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July 6, 1999 Vol.1, No. 12 This Week in Washington…
Recess Doesn't Equal Playtime: While Congress enjoys its July 4th recess, hopefully in cooler surroundings than steamy Washington, the legislative clock is ticking. Next week, they are likely to return to a whirlwind of activity as the October 1st deadline for the remaining 13 unresolved appropriations bills draws ever nearer. With the Senate having completed work on seven bills, and the House having completed three, there are less than 8 legislative weeks to go and several contentious conference committees likely necessary to reconcile House and Senate versions. Appropriators are still working with tight budget caps despite reports of an enormous budget surplus, which spell cuts in many programs we would like to see funded. Funds promised by the President in the context of the Wye Peace Agreement have already been buried by the Senate, and on the House side, WIC funds have taken a beating. Religious Liberty Protection Act to Come to House Floor: The Religious Liberty Protection Act (RLPA) HR 1691, drafted in response to the Supreme Courts decision finding that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) overstepped Congressional authority, is slated for full debate by the House on Tuesday, July 13, 1999. JCPA continues to urge that lawmakers pass the legislation without "carve-outs" or exemptions for prisoners, land use ordinances or civil rights. Contact Reva at jcpa-dc@jon.cjfny.org. Hate Crimes Protection Act: Although advocates had hoped that the Hate Crimes Protection Act (S622) would surface as part of the Senate Commerce, State, Justice Appropriations bill at the end of June, consideration was postponed until mid- July. This weekend's deadly and tragic events in the Midwest once again highlight the need for strong legislation. Talking Points regarding these incidents will be distributed via e-mail later this afternoon. Senators need to be urged to vote for the HCPA without weakening amendments. Contact gfsiegel@thejcpa.org for more information. Concern Over Fourth Geneva Convention Conference: The House International Relations Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing on July 14 to discuss Israel's treatment at the United Nations. The hearing corresponds to the convening of a UN conference on the Fourth Geneva Convention which many observers expect will be used to condemn Israel. When Congress returns, the House Suspension Calendar will include H.Con.Res. 117 introduced by Rep. Rothman (NJ) condemning the UN for convening the Conference on the Fourth Geneva Convention; Rep. Sherman's (CA) resolution (H.Con.Res. 128) expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the treatment of religious minorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, and particularly the recent arrests of 13 Jews. Calling all Jewish State Legislators: In an effort to assist the National Association of Jewish Legislators (NAJL), JCPA is asking local member agencies to help identify Jewish legislators. Please provide us with updated names, addresses, fax numbers and e-mails addresses. NAJL plans to host a reception at the upcoming national meeting of state legislators. Contact Reva at jcpa-dc@jon.cjfny.org. This Week in New York…
The Russians are Coming: Additional information about the Russian Leadership Program and the possibility for communities to host these emerging leaders will be made available to JCPA member agencies later today.
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