Domestic Poverty

Letter to Congress on Including Puerto Rico in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
November 9, 2023

Statement on Debt Settlement and the Way Forward I en Español
Puerto Rico and US Religious Leaders, March 14, 2022

President of U.S. Bishops Conference Expresses Sorrow for Earthquake Aftermath In Puerto Rico
Archbishop José H. Gomez, January 7, 2020

Letter to U.S. Senate Regarding Assistance to Regions Effected by Natural Disasters
Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Sr. Donna Markham, March 25, 2019

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Requesting Assistance for the Impacted People of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Florida, Texas and California
Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Sr. Donna Markham, December 12, 2017

Statement on the Emerging Crisis in Puerto Rico and the Response by the Catholic Church
Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Archbishop Paul D. Etienne, November 2, 2017

Letters to Congress on Food Security, Health Care Access, and Alleviation of Debt in Puerto Rico
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, October 12, 2017

Letter to U.S. Senate Regarding the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, June 28, 2016

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives in Support of Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, June 9, 2016

Letters to U.S. Senate on Financial Crisis in Puerto Rico
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, May 2, 2016

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on Financial Crisis in Puerto Rico
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, May 2, 2016

Letter to Congress in Support of the Puerto Rico Chapter 9 Uniformity Act
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, December 1, 2015

Backgrounder on COVID-19 Relief that Meets the Needs of the Poor & Vulnerable
January 2021

Letter to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Walensky Regarding Extension of the Eviction Moratorium
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Sr. Donna Markham, and Sr. Mary Haddad, March 26, 2021

Letter to Congress on Additional COVID-19 Relief
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Bishop David J. Malloy, Bishop Michael C. Barber, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, and Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, February 3, 2021

Statement Calling on Congress and the White House to Reach a Deal on COVID Relief that Prioritizes Urgent Needs
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, September 8, 2020

Labor Day Statement on Rebuilding a Dignified Post-COVID World
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, September 2, 2020

Letters to Congress Calling for COVID-19 Relief for Those Most in Need
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Bishop David J. Malloy, Bishop Michael C. Barber, and Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, July 30, 2020

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on Health Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic | Letter to U.S. Senate on Health Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic 
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Bishop George V. Murry, and Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, May 7, 2020

Statement Urging FDA to Develop Ethical Vaccine for COVID-19
Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, and Bishop John F. Doerfler, April 17, 2020

Letter to U.S. Senate Committee on Education, Labor, and Pensions and to U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor on Relief During Coronavirus Pandemic
Bishop Michael C. Barber, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, April 9, 2020

Letter to U.S. Senate and U.S. Hour of Representatives Committees on Appropriations on Relief During Coronavirus Pandemic
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Bishop Michael C. Barber, Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, Bishop David J. Malloy, and Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, April 9, 2020

Letter to U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives Committees on the Judiciary on Coronavirus Pandemic Issues for Detained Persons
Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, April 9, 2020

Letter to Congressional Committees on Finance, Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce on Coronavirus Pandemic Relief
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Bishop Michael C. Barber, and Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, April 9, 2020

Statement on Rationing Protocols by Health Care Professionals in Response to Covid-19
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann and Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, April 3, 2020

Statement Praising Lawmakers for Historic Emergency Legislation on Coronavirus Relief
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, March 28, 2020

Statements Regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Archbishop José H. Gomez, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, and Bishop David J. Malloy, March 13, 2020

Statement Encouraging Lawmakers in Providing Aid and Relief to Those Affected by Coronavirus
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, March 12, 2020

Backgrounder on the Importance of the Social Safety Net
January 2020

Backgrounder on Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
February 2011

A Commitment to All Generations: Social Security and the Common Good
March 1999

Statement on Social Security
Administrative Board of the United States Catholic Conference, March 1983

Backgrounder on Social Security
2005

Those Vulnerable to Social Security Changes

Statement Commending Congress for Bipartisan Child Tax Credit Agreement
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, January 23, 2024

Letter to Congress Regarding Child Tax Credit
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Bishop Robert E. Barron, Bishop Michael F. Burbidge, Bishop Mark J. Seitz, Ms. Kerry Alys Robinson, January 9, 2024

Letter to Congress in Support of the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act
Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Bishop Robert E. Barron, October 27, 2023

Letter to Congress Regarding Policies to Support Women and Families
Archbishop William E. Lori, Archbishop Paul s. Coakley, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, and Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, October 26, 2022

Statement: After "Dobbs," Congress Must Come Together to Protect Life and Promote the Common Good
August 1, 2022

Letter to Congress Regarding Improvement of Child Tax Credit
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop William E. Lori, Archbishop Salvatore J. Cordileone, and Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, May 19, 2022

