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February 9, 2024


News


Overview: The bi-partisan border security and Ukraine funding bill failed to pass in the Senate this week. CCUSA president and CEO Kerry Alys Robinson had sent a letter to congressional leadership ([link removed]) urging bipartisan compromise on addressing the humanitarian crisis at the southern border. The letter highlights seven key provisions that would help increase efficiency for the immigration process and provide compassionate care for immigrants. CCUSA also released a statement following the Senate's vote ([link removed]) re-emphasizing the need for serious, bi-partisan reforms that prioritize border security and human dignity.

The Senate is still considering a foreign aid bill to help Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan, without border funding. If passed, the bill will move to the House.

Convening on homelessness: Attend one of CCUSA's regional convenings on homelessness, which will be co-hosted by local Catholic Charities agencies. Registration is open for Oakland, Calif.; St. Petersburg, Fla.; Dallas, Texas; Philadelphia, Pa.; and Providence, RI. There is no cost to register, but space is limited. Also, a limited number of stipends for travel costs are available to Catholic Charities agency staff members. Please note that the hotel block for St. Petersburg ends Feb. 14.

The convenings, called Advocacy Forums: A Convening on Practical Solutions to Address Homelessness ([link removed]), will provide a platform to share challenges, ideas, solutions, and models of best practices for addressing homelessness. Presenters will include CCUSA staff, Catholic Charities leaders, community leaders, and local, state, and federal agency staff. The inaugural forum will be hosted by Catholic Charities East Bay in Oakland, CA, on February 28 - 29, 2024.

Child Tax Credit: The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024, which includes an expansion of the Child Tax Credit passed in the House of Representatives. The bill is before the Senate now, where it faces potential amendments that would weaken the legislation and make fewer families eligible for the credit. You can still urge your senators to pass the bill with an expanded Child Tax Credit by using CCUSA's action alert ([link removed]).

Economy: In the week ending February 3, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 218,000, a decrease of 9,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 3,000 from 224,000 to 227,000. The 4-week moving average was 212,250, an increase of 3,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 750 from 207,750 to 208,500.

 

Trivia

Next Wednesday, Feb. 14, is Ash Wednesday. What do ashes on the forehead represent?

Please send your answers to 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]).

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

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