Sen. Bob Smith (R-NH) has introduced a Senate version of the "Houses of Worship Political Speech Protection Act" (S. 2886) which is sponsored in the House by Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC) (H.R. 2357). This legislation would allow churches to engage in express electoral advocacy, which is currently prohibited for all 501(c)(3) charities, including churches.

There is widespread concern that this would turn churches into political campaign machines -- as well as undermine campaign finance reform by turning them into clearinghouses for campaign contributions, which would be tax deductible because of churches' charity status. While there are 128 co-sponsors of the House version, including several Democrats, so far the Senate version only has two other sponsors (Sens. Jesse Helms (R-NC) and Tim Hutchinson (R-AR)). For more information on this legislation, click here.