Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is urging people to contact their elected officials to voice concerns against proposed federal cuts to international humanitarian aid, as the Senate prepares to vote on a rescissions package that could eliminate $8.3 billion in previously approved funding.
The aid supports millions of vulnerable families worldwide by funding maternal and child health services, emergency disaster response, and programs targeting infectious diseases like tuberculosis and Ebola.
CRS, the official overseas emergency relief and development assistance agency of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said the cuts would be devastating and threaten long-term efforts to alleviate poverty and strengthen global stability.
Archbishop Nelson J. Pérez, chairman of Catholic Relief Services, has previously called Catholics to action in moments of funding uncertainty.
“CRS has been a beacon of hope for those suffering from hunger and poverty… Please join me in contacting elected federal officials today,” the archbishop said in a May 28 Facebook post.
With a Senate vote looming by July 18, CRS is once again urging Catholics across the country to stand in solidarity with vulnerable communities by contacting their senators and opposing the rollback.
An easy-to-use form to contact your senator is available here, and more information about Catholic Relief Services is available at their website, CRS.org.
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