September 13, 1999 Vol.1, No. 19

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

Campaign Finance Reform, Redux: The House begins debate Tuesday on the Shays (CT) - Meehan (MA) Campaign Finance measure (HR417). The bill, passed by the House but not by the Senate last year, would ban unregulated soft money contributions to and from the national political parties. It would also prohibit congressional candidates from taking soft money from state parties, increase the ceilings on contributions by individuals, and make interest groups' issue ads comply with rules governing campaign advertising calling for a candidates election or defeat. Following a scheduled three hour debate, votes have been scheduled on ten amendments and three different substitute bills. Regardless of what happens, prospects for passage of legislation championed by Senators Feingold (WI) and McCain (AZ) are unclear. To obtain a filibuster proof majority, sponsors may revise their version of the Campaign Finance Overhaul measure. Senate leadership has promised to schedule a vote by October 12, 1999.

Minimum Wage Debate Surfaces in Senate: A long -delayed bankruptcy overhaul measure is up for Senate consideration this week, and Senator Kennedy (MA) is likely to use the measure to attach - for the fourth time - an amendment (S.192) boosting the minimum wage by $1 to $6.15 an hour. (See JCPA Action Alert , July 29)

Iran Weapons Sanction Bill: The House International Relations Committee has voted unanimously to send legislation to the floor which would punish Russia and other countries for assisting Iran's weapons development. The bill (HR1883), considered non-controversial despite reservations by the Clinton administration, will be considered Tuesday. Senators Lott (MS) and Lieberman (CT) are working on similar legislation in the Senate.

Fix '96 Update: Immigration advocates will be joining forces this week under the auspices of the "Fix '96" campaign. The effort hopes to draw attention to the harm caused by the excesses of three 1996 bills: the anti-terrorism bill, welfare law and immigration laws. Thursday, September 16th is slated as a national call-in/lobby day. Please call your legislators and the White House (202) 456-1414) and urge them to "fix '96." A "Fix96" rally will be held Friday, September 17th at the Capitol. (See JCPA Action Alert, August 17) Contact rprice@thejcpa.org for more information.

Around the Capitol This Week… The American Jewish Congress will be sponsoring a press event on Tuesday to kick off their "Stop the Guns: Protect Our Kids" project, and will be circulating petitions calling on Congress to pass meaningful gun control legislation… The Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing Tuesday morning to explore hate on the Internet… The Congressional Black Caucus will examine hate crimes at their annual meeting this Friday. The Community Relations Department of the Justice Department will also be meeting to discuss this issue on Friday. (See JCPA memorandum, August 24)

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

REMINDER: A special satellite broadcast is scheduled for Thursday, September 16th at 4:00 p.m. EDT to provide guidance to professionals working with survivors to complete asset restitution settlement claims questionnaires. (See JCPA memorandum, September 8 for specific information) Contact koded@thejcpa.org for details about the broadcast.