Comments Submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service Regarding Proposed Rulemaking on Public Charge Ground of Inadmissibility
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Charities USA, April 21, 2022

U.S. Bishops Urge President to Rescind Divisive Memorandum Excluding Undocumented from Inclusion in Apportionment of U.S. House of Representative Seats
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, July 22, 2020

Chairmen of USCCB’s Committees on Migration and Domestic Justice and Human Development Express Deep Concern Over New Rule on Individuals and Families that Access Public Benefits
Bishop Joe S. Vásquez and Bishop Frank J. Dewane, August 13, 2019

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Opposing Requirement to Include Taxpayer's Social Security Number to Claim Child Tax Credit
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, Bishop Eusebio Elizondo, Sr. Donna Markham, March 16, 2016

Letter to Congress on Improving Earned Income and Child Tax Credits
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham, July 14, 2015

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on the Child Tax Credit Improvement Act
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, Bishop Eusebio L. Elizondo, and Reverend Larry Snyder, July 24, 2014

Letter to U.S. Senate on Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit for Low-Income Working Families
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, July 25, 2012

Letter to Congress on Budget Reconciliation Cuts to Poverty Programs
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, May 8, 2012

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on Child Tax Credit for Immigrant Families
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, April 17, 2012

Letter to Congress on Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act, Unemployment Insurance, and Child Tax Credit
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, February 9, 2012

Letter to Congress on Year End Earned Income and Child Tax Credit
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, December 6, 2010

Letter to U.S. Senate on Earned Income and Child Tax Credit
Bishop William F. Murphy, September 20, 2010

Testimony Before U.S. House of Representatives on Reauthorization of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Block Grant Program (TANF)
Kathleen A. Curran, Policy Advisor, February 10, 2005

Letter to U.S. Senate on Personal Responsibility and Individual Development for Everyone Act (PRIDE)
March 26, 2004

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on Personal Responsibility, Work, and Family Protection Act and Reauthorization of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF)
February 11, 2003

Letter to U.S. Senate on Work, Opportunity, and Responsibility for Kids Act (WORK) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Re-Authorization
October 28, 2002

Letter to U.S. Senate on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) Re-authorization
September 20, 2002

Letter to U.S. Senate on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) Re-authorization
June 17, 2002

Letter to U.S. House of Representative on Personal Responsibility, Work and Family Promotion Act
May 15, 2002

Testimony Before U.S. House of Representatives on Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) Re-authorization
Kathleen A. Curran, Policy Advisor, April 11, 2002

Letter to Congress on Economic Stimulus
Cardinal Roger Mahoney, October 15, 2001

Backgrounder on COVID-19 Relief that Meets the Needs of the Poor & Vulnerable
January 2021

Backgrounder on Mixed-Status Families and Eligibility for Certain HUD Housing Programs: What You Need to Know About HUD's Proposed Rule
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, and Catholic Health Association, July 2, 2019

Backgrounder on Affordable Housing and the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF)
February 2011

Backgrounder on Foreclosure
February 2011

Letter to Congress Regarding Yes in God's Backyard Act
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Rev. Christopher Kellerman, SJ, Ms. Kerry Alys Robinson, Mr. John Berry, July 12, 2024

Recognize the Inherent Dignity of Every Person, Especially Those Experiencing Homelessness
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, June 28, 2024

Letters to Congress on FY 2025 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriation
Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Ms. Kerry Alys Robinson, June 12, 2024

Letters to Congress on FY 2024 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Mr. Anthony Granado, June 13, 2023

Letters to Congress Regarding Appropriations for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and Sr. Donna Markham, May 24, 2022 

Increase Funding for Housing Programs
Urging an increase in funding for housing programs, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and Sr. Donna Markham of Catholic Charities USA write to Congress on June 29, 2021 regarding fiscal year 2022 appropriations for Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies.

Extend the Eviction Moratorium
On March 26, 2021, Chairman of the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Sr. Donna Markham, Director of Catholic Charities USA, and Sr. Mary Haddad, Director of Catholic Health Association write to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Walensky urging her to take immediate action to extend the Centers for Disease Control’s eviction moratorium for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bishop Chairmen Affirm Right to Shelter for All, Commend Improvements to HUD Rule
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, Bishop David A. Konderla, September 11, 2020

Weakened Fair Housing Rule Fails to Promote Dignity of Human Person
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Bishop Shelton J. Fabre, Sr. Donna Markham, July 28, 2020

Letters to Congress Regarding the FY2021 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and Sr. Donna Markham, June 15 and June 16, 2021

Public Comment Regarding Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Concerning Eligibility for Covered Housing Assistance Programs
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Legal Immigration Network, and Catholic Health Association, July 2, 2019

