Timeline - Vertical, design 2

Our 50-Year Justice Journey

2001

Sep

The U.S. is attacked by Al-Qaeda; the next month, the U.S. invades Afghanistan. NETWORK vocally opposes military action and seeks a peaceful resolution. Federal military spending increases, further threatening funding for beleaguered domestic programs.

2005

Apr

A New Pope

Pope John Paul II’s death ends his nearly 27-year papacy, Pope Benedict XVI is elected.

2007

Jan

Nancy Pelosi Rises

Nancy Pelosi becomes Speaker of the House of Representatives, becoming the first woman to serve in this position.

2008

Aug

Catherine Pinkerton, CSJ

NETWORK lobbyist, Catherine Pinkerton, CSJ, gives the benediction during the Democratic Convention

2010

Mar

The Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act passes the Senate after extensive debate. While the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops opposed the ACA’s final passage, NETWORK urged Congress to vote yes to extend to healthcare coverage to millions of people.

2012

Apr

Catholic Sisters Under Fire

The Vatican’s Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith (CDF) issues a doctrinal Assessment of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious. In response, Catholic Sisters receive an outpouring of support.

Jun

Nuns on the Bus Kicks Off

The first “Nuns on the Bus” tour kicks off in Iowa to raise awareness of the negative effects that House Budget Committee Chair Paul Ryan’s federal budget would have on our country’s most vulnerable people and families.

2013

Mar

Pope Francis Takes the Lead

Pope Benedict XVI resigns; Jesuit Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, SJ, is elected, taking the name Francis.

Jun

Urging Immigration Reform

The Senate passes the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act, a comprehensive immigration reform that NETWORK strongly supported, in a bipartisan vote. The bill is never brought to a vote in the House.

2017

Jun

Response to Trump’s Administration – Part I

Following Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration, NETWORK activated members for advocacy at an unprecedented scale to protect people and programs threatened by the President’s agenda. This included a 21-hour vigil on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol to defend access to health care.