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November 1, 1999 Vol.1, No. 26 This Week in Washington…
Thirty Days Hath September… With the much-hyped target adjournment date of October 29 now behind us, and five appropriations bills still not completed, it seems likely that Congress will remain in session for at least another two weeks. At this writing, a status report regarding the appropriations process, and how such funding impacts our concerns: Foreign Operations Appropriations: Vetoed two weeks ago because it did not include enough money to protect US interests abroad (including funds for the Wye River Accords). Administration and Congressional negotiators are reported to be making progress on this matter, but calls to legislators are still needed urging adequate funding for American efforts to promote peace and democracy worldwide, provide refugee assistance and respond to continuing global threats. Commerce, Justice, State, Judiciary Appropriations: Vetoed last week because of what was missing from the legislation - including funding to pay UN arrears and the inclusion of the Hate Crimes Protection Act. Congressional Leadership is once again mandating "Mexico City" language be inserted which would deny government funding to non-governmental organizations that provide family planning services abroad. Interior Appropriations: Presidential veto likely due to the number of environmental riders attached to the legislation. Labor - HHS - Education Appropriations attached to DC Spending Bill: The largest of the Appropriations bills, the President has already threatened to veto it sight unseen. Of particular interest: education provisions which exceed the Administration's request, but do not favor Clinton administration initiatives such as 100,000 new teachers. The JCPA is especially concerned about lack of funds for the Title XX Social Services Block Grant program which has been cut by $200 million below FY99 levels, as well as possible cuts to the Child Care Development Block Grant. Keep An Eye on Across the Board Cuts: Last week, the House passed a nearly 1% across the board cut in all discretionary spending over and above cuts already slated for many programs. The Senate will consider the same legislation this week. A 1% cut would mean: approximately 74,000 fewer women, infants and children would benefit from food and nutrition programs (WIC); 2,800 fewer children would receive child care assistance through the Child Care Development Grant; Title I Education for the Disadvantaged would be cut by $78 million; nearly 10,000 fewer children would receive literacy services; 28,000 military personnel would be cut. And the list goes on… Déjà Vu, All Over Again: As Congressional negotiators work behind the scenes with the Administration, some non-appropriations work will go on. Legislation to increase the minimum wage is once again scheduled in both chambers. The House is scheduled to consider legislation to urge the Supreme Court to uphold the constitutionality of prayers at public schools and sporting events. No Fighting, No Biting: The House will also consider a measure that would voice the support of Congress for efforts to restore civility, honesty, integrity and common respect in the United States. This Week in New York…
JCPA Leadership Mission: Participants will meet in Jerusalem this week with a wide variety of Israeli leaders, academics and shapers of public opinion. On the agenda: an update on religious pluralism; discussion of the Shas phenomenon in Israeli politics and society; briefings and meetings with officials of the Jewish Agency, Foreign Ministry, the Israeli Cabinet, the Defense Ministry; opportunities for on-the-ground information from Ethiopian activists; and a meeting with David Ivri, Ambassador Designate to the United States. Of special interest: a meeting later this week with Archbishop Sambi, the Vatican's Ambassador to Israel.
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