If you are having trouble viewing this message, go here: [link removed]
July 12, 2024
 
News
Overview: CCUSA's government relations team continued its visits to Capitol Hill this week, following the Fourth of July holiday. The meetings with members of Congress and their staff focused on appropriations and the priorities of the Catholic Charities network, urging members to increase funding in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget for the needs of vulnerable populations.
This week, the Senate began marking up annual spending bills. House Republicans approved the Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill ([link removed]), which would cut funds covering health care and social programs.
CCUSA's government relations team hosted a Zoom call for the Advocacy Community of Practice. Topics included appropriations, the Farm Bill, the Second Chance Act, and the advocacy forums on homelessness. The next CoP meeting will be in person at CCUSA's annual gathering in September.
Economy: In the week ending July 6, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 222,000, a decrease of 17,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 238,000 to 239,000. The 4-week moving average was 233,500, a decrease of 5,250 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 238,500 to 238,750.
Maternal health: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), is proposing new policies that aim to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity ([link removed]), which disproportionately affect underserved communities. See more at the White House Blueprint for Addressing the Maternal Health Crisis ([link removed]).
Foster care: Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced a resolution to remove a rule ([link removed]) submitted by the Department of Health and Human Services that would make it harder for faith-based organizations and families to provide homes for foster children.
Affordable housing: CCUSA, along with other Catholic organizations, joined in a letter to Senator Sherrod Brown in support of the "Yes in God's Backyard Act ([link removed])" (S.3910). The bill would help faith-based and nonprofit organizations improve their capacity to meet the affordable housing need in their communities.
Webinars on human trafficking: In honor of the United Nations' World Day Against Trafficking in Persons ([link removed]), CCUSA and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops will offer two webinars on the issue.
Part 1 - Human Trafficking: Myths, Realities, and the Role of Faith-Based Organizations - will delve into the basics of human trafficking, debunking myths surrounding this global problem and highlighting the realities of trafficking. Drawing on faith teachings and principles, the speakers will explore the pivotal role of faith-based organizations in the effort to combat trafficking and support survivors. Guest speakers will include a representative from the Department of Homeland Security's Center for Countering Human Trafficking.Zoom Registration ([link removed]). July 18, 2024, at 2 p.m. EST.
Part 2 - Human Trafficking: The Role of Law Enforcement and Service Providers - will explore the collaboration between law enforcement and community support in combating human trafficking. Topics will include the responsibilities and strategies employed by law enforcement in identifying and investigating cases, while also addressing the challenges they face and the innovative approaches being implemented. Speakers from DHS Homeland Security Investigations and Catholic Charities of Louisville's Bakhita Empowerment Initiative will share insight on this global problem.Zoom Registration ([link removed]). July 30, 2024, at 2 p.m. EST.
CCUSA's convenings on homelessness: Register today for our upcoming forums ([link removed]) in Minneapolis (August 8-9) and Phoenix (October 24-25). Throughout 2024, CCUSA is collaborating with local Catholic Charities agencies to host several regional convenings that will better equip attendees to raise awareness around the crisis of homelessness in America. This series, Advocacy Forums: A Convening on Practical Solutions to Address Homelessness ([link removed]), provides a platform to discuss the state of homelessness in local communities, states and regions; share challenges, ideas, solutions and models of best practice for addressing homelessness; and federal-level advocacy training. The collective wisdom, best practices and innovative solutions developed at these convenings will help guide the creation of a new white paper and inform preparations for a national summit on homelessness prevention. Leaders and staff from Catholic Charities agencies, Catholic organizations, Catholic parishes, other faith communities and local collaborators are encouraged to attend. Presenters include CCUSA staff, Catholic Charities leaders, community leaders and local, state and federal agencies. Registration for the events is free, and a limited number of stipends for travel costs are available for Catholic Charities agency staff members. Attendees also can receive up to 5.5 social work continuing education credits through their participation.
 
Trivia
Q. Pope Leo XIII published Rerum novarum in 1891. The title is taken from the first two words in the Latin original, which mean literally "new things." What "new things" was Pope Leo XIII referring to?
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]).
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]
