Lawmakers and Critics Slam Walter Reed for Cease and Desist Order Targeting Catholic Priests

Republican lawmakers are demanding answers after a group of Catholic priests from Holy Name College were barred from Walter Reed National Military Medical Center just before Easter week services. The medical center officials said the contract between the college and campus expired after military officials opted to partner with a different firm. However, the new group does not have Catholic clergy under contract to provide services and sacraments, leaving Catholic troops without reasonable access for their religious needs. The lawmakers called the situation "utterly unconscionable" and asked for an official department response on what services were provided to Catholic troops over Easter week.