WHY SHOULD I CARE ABOUT THE FY 2008 SUPPLEMENTAL? The FY 2008 Supplemental Appropriations bill provides an opportunity for critical support for emergencies around the world.  For example, the recent spike in global food prices has caused rioting in some of the poorest nations on earth such as Haiti and Senegal.

The FY 2008 Supplemental should also assist people affected by conflict in countries such as Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Afghanistan. It should offer help to Iraqi refugees, provide aid to promote peace in the Holy Land, support peacekeepers in Darfur and diplomatic efforts to sustain peace between North and South Sudan. 

WHAT DOES THE FY 2008 SUPPLEMENTAL HAVE TO DO WITH MY FAITH?

Catholic social teaching is rooted in the sacredness and fundamental dignity of every human life.  As Catholics, we are also called to be in solidarity with our brothers and sisters worldwide who are suffering because of war, disease, natural disaster and poverty.  Our nation’s acts of solidarity with people in need can reduce their suffering and improve their lives to help build a more stable and peaceful world.

WHAT IS THE CHURCH’S POSITION ON THE FY 2008 SUPPLEMENTAL? In a recent letter to the Senate ( http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/international/letter_senate_approps_leaders08.pdf ) and House ( http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/international/letter_house_approps_leaders08.pdf ) Appropriations Committees, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) urged Members to include funding in the FY 2008 Supplemental Appropriations bill that would help relieve the suffering of millions of people in conflict areas around the world. 

In your message to Congress, please focus on the following priorities for the FY 2008 Supplemental Appropriations:

• FEED THE HUNGRY:  Provide at least $600 million in Title II emergency food aid, plus an additional $100 million for the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust. 
• HELP REFUGEES FROM IRAQ AND OTHER COUNTRIES:  Provide at least $173 million to meet the daily needs of Iraqi refugees who have been forced to shelter in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Egypt and Turkey and to fulfill the Administration’s pledge to admit 12,000 Iraqi Refugees in FY 2008.   An additional $172 million is urgently needed for refugees in other parts of the world, particularly the DRC.
• SUPPORT THE PEOPLE OF PALESTINE:  Support the President’s request for $220 million to support the peace process and to provide urgent humanitarian needs.
• RESPOND TO THE CRISIS IN SUDAN:  Provide substantial supplemental funding for Darfur and Sudan, including $455 million for peacekeeping operations and diplomatic efforts to help facilitate an end to the conflict, as well as additional International Disaster Assistance and Migration and Refugee Assistance for Darfur and South Sudan.
• INTERNATIONAL DISASTER ASSISTANCE:  Make available $335 million to provide emergency assistance to conflict countries such as Afghanistan, the DRC, Chad, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Sri Lanka.

WHERE DOES THE FY 2008 SUPPLEMENTAL STAND NOW?  The House of Representatives and Senate will soon consider their respective bills.  Now is the time to let all Members of Congress know how urgent it is to include additional funding to help poor people worldwide who are suffering from war, hunger, disease, and natural disasters.

For more information, contact: 
Tina Rodousakis, Grassroots Advocacy Manager, CRS, 410-951-7462, trodousa@crs.org
Steve Hilbert, Africa Policy Advisor, International Justice and Peace, USCCB, 202-541-3167, shilbert@usccb.org