Overview: Congress returned from Easter break this week. A reconciliation bill is still the priority for members, and potential Medicaid cuts are still a major obstacle to finalizing the bill. The House is aiming to pass its version by Memorial Day, and the Senate would then either approve the bill or make edits. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans defeated a resolution to undo the president's tariffs. The administration was blocked from using the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans by a federal judge in Texas.
Also, just in: The president's FY 2026 Discretionary Budget Request has been released by the Office of Management and Budget.
The CCUSA Government Relations team joined President and CEO Kerry Alys Robinson in a roundtable discussion with Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY), six diocesan directors of Catholic Charities, and congressional staffers from both parties about homelessness, affordable housing, and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit. Robinson also visited with several other members of Congress this week, appealing to them on behalf of the Catholic Charities network to safeguard the needs of low-income individuals and families and the most vulnerable.
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Economy: In the week ending April 26, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 241,000, an increase of 18,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 222,000 to 223,000. The 4-week moving average was 226,000, an increase of 5,500 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 220,250 to 220,500. "Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 177,000 in April, and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.2 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported."
Block grants: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is releasing over $400 million in regular block grant funds for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The administration released the state-by-state numbers, which you can see here. Call to action: With Medicaid cuts still a possibility, you can make a difference by contacting your members of Congress and asking them to protect Medicaid.
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.
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[Simon Peter and some of Jesus' disciples went fishing,]
but that night they caught nothing. When it was already dawn, Jesus was standing there on the shore; but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, have you caught anything to eat?" They answered him, "No."
So he said to them, "Cast the net over the right side of the boat and you will find something." So they cast it, and were not able to pull it in because of the number of the fish.
So the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord." John 21:3-7 |
Q. Who and what is a camerlengo? Please send your answers to [email protected].
Previous question and answer:
Q. This Sunday is Palm Sunday. What do the palms symbolize?
A. Thanks to Sister Mary Frances Maher from Holy Family Convent in Manitowoc, WI, for being first with the right answer: Palms represent the kingship of Jesus, who reigns over a kingdom of peace and justice. |
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