The House has passed HR 7, the "Community Solutions Act" by a vote of 233-198. 15 Democrats voted for the bill, and 4 Republicans voted against it. A Democratic alternative that addressed some of the civil rights and discrimination problems in the bill was defeated 261-168. This alternative would also have prohibited religious organizations who provide federally funded programs from engaging in sectarian activities at the same time. A motion to recommit the bill to the Judiciary Committee with instructions to remove language that allows discrimination also failed on a vote of 234-195.

This week, the House Ways and Means and Judiciary Committees will likely mark up HR 7, the "Community Solutions Act of 2001" which contains a combination of provisions that would provide tax incentives to increase charitable giving and extend federal funding opportunities for religious congregations that wish to mix social service with religious activity.

A summary of recent events relating to the Administration's Faith-Based Initiative In the opening skirmish of what is likely to be a protracted battle, the American Jewish Congress has filed suit seeking a permanent injunction against implementation of a state-funded job-training program in California that is open only to faith-based service providers. This suit comes on the heels of a confirmation by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that an HIV and drug abuse prevention program funded by HHS has also been restricted to faith-based groups.