Washington: The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a strong appeal for an immediate end to the ongoing federal government shutdown, warning that millions of Americans could face severe hardship if essential aid programs are disrupted.
Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the USCCB, called the situation “catastrophic for families and individuals who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table.” He urged lawmakers and the White House to act swiftly and in a bipartisan manner to restore funding for critical services.
The bishops emphasized that the shutdown, now entering its fourth week, is inflicting the greatest harm on the poor, the elderly, and those with disabilities. “It is unjust and unacceptable that the burdens of political gridlock fall on those least able to bear them,” Archbishop Broglio said in a statement released by the conference.
Catholic Charities USA and other faith-based organizations have also raised concerns that a prolonged shutdown could overwhelm local relief efforts. With federal programs such as SNAP and housing assistance at risk, church-based food banks and shelters are preparing for a possible surge in demand.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, SNAP benefits may not be issued from November 1 if Congress fails to pass a funding measure. The program supports around 42 million Americans, many of them families with children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
The current shutdown, which began on October 1 after lawmakers failed to agree on a budget, has already forced thousands of federal employees into furlough and disrupted key services across the country. The bishops described the impasse as more than a political issue, framing it instead as a moral crisis that demands urgent resolution.
The USCCB has called on both political parties to set aside partisan divisions and prioritize the common good. “The Church’s mission calls us to protect human dignity, especially for those on the margins,” Archbishop Broglio said. “Ending the shutdown is not just a matter of governance it is a matter of conscience.”
As the standoff continues, Catholic leaders and charities across the United States are coordinating efforts to provide food, shelter, and emergency support to those most affected, underscoring the Church’s commitment to stand with the nation’s most vulnerable in times of uncertainty.