Overview: Senate Republicans are considering a budget plan that would include new tax cuts and extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The plan includes an accounting method called "current policy baseline," which proponents say does not cost any more money since it simply keeps the current law in place. Opponents say it's a gimmick that buries the real costs. If Senate Republicans are able to implement their plan via the budget reconciliation process, Democrats may appeal to the Senate parliamentarian to question the legality of the "current policy baseline" idea.
Action Alert: The U.S. Senate is moving quickly to pass its budget resolution, and Medicaid cuts may be part of the plan. The Medicaid program is a vital lifeline for nearly 80 million vulnerable, low-income individuals and families nationwide. Medicaid is also a concrete example of our nation's commitment to supporting mothers and protecting life by paying for 41% of all births and ensuring care for moms and babies before and after birth. Call your senators now and tell them that, as they consider a Budget Reconciliation package, it is vital that social safety net programs like Medicaid are protected and strengthened for the most vulnerable in our society. Feel free to use our ACTION ALERT.
Economy: In the week ending March 29, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 219,000, a decrease of 6,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 224,000 to 225,000. The 4-week moving average was 223,000, a decrease of 1,250 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 224,000 to 224,250. Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 228,000 in March, slightly more than forecasts predicted, and the unemployment rate changed little at 4.2 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Earmarks: House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) released guidance for Fiscal Year 2026 programmatic, language, and Community Project Funding requests (aka earmarks). Chairman Cole said in a dear colleague letter to Members of Congress, "I am pleased to announce the beginning of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations process. On Monday, April 14, members may begin submitting (on the electronic submission portal) programmatic and language requests (guidance here) and Community Project Funding requests (guidance here) for the upcoming year. Starting next week, the chairman of each subcommittee will begin releasing guidance for each bill (guidance here). As a result of the short timeline to draft bills in time for floor consideration, the committee is maintaining similar eligible program accounts for FY2026 Community Project Funding. Additionally, due to the high demand and limited ability to fund all eligible requests, the limit of 15 projects per Member will be continued."
Background: Programmatic Requests: Members may submit a request to fund a specific program or activity in the bill at a specified level. Language Requests: Members may submit a request to include specific bill or report language that does not direct funding to a particular entity but encourages, urges, or directs some type of action. Community Project Funding Requests: Members may submit a request to fund specific projects in their communities, so long as the projects have a federal nexus and meet other requirements established by federal law, House Rules, and the Committee to ensure only high-quality projects are requested and funded.
Catholic Relief Services call: Come and see what hundreds of Catholics are doing. We hope that by participating in this zoom call (Mark your calendar: Saturday, April 12 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time. Meeting ID: 891 4740 8754 Passcode: CRS2025) you will be motivated to learn more about concrete strategies, and we will be able to share some ideas on how we can all live out our faith effectively in service to the most vulnerable among us. Additionally, CRS is offering a Week of Action from April 6-12, (See flyer). Hundreds of committed Catholics will be taking action during this week to show Congress the importance of continuing to support those who need it most.
Town halls: We have attached to this message a list of upcoming town hall meetings hosted by members of Congress. This is a great way to have your voice heard. Please reach out to your member for more details. You can use CCUSA's "Find Your Elected Officials" tool.