Letters to Congress on FY2020 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Sr. Donna Markham, May 13, 2019

Letter to U.S. Senate on FY 2018 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Sr. Donna Markham, July 12, 2017

Letter to U.S. Senate on FY 2017 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations I Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on FY 2017 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham, March 4, 2016

Letter to U.S. Senate on FY 2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations I Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on FY 2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham, March 18, 2015

Letter to U.S. Senate on the National Housing Trust Fund I Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on the National Housing Trust Fund
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham, March 17, 2015

Letter to Congress on the National Housing Trust Fund (NHTF)
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, May 2, 2014

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on FY 2013 Appropriations for Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, June 26, 2012

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on FY 2013 Appropriations for Transportation, Housing and Urban Development
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, April 4, 2012

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Regarding Public Housing Changes in the Affordable Housing and Self-Sufficiency Improvement Act
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, March 7, 2012

Letter to Congress on Cuts to Affordable Housing
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, October 20, 2011

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Regarding Efforts to Eliminate the National Housing Trust Fund
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, July 11, 2011

Letter to U.S. Senate on Capitalization for the National Housing Trust Fund
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, December 10, 2010

Letter to Congress on Housing for Elderly and People with Disabilities
Bishop William F. Murphy, April 21, 2010

Letter to U.S. Senate on National Housing Trust Fund and Assistance for Unemployed Workers
Bishop William F. Murphy, March 5, 2010

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, March 27, 2007

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on Changes to the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, September 13, 2006

Letter to Congress on the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, May 19, 2006

Letter to the House of Representatives to Support the National Housing Trust Fund
April 18, 2002

Homelessness and Housing: A Human Tragedy, A Moral Challenge
United States Catholic Conference Administrative Board, March 24, 1988

Backgrounder on Child Nutrition Reauthorization
February 2015

Letter to Congress on FY 2025 Agriculture Appropriations Legislation
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, Ms. Kerry Alys Robinson, Mr. Sean Callahan, Mr. James Ennis, and Mr. John Berry, June 10, 2024

Letter to Congress on Including Puerto Rico in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
November 9, 2023

Letter to Congress on RESTORE Act
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Mr. Ralph Middlecamp, Sr. Donna Markham, and Ms. Karen Clifton, June 9, 2023

Letters to Congress Concerning the FY 2024 Agriculture Appropriations Legislation
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Bishop David J. Malloy, Mr. Anthony Granado, Mr. Sean Callahan, and Mr. James Ennis, June 8, 2023

Letters to Congress Regarding FY 2023 Agriculture Appropriations Legislation
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Bishop David J. Malloy, Sr. Donna Markham, Mr. Sean Callahan, and Mr. James Ennis, June 8, 2022

Bishop Chairman Welcomes Update to USDA Benefit Addressing Hunger
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, August 21, 2021 

Letter to Congress Regarding FY 2022 Agriculture Appropriations
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Bishop David J. Malloy, Sr. Donna Markham, Mr. Sean Callahan, and Mr. James Ennis, July 12, 2021

U.S. Bishop Chairman Grateful for Administration’s Early Actions to Address Urgent Food and Housing Needs
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, January 27, 2021

Letter to Congress Regarding FY 2021 Agriculture Appropriations Legislation
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Bishop David J. Malloy, Sr. Donna Markham, Mr. Sean Callahan, and Mr. James Ennis, June 15, 2020

Letter to Congress on FY2020 Agriculture Appropriations
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Sr. Donna Markham, Mr. Sean Callahan, Mr. James Ennis, April 25, 2019

Letter to U.S. Senate on Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Mr. Sean Callahan, Sr. Donna Markham, Mr. James Ennis, Mr. Ralph Middlecamp, June 28, 2018

Letter to the U.S. House of Representatives Regarding the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Mr. Sean Callahan, Sr. Donna Markham, Mr. James Ennis, Mr. Ralph Middlecamp, April 18, 2018

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Urging Opposition to SNAP Cuts
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, September 11, 2013

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Urging Protection of Food Stamps
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, July 10, 2013

Letter to U.S. Senate on FY 2013 Agriculture and International and Domestic Food Security
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire and Bishop Richard E. Pates, April 16, 2012

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Concerning Cuts to Food Stamps
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, April 16, 2012

Letter to Congress on Agriculture Appropriations 
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, October 20, 2011

Letter to Congress on the Hunger-Free Communities Act
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, April 13, 2006

Letter to McDonald's on Florida Tomato Harvesters
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, September 28, 2006

Letter to U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee on Budget Reconciliation Process
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Br. David G. Andrews, Ken Hackett, October 5, 2005

