[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14087]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



   COMMUNITY RENEWAL THROUGH COMMUNITY- AND FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                               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. 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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