Capitol Hill (AP) A senator's investigation into spending and oversight at six christian ministries has hit a roadblock with televangelist Kenneth Copeland intensifying his effort to fight the probe.

Copeland sent a letter to supporters this month accusing Iowa Senator Charles Grassley of targeting the ministries because of theological disagreements, a charge Grassley denies.

Meanwhile, a Grassley aide says faith healer Benny Hinn has turned over material to the senate finance committee in response to the Iowa republican's letter of inquiry. Grassley has asked the ministries to answer questions about spending on things such as private jets and oceanside homes.

Several ministries complained that their religious freedoms are threatened and said only the internal revenue service, not a senate committee, should be asking those questions.