Dear John,

Welcome to your Weekly Wrap, a recap of the week in Congress and highlights of my work.

Last week, the House passed H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025. I joined my colleagues in passing the legislation to keep the government open and prevent a costly government shutdown. Also, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education convened a hearing, Innovative Teacher Preparation: Properly Equipping America’s Educators.

More from the week: The Congressional Labor Caucus met with Communications Workers of America Union (CWA) President Claude Cummings Jr., where we discussed how the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act can protect and enhance the rights of workers. An exciting update on the Afro-Caribbean Cultural Center in Waterbury is also included.

For my full recap, please read below. 

H.R. 9747 – Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025

Last week, the House considered H.R. 9747, the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2025. I joined my colleagues in passing the legislation to keep the government open and prevent a costly government shutdown. 

This Continuing Resolution (CR) will fund the government through December 20, 2024. Specifically, this CR keeps funding at current levels, allowing important government programs to continue serving the American people. Under this legislation, health care benefits for veterans will be extended, Social Security services will remain available to seniors, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will be able to respond to disasters in real time, and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments will continue supporting families in need.

The CR also includes funding increases for the Secret Service and the upcoming Presidential Transition. As we head into a national election, this funding is vital to ensure the safety of all candidates and the peaceful transition of power.

This is a positive step forward and will allow Congress the time needed to enact bipartisan full year funding bills that can pass both the House and Senate.

I look forward to working with my colleagues when Congress reconvenes to complete the 2025 appropriations and deliver for the American people.

Innovative Teacher Preparation: Properly Equipping America’s Educators

On Wednesday, the House Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education convened a hearing, Innovative Teacher Preparation: Properly Equipping America’s Educators.

During the hearing, I discussed the importance of trauma-informed instructional practices. Students experience a wide range of circumstances that impact their ability to learn. Trauma has a direct impact on the ability of students to behave in the classroom and interact socially. It can also lead to lower academic performance, attendance issues, and increased school dropout rate. 

Equipping educators with trauma-informed instructional practices can help schools identify, address, and manage traumatic stress. It can include examining the impact of factors such as racism, poverty, and community violence.

My legislation, the Supporting Trauma-Informed Education Act, authorizes grants designed to help schools improve how they address the complex needs of students coping with the devastating impact of adverse childhood experiences such as parental addiction, abuse, and witnessing violence.

Learn more about the Supporting Trauma-Informed Education Act here.

Meeting with CWA

The Communications Workers of America Union (CWA) is one of the largest communications and media labor unions in the United States. CWA members work in communications and information industries, news media, airlines, broadcast and cable television, public services, higher education and healthcare, manufacturing, high tech, and more.

On Tuesday, the Congressional Labor Caucus met with CWA President Claude Cummings Jr., where we discussed how the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act can protect and enhance the rights of workers. Specifically, the PRO Act would expand protections for workers to exercise their rights to join a union and collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions. 

Afro-Caribbean Center Grant Award

Last week, I announced the Afro Caribbean Cultural Center (ACCC) in Waterbury will receive $130,000 in federal grant funding from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This grant was awarded through the NEA ArtsHERE program, which supports organizations committed to equity and engaging underserved communities.

Founded in 2021, the Afro Caribbean Cultural Center is a multidisciplinary center which hosts public art exhibitions, performances, workshops, conferences, and international exchanges that support Caribbean Taino and Afro-descendent cultures. ACCC has grown as a space for Afro- Caribbean communities and served as an example of the cultural diversity in Waterbury that makes the city stronger.

In April, I signed a letter of support for the ACCC grant application to advocate for funding for the Afro-Caribbean Cultural Center I.D.E.A. Initiative and develop a long-term strategic framework. I have seen the tremendous work of the center and was enthusiastic about offering offer my support for this National Endowment for the Arts application. This federal grant will enable the ACCC to provide cultural and enriching programming for our community to enjoy.

Additional information about the National Endowment for the Arts ArtsHERE program is available here.

Thank you for taking the time to read this update. As always, please continue to share your thoughts and priorities with me.

And that’s a wrap!

Jahana Hayes

Member of Congress