The Washington Times
Rubio-led measure would undo new Biden rule on faith-based charities
By Mark A. Kellner
Sen. Marco Rubio and six fellow GOP senators introduced a joint resolution of disapproval Thursday seeking to overturn a new Biden administration rule the lawmakers say will impose “a radical social agenda” on faith-based groups receiving federal funds.
The federal rule, proposed in March with an April 4 effective date, would require faith-based groups to give clients written notice of nondiscrimination protections and how to obtain information about other federally funded service providers if they felt uncomfortable dealing with a religious group.
The federal agencies adopting the new rule are the departments of Agriculture, Education, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Labor, Veterans Affairs and the Agency for International Development.
Federal officials have see-sawed on standards for faith-based organizations receiving tax dollars since President George W. Bush signed the first executive order on the topic in 2002.
Republican presidents Bush and Donald J. Trump have tended to strengthen doctrinal protections for faith groups, while Democrats Barack Obama and Joseph R. Biden have sought to emphasize the rights of beneficiaries and prospective employees.
Mr. Rubio, a Florida Republican, said religious charities that want to uphold their beliefs while serving others would be threatened under the Biden rule. Mr. Rubio said the rule would impose “overbearing regulations” on religious groups, forcing faith-based charities to choose between upholding their core beliefs and receiving federal funds to assist those in need.
“Faith-based charities have long been essential partners to the federal government, providing crucial ‘boots on the ground’ support in many initiatives,” Mr. Rubio said in a statement. “The Biden Administration’s rule threatens to sideline these charities and force a radical social agenda on them.”
“Instead of targeting and punishing people living out their faith through service to others, we should be making it easier for churches and other faith-based organizations to help lift up Americans in need,” Mr. Rubio said.
Other sponsors include Republican senators Katie Britt of Alabama, Tom Cotton of Arkansas, Rick Scott of Florida, Roger Marshall of Kansas, Josh Hawley of Missouri and Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi.
The Washington Times has contacted the White House requesting comment.