Budget choices must reflect needs of poor, vulnerable, senators told

Published: 2007-01-22

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Reminding U.S. senators that their budgetary decisions are "not only policy choices but moral ones," two leaders of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops urged that the continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2007 pay greater attention to "the essential needs of the poor and vulnerable." Bishops Thomas G. Wenski of Orlando, Fla., and Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn, N.Y., said in a Jan. 17 joint letter to senators that "the fundamental moral measure of our nation's spending policy is whether it enhances or undermines those most in need." The two bishops chair the USCCB international policy and domestic policy committees, respectively. A copy of their letter was released by the USCCB Jan. 18. "Providing an adequate safety net for poor and vulnerable families at home and abroad and promoting human development in poor countries are both fundamental obligations of a responsible society," the bishops said.

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