Overview: Negotiations continue in Congress as lawmakers argue about how to fund the government beyond the deadline of September 30, 2025. Before then, they must pass either a continuing resolution or an appropriations package (which is very unlikely) to avoid a government shutdown. President Trump has indicated that he would like to extend current funding levels until January 31, 2026, which some members of both houses did not agree with.
Anti-trafficking: CCUSA, in a letter of support to Judiciary Committee leadership, applauds the introduction of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2025 and urges swift passage of the legislation. The bill provides support for survivors of human trafficking, allowing them to vacate certain convictions and arrests that are directly related to their victimization. Traffickers often force their victims to commit crimes to keep control over them. If the bill is passed, survivors may be able to vacate their criminal records or sentences for offenses they were made to commit, reducing barriers to accessing resources that are critical for their recovery. Read the full letter.
Housing: CCUSA joined other faith-based organizations in a letter from the Interreligious Working Group on Domestic Human Needs to Senate leadership in support of including Senate Amendment 3503 in a manager's package of amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (S. 2296). The proposed amendment would advance the "ROAD to Housing Act of 2025" (S. 2651), which helps military families, veterans, and other Americans access affordable housing. It does so by expanding and preserving housing supply, reducing regulatory barriers, modernizing financing options, promoting economic mobility, and enhancing program oversight and coordination. S. 2651 passed unanimously out of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee in July. Read the full letter.
Economy: In the week ending September 6, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial unemployment claims was 263,000, an increase of 27,000 from the previous week's revised level. This is the highest level for initial claims since October 23, 2021, when it was 268,000. The previous week's level was revised down by 1,000 from 237,000 to 236,000. The 4-week moving average was 240,500, an increase of 9,750 from the previous week's revised average. The previous week's average was revised down by 250 from 231,000 to 230,750.
World Day of Migrants and Refugees: The Church has been celebrating the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) since 1914. It is always an occasion to express concern for different vulnerable people on the move; to pray for them as they face many challenges; and to increase awareness about the opportunities that migration offers. Every year the WDMR is the last Sunday of September but this year, on the Jubilee of Migrants, the WDMR will be celebrated on October 4 and 5. As the title for his annual message, the Holy Father has chosen "Migrants, missionaries of hope."