MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is dismayed by the U.S Senate and House Republican leadership’s refusal to reinstate lifesaving healthcare and social services essential for the most vulnerable in our society to avoid a government shutdown.
“Congressmembers are public servants and have a responsibility to the American people to fund both critical services and the work of government agencies by passing a federal budget that works for all of us,” said LaShawn Warren, chief policy officer, SPLC. “Failing to do so threatens to cut off access to vital health care, housing and food assistance programs for families who are struggling to survive the rising costs of living that have stretched household budgets thin. Furthermore, any attempts to use this shutdown to dismantle the government and remove federal workers from their jobs will only exacerbate unemployment, not just in Washington, D.C., but also across the nation and especially in the Deep South.
“A responsible federal budget invests in our communities by funding the services and programs that Americans need to stay healthy, safe and secure,” Warren added. “The SPLC urges majority leadership members in Congress to approve a budget that preserves access to the social safety net for our most vulnerable community members while ensuring that our federal workforce can continue to perform their necessary duties to keep our nation operational and safe.”
###
About the Southern Poverty Law Center
The Southern Poverty Law Center is a catalyst for racial justice in the South and beyond, working in partnership with communities to dismantle white supremacy, strengthen intersectional movements and advance the human rights of all people. For more information, visit www.splcenter.org.