February 6, 2011
The Friends Committee on National Legislation is a nonpartisan Quaker lobby in the public interest, the largest religious lobby group in Washington. It identifies specific, practical steps that individuals can take now to persuade the federal government to move our country toward the world we seek. The specific policies and legislative priorities they advocate reflect this focus on long-term change.Ross Capon reported that the FCNL had another outstanding annual meeting in November. Highlights included senate ratification of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) - a victory for FCNL's nuclear disarmament lobbyist David Culp - and the growing bipartisan interest in cutting the defense budget.
In an indication of the organization's stability, Diane Randall will take over as the fourth executive secretary in its 68-year history. Ross noted that the decline in the economy had necessitated a significant reduction in staff. He also described an opportunity for FCNL to acquire the property just to the east of its building, which would cost $1,000,000, and earns rental income of $67,000 per month in its current configuration. A decision will be announced by February 19.
