Grace Meng

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my constituent, Paul Markowski. Paul is a Behavior Detection Officer with the Transportation Security Administration based at LaGuardia Airport in Queens, NY. While off-duty, Paul assisted a man in distress, saving his life. On the afternoon of April 13, after finishing their shifts while walking to their cars, Paul and his colleague, Michael Dougherty, spotted a man who was signaling for help. They quickly approached and found the man struggling to breathe while waving a nonfunctioning inhaler. As the man began to have a seizure, Paul and Michael caught him before he fell, and then gently laid him on the ground. Other officers noticed the situation and subsequently called for an ambulance. The man was successfully transported to a nearby hospital. Paul's actions were nothing short of heroic. Speed, teamwork, and willingness to act all played a role in helping save the man's life. I was honored to speak with Paul on Friday afternoon to thank him for his exemplary service. I ask that my colleagues in the House of Representatives join me and rise in recognition of the decisive actions displayed by Mr. Markowski.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I also want to thank my colleagues, Congresswomen Carolyn Maloney and Marsha Blackburn, for championing this important issue. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 863 to establish the commission to study the potential creation of a national women's history museum. This bipartisan legislation is a small step to ensuring women's stories are shared, celebrated, and inspire future generations of Americans. Unfortunately, women's stories and accomplishments have consistently been forgotten, or presented only as a footnote. Despite the great strides women have made in America, we are still underrepresented in essential sectors, such as business, government, and the critical fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Research has demonstrated that one of the factors limiting success for women and minorities is the lack of both celebrated specific role models and overall restricted representation. In other words, simply having a museum showcasing women's accomplishments as an integral part of our history--whether it is individuals who broke barriers, social movements led by women, or the demonstration that women were not necessarily defined by men in their lives--will ultimately lead to more young women and minorities striving to break the glass ceiling and create a more equitable society for us all.

Ms. MENG. The National Women's History Museum already hosts online exhibits, but a building complete with permanent access to resources would allow for further research and increased access for our citizens. This legislation allows for the creation of a commission to study the feasibility of creating a permanent museum, and prohibits Federal funds from being used for this project. I encourage my colleagues to support this long overdue legislation.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Week of the Young Child. The National Association for the Education of Young Children started the Week of the Young Child in 1971; and since that time, this week has focused public attention on young children and young parents, two groups that don't have high-priced lobbyists to advocate for them here in Washington. For this reason, I cofounded the Congressional Kids Safety Caucus, where we seek to raise awareness on preventable child injury. Additionally, assisting in the care and education of our youngest are amongst the highest yielding and most just investments our government can make. So I call today on my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to recommit themselves to working toward high-quality early childhood education for all.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 3729, a bill originally introduced by Representative Andrews of New Jersey, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Thank you. I again also want to thank the gentlelady from California for her tremendous efforts in speaking up and advocating for so many people who are voiceless. Mr. Speaker, I come before you today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the war on poverty. Our Nation has had many successes over the last 50 years. Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, and Pell Grants are incredible programs that help our entire country. However, even with these successful programs which deserve our recognition, this is not a time for celebration. After five decades, many would think that our congressional leaders were still committed to fighting poverty and reducing the gap between the haves and have-nots. I would still think that we are committed to helping hardworking Americans who have fallen on rough times through no fault of their own. The war on poverty is far from over. Instead of pressing the issue, we are retreating from it. 1.3 million Americans just lost their unemployment insurance and are suffering from long-term joblessness. If we don't renew the program, 383,000 New Yorkers will lose access to benefits over the next 12 months. We would also be responsible for preventing an increase of GDP by 0.2 percent and the blocking of 200,000 jobs. For me, and I know for many in this Chamber, inflicting avoidable pain on this country is unacceptable. With no political gimmicks, we must vote to renew unemployment insurance now.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my legislation, the Flushing Remonstrance Study Act, H.R. 3222. This bill directs the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the Flushing Remonstrance and significant local resources. The Flushing Remonstrance is an important part of my local history, and I would like to take a few moments to discuss its origins and influence on our country. The Quakers of the mid-17th century were prohibited from practicing their religious traditions in the New Netherland, which included parts of what is now New York State. In response, a group of local activists wrote the Remonstrance as a declaration against religious persecution. Although 356 years old, its intent still shines brightly in the ideals our Nation embraces today. On December 27, 1657, 30 English citizens stood against oppression and asserted the rights of Quakers and other religious minorities to practice their religion. They wrote: We desire . . . not to judge lest we be judged, neither to condemn lest we be condemned, but rather let every man stand or fall to his own master. This petition, known as the Flushing Remonstrance, made a forceful argument against judging and condemning others for what they believed. It was met with great opposition from the local government in what is known today as Flushing, Queens. One of the greatest and most outspoken proponents of religious freedom at the time was an English immigrant named John Bowne. At great risk to himself, John invited the Quakers to hold religious services