This week in Washington, the House of Representatives failed to advance the bipartisan infrastructure deal, White House negotiators have been working aggressively to settle disagreements with GOP senators, and many are hopeful for a successful vote next week. We expect action on appropriations in the House next week. The Eviction Moratorium is set to expire on July 31, and it is doubtful that the administration will extend it beyond the deadline. Please share the following links with your parishes and anyone who might benefit from this information. ·Until July 31, individuals can present a "declaration form" to their landlords stating that they cannot pay rent due to lost income or high expenses. Everyone on the lease needs to sign the form. You can check eligibility and find the form at this website. ·The Emergency Rental Assistance Program can provide up to 18 months back rent, utilities, moving expenses, late fees, and other expenses. Specific coverage and income eligibility limits depend on where you live. Visit the U.S. Treasury website for information. ·The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides a set of resources to help renters understand more about the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. ·Individuals can connect with a HUD-Approved housing counselor by going to this HUD website or by calling (800) 569-4287. ·Individuals at risk of losing their home or need support related to housing should visit https://www.usa.gov/finding-home or https://www.hudexchange.info/housing-and-homeless-assistance/. ·HUD will host a call on July 29, 2021, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., regarding Emergency Rental Assistance. Limited space is available, so register here. This call will discuss how the ERAP will cover payments for renters and losses for landlords. Renters, tenants, and service providers are invited to join this call. The first of six-monthly payments through the enhanced Child Tax Credit (CTC) arrived on July 15 for many parents. The IRS has launched a new Non-filer Sign-up Tool where parents can sign up to start receiving advance CTC payments. Budget: The Senate is focused on passing the fiscal 2022 budget resolution before leaving town for the summer recess starting August 6. They have not finalized specific policies in the bill, but plan to determine a topline budget that will determine how much Senate committees can spend. Infrastructure: The Senate failed to advance the approximately $600 billion infrastructure legislation on a party-line vote (49-51). Bipartisan Senate negotiators are still struggling to find ways to pay for the new spending. Debt Ceiling: On Wednesday, the Congressional Budget Office said that the Treasury Department will run out of money in October or November to pay the U.S. debts unless Congress acts in the coming weeks. The Treasury may need to undertake extraordinary measures until Congress passes legislation to raise the debt ceiling which expires on July 31, 2021. COVID-19 Update: We are now seeing significant increases of COVID-19 infections due to the Delta variant that is far more transmissible and severe than its predecessors. On July 22, 2021, the CDC reported that there were 55,132 new COVID-19 cases and 406 deaths, with 281,722 new cases in the past week. Across the country, 187 million people have received at least one dose of the vaccine, including 162 million people who have been fully vaccinated. People who are unvaccinated or have weakened immune systems should remain vigilant in their use of masks and social distancing. While the vaccines are effective against the new variants, including Delta, some states are encouraging those who have been vaccinated to wear masks inside public spaces. COVID-19 Community Corps (CCUSA is a member) is supporting vaccination across the country. Locate the closest place for a vaccine here. Please visit the CCUSA Social Policy/Advocacy page for updates and policy papers. See here.
Faith and the Common Good
This Sunday, July 25, is the feast of St. James, the Apostle. He was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus according to the New Testament. Many pilgrims travel to Spain to travel along the Camino de Santiago or the Way of St. James in English. Pilgrims follow the route to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where tradition holds that the remains of the saint are buried. Many people follow the route as a spiritual exercise or retreat for their spiritual growth. A Pilgrim's Prayer to St. James O God, who brought your servant Abraham out of the land of the Chaldeans, protecting him in his wanderings, who guided the Hebrew people across the desert, we ask that you watch over us, your servants, as we walk in the love of your name to Santiago de Compostela. Be for us our companion on the walk, Our guide at the crossroads, Our breath in our weariness, Our protection in danger, Our albergue on the Camino, Our shade in the heat, Our light in the darkness, Our consolation in our discouragements, And our strength in our intentions. So that with your guidance we may arrive safe and sound at the end of the Road and enriched with grace and virtue we return safely to our homes filled with joy. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen. Apostle Santiago, pray for us. Santa Maria, pray for us.
Trivia
What treaty was signed on July 30, 1863? On July 9th, the trivia questions was, "What major event occurred on July 24, 1969?" Patricia Wright was the first to submit the answer that Apollo 11 splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean on July 24, 1969. Apollo 11 was the spaceflight that first landed humans on the Moon. Apollo 11 was launched by a Saturn V rocket from Kennedy Space Center on July 16, 1969, and it was the fifth crewed mission of NASA's Apollo program. Commander Neil Armstrong and lunar module pilot Buzz Aldrin formed the American crew that landed the Apollo Lunar Module Eagle on July 20, 1969. Armstrong became the first person to step onto the lunar surface and Aldrin joined him 19 minutes later. They spent about 2.25 hours together outside the spacecraft, and collected lunar material to bring back to Earth. They returned to Earth and splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on July 24 after more than eight days in space. Armstrong's first step onto the lunar surface was broadcast on live TV to a worldwide audience. He described the event as "one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind."
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