Mr. Chairman, I would like to begin by commending you and the ranking member for the bipartisan cooperation that has resulted in this balanced hearing. This is an important issue that deserves considered, thorough analysis. Although the Congress has passed a number of so-called "charitable choice" provisions beginning in 1996, as far as I know this is the first hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee on the topic.

Faith-based organizations do so much good and important work in our society. My sister is a rabbi in my home state of Wisconsin. I’ve seen the good work she and her synagogue have done for the community in Kenosha, Wisconsin. I am often awed by the dedication and selflessness shown by people of faith in serving underprivileged people in their communities. We should do all we can to encourage that extraordinary sense of service, which is often inspired and nurtured by faith.

But, Mr. Chairman, the Founders had it right when they crafted the Constitution's protection of the free exercise of religion and the prohibition of the establishment of religion by the government – the provisions that are sometimes referred to as the constitutional separation of church and state. After all, the Founders came to this land to be able to worship as they desired, free of government interference. They understood that religious belief is very personal and varies from individual to individual. They understood that we need to protect all Americans’ right to worship as they choose.

Now, with respect to President Bush’s faith-based initiative, I know that the motives behind these proposals are good. But I am troubled by the possibility that, regardless of good intentions, people who are in trouble will feel pressured to engage in religious activities in order to get access to help, or otherwise be denied the services they desperately need.

I also think we should think twice before authorizing religious groups using federal money to discriminate in their hiring on the basis of religion. Our nation has worked hard to reduce, and hopefully one day eliminate, discrimination in employment. I would not like to see taxpayer dollars fund discrimination.

I am also concerned about the potential harm to people who have serious problems like a drug addiction or mental illness. We should recognize that some of society's burdens are so large and complex that we have to address them as a society, not solely rely on our churches, synagogues, and mosques to fix them.

Some in the faith community itself have also had concerns about whether accepting federal money will mean the government will tell them how to run their organizations. These are legitimate worries, and we should carefully examine them before moving forward.

So, Mr. Chairman, this is a complicated issue. I think people on both sides are well-intentioned and we need to consider the various proposals made by the President and others in the spirit of good faith and tolerance. I look forward to hearing from the witnesses before us today on these various issues. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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