June 21 , 1999 Vol.1, No. 10

This Week in Washington…
For more information, contact Reva Price, Washington Representative

"NO" TO FEDERAL BENEFITS FOR SUSPECTED NAZI WAR CRIMINALS: The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration meets Tuesday to consider the "Nazi Benefits Termination Act of 1999" (HR 1788), which would cut off Social Security and other federal benefits to suspected Nazi war criminals who have left the U.S. Introduced in the House by Rep. Robert Franks (NJ) with the Senate version spearheaded by Sen. Robert Toricelli (NJ), the legislation would give authorize the Justice Department to move to terminate all federal benefits even before actual deportation proceedings begin. This legislation has received the careful attention and support of several New Jersey-based CRCs, most particularly Central New Jersey and MetroWest.

ACTION ON ISRAELI MIAS: Legislation calling for updated and accurate information concerning the whereabouts of and search for Israeli MIA's Zachary Baumel (a U.S. citizen), Yehuda Katz and Zvi Feldman is to be considered by the House tomorrow. HR 1175 requires the State Department to raise the issue in discussions with appropriate Syrian, Lebanese and the Palestinian Authority officials, and to report to the Congress on any findings.

RLPA ON THE MOVE: This Wednesday, the House Judiciary Committee continues its markup of the Religious Liberty Protection Act (HR 1691), created to safeguard religious liberty in the aftermath of the Supreme Court's 1997 invalidation of Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The Senate is scheduled to begin its own deliberations with a hearing on the protection of religious liberty this Thursday.

MONEY, MONEY: The State Department reauthorization bill, which includes monies for foreign aid to Israel as well as payment of UN dues arrears, continues to be debated by the Senate. Absent this time: the usual anti-abortion provisions, although Rep. Chris Smith (NJ) has promised to attach such a provision when the House version sees action in July. This week may also see the kickoff of Senate debate on the Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill (also including foreign aid for Israel), but it is expected that the debate's focus will likely concern a building and recovery plan for the Balkans.

JUST WHEN YOU THOUGHT IT WAS SAFE TO GO BACK IN THE WATER: House to begin debate Friday on a constitutional amendment to prohibit flag desecration…. House to vote Tuesday on a resolution in support of the American Community Renewal Act (HconRes 207, sponsored by Pennsylvania Rep. Joseph Pitts), which while sounding like motherhood and apple pie really calls for enactment of charitable choice legislation…Reproductive freedom advocates take note: the House Judiciary Committee will consider legislation (HR 1218) that would make it a crime to transport a minor seeking an abortion across state lines to avoid parental consent in her home state.

This Week in New York…
For more information, contact Benita Gayle-Almeleh, Senior Community Consultant at bga@thejcpa.org

JCPA AGENDA FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS PUBLISHED: Hot off the presses, the 1999-2000 Agenda for Public Affairs is must reading for Jewish community relations pros, activists, opinion molders, legislators and policy makers. Contact Haya at hluftig@thejcpa.org to order your copies today!

LET MY PEOPLE GO: A Second Exodus: The American Movement to Free Soviet Jews, edited by Al Chernin and Murray Friedman of the AJCommittee, is available at an excellent price through the JCPA. This important volume should be on every bookshelf and shared with leaders in both the Jewish and general communities. Contact Larry Rubin (lrubin@thejcpa.org) for purchase information.

RESOLVED: Text of resolutions adopted by the JCPA Board of Directors at its June meeting in San Francisco last week will be circulated shortly. Subjects include the peace process; the Quara Jews; Kosovo; the Israeli Election; and the Iranian Jews.