in his own home. He was arrested for doing so, fined, and then banished to his homeland of Holland for his crimes. While in Holland, John Bowne appealed to the influential Dutch West India Company to return home. His pleas of justice were accepted. Because of Bowne's empathy and strong convictions for religious freedom, the company demanded that religious persecution end in the colony. Bowne's story of personal courage should not be forgotten. Our Nation was founded upon the ideals that foster a tolerant society, the same ideals that Bowne practiced every time he opened his door to a Quaker seeking refuge from persecution. Bowne's home, which served as a symbol of religious freedom to so many, was converted into a museum in 1947 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It is important that we continue to preserve and understand the historical significance of the Remonstrance, strengthening its ties to the Queens community and beyond. To help achieve this goal, I introduced the Flushing Remonstrance Study Act, which will help the Queens community connect to its rich past in possibly new and exciting ways. The Bowne House could benefit from further Federal study; and other associated locations, such as the Quaker Meeting House, should be considered for registry. The story of the Flushing Remonstrance is not for New Yorkers alone. It is a precursor to a fundamental right to practice one's religion. It is a value in our First Amendment. I am proud to represent a district that tended to the early roots of religious freedom that have now grown into an unquestionable American right. I hope the Flushing Remonstrance Study Act and the December 27 anniversary will help us all remember the courage of John Bowne and the passion for religious freedom held by the authors of the Flushing Remonstrance.

Mrs. MENG

Mrs. MENG. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 592 and 593, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reaffirm the solidarity between the United States and the Philippines at this tragic time. As the people of the Philippines rebuild their infrastructure, aid their injured, and mourn their deceased, the U.S. must remain a beacon of international humanitarian leadership. Since the landfall of Typhoon Haiyan on November 8, 2103, the United States Government has provided over $20 million in immediate humanitarian assistance, shipping vital necessities like shelter, water, hygiene kits, plastic sheeting, and over 55 metric tons of emergency food provisions to Tacloban City and other devastated regions. This aid is desperately needed. The typhoon has impacted 8 million Filipinos and taken the lives of nearly 3,400 people--a number expected to rise. The tragedy has also touched the 17,000 people of Filipino heritage living in my district in Queens, New York. To them, I offer unwavering support and an unflinching resolve to do everything possible to help those affected overseas.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to strongly urge my colleagues' support for the Early Childhood Education Professional Improvement Act, H.R. 3357, which I introduced earlier this week with Congressman Jared Polis. Our bill would establish a framework of incentives and standards for the much-needed education and development of pre-K teachers. Equality of opportunity cannot be achieved without ensuring that all American children have access to high-quality pre-K. By the age of 2, affluent children already know 30 percent more words than low-income children. These disparities are then exacerbated when affluent children attend high-quality pre-Ks and poorer ones don't even attend pre-K at all. Senior military leaders, budget wonks, economists, and education advocates all agree that pre-K reform is essential and necessary for a strong and prosperous America. Furthermore, it is the most cost- effective investment in education we can make. Let's do this now, and let's do this right. Let's work together for high-quality pre-K for our children.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H.R. 2248, a bill originally introduced by Representative Markey of Massachusetts, for the purposes of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the House bring up the Senate amendment to H.J. Res. 59, the clean CR, and go to conference on a budget so that we end this Republican government shutdown that is taking away nutritious foods from young children and mothers in the WIC program.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2848, the Fiscal Year 2014 Department of State Operations and Embassy Security Act. This bill authorizes funds for the State Department to advance U.S. interests around the world and strengthen our national security. The bill fully funds the President's request for diplomatic security, as I have long urged that it should. Importantly, it also makes several important changes to how we protect our diplomats and embassies abroad and how we ensure accountability at the State Department. Mr. Speaker, this past December, an accountability review board, or ARB, was convened to assess the State Department's policies and response to the attack in Benghazi. However, under the current authorizing statute, an ARB can only recommend disciplinary action against a State Department employee where there has been a ``breach of duty,'' a standard which is both very high and very hard to understand. As a result, the Benghazi ARB was unable to recommend disciplinary action against even a single State Department employee. On this point, Mr. Speaker, I refer you to section 414 of the bill before us today. It is entitled the ``Revision of Provisions Relating to Personnel Recommendation of the ARB.'' The section was drafted and inserted by me and my esteemed colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry). By making it easier for future ARBs to recommend disciplinary actions, section 414 will ensure greater accountability and responsibility at the State Department in the years to come and help prevent future Benghazis. This effort on the part of myself and Mr. Perry is representative of the bipartisan nature of this bill--the first such bill that would pass Congress in over a decade. On a variety of issues, including the crucial maintenance and strengthening of Iran's sanctions, the committee has worked effectively and constructively as our country needs it to. This is in large part due to the stellar leadership of Chairman Royce and Ranking Member Engel, and I thank them so much for their mentorship. It is ironic that our committee stands on the verge of a significant bipartisan breakthrough at this time. Perhaps our work can inspire some much-needed reasonableness and compromise in these Halls in the hours, days, and weeks to come.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, on September 18, 2013, I mistakenly voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote 471. I meant to vote ``nay'' on the National Strategic and Critical Minerals Protection Act (H.R. 761).

