May 15, 2001 Vol. 3, No. 13

This Week in Washington...

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

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

House Continues Grappling with State Department Authorization Bill: The House continues work this week k on the State Department Authorization Bill, having passed an amendment introduced by Rep. Lantos (CA) which would authorize this year’s installment on US debts to the UN but block final payment due in October 2002 if the US does not regain its seat on the UN Human Rights Commission. Several other amendments on the horizon this week, including a "Sense of the Congress" resolution proposed by Rep. Weiner (NY) requesting the Secretary of State to review the current travel warning in place for Israel, the West Bank and Gaza to determine which areas present the highest threat to American citizens in the region and which areas may be visited safely, and to revise the warning accordingly; another "Lantos Amendment" which would prohibit the US from providing assistance to the Government of Lebanon unless the president certifies that the armed forces of Lebanon are abiding by their international agreements; and an initiative by Rep. Slaughter (NY) which would mandate a "Report Concerning the German Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and the Future" which would provide assurance that the International Commission on Holocaust Era Insurance Claims (ICHEIC) and the German Government Foundation created to compensate slave labor are abiding by their agreements.

The State Department Authorization bill already includes language which reiterates Congressional commitment to embassy relocation to Jerusalem, funding for Middle East Radio, the urgency of immediate admission of Magen David Adom to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and funds to resettle refugees in Israel. As has happened in past years, the legislation may be vetoed or stalled because of the inclusion of "Mexico City" language. As reported out of committee, the current bill would overturn the Administration’s policy prohibiting taxpayer funds from going to international organizations that engage in family planning programs and advocacy with privately raised funds.

Education Debate Continues: The Senate will continue its work this week on S.1, the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, with at least one voucher amendment expected this week. A provision in the bill that funds after school programs allows money to go directly to religious organizations to provide services without any kind of safeguards against proselytization by groups using private funds. The House Education and the Workforce Committee completed work on the Education bill and it is expected to reach the House floor later this week. Be on the lookout for amendments on vouchers, straight A’s and charitable choice. (See JCPA Action Alert, May 1, 2001) Contact rprice@thejcpa.org for more information.

Work on Tax Cut Bill Begins: The Senate Finance Committee will begin work soon fashioning a tax cut proposal. JCPA member agencies should contact legislators to urge that a fully refundable child tax credit be included in the bill. The administration has proposed increasing the current child tax credit from $500 to $1000 per child, which would provide important help to middle and, upper income families. Unless the child tax credit is also made fully refundable, it will provide no help to 16 million children living in moderate and low-income families. Only full refundability can have a substantial poverty reduction impact and lift the incomes of those families in deep poverty. The JCPA’s recent resolution, "Invest in America", notes that "during this time of prosperity and unprecedented budget surpluses, we believe that our religious tradition encourages the responsible use of resources not only to foster continued prosperity but also to help those still in need." JCPA policy further states that "any tax cut should primarily benefit the poor and working families who have largely been left behind, despite the record prosperity of the last few years. Such targeted tax cuts will also provide the greatest economic stimulus, because poor and working families will spend more of every dollar they get back. We call upon Congress to support a tax formula that responds to these concerns." (JCPA Resolution, "Invest in America", adopted April 2, 2001).

This Week in New York…

For more information, contact Benita Gayle-Almeleh, Director of Community Relations and Special Projects at bga@thejcpa.org

Israeli Top Lawyer Speaks: Israeli Attorney General Elyakim Rubinstein met yesterday with a select group of JCPA leaders to discuss the current situation in the Middle East and reflect on his diplomatic activity, which stretches from Camp David I to last fall’s failed Taba talks. Indicating that the problem now is one of trust, Rubinstein put the blame squarely on Yasser Arafat, stating that "there is no excuse, whatsoever, to shed all this blood."

Meeting Reminder: JCPA’s Task Forces and Board of Directors will meet next month on Sunday, June 10 and Monday, June 11 at Hadassah in New York. Because of security, we must have your registration in advance of the meeting date. Contact hluftig@thejcpa.org for more information.