For Immediate Release: August 4, 2022
Contact: Colleen Ross | [email protected] | 202-601-7877
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Catholic Lobby Urges Senate to Reject Anti-Family, Anti-Immigrant Amendments,
Pass Inflation Reduction Act
Mary J. Novak: “Congress has a historic opportunity to improve the lives of families across the country. Now is not the time to play politics.”

WASHINGTON, DC – Last week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced they had reached an agreement on the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. As the Senate moves toward holding a vote on this momentous legislation, however, the threat of Senators proposing pro-business and anti-immigrant amendments has emerged.

NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice urges all Senators to vote “No” on poison pill amendments that are unrelated to this legislation and would jeopardize its passage.

Laura Peralta-Schulte, Senior Director of Public Policy and Government Relations, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, said:

“Voters across the country are excited that this package will bring down the costs of families’ prescription drugs, health insurance, and home energy bills. We call on all Senators to pass this transformative package without delay, and without any amendments that would expand corporate tax breaks, including Research & Experimentation expensing, or weaken or eliminate the bill’s tax fairness provisions. It’s time for the wealthiest people and corporations in our country to pay their fair share and for our policies to prioritize working families, not corporations.”

Ronnate Asirwatham, Government Relations Director, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, said:

“We urge all Senators to reject any anti-immigrant amendments introduced during the upcoming budget reconciliation process. The extreme policies a few Senators are attempting to advance would end the United States’ asylum system and jeopardize the lives of millions. It is clear some Senators would rather use immigrants as pawns to score political points than doing what is right for our country.”

Mary J. Novak, Executive Director, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice, said:

“Congress has a historic opportunity to improve the lives of families across the country. Now is not the time to play politics. The Inflation Reduction Act will address the threat of climate change, lower healthcare costs, and support hardworking families— and no poison pills should get in the way of its passage.”

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NETWORK – advocates for justice inspired by Catholic sisters – educates, organizes, and lobbies for economic and social transformation. They have a nearly 50-year track record of lobbying for critical federal programs that support those at the margins and prioritize the common good. www.networklobby.org