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The clock has nearly run out on the deadline to pass appropriations, and lawmakers are scrambling to find a solution or face another shutdown. The November 21st deadline appears unattainable with the lack of progress made on passing fiscal year 2020 appropriations. Congressional leaders are working with the White House to pass additional stopgap funding. The discussions suggest pushing the deadline to the middle of December.
The largest barrier still facing lawmakers is how to divide up discretionary funds among the federal agencies. In July, Congress agreed upon a $632 billion cap in nondefense spending which is a 4.5% increase over last year. The House and Senate remain in a stalemate over how much of the additional funding should be allocated to the Department of Homeland Security and Labor-HHS-Education. The Senate is proposing an 8% increase to the Department of Homeland Security budget, including $5 billion for a wall along the southern border, and only a 1% increase to the Labor-HHS-Education. The House has indicated it would prefer a more even spreading of the funds across agencies. Unless the House and Senate are able to come to an agreement that President Trump will sign into law, talks will remain stalled and the threat of a government shutdown looms.
Faith and the Common Good
Jennifer Buell of Catholic Charities Terre Haute was the first to correctly identify when Veterans Day became a national holiday. There are many elements to the correct answer. November 11, 1918, was largely considered the end of "the war to end all wars" and dubbed Armistice Day. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and November 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938.
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress -- at the urging of the veterans service organizations -- amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, Nov. 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
Prayer for Troops
Lord God, Almighty Father,
creator of mankind and author of peace,
as we are ever mindful of the cost paid for the liberty we possess,
we ask you to bless the members of our armed forces.
Give them courage, hope and strength.
May they ever experience your firm support, gentle love and compassionate healing.
Be their power and protector, leading them from darkness to light.
To you be all glory, honor and praise, now and forever.
Amen.
Trivia
The White House has an office designated specifically for strengthening faith-based organizations' capacity to provide federally funded social services. What is the official name of this office and which president created it?
Please send your answers to socialpolicy@catholiccharitiesusa.org
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