Overview: In deliberations about their reconciliation bills this week, Republicans in Congress are honing in on cuts and work requirements for Medicaid, among other programs and services. Medicaid provides health insurance for millions of low-income Americans. The House is looking to cut $880 billion from Medicaid, while the Senate has not said yet how Medicaid cuts will feature in their version.
Members of the CCUSA Government Relations team continued their visits to new members of Congress.
Federal budget: Kerry Alys Robinson, president & CEO of CCUSA, sent a letter to the Senate Budget Committee urging the leadership and members - as they consider the FY2026 Budget - to provide appropriate and sufficient funding for critical programs that serve individuals and families who are poor and vulnerable.
Economy: In the week ending February 8, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 213,000, a decrease of 7,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 219,000 to 220,000. The 4-week moving average was 216,000, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 216,750 to 217,000.