For Immediate Release: January 19, 2018
Contact: Ashley Wilson, [email protected], 202-601-7856
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WASHINGTON, D.C. –In advance of a Senate vote and impending government shutdown, Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice issued the following statement:

“Just under one month ago, Congress passed its third short term budget solution that they thought would allow enough time to resolve their differences on FY2018 priorities. It is shocking that that the House voted last night to postpone yet again passing a budget for this fiscal year that is almost one-third over.

“The Catholic Sisters and activists of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice support the principled Senators fighting for a resolution now, not later. We commend them for their work to break this bad cycle of budget purgatory and instead prioritize care for our nation’s most vulnerable people. Sometimes, it is necessary to be bold and willing to do the difficult. On behalf of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, I call on the Senate to reject the House-passed CR and work for a real solution, now.

“Delaying the budget will change nothing about the basic politics of coming to realistic compromise. What will have changed is that the circumstances facing Dreamers, healthcare providers, children with complex medical conditions, and people experiencing poverty will have worsened. In one month, their situations will have become even more dire. Our communities deserve better. Republican leadership needs to remember they serve the common good, not their personal political agenda.

 “The roadmap to passing a FY 2018 budget is straightforward:

1.  Set spending limits with equivalent increases for defense and non-defense spending (maintain parity).
2.  Reauthorize CHIP and other healthcare extenders.
3.  Pass the Dream Act, or another legislative solution that includes a pathway to citizenship for our nation’s Dreamers.
4.  Fully fund the 2020 Census.

 “Congress needs to stay in D.C. and finish the job NOW. Republican leadership has put this off long enough, and our people are suffering. “

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NETWORK – advocates for justice inspired by Catholic sisters – educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a 45-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org