The heads of two committees of the US bishops’ conference urged Congress in April 22 letters to both chambers to weigh decisions surrounding the budget by how they impact human life and dignity, serve “the least of these” and reflect government’s shared responsibility to protect the common good.
The bishops’ letters followed President Obama’s 2014 budget proposal.
The prelates noted a proposed reduction to the International Disaster Assistance program, saying, “The proposed reductions are deeply troubling, especially as humanitarian needs grow in places like Syria. Congress should reject these cuts in shelter and medical assistance to very vulnerable populations.”
Bishop Blaire and Bishops Pates chair the USCCB Committees on Domestic Justice and Human Development and International Justice and Peace, respectively.
In response to the proposed budget from President Obama, Bishop Blaire and Bishop Pates commended “concern for people living in or near poverty, especially children and families.”
They supported investment in early childhood education, as well as making improvements to the Earned Income and Child Tax Credits permanent. They cautioned that reforms to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and other programs must not increase economic hardship for those in the programs.
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On the Net:
The full text of the letter to the House: www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/federal-budget/upload/2013-04-22-letter-to-House-of-Represenatatives-on-President-Obama-s-fy14-budget.pdf
The full text of the letter to the House: Senate: www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/human-life-and-dignity/federal-budget/upload/2013-04-22-letter-to-Senate-on-President-Obama-s-fy14-budget.pdf
