Policy Update
Senator Inhofe Introduces Religious Freedom Act
9/29/2006
Source: Independent Sector
Inhofe introduces Religious Freedom Act
Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) on September 27 introduced the Religious Freedom Act of 2006 (S. 3957), legislation to permit houses of worship to discuss "public issues, election contests, and pending legislation made in a theological or philosophical context" without losing their tax-exempt status. Senator Inhofe argues that current rules prohibiting tax-exempt religious institutions from engaging in certain political activities stifle their Constitutional rights.
The Internal Revenue Service argues that the rules are justified because being tax-exempt is a privilege, not a right. Source: BNA Daily Tax Report
BNA Report on Nonprofit Hospital Issues
In a special analysis, BNA Daily Tax Report reviews current discussions surrounding nonprofit hospitals and the charity care they provide. Among other issues, BNA notes that attorneys are questioning whether the current community benefit standard for hospitals should be revised and, if so, how; and that others argue that nonprofit hospitals should not be required to independently shoulder society's uninsured individuals.
The author writes that Congress does not appear willing at this time to introduce legislation on this issue, and is instead relying upon voluntary compliance initiatives. He also notes that some states are taking action to require greater reporting by nonprofit hospitals, including Minnesota, Illinois, and Montana. Source: BNA Daily Tax Report
Congressional Outlook
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) yesterday said senators may stay in session until Saturday in order to complete a bill that would create a fence along the U.S. Mexican border. Majority Leader Frist also aims to complete three other agenda items before adjourning for the mid-term election season: military tribunal legislation and conference reports on FY2007 Homeland Security and Defense appropriations bills.
House leaders, meanwhile, hope to finish the Homeland Security spending bill and a defense authorization bill before adjourning today. Source: Congress Daily PM