Letter to U.S. Senate on FY 2006 Agriculture Appropriations
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop John H. Ricard, September 20, 2005

Letter to Senator Grassley on Agricultural Subsidies
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and Bishop John H. Ricard, April 1, 2005

2006 Budget Reconciliation: A Challenge and an Opportunity

For I Was Hungry & You Gave Me Food: Catholic Reflections on Food, Farmers, and Farmworkers
November 2003

Letter to Congress Regarding the Farm Bill: Rural Prosperity and Food Security Act and Farm, Food, and National Security Act
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Bishop A. Elias Zaidan, Ms. Kerry Alys Robinson, Mr. James Ennis, Mr. Sean Callahan, Mr. John Barry, May 22, 2024

Letter to Congress on Including Puerto Rico in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) November 9, 2023 

Letter to Congress on RESTORE Act
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Mr. Ralph Middlecamp, Sr. Donna Markham, and Ms. Karen Clifton, June 9, 2023

Letter to Congress Regarding the Trillion Trees and Natural Carbon Storage Act
Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Bishop David J. Malloy, May 16, 2023

Letter to Congress Regarding 2023 Farm Bill
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Bishop David J. Malloy, Mr. Sean Callahan, Sr. Donna Markham, Mr. James Ennis, and Mr. Ralph Middlecamp, April 24, 2023

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Praising Bipartisan, Compromise Farm Bill and Farm Bill Conference Committee Report
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Mr. Sean Callahan, Sr. Donna Markham, Mr. James Ennis, Mr Ralph Middlecamp
December 12, 2018

Letter to U.S. Senate on Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Mr. Sean Callahan, Sr. Donna Markham, Mr. James Ennis, Mr Ralph Middlecamp
June 28, 2018

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Sent in Response to Chairman's Mark of the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Mr. Sean Callahan, Sr. Donna Markham, Mr. James Ennis, Mr Ralph Middlecamp
April 18, 2018

Letter to Congress Regarding 2018 Farm Bill
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, Mr. Sean Callahan, Sr. Donna Markham, Mr. James Ennis, Mr Ralph Middlecamp
February 5, 2018

USCCB and National Catholic Partners Respond to Farm Bill Conference Committee Bill 
January 29, 2014

Letter to U.S. Senate on FY 2013 Farm Bill
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, Bishop Richard E. Pates, Fr. Larry Snyder, Dr. Carolyn Woo, Mr. James Ennis, and Ms. Sheila Gilbert, November 1, 2013

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on FY 2013 Farm Bill
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, Bishop Richard E. Pates, Fr. Larry Snyder, Dr. Carolyn Woo, Mr. James Ennis, and Ms. Sheila Gilbert, November 1, 2013

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Urging Opposition to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Cuts
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, September 11, 2013

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Urging Protection of Food Stamps
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, July 10, 2013

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on the Farm Bill 
Bishop Stephen Blaire, Bishop Richard Pates, Rev. Larry Snyder, Dr. Carolyn Woo, Mr. James Ennis, and Ms. Sheila Gilbert, June 17, 2013

Letter to U.S. Senate Regarding the Farm Bill
Bishop Stephen Blaire, Bishop Richard Pates, Rev. Larry Snyder, Dr. Carolyn Woo, Mr. James Ennis, May 9, 2013

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Regarding the Farm Bill
Bishop Stephen Blaire, Bishop Richard Pates, Rev. Larry Snyder, Dr. Carolyn Woo, Mr. James Ennis, May 9, 2013

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Regarding Proposed Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act and the Farm Bill
Bishop Stephen Blaire, Bishop Richard Pates, Dr. Carolyn Woo, Mr. James Ennis, July 10, 2012

Testimony for the Record Submitted to U.S. House of Representatives: Formulation of 2012 Farm Bill-Commodity Programs and Crop Insurance
USCCB, Catholic Relief Services, National Catholic Rural Life Conference, May 17, 2012

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture Concerning Cuts to Food Stamps
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, April 16, 2012

Testimony for the Record Submitted to U.S. Senate: Risk Management and Commodities in the 2012 Farm Bill
USCCB, Catholic Relief Services, National Catholic Rural Life Conference, March 14, 2012

Letter to U.S. Senate on the Farm Bill
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, Bishop Richard E. Pates, Rev. Larry Snyder, Dr. Carolyn Y. Woo, Mr. James F. Ennis, March 6, 2012

Letter to U.S. Senate on Child Nutrition and WIC Re-authorization Act
Bishop William F. Murphy, Most Rev. Thomas J. Curry, Rev. Larry Snyder, Sr. Dale McDonald, James Ennis, May 11, 2009