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, this is the second time this year that the other side of the aisle has proposed funding SNAP at a level that completely disregards the purpose of the program. This newest iteration disrespects families struggling to survive and parents who are unable to feed their children. It doubles down on a determination to end hunger assistance and increase the suffering of our Nation's most vulnerable. There is only one word that comes to mind: ``cruel''--cruel to seniors, cruel to children, cruel to veterans, cruel to people struggling to survive with a shred of dignity. Children, elderly, disabled, and currently employed make up 92 percent of SNAP recipients. Yesterday, an elderly veteran called my office about his incredible struggle to purchase enough food. He said that without SNAP, he does not know how he will survive. I want to take time to thank the organizations in my district and throughout New York City--Queens Jewish Community Council, Masbia, CPC, KCS, South Asian Council for Social Services, and the Hispanic Federation--for the amazing work they do every day to help our community. I want to take this opportunity to reaffirm my commitment to the millions of people relying on SNAP and the millions more that oppose cutting this program.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and service of Ann Maggio, who passed away at age 90 on July 6, 2013. Ann left behind her daughter JoAnn, son Anthony, daughter-in-law Tracy, and grandson Andrew and the Suydam Street home she lived in for 75 years. Ann, a longtime civic leader, moved to Ridgewood in 1938 when her parents bought a house on Suydam Street, where she lived for the remainder of her life. In 1944, after graduating from Hunter College, Ann went on to work for the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company before she married Anthony Maggio in 1948. Together they had two children, Joann and Anthony. As a resident of Ridgewood, Queens, she witnessed dramatic changes and became an instrumental part of her community. Ann first made her mark in Ridgewood's civic life by transforming the Grover Cleveland High School athletic field. Working with the police to establish a baseball and softball program, Ann kept the area from being vacant and was instrumental in making the athletic fields a reality for the community. Ann continued to be an active member of the community, dedicating much of her time to a better Ridgewood. Whether it was keeping the neighborhood free from graffiti or promoting the safety of residents, Ann Maggio truly defined what it meant to be a civic leader. The legacy she leaves behind exhibits the love she had for her community. Besides her family, nothing was more important to Ann than her love for her neighborhood. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me now in honoring Ann Maggio for her service to the people of Ridgewood.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this 38th attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Our country needs affordable care. My constituents in Queens, New York, need affordable health care. Right now, only 17,000 New Yorkers buy their own health insurance because the insurance premium rates are too high, and 2.6 million New Yorkers do not have health insurance. Nationwide, 13 million people are uninsured. The most exciting part is that ObamaCare is already working. As of this morning, the new, approved health care premiums available in the New York State health care exchanges for 2014 are, on average, 50 percent lower than this year's insurance premiums. That is not even taking into account individuals who can take advantage of other Federal subsidies and that everyone with a health insurance plan will be able to gain access to basic, free preventative health care services. I want to thank New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature for their leadership on this issue. With all the partisan sniping across the aisle about health care, we cannot lose sight of why our country needs ObamaCare. Better access to affordable, preventative health care is essential to reining in health care costs; and more importantly, it's essential for a healthy America.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and service of Steven Pezenik, who passed away at age 57 on May 26, 2013 after a long battle with cancer. Steven Pezenik began his distinguished career as a Consumer Service Specialist with the New York State Public Service Commission, where he served with distinction for 14 years. He then joined United Way New York City/AFL-CIO as a Constituent Liaison, before moving on to the United Food and Commercial Workers/Retail Wholesale Department Store Union. There, he proudly served the working men and women of Local 338 as Director of Special Projects, coordinating the local's public relations, and writing in and editing a quarterly newspaper. In his most recent position as Deputy Director of Constituent Services for New York State Senator Jose Peralta, Steve acted as a liaison between government agencies to help secure services for constituents. Mr. Speaker, Steven Pezenik was a tireless public servant and advocate for the underserved and most in need. He helped raise over $11 million for The United Way and organized AFL-CIO toy, blood, and food drives, including a large-scale effort after September 11, 2001. With work that spanned almost three decades, he exemplified the meaning of public service. As a board member of the Queens Jewish Community Council, Steve always put first those most in need. Steve's commitment to working families functioned as the foundation for his activism and commitment to social justice. The legacy he leaves behind reflects the love he had for his community. Yet, nothing was more important to Steve than his love for his family, his wife Lisa and daughter Sasha. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me now in honoring Steven Pezenik for his service to the people of Queens County, New York City and New York State.