Hunger: Issue cuts across denominational and party lines

Published: 2005-10-21

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- There may be no political issue that crosses denominational boundaries like hunger. Given today's divisive political climate, that's quite an accomplishment. And, given today's runaway federal budget deficits, that people of every stripe of the religious spectrum weighed in -- successfully -- against a Senate panel's proposed cuts in the federal food stamp budget is even more remarkable. The Senate Agriculture Committee, headed by Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., rescinded a White House proposal to change food stamp eligibility requirements that would have cut an estimated $574 million from the food stamp budget. "We're very pleased Sen. Chambliss and the committee did not take harmful cuts or any cuts out of the food stamp program," said Kathleen Curran, a domestic policy adviser for the U.S. bishops. "We look to the Senate and hope that will be the outcome in the final bill."

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