Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, who serves as president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has called on lawmakers and the Administration to reach a bipartisan solution to fund essential programs and end the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Broglio highlighted concerns over the impact of the shutdown on services that provide direct assistance to those in need. He specifically mentioned the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps families facing food insecurity.

"In the midst of the ongoing federal government shutdown, Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a plea for lawmakers and the Administration to work in a bipartisan way to ensure funding of lifesaving programs and an end to the government shutdown. Archbishop Broglio cited the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), a government program that aids needy families, as an example of an impacted program."

The prolonged shutdown has disrupted critical social safety net programs such as SNAP, which is relied upon by millions across the United States for basic nutritional support.