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November 8, 1999 Vol.1, No. 27 This Week in Washington…
Going or Coming? The third continuing resolution keeping the government running in lieu of completion of all 13 appropriations bills is set to expire this Wednesday. Whether this latest deadline can be met is unclear, even with a weekend-long marathon negotiation session, and given the imminent departure of the President for an overseas trip. Some uncharacteristically good news for the Insider to report: the House completed work this past Friday on the revised Foreign Operations Appropriations bill by a 316-100 vote. Thanks to all who contacted their legislators underscoring the importance of the full package, and helping us to score a major victory. The Wye aid package of $ 1.8 billion has been fully funded for all three years, with an additional $799 million for several international programs including Africa, Latin America, Kosovo and Russia added to the bill. The Senate is scheduled to vote on the bill on Tuesday. Iran on Docket in Both Chambers: The House is expected to vote early this week on a resolution condemning Iranian treatment of Jews and other religious minorities. Introduced by Representative Brad Sherman (CA) following the arrest of 13 Jews in Shiraz, the initiative refers to Iran's "dismal record on providing accused prisoners with due process and fair treatment," and urges the US to maintain its current policy toward Iran "unless and until" that country moderates its treatment of religious minorities. The House passed legislation in September sanctioning countries who participate in the transfer of items that could enhance Iran's ability to develop nuclear, chemical and biological weapons (HR1883). Last week, Majority Leader Trent Lott (MS) indicated his desire to have the Senate debate the bill as well. Watch That Slippery Slope: This Tuesday, the House will consider legislation which would provide grants for projects designed to promote responsible fatherhood. The Fathers Count Act (HR 3073) introduced by Nancy Johnson (CT) and Ben Cardin (MD) would authorize the federal government to make "fatherhood grants" available to public and private entities for projects to promote marriage, successful parenting and to help fathers and their families avoid or leave cash welfare assistance. Where's the rub? Provisions that would award grants to non-governmental entities, including faith-based organizations. This charitable choice provision would allow "pervasively sectarian" institutions to receive federal funds and also permit religious institutions that receive government funds to discriminate in their employment on the basis of religion. We have just been informed that the Bankruptcy bill scheduled for Senate debate this week now includes a voucher provision, allowing students who are victims of violence in schools to obtain vouchers to attend other private or public schools. Everyone's Off to Israel: First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton travels to Israel this week. Two events have been scheduled during her 24-hour stay: a Tel Aviv University conference on children and violence and a Rabin memorial lecture. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the nomination of Martin Indyk for a second tour as United States Ambassador to Israel. The nomination goes to the full Senate this week if it successfully dodges political wrangling between the Senate and the White House over a number of Ambassadorial nominations. Benefits for Disabled Workers: The House and Senate are scheduled to vote this week on the conference report on legislation aimed at helping disabled individuals enter the workforce. The legislation (HR1180) allows disabled workers to retain their medical benefits and stay in the workforce. This Week in New York…
GA Bound? If you are participating in the upcoming UJC General Assembly in Atlanta, please let us know. A special briefing by representatives of Israel's Foreign Ministry is scheduled for JCPA guests on Wednesday morning, November 17. Contact bga@thejcpa.org for details.
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