November 12, 2001 Vol. 3, No.35

This Week in WASHINGTON

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

SENATE WHITE HOUSE LETTER NEEDS SIGNATURES: Senators Bond (MO) and Schumer (NY) are circulating a letter asking their colleagues to join them on a letter to President George W. Bush regarding US policy on Israel. Reiterating "the shared commitment for the enduring security of the State of Israel, our close ally in the fight against terrorism," the letter praises the President for his leadership at this time of war. President Bush is commended for urging Chairman Yasser Arafat " to do all he can to rein in terrorist groups" and is urged to continue his policy of refusing to meet the Chairman "until he has taken all necessary steps to end the violence and terrorism against Israel." The letter states, "The American people would never excuse us for not going after terrorists with all our strength and might. Yet that is what some have demanded of the Israeli government after every terrorist incident they suffer. No matter what the provocation, they urge restraint. We would never accept that response for ourselves. We cannot understand how some can urge such a course upon Israel, our one reliable and democratic ally in the entire Middle East. We are confident that you support Israel's effort to defend itself." The senators want to send the letter by the close of business Tuesday, but as of today, have garnered signatures of only half the members of the Senate. JCPA member agencies are urged to contact Senators to ask them to call Sen. Bond's or Sen. Schumer's offices to add their names to the letter. By all means thank those Senators who have already done so. For a copy of the letter and list of current signatories, contact mberkowitz@thejcpa.org, or call Mike Berkowitz at the JCPA DC office at 202-293-1649x204.

ELSEWHERE ON THE HILL: Congress continues to examine possible initiatives to combat terrorism. The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee chaired by Rep. Tauzin (LA) is scheduled to hear from HHS Secretary Tommy Thompson and Centers for Disease Control Director Dr. Jeffrey Kaplan. The House Science Committee will discuss security of the US oil supply, and the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will discuss US public diplomacy efforts in the war against terrorism. As the Senate contemplates its work on energy policy and the need to reduce US reliance on foreign oil, discussions are expected to intensify over drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve (ANWAR) as an effective means of reducing US dependence on Middle Eastern oil. Jewish groups are expected to line up on both sides of this debate. JCPA will continue to monitor developments on this issue.

UPDATE FROM THE GA: Stressing the need to win the war against terrorism and affirming Israel's support for American efforts, Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres last night addressed the delegates of the UJC General Assembly in Washington, D.C. Peres declared, "It is a war we have to win for the simple reason that there is no alternative. Because if terror will prevail it means that none of us will be able to work, to breathe fresh air or drink fresh water." Commenting on the international coalition, Peres stated, "Israel wants the world united and we should be a part of it." The Foreign Minister declared his support for a proposed agreement, which would call for the creation of an independent Palestinian state. As he had indicated in a recent meeting in Jerusalem with JCPA leadership, Peres affirmed, "We are ready to make a compromise. Two states, one for each of the two nations. It is the logic of geography. We've suffered too much."

BUSH, PUTIN TO MEET: Crawford, Texas is about to welcome Presidents Bush and Putin for talks out of Washington's glare on a wide range of topics. Their meetings are expected to include discussions about the future of the ABM treaty; reductions in both nations' nuclear arsenals; and methods for enforcing the Biological Weapons Convention. Of particular interest to the organized Jewish community are discussions of the possible graduation from the Jackson-Vanik trade law which would speed Russia's inclusion in the World Trade Organization. The fate of Soviet Jews and the issue of free emigration led to enactment in 1974 of the Jackson-Vanik trade law, under which the president is required to certify to Congress that a country meets the emigration requirements of the law before it can become eligible for normal trade relations. JCPA will continue to track these developments and consult with the NCSJ: Advocates on behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States & Eurasia.

***Join us for the Plenum, February 16-19, 2002. In the nations capital Washington D.C.

Don't miss it!! Email us for details***

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