[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 128 (Thursday, October 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1735]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HOUSES OF WORSHIP POLITICAL SPEECH PROTECTION ACT

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                               speech of

                          HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2001

  Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 2357, 
which would change the tax code to allow religious non-profit 
organizations to engage in political activity, use tax-exempt 
contributions for political purposes, and enable religious leaders to 
endorse candidates from their pulpit.
  This legislation is a serious mistake and would be a grave violation 
of the constitutional separation between church and state.
  The real purpose of the bill appears to be helping special interest 
groups circumvent campaign finance laws by channeling fundraising, 
contribution, and endorsement activity through religious organizations. 
We all know that charitable, tax-deductible donations are easier to 
raise than political contributions. And religious non-profits are the 
only institutions that do not have to publicly file annual IRS tax 
reports.
  If this ill-conceived bill became law, congregants may have to begin 
checking the political leanings of their rabbi or preacher before 
joining congregations. Is that what we want? Do we want annual 
membership dues ending up in campaign coffers? Are we so greedy for 
campaign cash that we're willing to violate sacred houses of worship 
and threaten the integrity of religion?
  I'm, not ready for that. Under existing law, religious leaders 
already have tremendous latitude in their ability to discuss political 
issues. Religious institutions can even set up affiliate organizations 
to raise non-deductible funds for political activity, that rightfully 
must be reported to the IRS and publicly disclosed. That is why the 
National Council of Churches has called this bill ``unnecessary, unwise 
and unwanted.''
  I urge my colleagues to reject H.R. 2357. It would only promote abuse 
of campaign finance laws, abuse of the tax code, and abuse of our 
nation's founding principle of religious freedom.

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