FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 23, 2025

WASHINGTON—The passage of the House Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill will make it “harder for people to survive,” said NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice Interim Executive Joan F. Neal. In the aftermath of the bill’s passage in the House, she urged the NETWORK field to contact their Senators “to prioritize the needs of communities over the interest of the wealthy.”

Full statement follows:

“Our faith calls us to care for those who are sick, feed those who are hungry, provide shelter for those who are unhoused, and love our neighbors regardless of our differences, whatever they may be. We live this out in community, and our government should reflect these values and support the common good. The House Republicans’ budget reconciliation bill will make it harder for people to survive. It is the largest cut ever to Medicaid and includes a $500 billion cut in Medicare. It guts the SNAP food program and school lunch programs. It strips incentives for green energy sources to combat climate change – all to provide trillions of dollars in tax cuts to billionaires and big corporations and fuel the mass deportation of our neighbors.

“This is not over. NETWORK and our partners are not giving up on our communities and will continue to fight for justice. As this bill moves to the Senate, we urge our members and supporters to call their lawmakers and tell them to prioritize the needs of communities over the interests of the wealthy, so that all people can thrive – no exceptions.”

Founded by Catholic Sisters in 1972, NETWORK is an inclusive, national, Catholic advocacy organization open to all who share our values, working for justice and equity for everyone. For 53 years, NETWORK has educated, organized, and lobbied for federal policies that serve the common good and honor the dignity of all people. 

# # #