Washington D.C., Jan 31, 2006 / 22:00 pm
The President of the US Bishops Conference, Bishop William S. Skylstad called on the House to reject the recently proposed budget reconciliation bill, saying it fails to “meet the needs of the most vulnerable among us.”
“We urge you to reject the conference agreement and work for policies that put poor children and families first,” Bishop Skylstad said.
“I wrote to you expressing serious concerns about provisions in the budget reconciliation bill. The proposed changes in Medicaid, child support enforcement funding, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and agriculture conservation programs, in particular, could have a negative impact upon the most vulnerable in our nation,” wrote Bishop Skylstad.
"Our Bishops’ Conference is deeply disappointed that the final budget reconciliation conference agreement coming once again before the House of Representatives includes provisions in these areas which we believe could prove harmful to many low-income children, families, elderly and people with disabilities who are least able to provide for themselves. Because of these concerns, we ask you to oppose the budget reconciliation conference agreement."
Though Bishop Skylstad recognized the bill also includes positive elements, such as additional funding for victims of Hurricane Katrina and a program to promote marriage and healthy families. He believes that, overall, the impact of this bill will be to fail to meet the needs of the most vulnerable among us.
"An essential priority of government is to provide for the general welfare of its people, especially “the least among us.”, he concluded.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
At Catholic News Agency, our team is committed to reporting the truth with courage, integrity, and fidelity to our faith. We provide news about the Church and the world, as seen through the teachings of the Catholic Church. When you subscribe to the CNA UPDATE, we'll send you a daily email with links to the news you need and, occasionally, breaking news.
As part of this free service you may receive occasional offers from us at EWTN News and EWTN. We won't rent or sell your information, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Click hereOur mission is the truth. Join us!
Your monthly donation will help our team continue reporting the truth, with fairness, integrity, and fidelity to Jesus Christ and his Church.
Donate to CNA