Republicans are taking the first steps toward ending the Johnson Amendment, which limits churches and other nonprofits from making partisan endorsements.

President Donald Trump repeated his promise to repeal the Johnson Amendment at the National Prayer Breakfast Thursday:

“Our republic was formed on the basis that freedom is not a gift from government but that freedom is a gift from God. Among those freedoms is the right to worship according to our own beliefs. That is why I will get rid of and totally destroy the Johnson Amendment and let our representatives of faith speak freely and without fear of retribution.”

The Johnson Amendment was introduced by then-Senator Lyndon B. Johnson in 1954. It prevents 501(c)(3) organizations from endorsing political candidates without losing their tax-exempt status.

Trump’s promise to repeal the legislation was a deciding factor for many evangelical voters throughout the presidential race.

Prominent right-wing religious leader, Jerry Falwell, praised Trump’s pledge to take action against the amendment at the time, saying, “This is something that could make a difference with Christian voters in the fall,” adding, “It is almost as important for Christians as the appointment of Supreme Court justices.”

Shortly after Trump’s remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast, House Speaker Paul Ryan reaffirmed his support for the concept. When questioned about the issue at his weekly press conference, Ryan said:

“I would love to do that. I’ve always supported that.”

It appears the new Republican Congress is taking its first step towards making good on that campaign promise.

Yesterday, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Senator James Lankford (R-OK) introduced legislation to the House and Senate, respectively, “to allow charitable organizations to make statements relating to political campaigns,” without losing their tax-exempt status.

While the full text of the bill is not yet available, it is clear that the legislation would open up new opportunities for churches and other nonprofit groups to wield more direct influence in future political races.