U.S. Bishops Call on President/Congress to End Government Shutdown

Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, along with Bishop Joe Vásquez of the Diocese of Austin, issued a statement this week, once again calling for an end to the now weeks-long government shutdown. They call for an end to the shutdown for the benefit of those dependent upon the salaries of government workers and social service programs. "We urge the president and lawmakers to end the shutdown. Political leaders must come together to ensure a bipartisan solution is reached which recognizes the economic struggle that many families are facing including those dependent on federal workers and those assisted by critical nutrition and housing programs," the statement reads.

Expressing hope for those immigrants currently in a state of legal limbo, the statement urges government leaders to work together to enact comprehensive immigration reform that will bring about permanent solutions, stating that "temporary relief" will not ease their fears and anxieties.