[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 23, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1381-E1382]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMUNITY RENEWAL THROUGH COMMUNITY- AND FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

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                               speech of

                          HON. DEBBIE STABENOW

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 22, 1999

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep concern 
regarding H.

[[Page E1382]]

Res. 207, ``Community Renewal through Community- and Faith-Based 
Organizations.'' While there are many statements in the resolution that 
I support, I oppose this legislation and was very concerned to see it 
pass on June 22, 1999. We have many wonderful faith-based organizations 
and nonprofits in Michigan who provide services to people in need. I 
believe they are an important part of our human service delivery 
system. My concern arises in this legislation with the language that 
would allow faith-based organizations receiving Federal funds for 
charitable services to require that beneficiaries of their services 
actively participate in religious practices or instruction. This, Mr. 
Speaker, crosses a very serious line drawn in our Constitution. This 
legislation violates our individual religious liberties protected by 
the First Amendment's separation of church and state.
  Clearly, H. Res. 207, infringes upon the rights and freedoms 
guaranteed by our Constitution, and I deeply regret that it was passed 
by this House.

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