Reps. Royce, Engel talk Iran, Syria with Netanyahu

Published on May 2, 2013

The top Republican and Democrat on the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee discussed the potential Iranian threat and instability in Syria with Israel's prime minister.

House resolution would back Israel strike on Iran

Published on March 6, 2013

A slate of Republican congressmen in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a resolution that would support an Israeli strike against Iran's suspected nuclear weapons program.

Sequester cuts to Israel expected to be $155 million

Published on March 5, 2013

The sequester is expected to cost Israel $155 million in defense assistance.

Congress introduces bill to make Israel ‘major strategic ally’

Published on March 5, 2013

A Republican and a Democrat in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced legislation that would make Israel a "major strategic ally," a unique designation.

Congress passes more expansive Violence Against Women Act

Published on March 1, 2013

Congress approved the more expansive version of an extension of the Violence Against Women Act that an array of Jewish groups had backed.

Biden to address AIPAC conference

Published on February 26, 2013

Vice President Joe Biden will address the upcoming AIPAC policy conference.

Bill granting FEMA funds to Sandy-damaged shuls sparks uncharacteristic Jewish response

Published on February 19, 2013

How essential is a house of worship to a neighborhood?

Jewish groups praise Senate on Violence Against Women Act

Published on February 14, 2013

Three Jewish groups praised the U.S. Senate's reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act and urged the House of Representatives to follow suit.

House clears path for disaster funding for religious institutions

Published on February 13, 2013

The U.S. House of Representatives easily passed legislation that makes clearer the eligibility of religious institutions for disaster relief.

Opinion: The Post-Kumbaya President

By Marty Kaplan
Published on January 21, 2013

Four years ago, while Democrats danced at inaugural balls, Reps. Cantor and Ryan dined at The Caucus Room, a Capitol Hill steakhouse, along with other top Republicans, including Rep. Kevin McCarthy, and Sens. Jim DeMint, John Kyl and Tom Coburn.

Designate Hezbollah as terrorist group, U.S. House resolution urges EU

Published on January 3, 2013

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution urging the European Union and its member states to designate Hezbollah a terrorist organization and impose sanctions on the group.

President Obama delivers remarks on the fiscal cliff [LIVE]

By JewishJournal
Published on December 31, 2012

Live from the White House

Four Jewish Dems in top House committee slots

Published on December 12, 2012

Four Jewish Democrats kept or earned top slots on U.S. House of Representatives committees.

Congress wants to increase allocations to Israeli missile programs

Published on December 12, 2012

Congress wants to at least double the Obama administration's funding request for anti-missile cooperation with Israel.

Howard Berman among major Israel supporters absent from new Congress

Published on December 11, 2012

When the new Congress convenes in January, it will be missing several longtime pillars of support for Israel on Capitol Hill.

Dold, Deutch circulating letter urging preservation of new Iran sanctions

Published on December 6, 2012

A letter urging House negotiators to preserve tough new Iran sanctions in a defense budget bill over Obama administration objections is being circulated in the House of Representatives.

Senate, House resolutions back Israel’s actions in Gaza

Published on November 16, 2012

Both Houses of the U.S. Congress unanimously passed resolutions expressing support for Israel's "inherent right to act in self-defense."

Congressional races: Republican Jewish hopefuls defeated, new faces for House Dems

Published on November 7, 2012

Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) is no closer to having a minyan. The majority leader will remain the sole Jewish member of his party’s caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congressional races to watch

Published on September 27, 2012

The following are descriptions of eight congressional races of particular Jewish interest, plus four others featuring potentially viable Jewish contenders.

House, Senate pass final Iran sanctions enhancement

Published on August 2, 2012

Congress approved a broad array of new sanctions targeting Iran, and the White House suggested it would implement them.

Congressmen to hold moment of silence for Munich 11

Published on July 26, 2012

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives will hold a moment of silence for the 11 Israeli athletes and coaches slain by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

Obama says he has failed to advance Mideast peace ‘the way I wanted’

Published on July 16, 2012

President Barack Obama said in an interview that he has failed to advance the Middle East peace process “the way I wanted.”

Ron Barber, aide to Giffords, wins his ex-boss’ seat

Published on June 13, 2012

Ron Barber, a former aide to U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, won her seat in a special election.

Rothman defeated in primary battle

Published on June 5, 2012

Rep. Steve Rothman (D-N.J.), a veteran Jewish member of the U.S. House of Representatives, lost his primary election bid against another incumbent, Rep. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.).

