCILIATION” ANOTHER FIGHT FOR BILLIONS FOR ICE/CBP
LANDMARK SUPREME COURT DECISION: In a 6-3 decision on Louisiana v. Callais, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) ruled that the creation of a second majority-Black district in the state of Louisiana was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. The historic decision weakens key provisions of the Voting Rights Act (VRA). Weakened provisions have historically protected minority demographics by banning discriminatory voting practices on the basis of race and providing accountability on the outcomes of congressional maps. Section 2 of the VRA has had historical value and current relevance in preventing discrimination, improving outcomes for disadvantaged groups and recognizing and addressing historical injustices related to advancing voting rights and fair representation in our country.
Why It Matters in the ELCA:
Wider implications of the decision include weakened effectiveness of equal protection challenges and the use of disparate impact analysis as legal tools for accountability on issues related to access in employment, housing and education. ELCA individual members, and the ministries and organizations serving those impacted, will begin to see impacts in states racing against primary filing deadlines this year and widespread longer-term changes to federal policy and election administration in anticipation of the 2028 presidential election.
What’s Next:
With a weakened Section 2, the combination of restricted access to voting and diminished representation in Congress will undoubtedly have a generational impact on how our country is governed and how political parties are held accountable for the well-being of all. As the faith community has played a pivotal role in the multi-generational struggle to realize the vision of a more equitable multi-racial democracy, ELCA advocacy staff will monitor and track developments and take opportunities to raise nonpartisan, faith-centered priorities as Congress considers legislative responses.
FARM BILL ADVANCES IN CONGRESS: The House narrowly passed a Farm Bill Apr. 30, including a deeply underfunded nutrition title that will normalize cuts to the SNAP program made by H.R. 1 last year. This comes as over 3.4 million people have already lost their food benefits since the implementation of H.R. 1 in July, and governors have warned that SNAP could be in jeopardy in their state in the near future. Though the bill contains some measures restarting local food procurement programs and establishing virtual SNAP practices, this legislation heading to the Senate would inevitably result in a massive net cut to hungry families across the country. Lawmakers in the Senate are considering their own version of the legislation and could mark up a bill in committee as soon as early June.
Why It Matters in the ELCA:
ELCA World Hunger helps operate food pantries, administers hunger grants, supports rural ministries and runs community development programs across the nation. Our mission to end hunger is closely linked to the Farm Bill – as the charitable sector alone cannot absorb the millions of people at risk of losing food benefits. ELCA World Hunger estimates that requests for Daily Bread Grants have increased nearly 15-fold since last year, and with many pastors anecdotally citing concern for increased food-insecurity in their communities, a Farm Bill that supports both hunger and rural needs is more important than ever.
What’s Next:
Prior to the House vote, the ELCA Witness in Society Office shared an Action Alert resulting in over 3,000 messages to lawmakers in which advocates encouraged legislation that helps both farmers and hungry families, highlighting the cross-sectional nature of the issue. With next steps advancing in the Senate, a revised Action Alert will soon be issued, giving advocates a chance to express priorities in the process. ELCA advocacy staff will be tracking efforts in the Senate as these issues move forward.
VOTE CANCELED ON ESA AMENDMENTS: Just before Earth Day on Apr. 22, the U.S. House of Representatives canceled a planned vote on the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Amendments Act (H.R. 1897). The bill would significantly weaken protections for endangered and threatened species under the 1973 ESA. Bipartisan skepticism of the bill was voiced in final hours which eventually resulted in pulling the vote instead of failure on the floor.
Why It Matters in the ELCA:
The cancellation of this vote comes amidst strong public pushback, including through the ELCA Action Alert. That Action Alert notes our call to care for endangered species flows from our vocation to love and serve our neighbors, which include plant and animal life and the ecosystems that sustain them and us.
What’s Next:
While the cancellation of the vote brings relief, this bill could still move at any time or be included in a must-pass legislative vehicle. It is important that our advocacy continues to voice concerns about this legislation.