Letter to Congress on Reauthorization of the 2008 Farm Bill
Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, Mr. Jim Ennis, Mr. Ken Hackett, May 12, 2008

Letter to Congress Regarding FY 2008 Farm Bill
Bishop William Murphy, Bishop Thomas Wenski, Rev. Larry Snyder, Timothy Kautza, Ken Hackett, February 21, 2008

Letter to U.S. Senate on FY 2007 Farm Bill
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, Rev. Larry Snyder, Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore, Ken Hackett, November 6, 2007

Letter to U.S. Senate on FY 2007 Farm Bill 
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop Thomas G. Wenski, Rev. Larry Snyder, Timothy J. Kautza, Ken Hackett, October 4, 2007

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Regarding the Farm Bill
Bishop Thomas Wenski, July 26, 2007

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Regarding Farm Subsidies 
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Rev. Larry Snyder, Timothy Kautza, Ken Hackett, June 15, 2007

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Regarding Nutrition Programs
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Rev. Larry Snyder, Timothy Kautza, Ken Hackett, June 14, 2007

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on Farm Bill
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Rev. Larry Snyder, Br. David Andrews, Ken Hackett, June 6, 2007

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on Conservation Initiatives in the Farm Bill
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Rev. Larry Snyder, Br. David Andrews, Ken Hackett, May 23, 2007

Statement on the Farm Bill
Religious Working Group, January 19, 2007

Resources on Unemployment and Poverty

Hope in a Time of Poverty: Fair Wages and Economic Security

Pastoral Reflection Guide Now Available for Labor Day Weekend | en Español
The resource contains homily notes, Prayers of the Faithful, social media announcements, and more.

Backgrounder on The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (S. 1486)
January 2022

Backgrounder on Paid Family Leave
February 2019

Backgrounder on Protecting Workers and Promoting the Dignity of Work
January 2016

Backgrounder on Just Wage and the Federal Minimum Wage
February 2014

Backgrounder on Worsening Economic Inequality
February 2014

Backgrounder on Protecting the Rights of Workers in a Globalized Economy
February 2013

Primer on Labor in Catholic Social Thought
2011

Backgrounder on Paid Sick Leave
April 2006

2024 Labor Day Statement I 2024 Declaración del Día del Trabajo
Archbishop Borys Gudziak and Bishop Mark J. Seitz
September 2, 2024

2023 Labor Day Statement I 2023 Declaración del Día del Trabajo
Archbishop Borys Gudziak
September 4, 2023

2022 Labor Day Statement I 2022 Declaración del Día del Trabajo
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley
September 5, 2022

2021 Labor Day Statement I 2021 Declaración del Día del Trabajo
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley
September 6, 2021

2020 Labor Day Statement | 2020 Declaración del Día del Trabajo
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley
September 7, 2020

2019 Labor Day Statement | En Español
Bishop Frank J. Dewane
September 2, 2019

2018 Labor Day Statement | En Español
Bishop Frank J. Dewane
September 3, 2018

2017 Labor Day Statement | En Español
September 4, 2017, Bishop Frank J. Dewane

2016 Labor Day Statement | En Español
September 5, 2016,Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski

2015 Labor Day Statement | En Español
September 7, 2015, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski

2014 Labor Day Statement | En Español
September 1, 2014, Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski

2013 Labor Day Statement | En Español
September 2, 2013, Bishop Stephen E. Blaire

Placing Work and Workers at the Center of Economic Life | En Español
September 3, 2012, Bishop Stephen E. Blaire

Human Costs and Moral Challenges of a Broken Economy | En Español
September 5, 2011, Bishop Stephen E. Blaire

A New "Social Contract" for Today's "New Things" | En Español
September 6, 2010, Bishop William Murphy

The Value of Work | En Español
September 7, 2009, Bishop William Murphy

An American Catholic Tradition | En Español
September 1, 2008, Bishop William F. Murphy

A Time to Remember; A Time to Recommit | En Español
September 3, 2007, Bishop Nicolas DiMarzio

A Labor Day Reflection on Immigration and Work | En Español
September 4, 2006, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio

Work, Pope John Paul II, and Catholic Teaching | En Español
September 5, 2005, Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio

Global Trade That Works for All | En Español
September 6, 2004

Recommitting to Justice for Farm Workers | En Español
September 1, 2003

Monsignor George G. Higgins: Faithful Priest and Voice for Workers | En Español
September 2, 2002

The Dignity of Work and Workers: The Message of Laborem Exercens
September 3, 2001, Cardinal Roger Mahoney

A Jubilee for Workers: Challenges and Opportunities for the New Millennium
September 4, 2000, Cardinal Roger Mahoney

Social Security and Solidarity
September 6, 1999, Cardinal Roger Mahoney

Not a Picnic for Everyone
September 7, 1998, Bishop William Skylstad

Economic Progress: Looking Beyond the Numbers
September 1, 1997, Bishop William Skylstad

An Economy of Paradoxes: Labor Day Challenges
September 2, 1996, Bishop William Skylstad

Renewing the Social Contract: Reclaiming the Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
September 4, 1995, Bishop John H. Ricard S.S.J.

