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March 22, 2024


 

News


Overview: The FY2024 spending bill ([link removed]) - totaling about $1.2 trillion - for six appropriations bills (Defense, Financial Services, Homeland Security, Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch, and State-Foreign Operations) is before Congress. Lawmakers need to pass it by midnight on March 22 to avoid a partial government shutdown. A separate bill that covered the Agriculture-FDA, Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy and Water, Interior-Environment, Military Construction-VA, and Transportation-HUD bills was enacted on March 9. The latter and the former (if enacted) would fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year. As you may have read, some news outlets are predicting a weekend shutdown, because some lawmakers have said Friday would be too quick to pass the bill.

Congress will be on Easter break for the next two weeks, returning to DC on April 8. (The Washington Weekly, therefore, will return in two weeks as well.)

The CCUSA government relations team facilitated an advocacy forum on preventing homelessness in St. Petersburg, Fla., last week. Catholic Charities of St. Petersburg was the host. Two other Catholic Charities agencies were present, as well as representatives from several federal departments and others from local organizations working on solutions to homelessness. See the "Convening on homelessness" paragraph below for upcoming forums and be sure to register for the one nearest you.

Economy: In the week ending March 16, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 210,000, a decrease of 2,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised by 3,000 from 209,000 to 212,000. The 4-week moving average was 211,250, a decrease of 2,500 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised by 750 from 208,000 to 208,750.

Convening on homelessness: Attend one of CCUSA's regional convenings on homelessness, which will be co-hosted by local Catholic Charities agencies. Representatives from the government and faith-based organizations shared challenges, ideas, solutions, and models of best practices for addressing homelessness. Registration ([link removed]) is open for Dallas, Texas (May 7-8); Philadelphia, Pa. (June 5-6); and Providence, RI (June 24-25); and Phoenix, Ariz. (Oct. 24-25). 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.

Child Tax Credit: After passing the House, the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 has yet to be taken up by the Senate, where it faces potential amendments that would weaken the legislation and make fewer families eligible for the credit. There is still time for you to urge your senators to pass the bill with an expanded Child Tax Credit by using CCUSA's action alert ([link removed]).

 

This photo depicts a summary of one small group's discussion regarding home-lessness issues during the advocacy forum in St. Petersburg, Fla., March 14, 2024. (Photo/David Werning)

 

Trivia

Q. How many major basilicas are in Rome and what are their names?

Please send your answers to scrutinies are a series of rites for adults who wish to be baptized ([link removed]) (RCIA candidates). They are celebrated in the third, fourth, and fifth weeks of the Lenten season."

 

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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