Should taxpayer funds be used to help rebuild houses of worhsip destroyed in disasters?
Americans United for Separation of Church and State reports that the House of Representatives voted to allow taxpayer funds to be used for rebuilding houses of worship destroyed by floods and other disasters. Here’s how Washington State reps voted:
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| To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to clarify that houses of worship are eligible for certain disaster relief and emergency assistance on terms equal to other eligible private nonprofit facilities, and for other purposes | ||
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On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass Passed: 354-72 (see complete tally) |
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If asked, Do you support taxpayer money being used to support religious organizations, I’d say no. But for this bill, I’m not sure which way to vote is correct.   Government funds help all sorts of individuals in crisis; that’s what government does. I’m open to hearing arguments.
Americans United wrote:
Rebuilding houses of worship with taxpayer money poses problems for religious liberty.
On February 13, the House of Representatives passed HR 592, a bill to allow taxpayer money to go towards the rebuilding of houses of worship by a vote of 354-72. Although this bill passed in the House, your action was not in vain. Several members of Congress made passionate speeches on the House floor prior to the vote, and many of our concerns were raised. Thank you for your advocacy and commitment to this issue!
The 72 legislators who took a stand against this violation of the constitution deserve to be thanked, so this is your chance to thank them! And, if your Representative voted for the Government rebuilding of houses of worship, please remind him or her that the government must adhere to the Constitution and the principle of church state separation, even in difficult times.
Find out how your Representatives voted and send them a follow-up message!