Work: Still at the Center of the Social Question
September 5, 1994, Bishop John H. Ricard S.S.J.

A "Labor Priest" Challenges Us
September 6, 1993, Bishop John H. Ricard S.S.J.

Work and Family: Old Values, New Challenges
September 7, 1992, Bishop James W. Malone

A Time for Action
September 2, 1991, Bishop James W. Malone

On the New Condition of Labor
September 3, 1990, Msgr. George G. Higgins

Freedom, Justice and the Role of Unions
September 4, 1989, Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan

Solidarity and American Catholics
September 5, 1988, Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan

Rights and Responsibilities of Workers
September 7, 1987, Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan

Family and Work
September 1, 1986, Cardinal John J. O'Connor

Testimony to Congress on Paid Leave
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, October 25, 2023

Letter to Congress on Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP)
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and Archbishop William E. Lori, September 8, 2022

Statement: After "Dobbs," Congress Must Come Together to Protect Life and Promote the Common Good
August 1, 2022

Letter to U.S. Senate on Paycheck Fairness Act and Redefinition of Term "Sex" 
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, and Bishop David A. Konderla, June 8, 2021

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on Opposing Addition of Provision Redefining "Sex" in Paycheck Fairness Act
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop Joseph F. Naumann, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, and Bishop David A. Konderla, April 14, 2021

Comments on Paycheck Protection Program
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, July 10, 2020

Letter to Congress Regarding Fair and Just Wages
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Sr. Donna Markham, July 28, 2015

Letter to the U.S. Senate on the Minimum Wage and Just Wages
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski, Fr. Larry Snyder, January 8, 2014

Testimony Before the U.S. Senate on Building a Foundation of Fairness: 75 Years of the Federal Minimum Wage
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, June 25, 2013

Letter to Congress on Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act, Unemployment Insurance, and Child Tax Credit
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, February 9, 2012

Letter to Congress on Unemployment Insurance
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, December 12, 2011

Letter to U.S. Senate on the Healthy Families Act and Paid Family Leave
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, May 10, 2007

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on the Healthy Families Act and Paid Family Leave
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, May 10, 2007

Letter to U.S. House of Representative Regarding the Fair Minimum Wage Act
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, January 8, 2007

Backgrounder on Predatory Banking & Payday Lending: Learn more about predatory banking and payday lending and what the Church is doing to combat their devastating effects.

Payday Lending: What Catholics Are Doing to Combat Financial Exploitation Webinar recording and PowerPoint presentation October 8, 2014

Faith for Just Lending Coalition Support Challenge to Rule Overriding State Usury Laws and Legalizing Predatory Lending
On June 16, 2021, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley and the Faith for Just Lending Coalition write to Congress to express support for the Congressional Review Act (CRA) challenge to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC) “National Banks and Federal Savings Associations as Lenders” rule. The OCC rule overrides state usury laws, legalizing predatory lending even in states that have outlawed it.

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
On December 14, 2020, Faith for Just Lending writes to the Consumer Financial Protection Agency Review Team to request a meeting to discuss the work of the coalition can support the efforts of the bureau.

Payday Lending Rule Exposes the Poor and Vulnerable to Predatory and Abusive Lending Practices
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, issues a statement in response to the Consumer Protection Bureau's July 7, 2020 final rule on Payday, Vehicle Title, and Certain High-Cost Installment Loans.

Faith Leaders Call for Borrower Protections During COVID-19 Crisis
In May of 2020, Faith for Just Lending issues a statement calling on government and civil society to act to prevent a major spike in predatory debt traps that could undo, for many low-income families, much of the positive impact of the CARES Act.

Faith for Just Lending Letter to Congress in Support of the Veterans and Consumer Fair Credit Act
On January 10, 2020, Faith for Just Lending, a coalition of organizations and denominations representing millions of Christians across the country, writes to the House of Representatives to urge support for the Veterans and Consumer Fair Credit Act and by so doing establishing an interest rate cap of 36% and taking an important step toward preventing harm caused by predatory lending practices.

