CRAWFORD, USA - U.S. President George W. Bush pressed the U.S. Senate once again on Saturday to pass his faith-based initiative, which would funnel federal funding to religious charities that run social programs.
In his weekly radio address, broadcast from his ranch in Texas, Bush called on senators to pass the legislation as soon as they return to work after Labor Day.
"The needs are real," Bush said. "The time to act is as soon as Congress returns to work after Labor Day."
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the bill but the Senate has yet to act on the legislation, a central part of Bush's "compassionate conservative" agenda.
Bush has repeatedly urged the Senate to act promptly on the bill, which would boost support for religious charities by making them eligible for more federal grants and by expanding tax deductions for charitable donations.
Proponents of the measure say it would give needed assistance in the war on poverty at home and would give aid to programs that have a proven track record. Opponents say it violates civil rights and could allow for discrimination by giving funds to religious groups who hire people based on their beliefs.
"A compassionate government should find ways to support ... good works" done by charities, Bush said. "Unfortunately, government often treats charities and community groups as rivals instead of partners."
Bush cited a report released this week that found a "widespread bias" against faith-based groups receiving federal aid. He said the bias documented in the report "exists even when the constitutional concerns about church and state have been addressed."
The president said in his radio address that the government would not allow charities to apply for some funding "simply because they are religious."
"This is wrong," Bush said. "Faith-based and community groups cannot replace the work of government, but with government's help, they can serve many more people. My administration is committed to providing that help."
On Friday, John DiIulio, the director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, said he was stepping down and leaving the government. DiIulio denied that his departure was acrimonious.
On Thursday, DiIulio's office issued a report entitled "Unlevel Playing Field" that said, "The federal grants process ... does more to discourage than to welcome the participation of faith-based and community groups."
"Too much is done that discourages or actually excludes good organizations that simply appear 'too religious,' too little is done to include groups that meet local needs with vigor and creativity but are not as large, established or bureaucratic as the traditional part of the federal government," the report said in its conclusions.
DiIulio, a devout Roman Catholic, said it would take a good deal of reform to be able to implement effective legislation that would help fund faith-based social services. He said he had accomplished his three main goals, including securing passage of Bush's faith-based plan in the House.
But the measure's fate is in doubt in the Senate, which is controlled by Democrats. Despite that, White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said no effort would be spared to obtain the legislation's passage.
08:43 08-18-01
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