It's good news from The Hill, via Catholic Vote, but is is outrageous that it is necessary:
"Furloughed chaplains should be able to give prayer services on a volunteer basis, according to a House vote on Saturday.
Furloughed chaplains should be able to give prayer services on a volunteer basis, according to a House vote on Saturday.
The House resolution approved in a 400-1 vote argues the Obama administration should allow contract chaplains who have been furloughed to continue offering prayer services on a volunteer basis.
Right now, chaplains who do so could be charged with trespassing or arrested because of the government shutdown.
The only "no" vote came from Rep. Bill Enyart (D-Ill.).
The resolution, from Rep. Doug Collins (R-Ga.), is a response to an op-ed from John Schlageter, general counsel at the Archdiocese for the Military Services. On Thursday, Schlageter claimed that it would be illegal for contract chaplains to minister on base if they have been furloughed, and could face arrest if they ignore that.
Republicans were outraged at this possibility, and quickly developed the resolution on Friday in response.
"The First Amendment rights of our military do not sunset with the lack of appropriations or even a shutdown," said Rep. John Fleming (R-La.)."
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