APHSA members had an impactful week on Capitol Hill engaging in a full schedule of meetings with Representatives, Senators, and key staff from influential committees including Finance, Ways and Means, and Agriculture. These conversations underscored the vital role of human services in building thriving communities across the country. We look forward to continuing these important dialogues and translating them into meaningful action. | | We’re excited to announce that the new APHSA Career Center is now live! Job seekers can find roles across the human services sector, as well as tools like resume support and coaching services. Employers can connect with the right talent, post positions, and search resumes of professionals actively seeking roles specifically in human services. Visit the site and get started today! | | This Week in Washington will take a hiatus for the next two weeks in line with the congressional calendar. Keep a look out for us in your inbox on May 2. In the meantime, we’ll keep you apprised of any important updates through our social media (linked above) and special updates. |
| Regulatory & Legislative Updates | |
House and Senate Pass Budget Resolution
This past Thursday, the House approved a budget blueprint with a narrow vote of 216-214. This budget framework, previously approved by the Senate last Saturday, will advance the next steps in drafting language aimed at raising the debt ceiling, increasing border security, extending the administration's 2017 tax cuts, and finding funding for these changes. Discussions to follow will include changes to key human services programs and funding.
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DHS Ends CHNV Parole Programs
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced the termination of the parole programs for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (known as “CHNV parole programs”), effective April 24, 2025. The Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), has provided guidance on the next steps. Individuals no longer under CHNV parole programs will not be eligible for SNAP benefits unless they qualify under another status. State agencies have been instructed to remove these individuals from SNAP at their next recertification. The guidance also clarifies that the termination does not affect Cuban-Haitian Entrants' eligibility for SNAP.
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SNAP and TANF Hearings in Congress Highlight Bipartisan Concerns
This week, two congressional hearings were held on Capitol Hill focused on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. On April 8, the House Agriculture Committee held a hearing titled, "The Power of Work: Expanding Opportunity through SNAP," where lawmakers discussed the program's role in promoting self-sufficiency and providing quality training. On the same day, the House Ways and Means Committee examined the effectiveness of TANF in a hearing titled "Government Watchdog Findings: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Program In Need of Reform, Better State Accountability, and Fraud Protection," which discussed findings from multiple recent GAO reports.
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Senate Confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz to Lead CMS
Last week, the Senate confirmed Dr. Mehmet Oz as the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) with a vote of 53-45. Dr. Oz will oversee the federal agency responsible for administering the Medicare program and collaborating with state agencies to manage Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
| | Advancing Social and Economic Mobility | |
GAO Calls for Improved HHS Oversight of TANF Spending to Enhance Accountability
The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report titled, "Temporary Assistance for Needy Families: Actions Needed to Improve HHS Oversight," examines how the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. The report highlights that state spending on non-assistance services, such as job training and child welfare, has increased, while spending on direct assistance has decreased. It identifies gaps in states' reporting on TANF expenditures, which hinder effective oversight. The report also provides several recommendations, such as Congress considering giving HHS the authority to estimate and report on improper payments.
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GAO Report on States' Use of TANF and Other Federal Funding Sources
A GAO report titled, "Child Welfare: States' Use of TANF and Other Major Federal Funding Sources," examines how states utilize federal funds to address child abuse and neglect. From fiscal years 2015 to 2022, states spent $23.5 billion from the TANF program and $68.6 billion from Title IV-E of the Social Security Act on child welfare. Title IV-E funds are primarily used for foster care payments and, since 2018, for evidence-based prevention services. Title IV-B funds, totaling $4.4 billion, support services to protect children and promote family reunification and adoption. The report highlights the flexibility of TANF funds, which states use variably for child welfare services.
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| Strengthening the Human Services Sector | |
New Policies on AI for Federal Use
The administration has announced new policies detailing the use and procurement of artificial intelligence (AI) tools within federal agencies. The memorandum, "Accelerating Federal Use of AI through Innovation, Governance, and Public Trust," provides directives for federal agencies to enhance their use of AI tools. These directives include developing a public strategy for AI and ensuring that AI adoption benefits the American people by improving public services and operational efficiency.
Another memorandum, "Driving Efficient Acquisition of Artificial Intelligence in Government," outlines new guidelines for federal agencies to procure AI technologies more effectively. Agencies are instructed to prioritize vendor sourcing, data portability, and long-term interoperability to avoid costly dependencies. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of tracking AI performance and managing risks to safeguard taxpayer dollars.
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WEBINAR: Staff Safety - Accommodating Invisible Disabilities
Policies and norms that recognize neurodivergence and other “invisible disabilities” can remove stigma as well as increase safety and productivity. This month's National Staff Development and Training Association (NSDTA) Showcase will be a discussion around stopping systemic ableism so that all can be the best version of themselves. Objectives include coming away with designed actions that can be put in place within the next three months, enhancing a sense of belonging (decreasing exhaustion, compassion fatigue, and resentment), and learning simple steps for organizations and agencies to implement.
April 22, 3:00-4:00 PM ET
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WEBINAR: From Voice to Action – Responsive Designs for Language Justice in Human Services Agencies
Join us Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 3:00–4:15 PM ET for the third and final webinar in our Language Justice series: Part 3, From Voice to Action – Responsive Designs for Language Justice in Human Services Agencies. In this session, presenters will explore how agencies and CBOs are building responsive, customer-centered language access plans. Panelists will share firsthand experiences of navigating services with limited English proficiency and discuss how agencies are embedding language justice into outreach, staffing, contracting, and training.
May 21, 3:00-4:15 PM ET
| | | | APHSA National Human Services Summit Registration Open | Registration is currently open for the APHSA National Human Services Summit! This year's Summit will bring together the nation’s brightest leaders, innovators, and changemakers in human services. The event will be held in downtown Philadelphia from June 1-4 and offers an opportunity to listen, learn, engage, and inspire. | | Connect with other participants to build strategies for improving the lives of children, families, and communities across the nation. Lock in early registration rates now! | | If you were forwarded this email sign up here to get the next This Week in Washington newsletter sent directly to your inbox! | | | | |
