Protecting the Law that Protects Charities
Regardless of our political stripes and colors, no one wants our charities or houses of worship to be torn apart by partisan campaign politics. – Rep. Debbie Wasserman Shultz
President Donald Trump has made it no secret that he wants to get rid of the Johnson Amendment. This is the tax law provision that prohibits 501(c)(3) charities, including churches, schools, hospitals and foundations, from supporting or opposing candidates for office. Without this rule, nonpartisan charities and churches would be open to manipulation for political ends.
This move would be a disaster. These types of charities are generally considered above the political fray, committed to alleviating poverty, ministering to the spirit, curing disease, and addressing other basic human and social needs. Repealing the Johnson Amendment would undermine the public’s confidence in these institutions while adding a new backdoor for secret political spending.
Nevertheless, a budget with a rider attached which would gut these protections is currently moving towards a House floor vote. An amendment to remove the attack on the Johnson Amendment gained bipartisan support but ultimately failed to pass, 24 to 28.
If you’re on Twitter, you can use our links below to thank the legislators that voted in support of the Johnson Amendment and let those who voted against it know you’re disappointed: