Scott, Rubio, Colleagues Introduce Lifting Local Communities Act

WASHINGTON – This week, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and several of his colleagues in introducing the Lifting Local Communities Act. Faith-based organizations are some of our nation’s best social service providers, but they often face unjust barriers and uncertainty when applying to administer federally funded services in their communities. This act will make it easier for faith-based organizations to apply for, and receive, government grants and other types of funding without fear of arbitrary religious limitations and vindictive litigation. 
 
“Faith-based organizations are constantly responding to crises within our communities, yet they often face difficulties seeking federal resources,” said Senator Scott. “This bill will ensure they do not face federal discrimination for their deeply-held religious beliefs, enabling them to continue uplifting local communities across the nation.”
 
“Churches and other faith-based organizations play a vital role in lifting up their communities. These organizations should not be discriminated against because of their faith or held back by bureaucratic red tape. This bill would ensure that faith-based organizations do not have to compromise their beliefs to provide critical social services to those in need,” said Senator Rubio.
 
Senators Scott and Rubio are joined by Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) as cosponsors of the bill. 
 
The bill is also supported by several organizations including CatholicVote, Family Research Council, First Liberty Institute, Faith & Freedom Coalition, and Heritage Action.
 
“Catholic Charities is fighting in the courts, legislatures and public arena to preserve their adoption services against new legal pressures to close their doors because they abide by Catholic doctrine. Marco Rubio’s legislation would protect those agencies, as well as similar relief agencies, from being shut down by an overwoke government. The welfare of children should always trump the audacity of political correctness.” – Brian Burch, President of CatholicVote 
 
“Faith-based social service providers provide valuable services to the most vulnerable in our communities, from battered women to neglected children. This bill will ensure they can continue to serve freely, without fear of being penalized for their religious beliefs. We applaud Senator Rubio’s excellent efforts to protect these service providers’ religious freedom.” – Kassie Dulin, Director of Government Affairs for First Liberty Institute 
 
“From before the founding of our country until today, religious and faith-based groups have been indispensable in meeting the needs of Americans. Faith-based organizations are vital to strengthening families, combatting poverty, and revitalizing our communities. Sen. Rubio’s LIFTING Local Communities Act will ensure that faith-based organizations are treated equally by the federal government and recognize that they don’t forfeit their religious beliefs and rights when they use federal funds to help serve the public good.” – Timothy Head, Executive Director, Faith & Freedom Coalition 
 
“The Left will stop at nothing to undermine the religious liberty of Americans, even if that means discriminating against religious organizations who provide valuable social services to society’s most vulnerable.  Currently, the Biden administration is currently considering rolling back regulations that ensure that faith-based organizations can apply for and administer federally funded social services on the same basis as secular organizations.  Fortunately, Senator Rubio has introduced the LIFTING Local Communities Act to prevent the administration from changing these regulations by codifying them into law, which will guarantee that religious charities are able to continue serving their communities.” – Jessica Anderson, Executive Director of Heritage Action 
 
Full text of the legislation can be found here.
A summary of the legislation can be found here.
  

###