NASW Metro DC Policy Updates: Statement on Embassy Shootings, Medicaid Cuts, Reconciliation Bill, LGBTQIA2S+ News
Recent Events & Policy Priorities
The social work profession has faced a particularly intense policy climate in recent weeks, especially in Metro DC. Our hearts go out to all affected by the May 21 shootings of two Israeli Embassy staffers. Please see the full chapter statement of condemnation below and consider sharing it with others.
Meanwhile, the Republican Reconciliation Bill—with sweeping proposed cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, mental health funding, and reproductive care—narrowly passed in the House and is now under Senate consideration. Read on for issue highlights, calls to action, and updates on other NASW Metro DC Chapter policy priorities including immigration, behavioral health, and LGBTQIA2S+ rights.
We also hope you’ve had time to participate in some of the incredible World Pride events taking place across DC.
Statement: Embassy Staff Shootings & Antisemitism
NASW Metro DC issued a statement following the May 21 shootings of two Israeli Embassy staffers:
“These murders are inexcusable acts of violence against two people who were simply living their faith through their embassy work and exercising their right to freely practice their religious beliefs,” said Executive Director Debra Riggs.
The chapter expresses deep sympathy for Jewish social workers and the wider Jewish community and remains committed to combating antisemitism and ethnic violence. Read the full statement here.
According to the Anti-Defamation League, 2024 marked the fourth consecutive year of rising antisemitic incidents, with a 5% increase—the highest ever recorded.
Budget Reconciliation Bill: What’s at Stake
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a revised Budget Reconciliation Bill by one vote on May 22. Major provisions include:
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$698 billion in Medicaid cuts
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$535 billion in Medicare reductions
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$267 billion in SNAP and food program cuts
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Elimination of gender-affirming care under Medicaid
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Defunding of Planned Parenthood and mental health programs
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Reduced spending on climate and education
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Expansion of budgets for immigration enforcement and deportations
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill would cause 7.6 to 10 million Americans to lose Medicaid coverage and further harm low-income households.
The Senate is expected to vote in late June. Some provisions could change, so now is the time to speak out.
Related resource: KFF health provision summary
Medicaid & Medicare Advocacy: Calls to Action
NASW is calling on social workers to contact their elected officials to protect Medicaid:
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Covers nearly 72 million Americans
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Supports over 60% of nursing home residents
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Serves 30% of individuals with disabilities
Send an advocacy email here
Additional resource: The Crucial Role Medicaid and Social Workers Play in Providing Access to Substance Use Treatment
Older Adult Advocacy: NASW and the Elder Justice Coalition also urge you to speak up to protect funding for aging and disability programs.
Gender-Affirming Care Under Scrutiny
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched a federal oversight initiative into hospitals providing gender-affirming care for minors. This includes demands for data on informed consent, safety outcomes, and billing practices. Several DC-area hospitals are among those that offer this care.
In response, NASW Metro DC is preparing a formal statement to clarify that gender-affirming care is:
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Evidence-based
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Life-saving
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Critical for youth mental health
It will also offer guidance on how social workers can engage and educate others on this issue.
LGBTQIA2S+ Rights & Housing Discrimination
The Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity has halted all investigations into gender-identity discrimination, including those in DC, citing an executive order redefining “sex” narrowly. Advocates are seeing rising housing discrimination and homelessness among LGBTQIA2S+ individuals, particularly youth.
Affordable Housing Crisis in DC
A new Zillow report shows DC residents now need to earn over $97,000 annually to afford the city’s median rent of $2,429—a 24% jump from five years ago.
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Average MSW salary in DC: $69,789 (Salary.com)
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Cost of living in DC is 39% higher than the U.S. average
The DC Council is reviewing proposals including a $100 million FY26 investment in the Housing Production Trust Fund and tightening ERAP policies to balance tenant protections with court efficiency.
Behavioral & Mental Health Policy
Social Work Compact:
Metro DC continues to support the Social Work Compact, now adopted by 25 states, for interstate licensure access. Interested in joining the policy committee? Contact driggs.naswdc@socialworkers.org
Opioid Overdose Decline:
DC saw a 37% drop in fatal opioid overdoses in 2024, largely due to expanded Narcan access, fentanyl testing strips, and treatment availability.
Parity Enforcement Paused:
HHS announced a pause in enforcing 2024 mental health parity regulations, with the Trump administration seeking a regulatory rollback.
Immigration Policy Updates
ICE Raids in DC:
Nearly 200 individuals were detained in early May during targeted immigration enforcement raids. Community fear is growing—even among legal residents—as ICE agents allegedly challenge visa and residency statuses. DC law enforcement was not involved.
TPS Terminations:
President Trump has ended Temporary Protected Status for Afghan refugees. More than 17,000 Afghan immigrants reside in the DC-Baltimore area. Social workers in the region have been integral in resettlement efforts since 2021.
Reproductive Justice
FACE Act at Risk:
Efforts are underway to repeal the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, following recent clinic violence. NASW’s policy statement underscores the need for safe, evidence-based reproductive care access.
Reconciliation Bill Impacts:
Proposed federal cuts would eliminate funding for programs like Planned Parenthood, threatening care access across DC. Abortion remains legal in the District, with no parental notification required.
Supreme Court Watch:
A SCOTUS decision in Medina v. Planned Parenthood is expected by late June and could determine whether Medicaid patients can sue to maintain access to providers like Planned Parenthood.
June 14 Protests: Make Your Voice Heard
More than 1,000 demonstrations will take place nationwide—including in Metro DC—on June 14 to protest federal policies related to healthcare, civil rights, and public funding.
This date coincides with the military parade marking the Army’s 250th anniversary, Flag Day, and President Trump’s birthday.
Organizers recommend avoiding downtown DC and focusing protest messages on:
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Opposing cuts to Medicaid and Medicare
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Defending reproductive rights
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Rejecting executive overreach
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Promoting human rights and research
Find events near you: