December 4, 2000 Vol. 2, No. 40

This Week in Washington...

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

Congress Returns: The first order of business for Congress this week will be passage of the 17^th Continuing Resolution (CR) of the year to keep the government operating. Still unclear is the duration of this next stopgap measure since some members of the House leadership have suggested that a new CR carry through the Inauguration in January. What follows is key issues on the congressional docket before adjourning "Sine Die" (final adjournment) for the year.

Commerce-Justice-State Appropriations Bill: Even though it has not yet landed on his desk, President Clinton has threatened to veto the Commerce-Justice-State spending bill because it did not include his proposed Latino and Immigrant Fairness Act (LIFA). LIFA would provide fair treatment for asylum-seekers and immigrants as well as other long-term residents who have developed deep ties to families, employers, and communities in the United States. LIFA would grant a limited number of immigrants, most of whom fled civil and political persecution in Central America, Haiti, Liberia, and Eastern Europe in the last two decades, the same opportunities to apply for green cards that Congress approved for Cubans and Nicaraguans in similar circumstances just three years ago. The bill currently includes the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE). While LIFE is laudable and deserving of Congressional action, it excludes too many groups to serve as a substitute for LIFA. (See JCPA Resolution, U.S. Immigration Policy, adopted June 2000) In issuing his veto threat, President Clinton noted that this bill did not include expanded Hate Crimes legislation. Members of Congress should be contacted and urged to include LIFA and Hate Crimes in this spending bill before finishing their work.

Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill: This bill includes important increases in federal education spending, including the first-ever national emergency school repair initiative, smaller class with qualified teachers, and tougher accountability for failing schools. The JCPA remains committed to supporting, strengthening and sustaining public schools, the primary route for most children into full participation in the nation’s economic, political and social life. Also missing is full funding for the Social Service Block Grant (Title XX) which advocates would like to see funded at $2.38 billion. Call your member of Congress and urge support of these important education provisions and full funding of the Social Service Block Grant. Contact rprice@thejcpa.org for more information.

Congressional Action in Support of Middle East Peace: President Clinton has asked Congress for $450 million in emergency aid for Israel to help pay for Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon. JCPA member agencies urged to contact members of Congress to urge support for this critical aid package for Israel. The Senate is still considering the Peace Through Negotiations Act, S.3250 which would prohibit U.S. recognition of a unilaterally declared Palestinian state, prohibit U.S. assistance to a unilaterally declared state, and downgrade the status of the Palestinian office in the United States if a Palestinian state is declared. Senators should be urged to sign on as co-sponsors and work for passage.

This Week in New York…

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

Plenum Plans Percolating: Ambassador Stuart Eizenstat, Deputy Under Secretary of the Treasury, will receive the Chernin Award at the JCPA Plenum. We are confirming arrangements for a series of special presentations at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum on Wednesday, February 28^th. Early bird discounted registration is available through January 1^st.

People on a Mission: 32 community and JCPA leaders left for Israel Sunday evening for a special Solidarity Mission. Keep your calendar open for a special phone briefing from Israel this Thursday, December 7^th. Details to follow shortly.

And The Winner Is: Mazel Tov to former NCJW President and JCPA Vice Chair Nan H. Rich who won her bid for a seat in the Florida House.