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July 26, 2024


 

News

Overview: This week, the CCUSA government relations team visited the offices of members of Congress, urging the members to prioritize low-income and vulnerable people and families when funding programs during the appropriations process.

This week, the Senate Appropriations Committee marked up and passed out of committee the FY25 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) bill and the FY25 Transportation and Housing (THUD) bill. The bills, their reports, and related amendments are available here ([link removed]).

Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announced that the House of Representatives will begin their summer recess next week and return on September 9. The Senate will go on recess following next week.

Summer: The Washington Weekly will take a hiatus during Congress' summer recess (but watch out for special editions, if the need arises).

We hope all of our readers have a wonderful summer and enjoy some time with family and friends. Remember that the summer is also a time to visit members of Congress in their home districts. Consider reaching out to your members' district offices to schedule a meeting in order to inform them about important issues and the needs of your communities, or to invite them to an event.

We'll be back on Friday, September 13.

Economy: In the week ending July 20, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 235,000, a decrease of 10,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 2,000 from 243,000 to 245,000. The 4-week moving average was 235,500, an increase of 250 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 500 from 234,750 to 235,250.

Webinars on human trafficking: On behalf of CCUSA and USCCB, Department of Migration and Refugee Services - in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign Office - thanks to those who attended our first webinar, which discussed the prevalence of Human Trafficking: Myth, Realities, and the Role of Faith Based Organizations. To access the Blue Campaign materials spoken about in the webinar, please visit: Document Library | Homeland Security (dhs.gov) ([link removed]).And if you have any questions regarding Blue Campaign efforts, please feel free to email recordings are now available ([link removed]).

If you haven't already, please register for next week's webinar ([link removed]): Part 2 - Human Trafficking: The Role of Law Enforcement and Service Providers - which 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.

Reentry Meeting July 2024: CCUSA hosted a reentry meeting at the O'Grady Conference Center on July 16 and 17. The meeting included staff from 18 Catholic Charities agencies across the country that provide services to adults and youth who are returning from incarceration. The purpose of the meeting was to exchange best practices, discuss challenges, and advocate with their senators for the reauthorization of the Second Chance Act ([link removed].). The group visited the offices of Senators Collins (R-ME), Cassidy (R-LA), Brown (D-OH), and Kelly (D-AZ). In addition, representatives from the Bureau of Justice Assistance in the Department of Justice and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau presented to the group, providing information on resources and funding opportunities.

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. On July 26, the Church celebrates the Memorial of Saints Joachim and Anne, the parents of Mary. Can you name what groups Joachim and Anne are patron saints of (one group together, and two groups for St. Anne)?

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