CUBA WAR POWERS RESOLUTION FAILS: In late April, senators failed to pass the Cuba war powers resolution (S.J. Res. 124) that sought to block President Trump from launching military operations in Cuba without congressional authority. The bilateral relationship between the United States and Cuba is extremely strained. In addition to sanctions and regulatory restrictions against Cuba, President Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 29 declaring a national emergency and imposing tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, effectively creating a de facto energy blockade. Cubans are currently faced with severe economic hardships, including severe fuel shortages, widespread blackouts, and cascading impacts on food production and healthcare systems.
Why It Matters in the ELCA:
The ELCA maintains a longstanding companion relationship with Cuban churches, creating direct ties between U.S. faith communities and local congregations on the island. The worsening humanitarian crisis in Cuba is affecting our companion partners and their families. Moreover, U.S. policy toward Cuba has made it very difficult for faith communities and humanitarian organizations to send assistance to Cuba.
What’s Next:
The Senate’s failure to pass the Cuba war powers resolution leaves the administration with broad latitude for potential military operations. While diplomatic talks continue, significant concerns about imminent U.S. military actions against Cuba remain. Witness in Society staff continue to advocate for the de-escalation of rhetoric, sustained diplomatic engagement and sanction relief for the Cuban people.
CHURCHES FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE CONFERENCE: The ELCA was a sponsoring organization for this year’s Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) Joint Advocacy Summit, “Do Right; Seek Justice: Christians Uniting Against Oppression in Palestine/Israel” on May 5-7. Eight ELCA bishops and over 40 ELCA members took part. The summit was an opportunity to learn about and advocate to Congress and the administration on justice for Palestine and Israel issues. The CMEP summit included nearly 250 participants from 30+ denominations from around the country engaged in advocacy in support of peace and justice in the Holy Land. Several ELCA leaders, including advocacy staff, shared presentations, led workshops and provided essential support for the legislative visits.
Why It Matters in the ELCA:
Multiple ELCA social teachings and policy resolutions provide clear guidance for collaborative engagement and advocacy regarding the Holy Land and in support of our partners, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCHJL). Additionally, this witness upholding dignity, human rights and lasting security strengthens our commitment to ecumenical engagement.
What’s Next:
Additional updates and reports from the summit and its advocacy day are forthcoming.
THROUGH “RECONCILIATION” ANOTHER FIGHT FOR BILLIONS FOR ICE/CBP: The 75-day-long Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown came to an end on Apr. 30. The House passed a Senate bill that funds the agency through September 2026 but excludes funding for immigration enforcement. Congress immediately moved to fund immigration enforcement agencies [Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP)] via the same filibuster-proof single-party reconciliation process that led to last year’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill.” The new reconciliation bill includes $38 billion for ICE and $26 billion for CBP – enough to fund the agencies through the end of President Trump’s term. Votes on the reconciliation package are expected in the week of May 18.
Why It Matters in the ELCA:
The ELCA has opposed additional funding for immigration enforcement without key protections like prohibitions on enforcement at churches, the use of judicial warrants for detention and meaningful accountability for immigration agents’ actions. Funding ICE and CBP for three years without any bipartisan negotiations also removes important opportunities for congressional oversight.
What’s Next:
The reconciliation package is expected to move forward in early June, and ELCA advocacy will continue to advocate against a “blank check” for immigration enforcement without meaningful protections and oversight. As the reconciliation package is being debated, Congress is discussing DHS FY27 funding in parallel. The ELCA has joined interfaith partners in preparing funding recommendations that prioritize protections and due process for immigrants and refugees, while objecting to massive increases in immigration enforcement funding.
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“For what shall we pray?” is a weekly post inviting individuals, groups, and congregations to lift up our world in prayer. This resource is prepared by a variety of leaders in the ELCA and includes prayer prompts, upcoming events and observances, and prayer suggestions from existing denominational worship materials. You are encouraged to use these resources as a starting point, and to adapt and add other concerns from your local context. More information about this resource can be found here.
