His Excellency, the Most Reverend Timothy P. Broglio, J.C.D., Archbishop for the Military Services, USA, has issued the following statement on the possibility of a federal government shutdown:
“Join me in prayer that our leaders in Congress find a way to consider the needs of the Country and set aside animosities so as to break through the budget impasse. In the event of a government shutdown, active-duty military chaplains will be able to continue celebrating Mass and providing pastoral care. I am urging civilian priests working as civil servants, or those under contract with the Defense Department, to substitute for the priests in neighboring parishes and invite those priests to celebrate Mass at the installation. Religious support contractors including musicians and educators will be prevented from providing their services to military families, as well. It is deplorable that a law from the 19th century, the Antideficiency Act, effectively cancels the First Amendment rights of believers.
“In its failure to pass a budget, Congress negatively impacts religious expression in the military as this Archdiocese and many of my priests are blocked from ministry.”