Lawmakers are in tense negotiations about the U.S. debt ceiling. Call Congress today to ensure antipoverty programs are protected in any final deal.
Today Congressional leaders are meeting with the White House to negotiate terms of raising the U.S. debt ceiling. This comes as the U.S. Treasury has indicated that the government will default on its debt if no action is taken by June 1.
A default on the U.S. debt or a harmful debt ceiling deal that falls hardest on low-income Americans is not an option. CALL your members of Congress today through the Capitol Switchboard (202-224-3121) to ensure anti-poverty programs are maintained in any final debt ceiling deal.
Earlier this month, in a wider proposal to raise the debt ceiling, the House of Representatives narrowly passed a bill (217 – 215) that would place serious cuts on critical “non-defense discretionary programs”(NDD). Existing commitments among NDD programs fund critical hunger and nutrition programs, homeless and housing grants, support for schools and education, and other critical investments that accompany our ministries which face unmet needs among God’s children.
Though the aim to spend within our means is a well-intended goal, cutting antipoverty programs will not achieve it and would likely yield the opposite result. NDD spending in its present configuration makes up less than one-sixth of the U.S. budget, and over the last decade has been the slowest growing section of our national spending– often falling below inflation levels. Cutting these already underfunded programs could lead to even larger increases in other areas of federal spending. Cutting shelter programs and causing needless exposure leads to ballooning emergency healthcare spending costs. Slashing foreign aid could force us to raise defense spending due to increased global conflicts. Underinvesting in antipoverty programs and economic security could lead to increases in unemployment and decreases in revenue.
Sufficient, Sustainable Livelihood for All, the ELCA social statement on Economic Life, says: "Government is intended to serve God’s purposes by limiting or countering narrow economic interests and promoting the common good... Government often falls short of these responsibilities. Its policies can harm the common good and especially the most vulnerable in society. Governing leaders are to be held accountable to God’s purposes: 'May [they] judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice. . . . May [they] defend the cause of the poor of the people' (Psalm 72:2)."
Though we encourage lawmakers to spend within our means, spending cuts should not fall hardest on those of us who rely on public programs for daily subsistence. Call your lawmakers today to encourage them to protect the integrity of antipoverty programs.
Contact the Capitol Switchboard today at 202-224-3121 and ask to speak to your senator or representative to share your urgent message to prevent a harmful debt crisis deal that falls hardest on low-income Americans. Want to go above and beyond? Also call the White House at 202-456-1212 to leave a comment, plus share a tweet about how you took action using #CutsHurt today.
Thank you for your advocacy.
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