Faith for Just Lending:  Comments on Proposal to Rescind Ability-to-Repay Requirements Governing Payday, Vehicle Title, and Certain High-Cost Installment Loans
On May 13, 2019, the Faith for Just Lending coalition submits comments to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau expressing support for the 2017 rules to curb predatory payday and car title lending practices.

Faith for Just Lending Letter to the Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
On February 13, 2019, a coalition of Christian churches and organizations, writes to Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Kathleen Kraninger, to express concern over the reopening of the small dollar lending rule.

Faith For Just Lending
On December 4, 2018, an ecumenical coalition of Christian leaders writes to Secretary of Defense Mattis and to Acting Director for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Mulvaney urging the reversal of the recent decision to suspend the supervision of payday, car title, and other lenders for violations of the Military Lending Act.

Faith For Just Lending Calls for End of Predatory Payday Loans
On May 16, 2016, Faith for Just Lending , a non-partisan group of religious leaders, practitioners, and social service providers, working together to end the debt trap caused by predatory payday loans, writes to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Cordray to support efforts of the Bureau to draft a payday lending rule.

Letter on Payday Lending
On November 13, 2013, Bishop Stephen E. Blaire writes to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau regarding payday lending.

Anti-poverty Programs and the Federal Budget

Backgrounder on A Peace Economy: Rebalancing Spending Priorities

Backgrounder on the Federal Budget Domestic Antipoverty Programs
February 2015

Catholic Social Teaching on Poverty, an Option for the Poor, and the Common Good

Letter to Congress on Request for Emergency Supplemental Funding
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Bishop David J. Mally and Bishop Mark J. Seitz, September 11, 2023

Letter to Congress Regarding the Debt Ceiling
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Bishop David J. Malloy, Mr. Sean Callahan, and Sr. Donna Markham, May 17, 2023

Bishops Chairmen Commend Life-Affirming Provisions in Budget Agreement
Archbishop William E. Lori, Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan, Bishop David J. Malloy, Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, March 11, 2022

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act
On November 3, 2021, as the U.S. House of Representatives prepares to consider the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Build Back Better Act, six bishop chairmen of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) write a letter to Congress on the legislation.

Federal Budget Reconciliation
In a September 7, 2021 letter to Congress, the chairmen of five USCCB committees ask Congress to work toward policies that will help those on the margins of society, strengthen families, protect religious freedom, promote care for creation, and respect the rights and dignity of every human life.

Bishops Offer a Moral Framework for Proposed Infrastructure Legislation
In an April 22, 2021 letter to Congress, the chairmen of five USCCB committees write to offer a moral framework and points of emphasis for consideration in the members of Congress consider a variety of policies that could be included in legislation on infrastructure.

Letter to U.S. Senate on Supplemental Aid Package for Regions Effected by Natural Disasters
Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Sr. Donna Markham, March 25, 2019

Letters to Congress on FY2020 Federal Budget
Bishop Frank J. Dewane and Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, March 7, 2019

Letters to Congress on the FY 2018 Federal Budget
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Bishop Oscar Cantú, Bishop. Christopher J. Coyne, Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop George V. Murry, and Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, August 31, 2017

Letters to Congress Regarding the FY 2018 Federal Budget
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Bishop Oscar Cantú, Bishop. Christopher J. Coyne, Bishop George V. Murry, Bishop Frank J. Dewane, and Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, May 19, 2017

Letters to Congress Regarding the Federal Budget and Appropriations Process
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Bishop Oscar Cantú, Bishop. Christopher J. Coyne, Bishop George V. Murry, Bishop Frank J. Dewane, and Bishop Joe S. Vásquez, March 3, 2017

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Regarding the FY 2016 Federal Budget
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Bishop Oscar Cantú, February 27, 2015

Letter to U.S. Senate Regarding the FY 2016 Federal Budget
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Bishop Oscar Cantú, February 27, 2015

Letter to Congress on Federal Spending and Tax Priorities
Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski and Bishop Oscar Cantú, November 17, 2014

Letters to Congress on Shutdown of the Federal Government and Responsible Federal Budget Choices
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, Bishop Richard E. Pates, and Archbishop Jose H. Gomez, September 30, 2013

Letters to Congress on FY 2014 Budget Resolution
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire and Bishop Richard E. Pates, March 18, 2013

Letter to Congress Regarding Federal Budget
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire and Bishop Richard E. Pales, December 14, 2012

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Regarding Sequester
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire and Bishop Richard E. Pates, November 13, 2012

Letter to U.S. Senate Regarding the Moral and Human Dimensions of the FY13 Federal Budget
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire and Bishop Richard E. Pates, May 16, 2012

Letter to Congress on FY 2013 Federal Budget
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, Bishop Richard E. Pates, March 6, 2012

Letter to Congress Regarding Federal Budget Deficit Reduction
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, August 31, 2011

