[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 128 (Thursday, October 3, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR FOR SUCCESS OF COMMUNITY AND FAITH-
                            BASED INITIATIVE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOHN R. THUNE

                            of south dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 2, 2002

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the Department of Labor 
for its efforts to integrate community and faith-based organizations 
into Federal employment and training services. The department is 
working with these local partners to deliver effective programs to some 
of our hardest to reach neighborhoods. Small community and faith-based 
organizations have already made significant human investments in 
communities throughout America and are known and trusted to deliver 
results.
  The importance of this initiative is most evident among some of 
America's poorest families and individuals, where community and faith-
based organizations are sometimes the only partners capable of 
delivering effective services. I commend the Department of Labor for 
creating several pilot and innovative grant programs designed to better 
utilize the unique skills of community and faith-based institutions in 
its employment and training efforts.
  Given the department's growing record of success, I sincerely hope 
that Congress will pass and send legislation to the President's desk 
that ensures the Federal government will no longer ignore these 
critical partnerships. The House has passed H.R. 7 to make community 
and faith-based organizations eligible to receive federal program 
dollars, and again, I hope this legislation will pass both chambers 
before we adjourn.
  Again Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the Department of Labor for its 
work to improve Federal services and encourage them to continue and 
expand their successful partnerships with community and faith-based 
organizations.

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