Senate unanimously approves E-2 visas for Israeli investors

Published on May 25, 2012

The U.S. Senate unanimously approved a bill allowing Israeli investors to reside here to oversee their businesses in this country, which backers say will spur job creation and economic growth.

House passes enhanced Israel cooperation bill

Published on May 10, 2012

The U.S House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation that reaffirms and enhances U.S. policy commitments to Israel’s security.

House Jewish Projection: Adding Bishop vs. Altschuler

By Shmuel Rosner
Published on May 1, 2012

Ackerman won’t run again

Published on March 16, 2012

Gary Ackerman, one of the veteran Jewish members of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced he would not run again. Ackerman, who has served 29 years as a Democrat from Queens/Long Island, said he was stepping down at a time that his reelction was reassured.

House committee backs visa bill for Israeli investors

Published on February 28, 2012

The House Judiciary Committee approved legislation that would add Israel to the list of countries eligible for non-immigrant investor visas in the United States.

House GOPers urge Obama to enforce Iran sanctions

Published on January 26, 2012

A mostly Republican slate of 89 members of the U.S. House of Representatives sent a letter to President Obama urging him to fully enforce sanctions on Iran’s Central Bank. The letter sent Thursday, first reported by the Weekly Standard, was signed by 85 Republicans and four Democrats who emphasized that the president cannot view these sanctions as “advisory only.”

House leadership to Obama: Sanction Iran’s Central Bank

Published on November 18, 2011

The U.S. House of Representatives leadership urged President Obama to take the next steps toward sanctioning Iran's Central Bank.

House weighs Holocaust bill that has divided Jewish community

Published on November 17, 2011

The U.S. House of Representatives again is considering Holocaust compensation legislation that has pit survivors against some leading Jewish organizations.

Seven Jewish lawmakers press Obama on Turkey

Published on November 3, 2011

Seven Jewish House members urged President Obama to conduct an intensive review of the country's relationship with Turkey.

Republican Bob Turner wins Weiner’s former seat

Published on September 14, 2011

In a blow to Democrats, a Republican candidate captured the heavily Jewish New York City congressional district previously represented by Rep. Anthony Weiner.

Palestinians erring in state bid without talks, Hoyer tells Peres

Published on August 10, 2011

U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer told Israeli President Shimon Peres that the Palestinians "would be making an error" in seeking U.N. recognition without negotiations.

81 House members touring Israel

Published on August 8, 2011

A total of 81 members of the U.S. House of Representatives will be touring Israel this month.

Jewish Dems defend Wasserman Schultz after West’s attack

Published on July 21, 2011

Jewish Democrats slammed Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) for his vituperative attack on Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.).

Paul won’t run for House again

Published on July 13, 2011

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), one of the most consistent opponents of pro-Israel legislation, said he will not run again as a congressman.

U.S. House approves Jewish chaplains memorial

Published on May 24, 2011

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to authorize the construction of a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery for fallen Jewish chaplains. The bill was approved Monday night and now moves to the Senate.

Bipartisan House delegation visiting Israel

Published on April 26, 2011

A bipartisan delegation of U.S. House of Representatives lawmakers is in Israel this week. The delegation, including Reps. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), Dennis Cardoza (D-Calif.), Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.), Jack Kingston (R-Ga.), Allyson Schwartz (D-Pa.), John Barrow (D-Ga.), Tim Murphy (R-Pa.), Ben Chandler (D-Ky.), and Larry Kissell (D-N.C.) had meetings planned with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and opposition leader Tzipi Livni.

Grimm first House GOP lawmaker to back Pollard clemency

Published on March 30, 2011

Rep. Michael Grimm became the first Republican in the U.S. House of Representatives to back the latest push for clemency for Jonathan Pollard. Grimm, a freshman from Staten Island, N.Y., says in a YouTube clip posted Tuesday by a supporter of the convicted spy for Israel that he visited Pollard at his North Carolina prison two weeks ago.

OU backs repeal of Fla. funding law

Published on March 30, 2011

The Orthodox Union told Florida's House of Representatives that it backs a repeal of a law that bans public funds for faith-based schools, activities and charities. The law's current language bans public funds "in aid of any church, sect, or religious denomination or in aid of any sectarian institution."

Maryland House passes Holocaust train bill

Published on March 29, 2011

France's national railroad must publish its World War II-era records if its American subsidiary is to win a Maryland train contract. Under legislation approved unanimously Monday by the Maryland House of Delegates, SNCF must catalog and put online records relating to its transportation of 76,000 Jews and other prisoners from the suburbs of Paris to the German border from 1942 to 1944. The company was paid per head per kilometer to deport the Nazi victims, according to reports. Critics say that since the war, the company has refused to apologize for its actions.

