Senate Chaplain Calls Out Congress for Denying Death Benefits to Soldiers Killed in Combat

"It's time for our lawmakers to say enough is enough," said Barry Black in his morning prayer

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The Senate’s chaplain, Barry Black, has never been afraid to step into the fray on matters of conscience, but his benediction Wednesday morning may have been his most forceful statement yet. A former Navy chaplain, Black had stern words for Congress after the shutdown caused the denial of death benefits to the families of US Army Rangers killed over the weekend in Afghanistan.

“Lord, when our federal shutdown delays payments of death benefits to the families of children dying in far-away battlefields, it’s time for our lawmakers to say enough is enough,” Black said. “Cover our shame with the robe of your righteousness. Forgive us, reform us, and make us whole.”