OMB Watch Charitable Choice Information Page

Faith-Based Initiative: Summary of Compromise Bill (2/04/02):

For months Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) have indicated willingness to work out a compromise with the White House on the President's proposed Faith Based Initiative. It now appears that Santorum, Lieberman and the White House have reached an agreement on a compromise that includes:
1.) tax incentives for giving, 2.) provisions for equal treatment of nongovernmental organizations that apply for federal grants, 3.) fast track processing by the IRS of applications for 501(c)(3) status by small organizations applying for federal funds, and 4.) funding for six new programs.

Summary of Santorum-Lieberman Draft Faith Based Initiative Bill (12/7/01):

For months Senators Rick Santorum (R-PA) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) have indicated willingness to work out a compromise with the White House on the President's proposed Faith Based Initiative. The issue stalled after the House passed its version (HR 7) last summer. It now appears that Santorum, Lieberman and the White House are close to an agreement on a compromise.

Alert: Charitable Choice in Michigan (11/20/01):

A bill that would allow the Michigan Family Independence Agency (FIA) to fund religious organizations or convert social welfare programs to vouchers is scheduled for a second hearing in the House Family and Children Services Committee on Tuesday, November 29th in Lansing. The bill (HB 5316), sponsored by Rep. Mark Jansen (R-72nd), would extend problematic provisions of federal welfare reform into every program funded through FIA, and could also result in dismantling of programs in favor of vouchers.

Bush Urges Senate To Take Up Faith-Based Initiative (11/13/01):

President Bush sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle (D-SD) and Minority Leader Trent Lott (R-MS) urging them to pass an "Armies of Compassion" bill before the end-of-the-year recess. The letter proposes a scaled-down version of H.R. 7, the controversial version of the faith-based initiative passed by the House earlier this year.

White House Releases Report on Faith Based and Community Organizations (8/20/01):

On August 16, the White House released a report on barriers faith-based and community organizations face in participating in federal social service programs. The report was required by President Bush's January 29 Executive Order creating five federal Centers for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

House Passes H.R. 7, The Community Solutions Act (7/19/01):

The House has passed HR 7, the "Community Solutions Act" by a vote of 233-198.

Oppose H.R. 7, The Community Solutions Act (7/16/01):

On July 16th, OMB Watch sent a letter to Members of Congress urging them to oppose H.R. 7, the Community Solutions Act of 2001.

Faith-Based Initiative Moves to House Floor (7/13/01):

The President's faith-based initiative, the Community Solutions Act (H.R. 7), will be going to the House floor Wednesday, July 18. This is a bad bill that should never become law. Even if you have no position on "charitable choice" – the notion of giving religious congregations federal funds and relaxing federal rules – the major charitable giving provisions have become so watered down and extract such a huge fiscal limitation that they are not worth it.

Revised OMB Watch Analysis of Charitable Choice Provisions (6/28/01):

Report from House Charitable Choice Hearings (4/30/01):

Two hearings an charitable choice were held April 24th and April 26th in the house.

Charitable Choice Roundup (5/29/01):

A roundup of several recent stories involving charitable choice.

OMB Watch Joins Groups Opposing Charitable Choice Bill in House (4/11/01):

A group of 27 national organizations, including OMB Watch, unions, educators, civil rights, religious and social service groups, sent a letter to members of the House of Representatives on April 11th expressing "our strong opposition" to the charitable choice provisions of H.R. 7, sponsored by Rep. J.C. Watts (R-OK) and Rep. Tony Hall (D-OH). The letter noted that charitable choice legislation "is not necessary to foster partnerships between religiously affiliated groups and the government."

Charitable Choice Introduced in House (4/2/01):

A charitable choice bill has been introduced in the House by JC Watts (R-OK) and Tony Hall (D-OH), which, unlike it's Senate cousin, contains legislation allowing the federal funding of churches' social service activities.

Update on Charitable Choice (3/2/01):

Upcoming legislation, hearings, and more.

Budgetary Implications of Charitable Choice (3/2/01):

The President's budget outline places a heavy emphasis on "championing compassionate conservatism," particularly through what he has previously called his faith-based initiatives. Although the budget outline provides very little detail, it does identify $700 million for his Champion Compassionate Conservatism initiative, which would receive $4.8 billion over the next five years and $10.8 billion over the next 10 years

Bush Administration Issues Executive Orders on Faith-based Initiatives (1/29/01):

President Bush issued two executive orders on January 29th that promote faith-based and other community based organizations.

Executive Orders on Faith-based Initiatives (1/29/01):

Text of the January 29th executive orders. "Establishment of White House Office of Faith Based And Community Initiatives" and "Agency Responsibilities With Respect To Faith-Based And Community Initiatives"

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