2 Priorities for the Next President and Congress

Congress and the new administration are setting their policy agenda—an agenda that will shape the future of programs for people who experience hunger and poverty. Together, as a collective Christian witness, we have the opportunity to speak truth to power and urge our nation’s leaders to act with compassion and justice.

This week, the Circle of Protection—a diverse coalition of Christian leaders—sent President Donald Trump and members of Congress a letter outlining two key priorities for the next administration and Congress. These priorities, grounded in scripture, reflect a shared commitment to building a more just and equitable society.

The letter calls on our elected leaders to:

1. Protect and fund programs that help people in poverty. Robustly fund poverty-related programs, such as housing and international aid, and oppose cuts to vital programs like SNAP that prevent hunger and poverty from worsening.

2. Support tax policies that reduces poverty. Expand the Child Tax Credit and ensure the tax system supports families with low incomes while asking more from those with greater financial resources.

   
   

These priorities reflect God’s call to care for those in need and to work toward justice for all. The full letter and more information are available at circleofprotection.us.

My Two Sons

My sons Andrew and John are both bringing good news into the new year. 

Andrew (in the blue shirt) is starting a new job with Stripe. Stripe provides thousands of companies with software that allows financial transactions on the web. Andrew and his partner Erik are looking for an apartment in New York City.

John (in the red shirt) and his wife Megan are entering the new year as homeowners. They both have good jobs and are devoted parents to their four children.

David (in the purple shirt) is a proud father.

Embracing an Outlook of Hope: Rick Steves

One of the great blessings of my life is the inspiring people I have come to know during my long career fighting against hunger and poverty. Rick Steves is one of those people. I feel fortunate to call him a friend.

I was delighted when I opened the New York Times last weekend to see a feature article titled, “Rick Steves Refuses to Get Cynical About the World.” I urge you to read the uplifting interview.

What an appropriate headline! Optimism is one of the things I really admire about my friend. He sees possibility instead of despair, approaches the world with curiosity instead of cynicism. To me, that is a faith-filled perspective that we all should strive for. It strikes me that this is also the formula that advocates have been using to make progress against hunger and poverty for years. I’ve been lucky enough to travel with this good man and be inspired by his optimism. I have seen the way he looks at the world as a place of possibility—an outlook we share.

A few years ago, Rick released a documentary titled, “Hunger and Hope: Lessons from Ethiopia and Guatemala.” The program is full of examples that show how innovative solutions reduce poverty. 

In the program, Rick says, “When we act collectively, we do make a difference.” I know this to be true. My life’s work has been alongside hopeful people—like Rick—who refuse to let cynicism stand in the way of action. And the good news? There’s always room for more people to join us. 

P.S. It’s the holiday season and each year, Rick helps raise money for Bread for the World. Help spread hope this year with your year-end donation.