GOP House freshmen sign on to Israel aid letter

Published on February 16, 2011

The majority of Republican freshmen in the U.S. House of Representatives have signed on to a letter committing to current levels of defense assistance to Israel. Among the 87 freshmen, 65 have signed the letter initiated by Reps. Robert Dold (R-Ill.) and Austin Scott (R-Ga.) to the party's House leadership.

House leaders urge Obama to veto UNSC resolution

Published on January 28, 2011

U.S. House of Representatives leaders urged President Obama to veto a proposed U.N. Security Council resolution that slams Israel on settlements and urges a return to direct Israeli-Palestinian talks.

Groups call out congressman on Holocaust imagery

Published on January 20, 2011

Jewish groups are calling on U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen, a Tennessee Democrat, to apologize for using Holocaust terminology in attacking Republicans. Cohen, addressing the House of Representatives Tuesday night in a debate over a Republican bill to repeal last year's heath care reforms, likened GOP claims to tactics used by the Nazi propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels. "They say it’s a government takeover of health care, a big lie just like Goebbels,” he said. He also called the Republican claims a "blood libel."

Straus, re-elected as Texas speaker, rips attacks on faith

Published on January 11, 2011

Joe Straus, overwhelmingly reelected speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, strongly repudiated attacks on his Jewish faith. "Attacks on people's religious beliefs have no place in this House," Straus, a Republican, said Tuesday after winning the vote 132-15, according to reports filed via Twitter by KPRC, a Houston NBC affiliate. The KPRC reporter, Mary Benton, said Straus was given a standing ovation.

Brouhaha in Texas House a Jewish test case for Tea Party

Published on December 21, 2010

In Texas, the Tea Party passed its first Jewish test even before its legislators had been sworn in.

House urges Obama to block unilateral Palestinian statehood

Published on December 16, 2010

The U.S. House of Representatives called on President Obama to veto any United Nations Security Council resolution recognizing a Palestinian state.

Cantor elected majority leader

Published on November 18, 2010

Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives elected Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) their majority leader in the next Congress.

Congressional Results: Two new Jews, but no rabbi

Published on November 5, 2008

The 111th U.S. Congress is slated to have 13 Jewish senators and 31 members of the House of Representatives, with with the two first-time victories of Democrats Jared Polis of Colorado and John Adler of New Jersey.

Jews running for Congress: Old faces, new challengers and ‘me, Al Franken’

Published on October 28, 2008

With the polls predicting a big Democratic year, the number of Jewish lawmakers in the U.S. Congress is likely to increase and Jewish GOPers could end up losing a few of their favorite lawmakers

McCain campaign checks out sole Jewish Republican Congressman as possible VP

By Ron Kampeas
Published on August 5, 2008

As recently as May, the only Jewish Republican in the House discounted suggestions that he would place on the ticket, giggling as he told JTA that such speculation was "ridiculous."

House Work

By Mike Levy
Published on October 25, 2001

Los Angeles' five Jewish members in the House of Representatives hold a number of important committee and subcommittee leadership roles integral to guiding the war on terror. The Jewish Journal went to the source to find out what Americans can expect, as security challenges at home and abroad add stress to our daily lives and our political relationship with Israel.

Capitol Hill Gains

By Sharon Samber
Published on November 9, 2000

One influential Jewish representative was defeated, one venerated Jewish senator retired and the number of Jewish Republicans in the House may have tripled as a result of this week's elections.Overall, the Jewish presence in Congress will increase, with several new faces in the House of Representatives.

What next for Capitol Hill?

By Sharon Samber
Published on November 2, 2000

With the November elections just around the corner, Jewish observers and activists are predicting that no matter who wins control of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the Jewish communal agenda will encounter some of the same legislative hurdles it faced in the 106th session.

‘Shiraz 10’ Update

By Michael Aushenker
Published on July 20, 2000

In response to recent human rights violations perpetrated by the Iranian government, the House of Representatives passed an amendment brought to the floor by Congressman Brad Sherman during consideration of the foreign aid bill for fiscal year 2001. The amendment seeks to cut World Bank funding by $10 million to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Coastal Voters Could Pick New House Speaker

By Eric Roth
Published on January 6, 2000

The independent voters in Venice, Torrance and San Pedro may determine the next Speaker of the United States House of Representatives on November 6, 2000.

The Meaning of Religious Freedom in Utah

Published on July 2, 1998

If you're like me, you probably read news reports about religious freedom the way you read the latest news on global warming: plowing dutifully through, eyes half-glazed over, certain it concerns you but not quite sure how.