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November 22, 2024


 

News

Overview: This week, the CCUSA Government Relations team discussed how to move forward during the lame duck session and into the new Congress next year. The priority of advocating for people who are poor and vulnerable has remained the same, but how to help them best requires planning and diligence. Part of the plan includes reaching out to the incoming administration's transition team to introduce the Catholic Charities network and note our eagerness to work with them for the common good. Given the likelihood of a Continuing Resolution (CR), including the almost certain Farm Bill extension and provisions for disaster relief funds, we will ensure that the concerns and needs of vulnerable persons and communities are heard.

Happy Thanksgiving! The CCUSA Government Relations team wishes our readers a very happy Thanksgiving next week. May God bless you and your friends and families as you celebrate all God's blessings in your lives. The Washington Weekly will return on Dec. 6.

H.R. 9495, the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act: The House passed H.R. 9495 on Nov. 21, 2024 ([link removed]), by a vote of 219 to 184, with 30 members not voting. One Republican voted against the measure, and 15 Democrats voted in favor.This legislation would allow the Secretary of the Treasury to designate section 501(c) nonprofit organizations as "terrorist supporting organizations" at the Secretary's discretion, without requiring the Secretary to share their full evidence or reasoning with accused nonprofits. Furthermore, the legislation provides only 90 days for organizations to demonstrate their innocence before revoking their tax-exempt status. Although the bill is not likely to pass in the Senate in this session, it is concerning that 15 Democrats voted in favor in the House, for the bill will most likely be reintroduced in the next Congress with a chance to pass both houses.The CCUSA Government Relations team will monitor this legislation in the remainder of this congressional session and the next one and will inform and advise on advocacy strategies, if needed.

Homelessness advocacy: The data on homelessness and housing affordability in the US are alarming but ignored far too often. Those who are experiencing homelessness or who are teetering on the edge face a stark reality and impossible choices. This is an urgent moral crisis that should be a major priority of the next Congress. To play your part, join CCUSA's advocacy community today ([link removed]).

Economy: In the week ending November 16, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 213,000, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 2,000 from 217,000 to 219,000. The 4-week moving average was 217,750, a decrease of 3,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 500 from 221,000 to 221,500.

Catholic Social Ministry Gathering. Register now for the 2025 Catholic Social Ministry Gathering ([link removed]) (CSMG), which takes place in Washington, DC, January 25 - 28, 2025. The theme is Missionaries of Hope, Advocates for Justice. Don't wait, special early bird registration ends today! CSMG celebrates and shares a bright vision for our world and will equip leaders to become advocates for justice and peace. This year's in-person gathering will include: Inspiring leading voices in Church and society; Workshops with policy experts and community leaders; Intentional opportunities for best practice-sharing; Resources from dozens of Catholic social ministry organizations; Advocacy visits with elected officials. Don't wait; register today ([link removed]).

 

 

Trivia

Q. Which retailer was the first to host a Thanksgiving Day parade?

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