Mark Souder: “for several years now we have been having the discussion on how best to help faith-based organizations. Very few clear…”

“for several years now we have been having the discussion on how best to help faith-based organizations. Very few clear answers have emerged. Today we are here to discuss H.R. 7, the Charitable Giving Act, which addresses the two areas where I believe the government can best assist faith-based and community organizations in their work. A few months ago I initiated a series of field hearings to talk directly to the faith-based providers of social services. We've put the cart before the horse in this debate, and what we're trying to do with these hearings is to take a step back, and ask the providers what qualities they possess that makes them unique. Time and time again, they are telling me that it is their faith that drives them to do the work that they do, often in undesirable conditions for little or no recognition.”