The Advocacy Web page is a clearinghouse of information and resources about Catholic Charities USA's social policy division and its efforts to shape federal legislation. To inform members and assist them in their own social policy activities, Advocacy makes available documents relating to particular issues, provides access to AdvoFax archives and staff information, and issues calls for action and testimony.

Catholic Charities USA’s Legislative Agenda for the 110th Congress

In the Social Policy advocacy work of Catholic Charities USA, particular focus is given to the needs of special populations, including but not limited to children, the elderly, the disabled, immigrants, and those who live in both rural and urban communities. These priorities are guided by the basic belief in the inherent dignity of the human person and the responsibility of society to ensure that dignity in all aspects of public policy. It is our tradition and belief that our country, through its policies and federal budget, must demonstrate a priority for attending to the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable persons in society.

While advocacy on hunger, housing, family, economic security, and health care have been established as major priorities, the importance of advocacy on federal budget and taxation issues cannot be understated. The federal budget is a moral statement to the people of our country. It is through the budget that the values of our society are expressed. Therefore, this budget must guarantee that the basic human needs of its people are met. Policies must be advanced that not only shape but support these moral principles. Choices made in the budget process about what is funded as well as how and who will pay for it must be judged by whether the life and dignity of the human person and the family are protected or undermined. In all policies we must ensure that the common good is served.