Congress Delays Budget Cuts Vote as Leaders Stand Firm for the Poor
Faith-based organizations and heads have stood firmly in opposition to the budget cuts that would add to a net total of $50 billion over a period of five years.
The FY06 budget reconciliation bill, cutting billions of dollars from domestic programs for the nation's poor, has been delayed for consideration by Congress as America wades in the aftermath of hurricane disasters.
Faith-based organizations and heads have stood firmly in opposition to the budget cuts that would add to a net total of $50 billion over a period of five years. Christian leaders have persistently risen to speak out against the spending cuts and protect "the least of these." Letters signed by religious leaders have been sent to Congress to express concerns and request a stop to the resolution immediately.
While America struggles through Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma, greater burdens will be placed on Congress if budget cuts are approved, said Christian leaders in one of the letters.
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"The FY '06 reconciliation bill that is working its way through the authorizing committees will send more people searching for food in cupboards that, quite frequently, are bare," stated the September letter, whose signatories include the Rev. Frank T. Griswold, presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church.
The Senate Budget Committee voted 12-10 on Oct. 26 to approve a $39.1 billion savings package that includes the Finance Committee's $10 billion cuts to Medicaid and Medicare and none to the Food Stamp Program. The Senate will debate on the package beginning Oct. 31 with a final vote expected Nov. 3.
Today, some 47 million people rely on Medicaid for health care and enrollment in Medcaid continues to rise, according to the Washington Office of Public Policy. A nationwide survey conducted by the Kaiseer Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured revealed that, "Medicaid was under intense pressure to control costs because it is the second largest program in most state budgets and because Medicaid has been growing faster than other state programs."
Thus, states have implemented changes and measures to reduce Medicaid eligibility and benefits. Congress is now debating on reducing the federal budget on Medicaid along with other programs such as child care and student loans.
Along with spending cuts that would take away from what has benefited hundreds of thousands of America's poor families, the resolution also includes $70 billion in tax cuts. A budget package is expected to be on the House floor the week of Nov. 7.
