Alesia Frerichs, president and CEO of Lutheran Services in America, issued the following statement after Congress passed its budget reconciliation bill.

“With today’s vote, lawmakers have chosen flawed policy and politics over people. This bill’s passage will deepen the strain on caregivers, overwhelm service providers, and force states into impossible decisions about what — and whom — they can afford to support.

“We’ve seen versions of this policy play out in states across the country, and the evidence is clear: it leads to fewer people with health coverage, fewer services, not better outcomes. It pushes women and other family members, who make up the majority of family caregivers, into greater economic uncertainty. Puts further strain on already deep workforce gaps. And it leaves faith-based organizations like ours scrambling to make up the difference.

“Our organization is grounded in faith and committed to service. That won’t change. But the work will get harder, and the consequences will be real. We urge federal, state and local leaders to work with nonprofit partners to find practical, people-centered solutions. Public-private partnerships will be essential as we navigate these devastating cuts.

“Lutheran Services in America and its members will keep showing up for the people and communities who need us most. As a Lutheran organization, we are called to walk alongside the vulnerable, to serve with humility and courage, and to be a steadfast presence in times of fear and uncertainty. That calling has never felt more urgent than it does today.”