WASHINGTON, USA - President George W. Bush's proposals for "faith-based" solutions to social problems cleared a key U.S. House of Representatives panel on Thursday.
The House Judiciary Committee approved the legislation on a vote of 20-5, giving a major boost to the measure billed as a centerpiece of Bush's "compassionate conservative" domestic agenda.
Bush applauded the panel's action on his faith-based initiative. "I commend the House Judiciary Committee for passing legislation that offers hope to tens of millions of people at risk, including 15 million children," he said in a written statement.
"I look forward to action by the Ways and Means Committee and urge the House to pass this legislation as soon as possible, " Bush added.
The initiative, which had been stalled on Capitol Hill, would let churches, synagogues and mosques help deliver $250 billion in federal social programs.
The major elements of the president's initiative would allow increased tax deductions for charitable donations and let religious groups compete for more federal grants to provide expanded social services.
Despite bipartisan support, the proposals have drawn fire from across the political spectrum with many concerned they would violate separation of church and state.
Bush kicked off the week with a renewed push to spur congressional action on his initiative. Speaking in Detroit on Monday, Bush urged the U.S. Conference of Mayors to make known to "skeptics" in the House and Senate their support for the legislation. The 200 mayors, mostly Democrats, endorsed Bush's faith-based plan.
Bush spokeswoman Claire Buchan said earlier this week that the White House was hopeful there would be a full House vote on the initiative in July.
01:33 06-29-01
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