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Two recent rulings by federal judges state that private institutions are subject to federal restrictions simply due to their tax-exempt status. This could lead to private schools, churches, and non-profit charities being punished if they do not follow burdensome and politically polarized regulations.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) and colleagues introduced the Safeguarding Charity Act to protect the independence of our nation’s tax-exempt organizations. 

• “Civic organizations like churches, schools, and charities are crucial to our communities. I remain concerned by recent court decisions that could subject these organizations to burdensome federal regulations simply because they are tax-exempt. My Safeguarding Charity Act would protect these organizations from the government’s politicized battles so they can continue their vital work in our communities.” – Senator Rubio

Senators Mike Braun (R-IN), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Josh Hawley (R-MO), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Ted Cruz (R-TX), James Lankford (R-OK), and Mike Lee (R-UT) are original cosponsors.

• “We need to protect our charitable organizations, private schools, and churches from being targeted by the federal government due to their tax-exempt status and beliefs.”  – Senator Braun

• “The weaponization of our judicial system under the Biden administration has yielded overreaching, politically charged rulings by activist judges. America’s constitutionally protected places of worship and other non-profit entities are being unfairly targeted due to their tax-exempt status, which allows them to continue supporting charitable work in our communities. This legislation would protect these organizations from undue federal regulations.” – Senator Blackburn

U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-FL) introduced companion legislation in the House. 

• “Due to multiple, radical judicial decisions targeting religious schools, Congress must now codify that an organization holding tax-exempt status is not to be considered as a recipient of federal financial assistance. The Safeguarding Charity Act will help prevent the weaponization of our judicial system against America’s houses of worship, religious schools, charities, and other non-profit organizations. These organizations should not be subjected to a series of laws and regulations triggered by receipt of federal financial assistance. I thank Senator Rubio for his partnership on this issue.” – Congressman Steube

Want more information? Senator Rubio’s Lifting Local Communities Act, a similar proposal, would prohibit unjust discrimination against religious charities in the allocation of government grants and other sources of funding. Rubio introduced the Lifting Local Communities Act as part of his Providing for Life Act, a pro-family plan for post-Roe America.

Click here for a list of supporting organizations.