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. William Lee and the YMCA of Greater New York for their impeccable efforts to provide support and services to all New Americans. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Dr. ``Bill'' Lee became a student leader at the Korean YMCA. As he immigrated with his young family to New York to complete his graduate medical education, Dr. Lee became aware of the unique challenges facing newly arrived immigrants and he has worked diligently over the past decades to combat these challenges. Bill Lee has served as a board member of the YMCA of New York City from 1982-1996 and again since 2005. He also served on the YMCA of the USA Board of Directors from 1995-2004, and continues to have a lifelong relationship with the YMCA both in Korea and in the United States. With support from Dr. Lee and others, the YMCA of Greater New York established New American Welcome Centers throughout the City, including the Flushing YMCA in my Congressional District. These Centers help immigrants achieve literacy, cultural competence, and self-sufficiency. Mr. Speaker, drawing on his own experience as a young immigrant who faced much adversity, Dr. Lee was able to turn his experiences into positive solutions for the newly arrived immigrants he saw in New York City. He successfully fundraised and organized the Korean Center of the Flushing YMCA, a branch of the YMCA of Greater New York that served new Korean immigrants with English-language classes and programs for newly arrived Korean families. As organizing chair of the International branch of the New York City YMCA, he championed the New Americans program, carefully outlining the needs of new immigrants, and the importance of working collaboratively with a strong referral network of service providers. He also closely monitored the initial years of the start-up and roll-out of six centers. This week, Dr. Lee and Jack Lund, President of the YMCA of Greater New York, are visiting Washington, DC, to participate in a ``Champions of Change'' celebration hosted by the White House in honor of the Obama Administration's commitment to expanding programs and services to the immigrant population of the New York City. A renowned cardiologist, Dr. Lee never fails to give back to his community. He has shaped one of the most successful programs in the YMCA through his belief that helping new arrivals succeed will be repaid many times over in society. Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me now in paying tribute to Dr. William Lee and to the YMCA of Greater New York for their years of assistance to Korean Americans and to the entire City of New York.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. To me, what has been more shocking than the sequester, itself, has been the response to it, or lack thereof, on the part of House leadership. Are they listening to those on our streets and in our neighborhoods? Maybe the country is simply numbed by its repugnance of this Congress and the last. The sequester harms the American people, particularly the middle class and our children. My district in Queens, New York, is decidedly and truly middle class; and every day constituents tell me how the sequester is hurting their families and their futures. It will cost America over 750,000 jobs this year, including police, firefighters, public defenders, and border agents. We need to come to a compromise on a real spending plan that will increase revenue rather than slashing critical programs. The American people need us to speak up for our priorities and our values. The silence is disturbing. The sequester is not okay.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. As I watch the farm bills move forward in the House and Senate, I am very saddened at the disregard for my most vulnerable constituents--our fellow Americans. Cutting another of our Nation's safety nets will only serve to further the suffering of disadvantaged children and senior citizens across the country. Many of the recipients in my district who rely on SNAP to lift their families out of poverty and combat what would otherwise be certain malnutrition of their children, for many of these families this is the only form of income assistance they receive. Eighty percent of them fall below the poverty line. Reducing benefits would have a terrible effect on millions of Americans. In addition to the Recovery Act's boost of funds ending, further cuts are not warranted. Although the recipients of SNAP don't have an association to represent them here in Washington, I have come to the floor today to let them know that they are not being forgotten in this fight and that many Representatives will continue to battle on their behalf.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to insert my statement in the Record opposing the GOP's callous Mother's Day gift--more work and less pay for working moms. Not a Happy Mother's Day.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to pass the bipartisan, Senate-passed Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. Early in my career, one of my first experiences was working with victims of domestic violence who were struggling and in desperate need of help. Having personally helped victims fill out VAWA petitions so they wouldn't be forced to live under the same roof as their abusers, I've seen firsthand the long-term human devastation this kind of violence can cause, and we cannot continue to ignore its toll on women and families. VAWA funds have trained over 500,000 law enforcement and judicial officers on the realities of domestic and sexual violence, helping to protect survivors across the country. VAWA saves money, and it saves lives. Since VAWA was first enacted, over 600 State laws have been passed to combat domestic violence, and reported incidents of violence have decreased by 60 percent. Despite these successes, there's much work to be done, and all victims of domestic violence, including those in the LGBT community and those without documentation, must feel safe seeking help from our criminal justice system.

