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January 23, 2026


 

Overview: As they prepare to be in recess next week, the House of Representatives passed its final four appropriations bills ([link removed]), plus a separate bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security ([link removed]). If the Senate passes and the president signs the bills into law, some of the funds will go to programs related directly to Catholic Charities services, including - but not limited to - Emergency Food and Shelter Program ($123.5 million (+ $6.5 mm); Head Start ($12.4 billion (+ $90 mm); Child Care and Community Development Block Grant program ($8.8 billion); Section 8 Tenant-based Rental Assistance ($38.4 million (+ $2.4 mm); and Continuum of Care (Rapid Rehousing) $4.01 billion) The bill also includes language that requires HUD to renew for 12 months Continuum of Care grants expiring January - March 2026 and creates a timeline for HUD to renew expiring grants throughout the year.

The House also put forward two bills to support organizations that promote alternatives to abortion: 1. Pregnancy Center Federal Funding (Organizations that advise women against getting an abortion would be authorized to receive federal funding from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant program under H.R. 6945 ([link removed])) and 2. Resources for Pregnant Students (Higher education institutions would have to inform pregnant students of rights and resources available to carry a baby to term under H.R. 6359 ([link removed])).

Economy: In the week ending January 17, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 200,000, an increase of 1,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 1,000 from 198,000 to 199,000. The 4-week moving average was 201,500, a decrease of 3,750 from the previous week's revised average. This is the lowest level for this average since January 13, 2024 when it was 200,000. The previous week's average was revised up by 250 from 205,000 to 205,250.

Migration/Immigration: Join federal policy experts from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC), Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), and Catholic Relief Services (CRS) when they provide an update on the immigration landscape, February 10, 2026, at 3 p.m. Learn more about what each organization is tracking and opportunities for engagement in this area. Time will be provided for attendees to ask questions. Register here ([link removed]).

 

"It is an error, or rather a heresy, to say devotion is incompatible with the life of a soldier, a tradesman, a prince, or a married woman.... It has happened that many have lost perfection in the desert who had preserved it in the world." St. Francis de Sales, Introduction to the Devout Life (1609), Feast Day - January 24 ([link removed]).

 

Q. What special event was inaugurated by Pope Leo XIV on January 10, 2026?

Please send your answers to Walking with Moms in Need ([link removed]).

 

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