egislation to approve part of President Bush's controversial faith-based initiative has received unexpected support from Rep. J.C. Watts, the man who supported a more expansive version of a bill now awaiting action in the Senate.

   The CARE or "Charity Aid, Recovery and Empowerment Act" (S. 1924) is a compromise version of Watts' earlier measure, and would rely on a system of tax deductions and other incentives to encourage contributions to faith-based charities and community groups. The bill would also appropriate money to train clergy and other members of religious groups in applying for federal grants now available under existing programs, and streamline regulations pertaining to incorporating and running non-profit social programs.

   CARE also provides for "backdoor" funding of religious groups by tapping grants in certain federal programs and having the money distributed to the states.

   Watts had sponsored the "Community Solutions Act," or HR 7 which cleared the House last year. His bill relied heavily on the "charitable choice" provision of the 1996 welfare reform act, which allows religious groups to compete for a wide number of government grants. Critics charge that the measure amounts to public funding of religion, and violates the separation of church and state.

   The CARE legislation was crafted by Sens. Rick Santorum (R-Pennsylvania) and Joseph Lieberman (D-Connecticut) who have hoped that by not emphasizing the charitable choice mechanism, the bill would survive in the Senate. The White House has urged prompt action on the bill which has stalled in recent weeks amidst allegations that it would still permit religious groups to receive public benefits yet ignore local, state and even federal civil rights statutes. Some critics have even charged that the Senate version would benefit cults, extreme religious sects, and denominations which discriminate against gays, blacks or other groups on the basis of doctrine.

   Lawmakers are already overdue for their pre-election recess, and until Watts announced his support for S. 1924, the bill was considered to be in trouble despite a full court press in the Senate by Lieberman and Santorum. It was believed that Watts might insist that the "charitable choice" provisions or other changes be made to CARE.

   With Watts throwing his support behind the measure, there is again the possibility that Senate action on CARE can come within days.

   "Half a loaf is better than going hungry," Watts told the Washington Times newspaper. "It has been such a long time since the House passed our version of the faith-based initiative (HR 7). Underserved communities shouldn't have to wait any longer."

   The Times added that Lieberman and Santorum were "close to an agreement" with other lawmakers that would permit the bill to come up for a floor vote. Lieberman said that there was an "understanding" that Democrats and Republicans would offer amendments.

   ¶       One proposal by Sen. Jack Reed (D-Rhode Island) would prohibit funding of religious groups that discriminate in hiring practices. A spokesperson for Reed said that while details were not yet available, the amendments would "make sure that religious organizations are not able to discriminate (while) using federal funds."

   ¶       Sen. Phil Gramm (R-Texas) opposes a provision of CARE that would provide a 25% cut in capital gains tax to property owners who sell their land to environmental organizations or the government. Gramm reportedly wants faith-based and other groups included in the deal.

   "Mr. Lieberman and Mr. Santorum are working to secure enough votes to defeat all amendments and pass a clean bill so the House will accept it," added the Times.

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