December 22, 2005

The debate over the FY ‘06 Federal Budget, which began when President Bush presented his proposal in February, ended December 21 with Vice President Dick Cheney returning from an overseas trip to break a tie-vote in the Senate.

By a 51-50 vote, the Senate approved $40 billion over the next five years in budget cuts from low-income families while protecting special interests. Because of changes made in the Senate, the House will have to vote again on the budget but timing is uncertain.

Revenues from drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge had been included in the President's budget but were removed when it became clear that their inclusion would kill the budget. Drilling proponents, led by Sen. Ted Stevens (R-AK), then added drilling to the Department of Defense Authorization. However, that legislative ploy did not succeed and early in the afternoon, the Senate voted to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge from drilling.

Throughout the year, advocates in the faith and non-profit communities argued against the cuts in spending for the poor and low-income workers and their families. Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold, joined by leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of Christ, and United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, sought budget changes that would help "the least of these."

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the report of the U.S. Census Bureau contributed to their arguments. Episcopal bishops and members of the grassroots Episcopal Public Policy Network made phone calls to legislators, wrote letters and opinion pieces that were essential to the public debate.

In the final bill, cuts to Food Stamps were dropped – a major victory – but Medicaid benefits were reduced and co-payments and premiums increased, child support enforcement reduced, and families moving from welfare to work will be required to work more hours without needed childcare funding.

"While we are grateful for those who worked hard to improve this budget, we must in the end recognize that once again the poor and low income will bear the burden of these so-called ‘savings,'" Griswold said. "In the year to come, I pray that our nation will more fully explore and meet our obligation to those who suffer in the hope that we may become a nation less divided by income, race, and class and thus more reconciled one to the other."

For more than 10 years, the Episcopal Church has worked with the Gwich'In Nation – 90 percent of whom are Episcopalians – and environmentalists to protect "Iizhik Gwats'an Gwandaii Goodlit" – The Sacred Place Where Life Begins – known as the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

Although the U.S. Department of Energy estimated that it would take 10 years before oil from the Arctic would reach domestic markets, drilling proponents sought to convince Americans that this oil would lower our dependence on foreign oil and lower gas prices. Opponents argued that the U.S. protect this pristine part of God's creation and address energy needs by reducing its dependence on fossil fuels through investment in renewable energies and more fuel efficient automobiles.

The Rt. Rev. Mark L. MacDonald, Bishop of Alaska, who has worked tirelessly against drilling, made this statement following the vote: "With a deep sense of gratitude, we welcome the action of the Senate striking down the attempt to attach development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge with a bill to authorize Defense spending.

"An amazing coalition – Conservative and Liberal, Red and Blue, Environmentalists and Sports Enthusiasts, Evangelical Christians and a broad spectrum of religious groups – came together to protect the web of life that is represented in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

"Special thanks must be given to the Senators who showed integrity and courage in standing firm against great political pressure, to the Bishops and other religious leaders who have joined with the Gwich'in People in concern and action, to the staff of the Washington Office of the Episcopal Church who worked long and hard to support their fellow Gwich'in Episcopalians, and, finally, the growing number of American people who look for a new future of mutual interdependence and responsibility.

"Finally, and most significantly, we must recognize the way that the Gwich'in, in their very traditional faith and uncompromising hope, have been the spiritual spark of this work. We pray that this emerging coalition may be strengthened. It is a sign of hope."

Maureen Shea, director of Government Relations for the Episcopal Church, said of yesterday's votes: "When we began this year, no one would have guessed that the Vice President would be needed to break a tie on the budget. Our advocacy made a difference.

"As the Administration readies the FY ‘07 Federal Budget, we ask that they remember the faces of Katrina and Rita victims and the nationwide figures on poverty reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. We will continue to bear witness for those who are too often forgotten, and we will do so in greater numbers and with even greater intensity."

Episcopal News Service