Prioritize Grace Over Greed in Budget Reconciliation
The United States 119th Congress has officially begun the budget reconciliation process, which is a special way to fast-track legislation concerning policy choices in the annual budget resolution. Like the budget resolution, a reconciliation bill cannot be filibustered and therefore needs only a simple majority to move to a final vote. As the federal budgeting process continues, our call remains the same – to advocate for the prioritization of grace over greed.
As United Methodists, our Wesleyan theology affirms that grace is not earned but readily available to all without any requirement or justification. Likewise, John Wesley taught that greed is an impediment to holiness. If we are to employ our Wesleyan heritage and theology within our advocacy efforts, we must ensure that the grace of abundant living is not overshadowed by the greed of power.
The impact of the budget reconciliation package will implicate priorities across all four advocacy portfolios. While what has been proposed in this package is alarming, our collective response is focused:
Economic, Health, and Gender Justice
Within the Economic, Health, and Gender Justice portfolio, the proposed package includes funding cuts from food and healthcare assistance programs. It also imposes unnecessary barriers to accessing assistance in an effort to lower costs by serving fewer people. These restrictions include:
- Cutting $300 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which includes rolling back higher benefit levels under what is called the Thrifty Food Plan
- Draconian Medicaid cuts of up to $2.3 trillion over ten years
- Eliminating the additional incentive for states to take up the Medicaid expansion
- Imposing onerous Medicaid work reporting requirements.
- Reducing the matching rate for states covering undocumented immigrants with their own funds.
Peace With Justice
Within the Peace With Justice portfolio, we are monitoring how social services are on the chopping block while weapons and war are being prioritized instead. While millions of dollars could be cut from Medicaid, the House and Senate Armed Services Committees are pushing for a major defense spending boost in the reconciliation package. Senate Armed Services chair Roger Wicker is proposing $120 billion more for the Pentagon across FY 2025 and 2026. GBCS is prepared to resist any large Pentagon spending additions to the reconciliation process because “security” means fully funding social safety programing and not increasing threats of war.
Civil and Human Rights
Within the Civil and Human Rights portfolio, we must ensure the protection and adequate funding of several governing entities. Chief among them is advocating that the Department of Education is protected. Also, that the CBP One App – along with asylum and refuge programs – are restored, protected and adequately funded as well. We must also work to reject additional funding towards the building of a wall on U.S. borders. Furthermore, we must advocate that funds are not withheld from states that acknowledge more than one gender or support transgender rights.
Environmental Justice
Within the Environmental Justice portfolio, we oppose dismantling any climate mitigation program in the name of budget reconciliation. Programs like the Green Energy Tax Cut, Direct Pay for nonprofits seeking to install renewable energy, and incentives to spur private investment in renewable energy technology support popular programs that are making a difference in the fight to limit climate-harming pollution. Supporting the transition away from fossil fuels is a priority as we work for climate justice and a safe and healthy environment.
Use this form to let your congressional leaders know that grace must continue to be prioritized over greed throughout the federal budgeting process.
This content was originally published by the General Board of Church and Society; republished with permission on ResourceUMC.org on February 4, 2025.