Report on the Debt Ceiling Debate: Good News, Bad News, and Worse News
Mr. John Carr, August 3, 2011

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives Regarding Federal Budget and Debt Ceiling Debate
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, July 26, 2011

Letter to U.S. Senate on FY 2012 Federal Budget Resolution
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, May 5, 2011

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on FY 2012 Federal Budget Resolution
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, April 13, 2011

Letter to U.S. Senate on FY 2011 Federal Budget Continuing Appropriations Resolution
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, March 4, 2011

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on the Continuing Appropriations Resolution
Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, February 14, 2011

Letter to U.S. Senate on FY 2009 Federal Budget
Bishop William F. Murphy and Bishop Howard J. Hubbard, March 26, 2009

Letter to Congress on American Recovery and Reinvestment Act 
Bishop William F. Murphy, February 11, 2009

Letter to Congress and to U.S. Department of the Treasure Regarding the Financial Crisis
Bishop William F. Murphy, September 26, 2008

Letter to Congress on Policies to Stimulate the Economy
Bishop William F. Murphy, Rev. Larry Snyder, Sr. Carol Keehan, September 18, 2008

Letter to Secretary of the Treasury Paulson on Priority for the Poor in Economic Stimulus Efforts
Bishop William F. Murphy, January 23, 2008

Letter to U.S. Senae on FY 2007 Federal Budget Resolution
Bishop William S. Skylstad, March 3, 2006

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on Budget Reconciliation Bill
Bishop William S. Skylstad, January 24, 2006

Letters to U.S. House of Representatives on the Budget Resolution
Bishop William S. Skylstad, December 13, 2005

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on Budget Reconciliation Bill
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and Bishop John Ricard, November 8, 2005

Letter to U.S. Senate on Budget Reconciliation Bill
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and Bishop John Ricard, November 2, 2005

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on Mark-Up of the Medicaid Portion of the Federal Budget
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Rev. Larry Snyder, and Sr. Carol Keehan, October 26, 2005

Letter to U.S. House Representatives on Vote on Increase of Reconciliation Cuts
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio and Bishop John H. Ricard, October 25, 2005

Letter to U.S. Senate Regarding National Task of Recovery and Rebuilding the Gulf Coast After Hurricanes
Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza and Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, October 19, 2005

Letter to Congress Regarding Budget Reconciliation and Cuts to Medicaid
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Rev. Larry Snyder, Michael Rodgers, July 27, 2005

Letter to U.S. Senate on FY2006 Federal Budget
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop John Ricard, & Bishop Bernard Harrington, April 20, 2005

Letter to U.S. Senate on the Smith-Bingaman Amendment and Medicaid Funding Letter
March 17, 2005

Letter to Congress Regarding Budget Priorities
Bishop William S. Skylstad, February 15, 2005

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on Spending Control Act
June 24, 2004

Letter to Congress on FY 2005 Federal Budget
Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, April 22, 2004

Letter to U.S. Senate on FY 2004 Federal Budget
Bishop Wilton D. Gregory, March 21, 2003

Letter to Congress on Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act
Archbishop Borys Gudziak, Bishop Robert E. Barron and Bishop Michael E. Burbidge, June 2, 2023

Letter to Congress on Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, December 6, 2017

Letter to Congress on Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, November 22, 2017

Letter to Congress on Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, Bishop Oscar Cantú, and Bishop George V. Murry, November 9, 2017

Letters to Congress on Tax Reform
Bishop Frank J. Dewane, October 25, 2017

U.S. Bishops Urge President to Rescind Divisive Memorandum Excluding Undocumented from Inclusion in Apportionment of U.S. House of Representative Seats
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, Bishop Mario E. Dorsonville, July 22, 2020

Backgrounder on Faith-based Initiatives
April 2006

Letter to U.S. House of Representatives on School Readiness Act 2005
September 21, 2005

Letter to U.S. Senate Inclusion of CARE Act as Part of Jumpstart Our Business Strength (JOBS) Act 2004
September 30, 2004

Letter to U.S. Senate on Charity Aid, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) and Jumpstart Our Business Strength (JOBS) Act
March 11, 2004

Letter to U.S. House of Representative on Charity Aid, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act
May 6, 2003

Letter to White House Chief of Staff Card on Charity Aid, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act
May 5, 2003

Letter to U.S. Senate on the Charity Aid, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act of 2003
February 7, 2003

Letter to U.S. Senate on Charity Aid, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act
April 12, 2002

Letter to U.S. Senate on Charity Aid, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Act
February 26, 2002

Statement on Faith-Based and Community Initiatives
Cardinal Roger Mahony, February 12, 2001