Political Quotes

“I think it is important to speak about what is not in this bill as well as what is in it. This bill is in stark contrast to the bill which passed 2 years ago in that it does not include the provision that would allow employment discrimination with Federal dollars. In fact, the bill preserves current civil rights protections. Faith-based organizations willing to comply with civil rights laws will be able to get funding under this bill just as they can today. And organizations which refuse to comply with the 60-year tradition of no discrimination with Federal funds will not be able to get funding under this bill. When we talk about discrimination, let us remember that there was a time in America when people of certain religions were routinely denied jobs solely because of their religious beliefs, but we passed laws to end that invidious discrimination. All of us can be supportive of the work of faith-based organizations and recognize that many can successfully sponsor federally funded programs, but we do not have to sabotage anti-discrimination laws to do that. And it is insulting to suggest that we can get investments in needy areas only if we turn back the clock on civil rights. This bill allows us to support the work of faith-based organizations without sacrificing our hard-won civil rights protections.”