House Passes Bill to Give Disaster Relief to Religious Groups
This past Wednesday, the House passed a bill to grant federal disaster money to religious organizations, reports Caleb K. Bell of Religion News Service. The bill, which passed 354-72, enjoyed bipartisan support and is expected to pass the Senate. One of the bill’s biggest endorsers, Representative Christopher Smith, said, “Today’s debate and vote is about those who are being unfairly left out and left behind.” The overwhelming support of the bill, however, leaves some worried because “it would send taxpayer money to houses of worship,” which is a violation of the First Amendment.