[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 20]
[Senate]
[Pages 27781-27782]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                         FAITH-BASED INITIATIVE

  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, unfortunately, during this holiday season 
there has been a decline in charitable donations. In the land of 
plenty, having children going hungry during the holiday season is 
simply heartbreaking. But today too many charitable organizations are 
facing new funding constraints and cutting back on items like food 
vouchers. Many of us in Congress have been interested in looking for 
ways to resolve these problems and strengthen the partnership between 
charities and the Federal Government.
  Senators Lieberman and Santorum have been working throughout the year 
to develop just such a solution. Throughout their process they have 
consulted with my staff and the White House to ensure that the final 
product would be a consensus bill that would enjoy bipartisan support. 
I am pleased that the outlines to an agreement are now within reach. 
Had the Senate had more time, I would be very interested in seeing the 
package that has emerged introduced and debated by the full Senate.

[[Page 27782]]

  The Lieberman-Santorum package is comprised of two limited 
components: one, a tax and technical assistance section; and two, a 
social services section that includes a title on equal treatment for 
non-governmental providers, authorization for a capital compassion 
fund, a program on mentoring for children of prisoners, and 
appropriations for funding Social Services Block Grants and Maternity 
Homes.
  I am pleased that Senators Lieberman and Santorum were able to 
resolve most of the problems that caused many to oppose H.R. 7. Their 
compromise package eliminated privatization and the voucherization of 
federal social service programs, as well as preemption of state and 
local civil rights laws. Their package also remained silent on Federal 
funding of pervasively sectarian organizations and expansion of the 
Title VII exemption.
  I also support many of the tax and spending provisions that have been 
proposed. In particular, research shows that provisions like the IRA-
rollovers and food and book donation provisions are effective in 
inducing new charitable giving. Additionally, increased funding for the 
Social Services Block Grant is an important provision to ensure that at 
long last we fulfill our commitment to providing adequate resources for 
community programs.
  While much hard work has already been done on all sides to get a bill 
that can pass, some concerns remain with provisions of this package. 
Given the slowing economy and OMB Director Daniels' statement that the 
budget will be in deficit this year and for several years to come, the 
Senate must be careful about any new tax and spending measures that are 
unpaid for.
  Therefore, while I strongly support increasing funding to charities, 
the changing economic outlook demands that fiscal responsibility be 
adhered to when enacting new tax cuts. As we move into the fiscal year 
2003 budget cycle, I look forward to working with Senators Lieberman 
and Santorum, as well as the White House, to identify workable offsets.
  It is my hope that the work that Senators Lieberman and Santorum have 
done will not go to waste. I believe that next year we can build on the 
bipartisan process that Senators Lieberman and Santorum have created to 
resolve these outstanding issues. Once we do that I am confident the 
Senate will be able to quickly move a consensus bill. Finally, let me 
applaud Senators Lieberman and Santorum for their work and dedication 
to this important issue.

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