From Talk Left
Republicans to Push Faith-Based Legislation
Say hello to American, Christian nation. Just three weeks after the elections, Republicans in Congress are already planning how to wield their increased majority power. Among the first items on their list: Passing faith-based legislation.
With Minority Leader Tom Daschle leaving the Senate and Republican gains in both chambers of Congress, supporters of President Bush's faith-based initiative hope to quickly pass into law next year legislation providing tax incentives for donations to faith-based and other charities. "We plan to move it as one of the first things," said Sen. Rick Santorum, Pennsylvania Republican and sponsor of the measure.
What's more, some conservative Republicans want to resurrect Bush's older, more objectionable "charitable choice" plan:
Charitable choice applies to some federal grant programs and allows faith-based groups to receive federal funds while maintaining their religious nature, including hiring only people of their same faith.
"We want to come back to it," said Rep. Mike Pence, Indiana Republican and incoming chairman of the conservative Republican Study Committee. "We've got a new Senate and a conservative mandate from millions of voters who said 'yes' to traditional values."
Don't look for the Democrats to save us.