Media CenterAmid Debt Ceiling Debate, CRS Joins U.S. Catholic Leadership in Urging Congress to Protect Poverty-Reducing Assistance
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Nikki Gamer
Catholic Relief Services
[email protected]
(978) 884-0003
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND, May 18, 2023 – As federal debt ceiling negotiations continue and debates unfold about how best to manage the budget deficit, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has joined other Catholic leaders in urging Congress to protect poverty-reducing assistance.
In a letter sent to Congress this week, CRS, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Catholic Charities USA called on Congress to make decisions in service of society’s most vulnerable.
"As Catholic bishops and leaders, we represent a community that brings both moral principles and everyday experience to this discussion," the letter states. “Government and other institutions have a shared responsibility to promote the common good of all, especially ordinary workers and families who struggle to live in dignity in difficult economic times.”
Highlighting the need for a balanced approach to the budget, the letter advises against disproportionate cuts in essential services to poor and vulnerable communities while stressing that a just budget cannot compromise measures that have proven effective in promoting life and dignity and advancing international solidarity and security.
"This budget debate must keep before it those who are jobless, hungry, fleeing violence, homeless or poor," the letter states. “The Catholic bishops of the United States and undersigned leaders continue to stand ready to work with leaders of both parties for a responsible budget that addresses economic needs, protects poor and vulnerable people, advances the common good, and promotes human life and dignity.”
Read the letter to Congress in its entirety.
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Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. The agency alleviates suffering and provides assistance to people in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding. For more information, visit www.crs.org or www.crsespanol.org and follow Catholic Relief Services on social media in English at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube; and in Spanish at: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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Senior Public Affairs Manager
Based in Baltimore, MD
Nikki is the Senior Public Affairs Manager for CRS and connects journalists to regional stories and sources related to the agency’s life-saving development work. Previously, Nikki worked as the Communications Officer for the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia. She has covered CRS’ response to the Syrian refugee crisis and the mass displacement...More
