Congress and the White House are coming down to the wire on the federal budget.  Action is urged by the US Catholic bishops and a large number of faith groups. Circle of Protection/USCCB: On July 20 several Christian leaders, including reps of the USCCB, met with President Obama to urge the President and congressional leaders to protect programs for hungry and poor people in decisions on the deficit and debt.  Bishop Ricardo Ramirez: . . .”put the needs of the poor first in allocating scarce resources.  The poor have no powerful lobbyists, but they have the most powerful moral claim on this process.”

Heads of Washington Offices: (HOWO includes reprsentatives of Christian, Jewish and Muslim justice offices)  HOWO has held midday prayer vigils for the past two weeks in front of the United Methodist Building across from the Capitol urging a federal budget that will not harm people who are poor and vulnerable while allowing very wealthy people and corporations to escape paying their fair (just) share.  Yesterday, I participated in a call of Catholics and Catholic organizations with the White House Office of Faith Based & Public Partnerships, during which Joshua DeBois talked about the need for “belt-tightening” by everyone in the face of debt and deficits.  Some of us reacted to the “belt-tightening” language when many people have already tightened beyond their capacity and some have no belt to tighten!  We are alarmed at the reports of “the deal” that will cut $500 billion to Medicaid with no current tax increase and cutting corporate rates.  This is unacceptable.

Action: Make calls to the White House (202-456-1111) and to members of Congress (Capitol Switchboard 202-224-3121) calling them to exercise their responsibility to promote the common good of all, with particular concern for the needs of people who are poor, jobless, without health care and families who are stuggling in these difficult economic times.  Also consider visits to District offices during the August recess.  If you have first-hand awareness of what drastic cuts will mean, share it.  Identify yourself as a member of a Catholic religious congregation (and of NETWORK if you have signed on to the Mind-the-Gap campaign.)

Marie Lucey, OSF
Associate Director for Social Mission
LCWR
301-588-4955
mlucey@lcwr.org