Rev. Larry Snyder, President of Catholic Charities USA, Testifies Before House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight

Urges immediate response to the devastating "silent" oil spill disaster

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Rev. Larry Snyder, President and CEO of Catholic Charities USA, in testimony today before Congressman John Lewis and the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight hearing on the Gulf Coast oil disaster called for a national disaster declaration, a new program of disaster unemployment assistance, and congressional approval of a coordinated regional plan to develop a long-term recovery.

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"This 'silent' disaster has not only impacted families financially, but it has dramatically increased the emotional and mental health burden on families and individuals throughout the Gulf region," said Fr. Snyder.  "Many of the people are the same who were impacted by Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike--and now once again, they are worried about what their futures will hold."

"While our Catholic Charities agencies have served 20,000 people in the region to date, and are continuing to provide services daily, it is important to recognize that funding for these disaster relief services is being provided out of standard operating budgets," Fr. Snyder continued.  "There is a dire need to access greater funding that can be used to serve the immediate and long-term needs of the growing vulnerable population."

Fr. Snyder made the following policy recommendations:

1. Declare a national disaster in the Gulf region to significantly improve the delivery of service to impacted families.

2. Urge Congress to develop a new program of unemployment assistance.

3. Work with local governments to approve a coordinated plan to develop a long-term recovery.

4. Improve coordination between FEMA and other federal agencies.

5. Develop a disaster response fund.

6. Provide tax relief for people directly impacted by the disaster.

7. Provide a bridge loan program to help non-profits and small businesses meet the current and increasing demands.

8. Pass legislation to ensure proper monitoring of the long-term health impact of the disaster.

Fr. Snyder's complete testimony and policy recommendations can be downloaded at http://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/NetCommunity/Document.Doc?id=2330.

Catholic Charities USA's members--more than 1,700 local Catholic Charities agencies and institutions nationwide--provide help and create hope for more than 9 million people a year regardless of religious, social, or economic backgrounds. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrates its centennial anniversary. For more information, visit www.CatholicCharitiesUSA.org.

SOURCE Catholic Charities USA