By Rhina Guidos Catholic News Service • Posted May 19, 2017

WASHINGTON (CNS) — Decrease military spending and help the poor, said the U.S. bishops in a May 19 letter addressed to Congress, as lawmakers prepare to work on the federal budget for the upcoming 2018 fiscal year.

The budget requires difficult decisions but must “give central importance to ‘the least of these,'” said the letter sent on behalf of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and signed by the chairmen of six USCCB committees.

The letter urged lawmakers to “promote the welfare of workers and families who struggle to live in dignity.”