LCLAA on the Passage of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023

Washington, DC - The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) commends Congress for passing the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023, preventing the first ever government default, and any disruptions that could disproportionately impact vulnerable communities such as ours. At the same time, our organization is deeply disappointed in the concessions made in this effort. 

This legislation guarantees the continuation of key programs and government functions, such as Social Security, Medicare, air traffic control, and school nutrition, while safeguarding the job security of over two million federal employees. However, at the same time, the bill makes it more difficult for working families to afford the cost of living in this country. Stricter work requirements will be imposed on programs such as SNAP, making them less accessible to those who are most in need. The bill will bring an end to the president’s student loan repayment freeze, which has granted unprecedented financial freedom to many, and weakens environmental protections, posing risks to our communities. 

Jose Vargas, Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement on the passage of the bill, “We are proud to see our Members of Congress reach an agreement that can put our government on the right path to preventing a default. However, several of the measures included in the bill defy our goals as an organization, and once again, place the burden onto working families. We ask that our Members of Congress provoke discussions on the proposed work requirements, and seek to find a bipartisan solution that prioritizes the true realities facing middle-class Americans.”