Ralph Hall: “as a long-time supporter of local solutions for local problems, I want to thank my colleagues, Representative J.C. Watts…”

“as a long-time supporter of local solutions for local problems, I want to thank my colleagues, Representative J.C. Watts and Representative Tony Hall, for their work to bring H.R. 7, the Community Solutions Act, to the Floor. I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this initiative, which recognizes the important role that faith-based groups are performing in every community in America. I commend President Bush for making this a priority of his Administration. Government has long provided public funding for social service programs through its ``charitable choice'' provisions. This Act builds on this success by expanding the services that may be provided by faith-based groups. Most of us would agree that local citizens have a far better understanding of local problems and have better solutions for those problems than some ``one-size-fits-all'' Federal program. We've spent billions of dollars fighting the war against drugs, for example--and are still losing it because we are fighting it form the top. The bill's sponsors have worked to address the constitutional concerns that have been raised, and they have provided some important safeguards. As this bill moves forward, we need to continue our efforts to fully examine the implications of this Act as it affects State laws. The Community Solutions Act holds great promise in our efforts to combat drugs, juvenile delinquency, teenage pregnancy, hunger, school violence, illiteracy and other ills.”