EPPN: Tell Congress to pass a CR and adopt a comprehensive budget

[Episcopal Public Policy Network] This week, the U.S. government officially shut down after Congress failed to pass a 2014 budget in the timeline required by law. In order to reopen the government, the House of Representatives and the Senate must pass a continuing resolution to fund the government at current levels while Congress develops a long-term budget deal for Fiscal Year 2014.

The government shutdown has furloughed 800,000 employees, prevents patients from applying for new Medicare or Social Security benefits, and may even close key food assistance programs. In addition, it slows the economy, alarms markets, and could cost the government billions of dollars. This government shutdown threatens the survival of vulnerable populations, endangers the health of our economy, and wastes the tax-paying dollars of every U.S. citizen.

As Episcopalians, we advocate for communities most in need: the poor, the elderly, and the sick. The government shutdown hits these populations the hardest, and it is time to raise our voices to our members of Congress, asking them to pass a continuing resolution and to adopt a comprehensive FY 2014 budget for the American people!