Overview: The House passed a measure this week removing parts of the Reconciliation Bill that would have violated Senate budget rules. The Senate is still considering the bill and may include in its version provisions that would limit or terminate Medicaid and SNAP benefits for some vulnerable populations (See "Call to action" below).
The FY2026 appropriations process has begun and, as this newsletter was being prepared, the House was considering a more than $9 billion rescissions package. The rescissions or cuts target funds for U.S. foreign aid and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. If Congress cannot agree on the appropriations bills, then a continuing resolution will be needed on September 30, 2025 (when the current CR expires).
Tax policy and charitable giving: Leadership 18, a coalition of chief executive officers of nonprofits and charities, of which CCUSA is a member, sent a letter to the leaders of the Senate Finance Committee and the House Ways and Means Committee. The letter asks the members of Congress to consider a number of policy recommendations that prioritize and protect the work of nonprofits and charities through tax exemptions and incentives for charitable giving in the Reconciliation Bill. Read the full letter.
Economy: In the week ending June 7, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 248,000, unchanged from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 247,000 to 248,000. The 4-week moving average was 240,250, an increase of 5,000 from the previous week's revised average. This is the highest level for this average since August 26, 2023 when it was 245,000. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 235,000 to 235,250.
Call to action: You can call and write to your U.S. senators opposing any provisions in the Reconciliation Bill that would remove Medicaid and SNAP benefits for certain groups, such as refugees and asylees who have already been thoroughly vetted and entered the country legally.
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.