Saturday, June 30, 2007

Senate Extends Abstinence Funding

Senate Takes Five on Title V

Thanks to our many readers who contacted their elected officials, Title V abstinence funding will live to see another day--95, to be exact. Last night, the Senate agreed to at least a three-month extension of the federal matching funds for state abstinence education programs. Despite the liberals' ambush on abstinence, leaders from both parties, including Sens. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.), worked together to ensure that the entitlement would not expire.

As we applaud our friends on the Hill for acting quickly to salvage the funds, let's remember that the battle for Title V is far from over. Although the decision has given pro-family activists a brief reprieve, it postpones what is certain to be a bitter debate for full reauthorization at the end of this fiscal year. No doubt proponents of comprehensive sex ed are salivating at the chance to eliminate the competition in September. This may be summer, but we cannot afford to take a vacation from contacting Congress. Join us in turning up the heat in support of Title V and the well-being of the next generation.

(Source: Tony Perkins' Washington Update, Family Research Council, 6/28/07)