BACKGROUND

Why do we desire a NO vote? This reconciliation funding bill would give $70 billion to immigration enforcement agencies – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – enough to fund their expanding operations, without conditions or accountability, for the next three years. This is in addition to the $170 billion that Congress gave ICE and Border Patrol last year in the passage of the “Big Bill

As with last year’s budget bill, this one also has no guardrails to ensure due process nor to respect the human rights of those whom the agencies pursue. Many of those guardrails are overwhelmingly popular across all voter demographics.

The reconciliation process includes what’s known as a “vote-a-rama,” in which hundreds of amendments will be tacked on as distractions and personal earmarks. Congress went into recess on May 22 without passing the reconciliation funding bill. However, Capitol offices continue receiving messages throughout the recess. We ask for your collaboration as School Sisters of Notre Dame, Associates, and Partners in Mission to contact your representatives to register your opinion on this package by clicking the link below.

Budgets are moral documents. The Gospel teaches us we are called to care for the most vulnerable in our midst and to welcome our immigrant neighbors in need. The reconciliation funding bill is contrary to Catholic Social Teaching and to SSND values. It would enable the abuse of the people in this nation, particularly our immigrant community members.

May we continue to educate, act, and advocate  for the dignity of life and the care of all creation.