Despite objections to amendments, House approves housing legislation

Published: 2005-10-31

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Despite the objections of Catholic and other faith-based leaders, the House approved legislation Oct. 26 that would bar groups that run voter registration drives or do not have housing as their primary mission from applying for funds from a new federal affordable-housing fund. Among those objecting to the amendments were Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio of Brooklyn, N.Y., chairman of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Domestic Policy, and Father Larry Snyder, president of Catholic Charities USA. "We are puzzled and troubled by the double standard being applied to faith-based and nonprofit organizations," said Father Snyder in a letter to House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., before the 331-90 vote on the Federal Housing Finance Reform Act of 2005. "While this administration has worked diligently to remove barriers to full participation in federal programs and funding by faith-based organizations, these amendments would bar these very same groups from being considered for this funding while for-profit agencies remain free to engage in these same voter activities," the Catholic Charities leader wrote.

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