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January 24, 2025


 

News

Overview: This week, the executive branch of the federal government transitioned from the Biden to the Trump administration. President Trump issued an unprecedented number of executive orders ([link removed]) (see paragraph below). House Republicans continued their efforts to craft and pass a reconciliation bill. The possibility of deep cuts to safety net programs (Medicaid, SNAP, etc.) to offset expenditures for tax cuts, immigration enforcement, and AI technology still looms large.

Both houses passed the Laken Riley Act ([link removed]), named for the Georgia nursing student murdered by an undocumented immigrant in February 2024. The bill would allow the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of theft-related crimes. It now goes to the president for his signature.

Executive orders: The executive orders ([link removed]) issued by President Trump this week cover many areas ([link removed]), and several bear upon the ministries and services of Catholic Charities, not to mention other non-profits. The CCUSA government relations team will review each of the orders and consider an appropriate response when necessary. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops have released a couple of statements already (See here ([link removed]) and here ([link removed])).

Protected areas: CCUSA, along with the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and the Catholic Health Association, responded to an administration action ([link removed]) rescinding guidance related to "protected areas" for immigration enforcement. The statement affirms the government's obligation to enforce a just immigration system, but it argues that allowing non-emergency immigration enforcement in schools, places of worship, social service agencies, healthcare facilities, or other sensitive settings turns those places of care and healing into sources of fear and uncertainty for those in need.

Economy: In the week ending January 18, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 223,000, an increase of 6,000 from the previous week's unrevised level of 217,000. The 4-week moving average was 213,500, an increase of 750 from the previous week's unrevised average of 212,750.

 

Trivia

Q. Before becoming a priest, St. Francis de Sales (whose memorial is Jan. 24) received a doctorate in what area of study?

Please send your answers to the right answer ([link removed]): "His age." He was 15 years old.

 

Connections

Please 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]).

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