Overview: This week, Congress returned from its Easter recess and, among other issues, debated on a foreign aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan.
DHS FY24 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grants: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Administered by the DHS Center for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the TVTP Grant Program is the only federal government grant program dedicated to helping local communities develop and strengthen local capabilities that prevent targeted violence and terrorism. In FY 2024, $18 million in TVTP grants are available for such projects run by state, local, tribal, and territorial government agencies, nonprofits, and universities. The applications must be submitted through FEMA GO by May 17, 2024. DHS will announce recipients in September 2024.
Child Tax Credit: Along with other Christian communities, CCUSA signed a Circle of Protection letter to Senate leadership urging them to approve the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, already passed by the House. The bill would expand the Child Tax Credit and lift 400,000 children out of poverty and improve the lives of an additional 3 million children. CCUSA has an active action alert concerning the CTC that individuals may send to their senators.
Economy: In the week ending April 13, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 212,000, unchanged from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 211,000 to 212,000. The 4-week moving average was 214,250, unchanged from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 214,250 to 214,500.
Earmarks: Remember that Congress is accepting Community Project Funding requests, commonly known as earmarks. Earmarks are a funding request for a non-governmental entity to carry out a specific project; for example, a Catholic Charities agency may be provided funds for a substance abuse treatment program. Billions of dollars are still available. You should contact your member of Congress for more information on how to apply for an earmark, or please reach out to the CCUSA government relations team if you need assistance. Find your elected officials.
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 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.
Reentry and Second Chance: The Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2024 has been introduced in the House of Representatives. Led by Congresswoman Carol Miller (R-WV) and Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) and other bipartisan co-sponsors, the bill would authorize grant programs for community-based reentry services through 2029, expand allowable uses for supportive and transitional housing services for returning citizens and improve addiction and overdose prevention services.