Harvest Family Church in Cypress, Hi Way Tabernacle in Cleveland and Rockport First Assembly of God all sustained heavy damage from flooding after Hurricane Harvey but were told they are not eligible for FEMA aid.
As a result, FEMA is facing a federal lawsuit by the three Texas churches and President Donald Trump has indicated in a tweet that he backs the religious institution's call for a policy change.
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
Other politicians have also weighed in on the debate, which began following 2012's Hurricane Sandy citing the fact that religious institutions are often front and centre when it comes to providing support to victims of disasters.
Bruce Frazier, pastor of Rockport First Assembly of God Church, which is part of the lawsuit, told the AP why he thinks FEMA should pay for repairs at places of worship.
He explained: "It seems like the only reason churches are excluded is because they're churches, and it just seems discriminatory to me."
At present, religious organisations can already receive some government help in disasters, including reimbursement by local governments for sheltering evacuees.
Religiously affiliated schools, health care providers and nursing homes can also receive FEMA grants.
AP analysis of data made public as part of the lawsuit discovered that over the past five years, FEMA has authorized a net of $113 million for about 500 religiously affiliated entities after hurricanes, tornadoes, floods and other disasters.
However, FEMA hasn't supplied money to repair sanctuaries, and its 50 percent rule excludes many other types of church facilities.
Christopher Smith, a New Jersey Republican sponsoring the bill that would change the policy told the AP why the current policy is unfair.
He said: "It is the faith community that responds so robustly to the need. And then to say, 'Tough luck, we're not going to help you put your own facility back together' is wrong."
FEMA has declined to comment, citing the lawsuit.
However, the AP reported that in a court filing, the US Justice Department said the challenged policies are being reconsidered.
