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February 23, 2024


News


Overview: Negotiations in Congress remain stagnant on the appropriations bills - most members were out this week - and the prospect of a yearlong continuing resolution seems more and more likely as current funding expires on March 1 for Agriculture, Energy-Water, Military Construction-VA, and Transportation-HUD and on March 8 for Commerce-Justice-Science, Defense, Financial Services-General Government, Homeland Security, Interior-Environment, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch, and State-Foreign Operations.

One point of conflict has to do with USDA funding that provides more food assistance for low-income pregnant women ([link removed]), new mothers, infants, and young children (aka WIC, which is facing a $1 billion budget shortfall). Some House Republicans would agree to the increased WIC funds only if SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients were restricted to food items that follow the federal dietary guidelines for healthy eating. They argue that such restrictions help recipients maintain a nutritious diet. Others say SNAP restrictions introduce unnecessary red tape and leave low-income people without the same choices of other shoppers.

President Biden is "considering executive action ([link removed]) to restrict migrants' ability to seek asylum at the US-Mexico border if they crossed illegally."

Economy: In the week ending February 17, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 201,000, a decrease of 12,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 212,000 to 213,000. The 4-week moving average was 215,250, a decrease of 3,500 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 218,500 to 218,750.

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 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.

Called Advocacy Forums: A Convening on Practical Solutions to Address Homelessness ([link removed]), the convenings 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, hosted by Catholic Charities East Bay in Oakland, CA, takes place next week, February 28 - 29, 2024. The next one, hosted by Catholic Charities St. Petersburg, will be March 14 - 15, 2024.

Child Tax Credit: The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 is before the Senate (after passing the House), 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]).

NEW Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (FCFC) Bulletins Inserts and Materials: New FCFC bulletins/materials (English and Spanish) are available on the FCFC website. We invite ministry leaders to read, share, and integrate the FCFC bulletin inserts and materials in their ministry and community for guidance on our political responsibility as Catholics and faithful citizens.

New Introductory Note to Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship: English ([link removed]) | Spanish ([link removed]).
The Role of the Church in American Political Life: English ([link removed]) | Spanish ([link removed]).
The Dignity of the Human Person: English ([link removed]) | Spanish ([link removed]).
The Common Good: English ([link removed]) | Spanish ([link removed]).
Solidarity: English ([link removed]) | Spanish ([link removed]).
Subsidiarity: English ([link removed]) | Spanish ([link removed]).

Check the FCFC website (English ([link removed]) | Spanish ([link removed])) for additional resources and updates.

 

Trivia

Q. The 40 days of Lent hearken back to what time in Jesus' life?

Please send your answers to On Holy Thursday when the Triduum starts ([link removed])."

 

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]).

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