Richard Gephardt: “I believe it is a superior bill to deal with this very important problem. I am saddened to stand before the Members in…”

“I believe it is a superior bill to deal with this very important problem. I am saddened to stand before the Members in opposition to the language of the bill that is on the floor. In my view, this bill represents a missed opportunity to extend the good works of faith-based organizations. I am a strong supporter of not-for-profit and faith-based organizations. I believe they provide tremendous help to people all over this country. They feed the hungry. They put roofs over people's heads. They tend to the most underprivileged in our society, the poorest members of our communities. They are vital to every community in America, and as forces for good in our society, they are simply irreplaceable. But I do not believe that we should accept the premise of the legislation before us. I believe in the Golden Rule: 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.' I do not think that we should expand government support for institutions at the expense of fundamental civil rights and antidiscrimination protections for all Americans.”