Washington D.C., Feb 16, 2012 / 00:22 am
The U.S. bishops have refuted the White House’s claim that they never supported health care reform in America.
“Since 1919, the United States Catholic bishops have supported decent health care for all and government and private action to advance this essential goal,” said Bishop Stephen E. Blaire of Stockton, Calif.
Bishop Blaire, who serves as chairman of the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, responded to a recent statement by White House press secretary Jay Carney.
At a Feb. 13 press briefing, Carney was asked about the bishops’ dissatisfaction with the Obama administration’s contraception mandate. He replied, “I would simply note with regard to the bishops that they never supported health care reform to begin with, of which this is an important element.”