January 31, 2000 Vol. 2, No. 4

This Week in Washington...

For more information, contact Reva Price, Washington Representative at rprice@thejcpa.org

BANKRUPTCY IS MORE COMPLICATED THAN YOU THINK: The Senate begins the week by resuming work on the Bankruptcy Overhaul bill (S.625). Twelve amendments remain, with several likely to draw close attention. An amendment offered by Sen. Carl Levin (MI) bars gun manufacturers from discharging debts arising from lawsuits brought against them by municipalities. Sen. Russ Feingold (WI) has sponsored an amendment that would prevent the eviction of families during bankruptcy proceedings if they can pay rent during that time. Sen. Charles Schumer (NY) has offered an amendment that would prevent persons found guilty of violence at abortion clinics from discharging debts related to those violent activities. Because of concern that they not be seen as soft on violence, but at the same time reluctant to endorse the amendment, legislators may delete references to abortion and broaden the amendment to limit debtor protection for harassment and other violent activities. Last November, the Senate passed an amendment to the Bankruptcy Overhaul legislation which provided for a $1 increase in the minimum wage over three years and cut taxes by $18 billion. A presidential veto is likely because this is not the Kennedy-Bonior minimum wage bill the President supports.

BUDGE-IT: Four days of hearings are on tap for the Senate Budget Committee this week as it begins work on the FY 2001 budget. The President is no doubt putting the finishing touches on his budget to be presented on Monday February 7^th. Very soon after, House and Senate leadership will need to decide what to do about the mandated 1997 budget caps. Most legislators agree that the caps are obsolete, but abolishing the caps requires legislation that must be initiated in the House and Senate Budget Committees. Although the budget process is long and arduous, (and sometimes not even interesting) keep in mind this is the document that most clearly sets out the country’s agenda and priorities for the year. How America will provide for our children’s education, the poor and disadvantaged, and friends fighting for peace, security and democracy are issues to watch for as the budget process unfolds.

ON TAP THIS WEEK: Several votes in the House on a suspension (non controversial) calendar … House Republicans plan to attend a retreat for most of the week… Hearings are planned by the Senate Select Intelligence Committee on global threats to national security and by the Senate Armed Services Committee on the current situation in Bosnia and Kosovo.

This Week in New York...

For more information, contact Benita Gayle-Almeleh, Senior Community Consultant at bga@thejcpa.org

SATELLITE BROADCAST ON HOLOCAUST ERA INSURANCE CLAIMS: On Tuesday, February 15, 2000, the International Commission on Holocaust Era Insurance Claims ("ICHEIC"), chaired by former U.S. Secretary of State Lawrence Eagleburger, will launch a claims process to address the subject of unpaid insurance policies issued prior to and during the Holocaust. The goal of this program is to assure that any insurance claims of Holocaust victims and their heirs are resolved, with consideration given to the special circumstances and the passage of time. In preparation for this effort, ICHEIC, the JCPA and the Claims Conference, in cooperation with the United Jewish Communities (UJC), are co-sponsoring a national satellite broadcast on Thursday, February 10, 2000, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. (East coast time) to provide Jewish professionals with important information, training and support. (See JCPA Memorandum, January 28,2000) Contact lmallin@thejcpa.org for more information.

PLENUM REMINDER: The JCPA hotel room bloc is guaranteed only through February 4^th. CRCs are urged to firm up appointments with legislators for the Tuesday, February 29^th visit to Capitol Hill. For more information, contact rprice@thejcpa.org.