Quaker Lobby Honors Senators Paul and Booker at Annual Meeting

Washington, DC - Two Senators were honored during the Annual Meeting of the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). Senator Rand Paul (KY) was honored with the Edward F. Snyder Award for Peace while Senator Cory Booker (NJ) received the FCNL Justice Award.

Contact Tim McHugh: [email protected], 202-903-2515

The focus of 2024's Annual Meeting is the need to prevent more offensive weapons being sent to Israel that can and will be used to prolong attacks on both Gaza and Lebanon. Senator Bernie Sanders (VT) is currently pushing for a vote on his bill that would prohibit the sale of such weapons.

Aside from the active lobbying to prevent the further spread of arms, an important part of the Annual Meeting is recognition for work done on issues Quakers have been addressing and making progress on for years. Accordingly, Senator Rand Paul will receive the Edward F. Snyder Peace Award while Senator Cory Booker will receive the FCNL Justice Award.

"FCNL commends Sen. Rand Paul for his tireless work to bring an end to endless wars, prevent new wars, and reduce the suffering of people affected by violent conflict. We honor Sen. Paul for his leadership and efforts to repeal outdated authorizations for use of military force, advance Congress's role as the body vested with the constitutional duty to determine when the United States goes to war, and bridge partisan divides on critical foreign policy issues," said Bridget Moix, FCNL's General Secretary.

While delivering the Justice Award, Moix said, "FCNL commends Sen. Cory Booker for his tireless devotion to the world we seek. Senator Booker's impactful voice and leadership has advanced criminal legal system reform, safeguarded asylum protections, and upheld election integrity and voting rights. We celebrate his championing of anti-poverty programs, like the Child Tax Credit, and justice work for vulnerable communities."

The two awards, along with an inaugural Compass Award for Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-12), were among the highlights of the 80th FCNL Annual Meeting and Quaker Public Policy Institute taking place this week. The Friends Committee has welcomed more than 150 members and activists from 35 states to lobby their members on the need to stop supplying offensive weapons to Israel. They have taken part in visits to more than 100 congressional offices.

To learn more, please visit www.fcnl.org.

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