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February 21, 2025


 

News

Overview: The status of any reconciliation bill or bills was once again a hot topic this week. President Trump said that he preferred the single bill option put forward by the House, which continues to struggle to find offsets to pay for their priorities. Some House Republicans are beginning to express caution about cutting Medicaid and SNAP benefits. Senate leadership was caught off guard by the president's comments, even as they were planning to go forward with their version consisting of two bills. (The Senate did adopt a budget resolution today ([link removed]).) Meanwhile, Sen. Patty Murray opined that another stop-gap extension will be necessary by March 14, when the present one expires, so any final reconciliation bill can be completed.

Members of the CCUSA Government Relations team continued their visits to new members of Congress.

Presidential actions: President Trump continues to sign executive orders and other presidential actions ([link removed]). Most of the actions this week were crafted in line with the administration's stated efforts at reducing the federal bureaucracy and eliminating fraudulent and wasteful use of federal funds. Another executive order this week seeks to expand access to in vitro fertilization, a procedure that the Catholic Church proscribes ([link removed]).

On February 19, 2025, the president issued an executive order titled "Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders ([link removed])" to ensure that no taxpayer-funded benefits are provided to unqualified immigrants. The order directs heads of federal agencies to identify federally funded programs and report any improper receipt or use of federal benefits to the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice. Additionally, the executive order instructs agencies to ensure that federal funds allocated to states and localities do not support or promote illegal immigration or sanctuary policies. The order does not indicate which federally funded programs would be impacted.

Take Action: Given the concern raised by some members of Congress ([link removed]) during reconciliation discussions about cuts to programs and services that serve people with low incomes and other vulnerabilities, this is a good time to contact your representatives and senators in Washington to tell them how these cuts will harm people. It is also important to share with them the impact of recent policy changes and practices on your family, communities, and organizations. You can use CCUSA's "Find Your Elected Officials ([link removed])" tool to find contact information for your members of Congress.

Here is a suggested message that you can edit to fit your own circumstances: As your constituent, I urge you not to cut funding for SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare because my family and members of my community rely on it for essential needs such as food and medical care. These programs are vital not only for my family but also for many members of our community who depend on them for essential resources such as food and medical care. If funding is reduced, it could lead to devastating consequences. For instance [INSERT a story]. Cutting these funds would mean that families like ours could be left without access to life-saving healthcare. I urge you to protect these crucial resources to ensure that our community can meet its basic needs and maintain a level of dignity and health.

Economy: In the week ending February 15, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 219,000, an increase of 5,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 213,000 to 214,000. The 4-week moving average was 215,250, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 216,000 to 216,250.

Podcast: Kerry Alys Robinson, president & CEO of CCUSA, participated in the Commonweal Podcast, Episode 147 - The New 'Preeminent Urgency.' ([link removed]) Robinson explained the vital work of CCUSA and the Catholic Charities ministry,as well as who will be most harmed by the recent freezes in federal funding.

 

Trivia

Q. On February 22 the Church celebrates the Chair of Saint Peter. What is the feast about?

Please send your answers to answer ([link removed]): The feast of St. Valentine was removed from the calendar of saints.

 

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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