Congress continues to grapple with legislation to fund the federal government and address the federal debt ceiling, but a commitment to the common good has taken a back seat to partisanship and ideology. The federal government has mostly shut down for the first time in 17 years.

The Catechism states it is the proper role of government to "make accessible to each what is needed to lead a truly human life" (no. 1908), and the Catholic Bishops of the United States have been consistent and persistent in their call to protect human life in dignity in budget negotiations.

In the days and weeks to come, Congress must make difficult choices regarding federal budget priorities. Tell your Senators and Representative to put a "Circle of Protection" around poor and vulnerable people at home and abroad:

• Adequately fund programs that address hunger and joblessness, and help people rise above poverty in the United States and around the world;
• Replace sequestration with a balanced plan that includes revenues as well as responsible spending cuts;
• Raise the debt ceiling in a responsible manner so as not to harm struggling families and poor and vulnerable people in our country and around the world; and
• Work for inclusion of the Health Care Conscience Rights Act (H.R. 940, S. 1204). Government must not force Americans to violate their religious and moral beliefs on respect for life when they provide health care or purchase health coverage.