LOOP: Trump budget would defund Planned Parenthood

TUESDAY, MAY 13 GOP BUDGET PLAN WOULD DEFUND PLANNED PARENTHOOD AND PROTECT KIDS House Republicans' budget blueprint, backed by President Donald Trump, would defund Planned Parenthood for the next decade and prohibit taxpayer funding of so-called "gender transition procedures" on minors under Medicaid. Multiple other provisions long sought by the pro-life movement are also included in the plan.  READ EDUCATION FREEDOM VICTORY: SCHOOL CHOICE ALSO INCLUDED The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) is included in House Republicans' omnibus tax bill, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-LA, announced May 12. Cassidy, a chief sponsor of the ECCA, said the inclusion of the act in what Trump has called the "one big, beautiful bill" is a victory for parents and children.  READ HEALTH DEPT PROBES HOSPITAL FOR CONSCIENCE VIOLATIONS  The Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) yesterday announced it is investigating a hospital accused of threatening employees for refusing to participate in abortions. "Today's announcement is part of a larger effort to strengthen enforcement of laws protecting conscience and religious exercise," a press release stated. READ AD: GET YOUR DEGREE IN AI AT UDALLAS  The University of Dallas MS in Data Science and AI blends technical excellence with human-centered leadership. Designed for working professionals, this program combines hands-on projects in AI, cybersecurity, and analytics with a faith-informed core curriculum. Build skills that matter in real-world settings and graduate ready to lead with purpose. LEARN MORE HAMAS RELEASES LAST AMERICAN PRISONER  An American-Israeli soldier, the last US citizen held by Hamas, was released Monday after being taken captive during Hamas' initial Oct. 7, 2023, attack. The Associated Press called the release a "goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration" coinciding with Trump's visit to the Middle East this week. READ JOY! BABY BOOM AT CATHOLIC HOSPITAL IN WISCONSIN  In a joyful turn of events during National Nurses Week and just ahead of Mother's Day, 14 registered nurses at HSHS St. Vincent Hospital's Women and Infants Center have shared that they're expecting babies of their own. "This is an incredible full-circle moment for many of our nurses," said Amy Bardon, director of the Women and Infants Center. READ EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CUTS $1B IN DEI FUNDING  The Department of Education has cut $1 billion in grants ostensibly for mental health purposes but reportedly used instead to push diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies on young students.  READ   SO MUCH NEWS...  Here are the stories we couldn't fit in today's LOOP: •    Pope Leo XIV talked peace with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. READ •    A teen mom just had her first Mother's Day thanks to a pro-life center. READ •    The Vatican just recognized a Eucharistic miracle in India! READ AD: 'SO MUCH CONSOLATION FOR MY WIFE AND MY DAUGHTERS'  This picture book about Jellybean, a baby taken by God while still in Mom's belly, reveals to children the important role lost siblings still play in their families. Nearly 1/3 of women suffer miscarriage or infant loss. Jellybean reminds us of God's Hand in this pain, consoling siblings, parents, and grandparents. In its 3rd printing in less than a year.  GET JELLYBEAN NOW US BISHOPS SPEAK OUT AGAINST EVIL OF PORNOGRAPHY  The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has released an updated version of its pastoral letter on pornography, marking the 10th anniversary of the original with a new edition titled "Create in Me a Pure Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography." READ LOOPcast  The crew breaks down Pope Leo's explanation of his name choice (the Holy Father has a fiery agenda for tackling the "new revolution" of AI!). Josh shares his firsthand experience at the pope's audience with journalists (yes, there were jokes!), while we unpack Leo's Mother's Day homily, his call for peace during the Regina Caeli, and his brother's wild MAGA antics on Newsmax. Good news? Erika's basically Pope Leo's mom. Josh celebrates the EPA nixing that annoying car shutdown feature and… does the pope have to pay taxes? WATCH RELIGIOUS VOCATION + SEXUAL BROKENNESS  Women who are called to religious life, but have sexual brokenness in their past (or present), can have an especially difficult time responding to God's love and invitation. These two things seem incompatible to some, but God is the author of the most beautiful redemptive stories. From Magdala, a ministry for women who struggle with sexual addiction, here's how you can navigate a religious call in the midst of brokenness. WATCH CATHOLIC 101  "During May, especially in this turbulent period of history, I suggest we enhance our devotion to Mary, Mother of Mercy," writes Derek Rotty, "so that she will intercede on our behalf to her Beloved Son."  READ SAINT OF THE DAY  Today the Church celebrates Our Lady of Fatima. May 13 is the anniversary of the apparition of Our Lady to three shepherd children in the small village of Fatima in Portugal in 1917. She appeared six times to Lucia, 9, and her cousins Francisco, 8, and his sister Jacinta, 6, between May 13, 1917 and October 13, 1917. READ DAILY PSALM  "All you nations, praise the Lord." (Psalm 117:1)  READ DAILY READINGS  Today's Mass readings.  READ BEAUTY  The Vatican still employs calligraphers and illuminators. One example: the Bull of Acceptance of the Roman Pontiff, handwritten by the Master of Pontifical Liturgical Celebrations, who also serves as notary.  SHARE 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