Voicing Concerns
In a petition released last Thursday, Faithful America, an organization comprising Christians dedicated to championing social justice causes while opposing “Christian nationalism,” voiced concerns over the budgetary proposals put forth by Republican leaders.
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Reductions In Funding
These proposals include reductions in funding for critical areas such as clean water, climate change initiatives, food assistance for women and children, and various other programs.
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"Immoral" And "Unnecessary"
Although these proposed budget cuts have not undergone a vote, Faithful America, which has amassed over 8,100 signatures for its petition as of Sunday morning, strongly asserts that these proposals are “immoral” and “unnecessary.”
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Adverse Affects For Communities In Need
According to the organization, these cuts would adversely affect communities in need by targeting essential funding elements.
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Raising Awareness
In an endeavor to raise awareness and drive change, Faithful America has collaborated with the nonprofit organization Catholics Vote Common Good to craft this petition.
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Moral Budget
Its goal is to send a resounding message to Washington representatives: Christians are urging the passage of a “moral budget that works for everyone.”
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Serving All Americans
“People of good conscience cannot sit on the sidelines while the House GOP proposes cutting funding for infant and children food programs, clean water, and education and job training programs. We want a moral federal budget that serves All Americans – especially the least among us,” Denise Murphy McGraw, co-founder of Catholics Vote Common Good, said.
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Speaking Out
McGraw continued, “That is why Catholics Vote Common Good and Faithful America are calling on people of faith to speak out against the draconian proposed federal funding cuts.”
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The Moral Dimension
Faithful America’s petition underscores the moral dimension of budgets, viewing them as critical instruments through which the government can allocate essential funding for the common good.
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However, it also highlights a concern that some on the far-right perceive this as an opportunity to impose painful, immoral, and unnecessary cuts to services that millions of people rely on.
House Freedom Caucus
Within the House of Representatives, where Republicans currently maintain a narrow majority, a significant influence can be observed through the Freedom Caucus, comprising at least 49 conservatives who are advocating for substantial budget reductions.
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During a press conference held at the Capitol in July, members of the House Freedom Caucus emphasized the necessity for House Republicans to employ all available means to achieve the desired spending cuts.
Concerns About Republican Politicians
Despite ongoing tensions between Democrats and Republicans regarding the proposed cuts, Faithful America retains its concerns.
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The organization asserts, “Christians cannot stand quietly by while Republican politicians force children to go hungry, let our water become undrinkable, or close doors to asylum seekers.”
Potential Government Shutdown
In spite of the resistance, failure by Congress to reach consensus on federal spending figures by October 1 could potentially lead to a government shutdown in the United States.
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Addressing The Concerns
During a news conference held in July, Republican Congressman Bob Good of Virginia, a member of the Freedom Caucus, expressed a stance against apprehension concerning a government shutdown, stating, “Most of what we do up here [on Capitol Hill] is bad anyway. Most of what we do up here hurts the American people.”
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