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January 10, 2025


 

News

Overview: In the first week of the 119th Congress, top issues being discussed and voted on included immigration, tax cuts, and the debt ceiling.

Holding the majority in both houses, Republicans have discussed how to cut taxes, raise the debt limit while simultaneously cutting costs in programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. CCUSA has already voiced its opposition to cutting programs that help vulnerable people, such as the elderly and food-insecure.

The House of Representatives passed with bipartisan votes the Laken Riley Act (H.R. 29 ([link removed])), which mandates the federal detention of immigrants without legal status accused of crimes like theft and burglary and facilitates state attorneys general to challenge federal immigration policies deemed harmful to states. The Senate has advanced the bill in their chamber also with bipartisan support, which means it may pass next week.

Economy: The economy added 256,000 jobs in December, higher than expected.In the week ending January 4, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 201,000, a decrease of 10,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 211,000. The 4-week moving average was 213,000, a decrease of 10,250 from the previous week's unrevised average of 223,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 1.2 percent for the week ending December 28, unchanged from the previous week's unrevised rate. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending December 28 was 1,867,000, an increase of 33,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised down by 10,000 from 1,844,000 to 1,834,000.

119th Congress: CCUSA published its priorities for the 119th Congress ([link removed]), including a list of policy issues and recommendations for consideration to help guide the new administration's work in conjunction with Congress. Throughout its history, CCUSA has worked with the administration and Congress to advance the common good of our nation, with special concern for families and individuals in need. Be sure to read CCUSA's priorities ([link removed]) and advocate for them with your representatives.

 

Trivia

Q. The Feast of the Baptism of the Lord is this Sunday. What is the same feast called in the Eastern Church and why?

Please send your answers to the right answer ([link removed]): "Elizabeth Seton was the first American saint to be born in this country."

 

Connections

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