Washington D.C., Apr 7, 2011 / 10:01 am
As lawmakers battle over the nation's budget proposal, the U.S. bishops called for action from Catholic faithful to ensure that cuts don't unfairly target those most in need.
“Unfortunately, the voices of poor and vulnerable people are not being heard in the debate, and they are being forced to bear the brunt of the proposed cuts,” the U.S. bishops' conference said in an action alert issued this week.
Congressional leaders have sparred in recent days over the current FY 2011 spending bill, causing an impasse that could prompt a government shutdown if an agreement can't be reached by midnight on April 8.
On Wednesday, President Barack Obama placed a call to House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to discuss the debate, reported the Associated Press. Rep. Boehner's office said that the House speaker told Obama he was hopeful a deal could be negotiated. The two later held a meeting on Wednesday evening.