House Passes Continuing Resolution, Funding Government Through December

On September 1, House of Representatives passed the Senate version of a continuing resolution (CR) that would fund the government at fiscal year (FY) 2026 levels through December 11 and averting a September 30 government shutdown. The final vote tally was 370-48, with 19 House Republicans and 29 Democrats voting against the bill.  The CR now awaits signature by President Trump. At the time of writing, the Senate has not yet released any of its FY 2027 appropriations bills, although it is anticipated that the Senate will release funding allocations when they return September 14. CSWE will continue to monitor FY 2027 funding negotiations in the House and Senate.

CSWE Hosts Congressional Briefing on AI and Social Work

On September 15, CSWE hosted a congressional briefing on “AI and Mental Health: Opportunities, Risks, and the Role of Social Work,” bringing together social work educators, researchers, practitioners, advocates, and congressional staff to examine the rapidly evolving role of artificial intelligence in mental health and social services. Tashia Roberson-Wing, MSW, Senior Legislative Assistant for Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-1), gave opening remarks, with Dr. Desmond Upton Patton providing the keynote address. Following was a panel discussion featuring Dr. Tova Walsh, Dr. Sebrena Jackson, Dr. Ruopeng An, Dr. Marina Badillo-Diaz, DSW, and Emmanuel Adaranijo, MSW.  Panelists discussed how AI is changing the social work profession and behavioral health services, opportunities for using AI to strengthen care and support social workers, challenges and potential harms associated with AI, and how schools of social work and the broader profession can prepare the workforce for an AI-enabled future. The panel also highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable populations and explored recommendations for Congress.

The event concluded with CSWE presenting Representative Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ-12) with the “Distinguished Leadership Award for Social Work Education” in recognition of her longstanding support for social work education and the profession. The award was accepted by congressional staff on her behalf.