CBS News reports:
President Trump is taking the side of three Texas churches that are suing the Federal Emergency Management Agency over disaster relief funds in the wake of Harvey.
The Houston Chronicle reports that the three churches – Rockport First Assembly of God, Harvest Family Church and Hi-Way Tabernacle – sued FEMA on Tuesday for access to relief funding. The lawsuit claims FEMA violates the Constitution by denying disaster funding to faith-based groups.
The lawsuit comes three months after the Supreme Court ruled that a church in Missouri could use federal funds to resurface the playground, which experts told the Texas Tribune could set a precedent for similar cases. A Justice Department spokeswoman has told the Chronicle it is “aware of the complaint and will examine the claims.”
More from Politico:
Trump’s call for the churches to be treated “just like others” could be seen as a call for equal treatment of secular non-profits and religiously-based organizations in how FEMA divvies up its disaster relief funds.
It is unclear whether President Trump’s call would similarly apply to mosques, synagogues and other religious institutions potentially damaged in Texas during the storm.
Though President Trump did not explicitly reference the churches by name, the public endorsement of the legal actions facing his federal agency could serve as a complicating factor in the case.
Churches in Texas should be entitled to reimbursement from FEMA Relief Funds for helping victims of Hurricane Harvey (just like others).
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 9, 2017
Then they should pay taxes
— Nicole Hickman James (@nicolejames) September 9, 2017
Joel Osteen better not get one red cent
— Robert Maguire (@RobertMaguire_) September 9, 2017
Send all his FEMA money to Mattress Mack
— Robert Maguire (@RobertMaguire_) September 9, 2017
They should get federal tax dollars that they don't pay in to?
— Kyle McMahon (@KMacMusic) September 9, 2017
Saying that tax-free churches should get reimbursed by FEMA is like saying the Red Cross should get reimbursed, instead of people donating.
— Eric Kleefeld (@EricKleefeld) September 9, 2017