Make sure cuts don’t hurt most vulnerable

As one of the wealthiest nations, we have a special responsibility in the world. Preventable diseases like AIDS and malaria and extreme hunger and poverty are areas where American efforts are proven and have saved lives. I know, having served in Iraq as a combat lifesaver and armorer in 2003-04.

Cutting the deficit is necessary and important - but making smart choices and ensuring that our cuts don't hurt the most vulnerable among us are imperative and our obligation to all of God's children. As said in Luke 12:48: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded: and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much will be asked.”

Congress is making decisions on our federal budget, and it is up to us to ensure that Sens. Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin know that their constituents do not want to see a reduction in funding to the three pillars of U.S. national security: defense, diplomacy and development.

Ryan D. Long

Cedar Rapids