“Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…”
Philippians 2:3-5 (NRSVUE)
The National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA (NCC) calls for the passage of a bill that lifts the debt ceiling with no conditions to avert financial disaster and protect the millions of Americans who rely on social safety net programs.
Hundreds of millions of Americans—including families, children, seniors, and veterans—are at risk of going hungry, losing access to healthcare, and foreclosing on their homes because of the current irresponsible debate about whether the United States should pay its bills. It is unconscionable to refuse to pay a debt that has already been incurred, let alone hold the American people hostage for political gain. Millions of people who depend on monthly benefits to get by will be phased-out of nutrition, health care, and cash assistance programs due to unfair time-limits and other unreasonable requirements and will suddenly be at risk of falling into extreme poverty.
If Congress does not act before June 1st, the Treasury will run out of funds to pay America’s growing debt and default for the first time in our nation’s 247-year history. The potential damage of a breach is extensive. Millions of people who depend on monthly benefits to get by will be phased-out of critical assistance programs due to unfair time-limits and other unreasonable requirements and will suddenly be at risk of falling into extreme poverty. Those seeking medical care will be turned away because they will no longer be able to get health insurance. Others could find themselves on the street.
The scripture warns us about the high cost of inaction and turning a blind-eye to the plight of the vulnerable among us, saying, “Do not rob the poor because they are poor or crush the afflicted at the gate, for the Lord pleads their cause and despoils of life those who despoil them (Proverbs 22:22-23 NRSVUE).” It is morally reprehensible to put millions of people at risk. Congress must lift the debt ceiling without conditions.
If Congress refuses to act to pass a clean bill to raise the debt ceiling, then we urge President Biden to use whatever options are available to him to protect the full faith and credit of the United States of America.
