News

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. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the Lifting Local Communities Act to 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. 
 

• “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.” – Senator Rubio

Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tim Scott (R-SC), James Lankford (R-OK), Jim Inhofe (R-OK), and Rick Scott (R-FL) are cosponsors of the bill.
 

• “Religious organizations should be allowed to serve their communities without being punished on account of their convictions. This bill will shield organizations helping the most vulnerable from left-wing activists seeking to drive them out of the public square.” – Senator Hawley

• “Every day the Biden administration persists in its efforts to roll back protections for religious organizations.  It’s not right.  The Lifting Local Communities Act would protect religious organizations from the unfair policies that subject them to requirements that secular organizations don’t have to worry about.  This bill would codify the right of faith-based organizations to do their work without the government threatening their religious liberties.” – Senator Hyde-Smith

• “Faith-based organizations are constantly responding to crises within our communities, yet they often face difficulties seeking federal resources. 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.” – Senator Tim Scott

• “Faith-based nonprofits serve families and individuals all across our nation as one of our most important social safety nets.” The US Supreme Court continues to affirm that faith-based organizations cannot be prohibited from living their faith and partnering with their government simply because of their religious identity. I will continue to champion legislation that seeks to ensure our faith-based nonprofits can serve equally alongside secular entities around the country so no one who needs help is left behind.” – Senator Lankford

• “It’s critical that religious organizations be able to keep their federally-funded social services protections, without having to compromise their religious beliefs and actions based on which administration is in office. Faith-based organizations, whom serve the most vulnerable among us, deserve the same rights as secular organizations, and should not worry about being stripped of their name, structure or practices because of their beliefs. This bill is vital and would ensure that these organizations’ religious protections remain and would prohibit the government from discriminating against these religious entities any further.” – Senator Inhofe

• “During my years as both Governor and Florida’s U.S. Senator, I’ve seen the incredible positive impact that faith-based groups and charities have on Florida’s families and communities in times of need. These groups deserve more of our support, not less. The Lifting Local Communities Act ensures that federal grant programs respect the First Amendment and do not unfairly discriminate against religious groups that dedicate themselves to serving others.” – Senator Scott

 
The bill is supported by several organizations:
 

• “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

• “No organization should be told that it cannot help their community simply because of their religious beliefs. The Lifting Local Communities Act is an important step in affirming America’s commitment to religious freedom and ensuring equal treatment for faith-based organizations. While the Biden administration seeks to roll back religious freedom protections, it is critical that we safeguard the ability of faith-based organizations to participate in federally funded social service programs and empower them to serve those in need.” – Travis Weber, Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs, Family Research Council

Want details? A one-pager of the legislation is here.