The Coalition on Human Needs just released our latest edition of the Human Needs Report. Read on for articles on House Republicans’ plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, FY17 & FY18 budget and appropriations work, the revised travel ban, President Trump’s cabinet, worker protections under threat and the Supreme Court nominee.

Click here for the full PDF of the Human Needs Report.

House GOP Moves Forward on Legislation to Repeal ACA and Dismantle Medicaid
On March 6, House Republican leaders unveiled legislation known as the “American Health Care Act” to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act and dismantle Medicaid. Read on for some key changes to the current law contained in the legislation, including changes to the exchanges, Medicaid, tax cuts for the wealthy and more, as well as information on the CBO score, the impact the bill would have on low-income and vulnerable people, congressional reactions and the process going forward.READ MORE »

FY17 Appropriations Crawl Along
Returning to FY17 appropriations work, the House overwhelmingly passed a $577.9 billion defense spending bill on March 6. Due to time constraints – the current Continuing Resolution through which the government is funded runs through April 28, and Congress has a two-week recess between now and then – this will likely be the last of the 12 stand-along FY17 appropriations bills the House will pass. READ MORE »

Trump’s FY18 Budget Request – in Part – Expected this Week
The Trump Administration is expected to submit a preliminary FY18 budget request (also called a “skinny budget”) to Congress on March 15 or 16. President Trump has said his budget will include $54 billion in additional funding for the Pentagon, paid for by equal cuts to nondefense programs, including human needs programs. READ MORE »

Advocates Vow to Fight President Trump’s Revised Travel Ban
Advocates condemned the revised executive order banning refugees and immigrants from six Muslim-majority countries announced by President Trump on March 6. A leaked draft executive order that would further restrict immigrants and potential immigrants who use or would be expected to use public benefits has not yet been officially announced. READ MORE »

President Trump’s Cabinet Update: Carson Confirmed, Acosta Hearing Scheduled
Dr. Ben Carson was confirmed as the new Secretary of Housing and Urban Development on March 2. Alexander Acosta, President Trump’s second nominee to be Secretary of Labor, is scheduled to appear before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for his confirmation hearing on March 22. READ MORE »

Senate Votes to Repeal More Rules Affecting Workers
On March 6, the Senate voted to repeal the regulations implementing the Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces Executive Order previously issued by President Obama. The House voted to repeal on Feb. 2, and the legislation is expected to be signed by President Trump. The resolution to under the order is viewed by advocates as anti-worker, anti-taxpayer, and anti-law-abiding business. READ MORE »

SCOTUS Confirmation Hearing to Begin March 20
The confirmation hearing on Judge Neil Gorsuch’s nomination to the Supreme Court is slated to begin on March 20 in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Several CHN members released statements opposing his nomination. READ MORE »

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