LOOP: Supreme Court hears pivotal birthright citizenship case

FRIDAY, MAY 16 SUPREME COURT HEARS PIVOTAL BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP CASE The Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday in a pivotal case over whether lower courts can block President Donald Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants. Just before the hearing, Trump argued on social media that the legal purpose of birthright citizenship never had anything "to do with Illegal Immigration for people wanting to SCAM our Country, from all parts of the World, which they have done for many years."  READ TRUMP DELIVERS MAJOR SPEECH PRAISING SAUDI PROGRESS In a major address this week at the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum 2025, Trump marked a turning point in US-Saudi relations, lauding the kingdom's transformation and reaffirming America's long-standing partnership with Saudi Arabia. He received a standing ovation.  READ FDA MAY REMOVE COVID SHOTS FROM CHILD VACCINE SCHEDULE  Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary said this week the evidence to support giving healthy children the mRNA COVID shot "does not exist." The issue is "being discussed right now," he said, adding: "I think you're going to see some announcement on that in the coming weeks." READ BISHOP BARRON EXPLAINS NEED FOR RENEWED OPPOSITION TO PORN  On behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), Bishop Robert Barron has put out a statement explaining why they released a new edition of "Create in Me a Pure Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography." Read his thoughts here.  READ MINORITY OF REPUBLICANS THREATEN TO SCUTTLE BUDGET BILL  "Trump's 'big, beautiful bill' appears to be in peril as of late Thursday afternoon, ahead of a critical meeting by the House Budget Committee to bring the legislation close to a House-wide vote," FOX News reported yesterday. READ CATHOLIC TRANSPORT SEC GIVING JESUS PRIDE OF PLACE  US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, a Catholic, officially announced yesterday that he is moving a historic painting of Jesus back to its place of prominence at the Merchant Marine Academy after Biden administration officials relegated it to the basement two years ago. READ PREVENTION EXPERT ON CHURCH SEX ABUSE: 'CANNOT RUN AWAY FROM THIS'  In a wide-ranging interview, Jesuit Father Hans Zollner, one of the Catholic Church's foremost experts in safeguarding and clerical sexual abuse prevention, offered an insightful assessment of both the spiritual and institutional challenges facing the Church as it continues to reckon with the sexual abuse crimes committed by some of its own.  WATCH   AD: SUPPORT TRUMP'S TRANSFORMATIVE BUDGET  A budget that ends taxpayer funding of Big Abortion, uplifts families, and rewards parents for having children? This could be TRANSFORMATIVE, and it deserves the support of Catholics especially. Contact your Congressman in one easy step using our Catholic Action Center. Let's work together to help make a lasting difference for faith, family and freedom.  CONTACT CONGRESS BISHOP CONLEY SHARES STRUGGLES WITH MENTAL HEALTH  Calling attention to Mental Health Awareness Month, Bishop James Conley of the Diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska, opened up about his own struggles with mental health and shared recommendations for cultivating a healthy mind, reminding the faithful that they are not alone. READ VERMONT ABUSE VICTIMS TESTIFY IN COURT PRESENTATION  Survivors of clergy abuse by priests in the Diocese of Burlington, Vermont, shared their experiences at a special federal court presentation this week, following the filing of more than 100 claims of abuse. READ 'WHY I LOVE AMERICA'  Refine's Tessa Gervasini interviewed Americans of all ages and walks of life to ask them: Why do you love the USA? Their heartfelt answers are a beautiful reminder of why this country, nearly 250 years after its founding, is still worth celebrating, cherishing, and defending. READ CATHOLIC 101  A major characteristic of our new Pope is his membership in the Augustinian Order. Though we are all one in the same faith, different orders and charisms offer special dimensions, the way a diamond looks different from every angle. What is the unique angle, personality, and theme we can expect from an Augustinian pontificate?  READ SAINT OF THE DAY  Today the Catholic Church remembers Saint Simon Stock, a twelfth- and thirteenth-century Carmelite monk whose vision of the Virgin Mary is the source of the Brown Scapular devotion. READ DAILY PSALM  "You are my Son; this day I have begotten you." (Psalm 2:7)  READ DAILY READINGS  Today's Mass readings.  READ THE POLITICAL LIGHTNING ROD  When Phyllis Schlafly received an honorary doctorate from Washington University in May, 2008, one-third of the students and faculty members in attendance stood and turned their backs on her in protest. However, the Catholic mother of six and conservative activist had faced far worse before. From leading the charge to defeat the Equal Rights Amendment to her effective political organizing through Eagle Forum, Schlafly was a political lightning rod who remained unfazed by the constant tumult surrounding her defense of traditional values.  READ Paid for by CatholicVote Civic Action, a 501(c)(4) organization. Update your email preferences or unsubscribe here. CATHOLICVOTE  |  PO Box 3310  |  Carmel, IN 46082  |  (317) 669-6127