The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, the nation’s largest Orthodox Jewish umbrella organization, applauds the enactment of legislation extending and expanding federal “charitable choice” laws. Signed by President Bush today, the law allows for federal funding to flow freely to faith-based organizations that provide social services without imposing unfair restrictions on their organizational practices which might compromise their religious identity or the efficacy of the organization.

While the welfare program’s longstanding charitable choice provisions were renewed, the bill President Bush signed into law today extends its reach to programs that focus on promoting healthy marriages and responsible parenting, two areas in which the faith based community in general, and the Orthodox Union in particular, are actively involved.

Nathan Diament, Director of the Union’s Institute for Public Affairs issued the following statement:

We thank Congress for passing a renewed charitable choice provision which will be very beneficial to the millions of Americans who benefit from their association with faith based groups. We thank President Bush for his leadership on this issue since the outset of his presidency and for consistently recognizing the important role faith based organizations play in American society.