[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 82 (Monday, June 26, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           CHURCH PLAN PARITY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J.C. WATTS, JR.

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 26, 2000

  Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, today I support S. 1309, the 
Church Plan Parity and Entanglement Prevention Act. The purpose of this 
legislation is to clarify the status of church plans under state law 
and the status of a church welfare plan as a plan sponsored by a single 
employer. It also addresses the problem of health insurance issuers 
refusing to do business with church plans because of concern that 
church plans could be classified as unlicensed entities.
  Most major religious denominations in the United States have 
established health, disability and pension plans for the employees of 
churches and church-controlled institutions. These church plans provide 
benefits that are critical to the welfare of the clergy and lay workers 
of each denomination. All Americans should have access to a viable 
health insurance plan. Just as the clergy plays a vital role in 
maintaining the spiritual health and well-being of our nation, it is 
equally important for us to give churches the tools they need in order 
to maintain the physical health and well-being of their clergy.
  It is imperative that we pass this much needed piece of legislation. 
Therefore, I urge my colleagues to join me today in supporting and 
preserving church health plans.

                          ____________________