Several organizations have urged congress to revise provisions in the $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation package.
They say the legislation will prevent faith-based centers and schools from participating in good conscience in the proposal’s expansive pre-kindergarten and child-care programs.
Critics say its mandates would affect the practice of faith-based recipients, if they choose to participate, in such areas as hiring, admissions and teaching. They also claim it could open providers to requirements regarding gay and transgender rights that conflict with their religious beliefs.
The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also have expressed their opposition to the bill’s failure to retain bans on federal funding of abortion.
Whether religious organizations participate in the expanded child-care program would appear to be a significant issue. A national survey by the Bipartisan Policy Center in December 2020 showed 53 percent of families that use center-based care place their children in one connected to a religious organization.
The proposal in the budget reconciliation bill would make a significant change in how federal funds for child-care providers are viewed and what restrictions are placed on such centers.
As a budget reconciliation bill, the Build Back Better Act will require only a majority, rather than the typical 60 votes, for passage in the Senate.