As a Christian minister, the severe cuts to life-sustaining programs resulting from the federal budget bill passed by the U.S. House are deeply distressing to me. I have on my heart those I have served as a minister who have relied on these programs to meet their basic needs. I have on my heart the period of unexpected hardship my spouse and I went through when we relied on Medicaid and SNAP during her early pregnancy with our daughter. I have on my heart the clear call my faith makes to share our resources so no one goes hungry or without healing care, and to “defend the rights of the poor and needy.”

Most attention has understandably been on the millions of people who would lose healthcare for whatever reason to satisfy the cuts to Medicaid and Medicare — yes, Medicare. We must also be alarmed by the massive cuts to basic nutrition programs. This will literally take food away from hungry children and elders. Such cruelty violates the beliefs of most Americans across the political spectrum. We must urge our Senators – in Pennsylvania, Sens. Dave McCormick and John Fetterman – to oppose the House budget reconciliation bill.

The Rev. Nathaniel Mahlberg, Philadelphia

Letter to the Editor published in the Philadelphia Inquirer, May 27, 2025