What We're Tracking in DC
Federal Government Shutdown
The federal government has been shut down since October 1. The Senate has remained in Washington, D.C. throughout the shutdown, holding over a dozen unsuccessful votes to pass a continuing resolution. This week, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) commented that bipartisan negotiations are starting to ramp up as the shutdown stretches beyond 30 days. The House has been in recess since September 19, and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) has stated that the chamber will not return to Washington until there is a viable path to resolve the shutdown.
As the shutdown extends into a second month, the funding for several key federal programs is in question, including:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Without action, SNAP will run out of funding on November 1, preventing states from fully executing their food assistance programs. Funding for WIC is also in flux, although several states have already pledged to continue the program through November or the end of the year. The National Council of Nonprofits, along with a coalition of local governments and community groups, filed a lawsuit yesterday challenging the suspension of SNAP.
- Healthcare tax credits: Affordable Care Act premium tax credits expire at the end of the year, leading to higher marketplace premiums that will become clearer as open enrollment begins next month.
With the government shut down, we know that you're stepping up to support your grantees affected by the loss of federal funding. Whether it's a new fund, flexible and unrestricted giving, or emergency grants, please tell us how you're meeting this moment and supporting your community.
Senate Judiciary Committee Update
On October 28, the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on the Constitution held a hearing titled "Politically Violent Attacks: A Threat to Our Constitutional Order." Members discussed the rise of political violence, with Republican members concentrating their remarks on political violence perpetrated by politically left leaning individuals. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) raised the importance of passing his Stop FUNDERS Act (S.2367), which would add rioting to the list of RICO predicate offenses. He also argued that the billionaire funders of left-wing political violence need to be held accountable.
Additionally, this week, Committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-IA) sent letters to the Gates Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and Ford Foundation asking about their work in China.
Update on National Religious Broadcasters Case
The judge in the National Religious Broadcasters v. Long case has moved the oral arguments, originally set for November 7 in Washington, D.C., to November 25 in Dallas, Texas. As a reminder, the case challenges the Johnson Amendment’s application to houses of worship. A proposed settlement from the IRS that would only apply to the plaintiffs’ churches is under consideration. In response to the proposed settlement, Americans United for Separation of Church and State filed a motion to be an intervening party in the lawsuit. Read more about the case. See the Council’s statement in response to the July IRS motion.
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