Ms. MENG

Ms. MENG. Many of the groups opposing this bill also oppose Nonprofit Security Grant funding, historic preservation grants, and parochial school funding after Katrina. They oppose Federal assistance that helped rebuild the Trinity Parish Episcopal Church in Seattle after an earthquake; aid made available after the tragic Oklahoma City bombing in which money was made available to the First United Methodist Church, First Baptist Church, St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral, and St. Joseph's Catholic Church. This is not precedential; this is taking care of our constituents and their needs, our most important task in Congress. Congress erred by not including an important part of our communities in these rebuilding efforts, and I hope we can correct that today. Diocese of Rockville Centre, Rockville Centre, NY, February 11, 2013. Hon. Chris Smith, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Representative Smith: A few weeks ago I wrote to your office to call your attention to the sad situation of houses of worship that were severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy. At that time I could cite Catholic churches and Jewish synagogues who had been told that FEMA would not offer them grants to re-build their place of worship but only loans. Today I learned that you plan to offer in Congress a bill that would offer houses of worship the same access to disaster relief as other community centers. I write to thank you for doing this as well as to add my voice of support for just such a correction of a previous position that surely does not reflect either our traditions or our current realities. Houses of worship have been one of the first centers of response across Long Island. The Sunday after Sandy I visited the four parishes most damaged by the storm where I witnessed in parish halls without heat or electricity two signs of hope: faithful people worshipping and the same faithful people reaching out to one another to share food, clothing and other necessities even when their own homes had been destroyed. To discriminate against houses of worship would be a mark of sectarianism that denies the generosity of the people who helped one another and narrows the American spirit to an arbitrary sectarianism. Please know that my parishioners, my priests and all the volunteers in our various outreach centers are one with me in support of your bill. William Murphy, Bishop of Rockville Centre.

Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to strongly urge my colleagues to support H.R. 592, the Federal Disaster Assistance Nonprofit Fairness Act of 2013. I want to also thank my colleague, Congressman Chris Smith of New Jersey, for his wonderful leadership on this issue. On October 29 of last year, Hurricane Sandy tore through New York City and its surrounding areas and left an unprecedented amount of damage in its wake. Homes burned to the ground, our communities were devastated, properties flooded, and over 120 lives were lost. Rightfully so, one of the 113th Congress' first actions was ensuring that adequate funding was made available to begin repairing the damage, and I was happy to be part of that effort. The $60 billion in aid that Congress made available was a great start to rebuilding our communities and making them whole, but it was only a start. If we as Members of Congress want our affected communities to recover in the aftermath of any natural disaster, we must ensure that FEMA public assistance grants are available to help rebuild all institutions that are vital to a community's way of life. H.R. 592 is a bipartisan bill. It would allow houses of worship, such as churches, synagogues, temples, or mosques, to receive the fair treatment they deserve. The bill places these vital community institutions on the same playing field as other private nonprofits that are already eligible for FEMA disaster relief. This bill provides no new funds. It sets forth no difference, no favoritism, no promotion of religion; it simply provides for the community and its well-being. Facilities that already are able to apply for funding include zoos, museums, community centers, and homeless shelters, and it is important that houses of worship not be discriminated against when they need our help. These houses are vital community centers that serve so many of our constituents. The centers' existence, safety, and ability to serve should not be infringed upon, especially because the funds are available under our broadly available program without regard to the religious nature of these facilities. Indeed, to deny FEMA relief to these important institutions would be to discriminate against them because they are religious institutions, in violation of the First Amendment to our Constitution. Not every facility, home, or place that engages in religious activity will be made available for FEMA assistance because this bill uses a predefined, accepted definition for what these facilities are under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. This is how the IRS currently recognizes and provides tax benefits to houses of worship, and this definition will help prevent erroneous claims. The concerns about promotion of religion are unfounded. Alan Derschowitz, a widely respected expert on these issues, supports this bill on its constitutional grounds. He wrote that: Under precedents of the U.S. Supreme Court, religious institutions may receive government aid if it is in the context of a broadly available program with criteria that are neutral toward religion and pose no risks of religious favoritism. This is certainly the case in the context of FEMA disbursing aid to repair buildings in the wake of a natural disaster.