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January 30, 2026
 
Overview: The Senate and White House reached an agreement regarding funding the government until September 30 but excluding from the package the Department of Homeland Security, funding for which would be extended for two weeks so that members can negotiate terms specifically regarding ICE. The unrest in Minnesota has drawn stark criticism across the aisles, and some members are calling for defunding ICE. Whatever happens in the Senate, the House of Representatives still needs to approve the package as well, but the House is in recess, which means a partial shutdown may happen until Monday.
Full-year appropriations for Agriculture, the Legislative Branch, Military Construction, and Veterans Affairs, Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment have been passed. Six are currently before the Senate: DHS, DOD, Labor, HHS, Education, Transportation, HUD, Financial Services and General Government, National Security, and the State Department.
Economy: In the week ending January 24, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims ([link removed]) was 209,000, a decrease of 1,000 from the previous week's revised level. The previous week's level was revised up by 10,000 from 200,000 to 210,000. The 4-week moving average was 206,250, an increase of 2,250 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised up by 2,500 from 201,500 to 204,000.
Supporting survivors of human trafficking: The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act ([link removed]) (H.R. 4323) was signed into law by President Trump. CCUSA supported this bill from its inception, advocating for bipartisan support in Congress and urging the president's approval. This legislation is significant for the Catholic Charities network, as approximately one-third of our agencies assist survivors of human trafficking daily during their recovery. The law allows survivors to seek vacatur of their convictions or access other options for mitigating sentences related to crimes they committed as a direct result of their victimization. Because of this law, many clients of Catholic Charities agencies have hope. They may now qualify for services they were previously ineligible for due to disqualifying convictions.
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]).
 
As a step toward healing, I invite my brother bishops and priests across the United States to offer a Holy Hour for Peace ([link removed]) in the days ahead. Let us pray for reconciliation where there is division, for justice where there are violations of fundamental rights, and for consolation for all who feel overwhelmed by fear or loss. I encourage Catholics everywhere to participate, whether in parishes, chapels, or before the Lord present in the quiet of their hearts for healing in our nation and communities. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, "Archbishop Coakley Calls for Holy Hour as a Moment of Renewal for Our Hearts and Our Nation ([link removed])," January 28, 2026
 
Q. What canticle from Scripture is associated with the Feast of the Presentation (Feb. 2)?
Please send your answers to "Special Year of St. Francis" ([link removed]) to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the saint's death. During this time of grace, which will extend until January 2027, the faithful are granted the opportunity to obtain a plenary indulgence ([link removed]).
 
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