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June 4, 2001 Vol. 3, No. 16
This Week in Washington... For more information, contact Reva Price, Washington Representative at rprice@thejcpa.org Responses to Events in the Middle East: Members of Congress are expected to speak out in response to violence in the Middle East, particularly in reaction to the horrific events of this past weekend. JCPA continues to monitor events and will alert member agencies regarding any action on the Hill.
Old Senate, New Leadership: A new leadership team is set to take over when the Senate reconvenes on Tuesday. Still unclear: committee structure, and how many Democrats and how many Republicans will be represented on each Committee, as well as how long this process might take. If the Senate does not get bogged down over the change of leadership this week, it will vote as scheduled on the Education bill. Up next: a voucher amendment to be introduced by Senator Judd Gregg (NH) that would create a demonstration program in three states and 10 school districts to subsidize private school tuition for children in underperforming schools. Senator John McCain (AZ) may also offer an amendment to create a voucher demonstration program in the District of Columbia. Details concerning JCPA’s education policy and our groundbreaking voucher study can be found on our website at www.jewishpublicaffairs.org.
Hi Ho, Hi Ho: Much work awaits the Senate as it returns this week. The Judiciary Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday morning to discuss legal issues behind proposals for faith-based solutions to social problems. Among those scheduled to be on the three panels are representatives of the Orthodox Union, American Jewish Committee and Agudath Israel. This is the first Senate hearing on the issue. The House will continue its discussions on the issue as well on Wednesday with a hearing of the House Judiciary Committee subcommittee on the Constitution. The International Operations and Human Rights Subcommittee of the House International Relations Committee will hold a hearing mid week on the UN Commission on Human Rights and whether it can remain relevant after a May vote left the United States without a seat. The issue is particularly important given the historic role the US has taken at this venue in speaking out against those vilifying Israel. Meanwhile, the full House International Relations Committee will mark up legislation this week to pressure the government of Sudan to end terrorism, slave raids and human rights violations as well as a bill condemning the recent order by the Taliban regime of Afghanistan to require that Hindus in Afghanistan to wear symbols identifying them as Hindu. JCPA Chair Len Cole issued a statement two weeks ago denouncing the practice of separating out Hindu citizens for special treatment.
Congress Gets Ready for Bush- Putin Summit: The Helsinki Commission chaired by Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (CO) and Representative Christopher Smith (NJ) will hold a hearing Tuesday on troubling trends in human rights in Russia. Focussing on conditions specific to the Jewish community, NCSJ: Advocates on behalf of Jews in Russia, Ukraine, the Baltic States and Eurasia has completed their Country Reports highlighting political developments and community concerns. The Report can be found on their website at www.ncsj.org.
Next Week on the Hill: A briefing will be held on Monday June 11, 2001 for Members of Congress and their staff on issues relating to Holocaust restitution and compensation negotiations. The briefing will cover recent and ongoing negotiations, Information for Holocaust survivors on how to apply and Current congressional legislative initiatives regarding restitution. If you believe your elected officials and/or their staff would be interested in attending have them contact Zahava Goldman in Congressman Waxman’s office. There will be no Insider next week!
This Week in New York... For more information, contact Benita Gayle-Almeleh, Director of Community Relations and Special Projects at bga@thejcpa.org
This Week in New York Remember to Register! Please be sure to register in advance of the June 10-11th JCPA meetings in New York City. JCPA’s Task Forces will meet on Sunday, June 10, and the Board of Directors on Monday, June 11th. Rep Christopher Shays (R-CT) will speak at the Monday Board meeting, and members will be briefed by Israel Consul General Alon Pinchas and Dennis Ross. At Sunday’s meeting of the Equal Opportunity and Social Justice Task Force, William Moran, Regional Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services; Victoria Dougherty, Connecticut Policy and Economic Council; and William E. Rapfogel, Executive Director, Metropolitan Coordinating Council on Jewish Poverty will initiate the first of several discussions on welfare reauthorization to be held over the next several months. Contact hluftig@thejcpa.org for more information.
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