Mike Levin: “I opposed the motion to waive the Byrd rule point of order against the language of section 2104 which would provide a…”

“I opposed the motion to waive the Byrd rule point of order against the language of section 2104 which would provide a specific authorization for States to contract with charitable, private, or religious organizations to provide services under this act. States, without this provision, are able to enter into such contracts provided that they are consistent with the establishment clause of the Constitution and the State constitution and statutes of the State involved. Therefore, I believe this provision is unnecessary. I also voted against the language because it could inadvertently actually create a headache for religious organizations that currently deliver social services under Federal contract. Religious organizations currently contract to deliver social services for the Federal Government. They do so separate from their religious activities, keeping separate accounts, for instance. Under the bill's language, neither the Federal Government nor a State may refuse to contract with an organization based on the religious character of the organization, but if a recipient of those benefits objects to the religious character of an organization from which that individual would receive assistance, the State must provide that individual with assistance from an alternative provider that is 'accessible' to the individual.”