Our voices have helped bring a victory in the budget debate! Capitol Hill leaders and staffers have said they have never heard so much from people across the country about the budget. Those efforts paid off today as the Senate voted against reducing Medicaid funding in 2006 by close to $15 billion.

The Senate approved an amendment to the 2006 budget resolution, by a vote of 52-48, that is characterized as a “serious blow” to efforts to cut support for low-income families. The provision was supported by all 45 Democrats and 7 Republicans – Senators Collins (Maine), Specter (Penn.), Chafee (Rhode Island), DeWine (Ohio), Snowe (Maine), Coleman (Minn.), and lead sponsor of the amendment, Senator Gordon Smith of Oregon.


This is one success in the context of a large budget with many misguided priorities, but it is proof that speaking out for moral principles can make a difference. You joined thousands of people in making sure that Washington heard: budgets are moral documents. “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)