If you are having trouble viewing this message, go here: [link removed]

December 1, 2023


News


Overview: With a signed stopgap bill and Thanksgiving behind them, Congress this week focused on the tasks ahead, chief among them passing full-year spending bills before the stopgap measures expire ([link removed]).

Congress has only eight more working days in this calendar year to consider various actions, especially related to border issues and international security concerns.The impact of today's vote to expel Congressman George Santos (R-NY03) is still to be seen, but rest assured CCUSA continues to monitor developments on the Hill and in the federal agencies.

Economy: In the week ending November 25, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 218,000, an increase of 7,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 2,000 from 209,000 to 211,000. The 4-week moving average was 220,000, a decrease of 500 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 500 from 220,000 to 220,500.

New HHS proposed rule regarding foster care providers: After seeking comments from Catholic Charities member agencies directly involved with foster care, CCUSA responded to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed rule on Safe and Appropriate Foster Care Placement requirements ([link removed]). CCUSA asked HHS to consider the unintended consequences that could result from requirements in the rule that conflict with sincerely held religious beliefs and practices of providers and potential foster families. CCUSA also asked HHS to include the same language in the preamble in the final rule that acknowledges the government's obligation to accommodate the conscience rights of private foster care providers.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: CCUSA sent comments to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services ([link removed]) (HHS), Administration for Children and Families Services (ACF) regarding its proposed regulation of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The ACF proposes several changes that would limit a state's ability to use TANF monies beyond the four goals specified by the program, all of which center on helping low-income families with children, new mothers, and pregnant women. CCUSA supports efforts to ensure that TANF dollars focus more on basic needs assistance but is concerned that agencies that provide services to needy children and families and pregnant women outside of the four goals stated in the proposed rule would no longer qualify for funding. CCUSA is especially concerned about the impact the proposal could have on programs to support pregnant and new mothers/families.

 

Trivia

Q. Apologies to our trivia aficionados who will have noticed that the last WW repeated the trivia and Q&A from the previous newsletter. But here's a new question to get the Advent season started: What do the candles on the Advent wreath symbolize?

Please send your answers to originally called Armistice Day ([link removed]), commemorating the end of World War I.

 

Connections

Please share CCUSA's Washington Weekly ([link removed]) with your friends, family and networks so that we can build a movement of solidarity for those most in need!

Text "CCUSA" to 855-564-3197 to receive our action alerts! You can also access advocacy opportunities through our Action Center ([link removed]).

Stay connected with our work: Follow us on Twitter @EndPoverty ([link removed]).

If you would like to help further Catholic Charities' commitment to alleviating, reducing, and preventing poverty, you can contribute here ([link removed]).

([link removed])

Forward to a Friend:
[link removed]
Unsubscribe:
[link removed]