As this newsletter is going to press, the United States Congress remains sharply divided over spending levels for the coming year. Inability to pass appropriations bills that can be signed into law before September 30th—the end of the fiscal year—could result in a partial government shutdown. Even a short-term funding measure, known as a Continuing Resolution or CR, will only temporarily keep the government operating with the critical choices about next year’s funding levels still to be decided by Congress and the Administration.
As people of faith, we understand that budgets are moral documents and should reflect our shared values. While these negotiations continue it is imperative that we advocate for the common good and for policies and programs that protect God’s people and God’s planet. Contact your Senators and Representative by calling the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Let them know your priorities and ask that they protect funding for a clean, healthy environment and for the United States’ contributions to international climate assistance. For additional talking points you can reference this action alert by Church and Society.
—The Advocacy Working Group of the UMCJM