This week’s post celebrates the birth of freedom in the United States by offering possible actions to preserve freedom and justice for all.  My June 10th post focused on the many injustices that will occur if the “One Big Beautiful” budget bill (2025 budget bill) is passed by Congress. I also wrote about the possible expansion of the conflict in Iran and the Middle East. This week’s post offers readers some practical simple actions to take. During your quiet time or mediation, you can ask: What’s mine to do to preserve freedom and advance equity and justice for all?

Let’s start with the not beautiful budget bill. While the President’s hoped for goal of passing the bill by 4th of July seems unlikely, the time to act is now. The House passed the 2025 budget bill on May 22 by one vote – 215-214. Two Republicans voted against it, one abstained and two weren’t present. The Senate Finance Committee revised the bill making it even less equitable;  it passed on June 16. Action is now focused on reconciling the House and Senate versions to get a bill before the Senate for final approval. 

The harm from this bill is both obvious and not fully known. Here are possible actions to defeat this bill:

  • Participate in prayer groups focused on praying for changed hearts and minds to make this bill fairer;
  • If your Senate and House leaders voted for the bill (see May 22nd Newsweek article  for how each member of the House voted on the Bill), call them and voice your opposition to the bill. 
  • Consider using the 5Calls app or website to contact your Senators and House Representatives. (5Calls is a simple and easy tool for calling your representatives and Senators; it  provides options for what you say.)
  • Review the list of Republicans who are considered “on the fence” or not 100% supportive of this bill. Contact your friends and family members who live in their home states and ask them to call their Senators;  ask the Senator  to vote against it. Among the list of Senators on the “not sure” list are: Josh Hawley  (Mo); Rand Paul (KY); Ron Johnson (WI); Mike Lee (UT); Jim Justice (W.VA); Susan Collins (ME); Tom Tillis (NC); John Curtis (VT); Lisa Murkowski (AK). 
  • Consider a faith-based approach recommended by Catholic environmental groups. If you are Catholic or lean that way, contact the following Catholic Senators and express your concern about the morality of this bill, and the injustice it will do. An example of a simple message offered by one group is:

“Dear Senator – __________________. It’s time for Moral Courage! As Catholics we stand for the vulnerable and poor among us! The present budget bill stands in stark contrast with these values. Please vote against

the current bill and urge others to do the same. Thank you for listening.“

Catholic Senators and their phone #’s in Washington DC include: 

Lisa Murkowski AK – 202-224-6665; 

Dan Sullivan AK – 202-224-3004; 

Jim Risch ID – 202-224-2750; 

Eric Schmitt MO – 202-224-5721; 

Thom Tillis NC – 202-224-6342; 

John Hoeven ND – 202-224-2551; 

Pete Ricketts NE – 202-224-4224 

Mike Rounds SD – 202-224-5842.

  • If you are a person of a different faith, consider calling Senators who are of your faith tradition and express your concern. 

The other elephant in the room is the U.S. Presidential bombing   of Iran. Reps. Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced a bipartisan War Powers Resolution to the House of Representatives on June 17, 2025, aiming to prohibit further U.S. involvement in Iran. This resolution (H. Con. Res 38) is currently in its initial legislative stage, and was introduced concurrently with companion legislation in the Senate by Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA). Consider calling your House and Senate representatives and asking them to support this resolution. 

There are many ways to speak up for freedom and justice for all. As the Budget Bill is returned to the House, there will be more action to take there. These are a few examples. Consider celebrating the 4th of July this year by acting to preserve our freedoms. Consider what is right for you and take action. The consequences of ignoring this huge step backward for our country are enormous.