Rep. Doggett Defends Johnson Amendment that Preserves Integrity & Independence of Religious Organizations

Statement

Today, Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Ranking Member of the House Ways and Means Tax Policy Subcommittee, defended the Johnson Amendment, in support of Congressman John Lewis's (D-GA) amendment, which would restore the 63-year standard that prohibits religious, non-profit, charitable, and related organizations from engaging in political activities. You may view Rep. Doggett's full speech here. A portion of Rep. Doggett's remarks in Committee are below:

"We don't need a First Church of Political Expediency, or a United Congregation of Available Political Endorsements, or a Megachurch of Mega PACs, and that's where this bill would lead.

"What President Johnson as a senator did, was to ensure that political activity cannot be done with tax-deductible funds. There is enough damage already done to our elections laws and campaign laws -- let's not involve our places of worship to become manipulated by wealthy donors and partisan interests to change them from their valued religious purpose."

More than 4,500 charities and over 100 religious leaders have voiced their support for maintaining the Johnson Amendment.

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