Gun violence in America: Scandal!

By Rob Eshman
Published on May 22, 2013

Two years after his mother was shot and killed, Dallas Sonnier received a phone call from the police: His father had just been shot and killed.

The US Should Not Grant Visas To Israeli Citizens Unless Israel Grants the Privilege to US Citizens

By Rabbi John Rosove
Published on April 30, 2013

Berkeley student senate passes divestment bill SB 160 11-9

Published on April 18, 2013

In a dramatic vote that was emotional for all sides, the ASUC Senate voted 11-9 to divest from companies affiliated with Israel’s military early Thursday morning.

April 17, 2013

By Shmuel Rosner
Published on April 17, 2013

Sherman Response to “Israelis Likely to Keep Waiting in Long U.S. Visa Lines in Sherman vs. Boxer”

By Pini Herman
Published on April 16, 2013

Jewish groups urge Senate to pass gun control legislation

Published on April 11, 2013

Twenty-three national Jewish organizations signed on to a letter to the U.S. Senate urging members to pass gun control legislation.

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.

Senate clears way for vote on Pentagon nominee Chuck Hagel

Published on February 26, 2013

The Senate cleared the way on Tuesday for the likely confirmation of Chuck Hagel as President Barack Obama's new secretary of defense.

Biden to address AIPAC conference

Published on February 26, 2013

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

Sherman Responds on Visa Waiver for Israel Act

By Pini Herman
Published on February 21, 2013

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.

Lautenberg says he will not run again

Published on February 14, 2013

Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) said he will not run again for the Senate.

Senate Democrats pave way for full Senate vote on Hagel

Published on February 13, 2013

Senate Democrats filed a motion on Wednesday to end debate on the nomination of Chuck Hagel as President Barack Obama's new secretary of defense after Republicans refused to allow a vote, setting up a showdown vote by Friday.

U.S. Senate panel approves Hagel nomination as Pentagon chief

Published on February 13, 2013

A U.S. Senate panel approved Chuck Hagel as President Barack Obama's new secretary of defense on Tuesday, setting the stage for a vote on his confirmation by the full Senate as soon as later this week.

Senate committee advances Hagel nomination

Published on February 12, 2013

Sticking strictly to party lines, the Senate Armed Services Committee referred the nomination of Chuck Hagel for defense secretary to the full Senate for confirmation.

Senate panel sets Tuesday vote on Hagel nomination

Published on February 11, 2013

A U.S. Senate panel plans to vote on Tuesday afternoon on the bitterly contested nomination of Chuck Hagel as President Barack Obama's new secretary of defense, the committee said on Monday.

Hagel in hearings expands on ‘Jewish lobby’ apology

Published on January 31, 2013

Defense Secretary nominee Chuck Hagel in Senate hearings expanded on his apology for the use of the term "Jewish lobby," and said it was also wrong to suggest pro-Israel groups "intimidate" Congress into doing "dumb things."

Ahead of hearings, Hagel commits to preventing Iranian nukes

Published on January 30, 2013

In answers prepared for his Senate hearings, Chuck Hagel says he is committed to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, even if this means military action.

Giffords opens Senate hearings on gun control

Published on January 30, 2013

Gabrielle Giffords, the former congresswoman who survived a shooting that killed six people, opened U.S. Senate hearings on gun violence.

CUFI role in Hagel opposition shows conservatives’ resolve to stop confirmation

Published on January 29, 2013

Chuck Hagel has made strides in his bid to secure Senate confirmation as defense secretary, winning the endorsement of leading Jewish Democratic senators and meeting with the leaders of major American Jewish groups.

Senate votes to confirm Kerry as secretary of state

Published on January 29, 2013

Senator John Kerry received enough Senate votes on Tuesday to be confirmed as President Barack Obama's new secretary of state, succeeding Hillary Clinton.

For science and U.S. jobs: Allow Israelis to visit America visa-free

Published on January 15, 2013

The majority of Americans are supportive of Israel. Still, for good reasons, many in Jewish and pro-Israel communities are deeply anxious about both the security of Israel and the future of the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Obama nominates Hagel as Defense Secretary, Brennan for CIA

Published on January 7, 2013

President Barack Obama on Monday nominated Chuck Hagel, a former Republican senator, as his next defense secretary and counterterrorism adviser John Brennan to head the CIA, urging the U.S. Senate to confirm them quickly.

Jewish groups praise fiscal cliff deal, remain concerned about future cuts

Published on January 3, 2013

While not totally satisfied with the results, many Jewish groups have come out in support of Congress’ last minute efforts to reach a fiscal cliff deal.

Monday night vote on ‘cliff’ deal very likely, Sen. Corker says

Published on December 31, 2012

Republican Senator Bob Corker said it is "highly likely" that the U.S. Senate will vote Monday night on a bill to avoid the brunt of the "fiscal cliff."

President Obama delivers remarks on the fiscal cliff [LIVE]

By JewishJournal
Published on December 31, 2012

Live from the White House

ADL, Jewish federations regret failure to ratify disabilities treaty

Published on December 5, 2012

Two national Jewish groups expressed regret at the U.S. Senate's failure to ratify a disability rights treaty.

Senate passes enhanced Iran sanctions

Published on November 30, 2012

The U.S. Senate, urged by AIPAC, unanimously approved tightened Iran sanctions.

U.S. Senate resolution backs Israel’s actions in Gaza

Published on November 15, 2012

Thirty U.S. senators have signed on to a resolution 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.

Berkley, Lingle, Mandel lose Senate bids

Published on November 7, 2012

Jewish Senate hopefuls in Hawaii, Ohio and Nevada went down to defeat.

Specter remembered as an iconoclast who enjoyed going toe to toe with tyrants

Published on October 16, 2012

During his 30 years in the clubby confines of the U.S. Senate, Arlen Specter never lost his acerbic prosecutorial zeal, friends and associates say.

The face of Mormonism: Mitt Romney vs Harry Reid and Gregory Prince

By Mark Paredes
Published on September 28, 2012

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.

Ohio: Brown-Mandel U.S. Senate race among most costly

Published on August 1, 2012

A flood of money brought in by prominent national political action committees has become the norm in this year’s U.S. Senate race in Ohio, which pits first-term incumbent Sherrod Brown, a Democrat, against Republican Josh Mandel, the state treasurer and a Jewish Iraq war veteran.

House, Senate agree on enhanced Iran sanctions [UPDATE]

Published on July 31, 2012

Congressional negotiators have settled on a bill enhancing Iran sanctions, and President Obama announced new sanctions targeting fronts for Iran.

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.”

Czech Senate to consider property restitution

Published on July 16, 2012

Czech Jewish leaders said they hoped their Senate would approve restitution of confiscated religious property.

Pro-Israel lawmaker Shelley Berkley facing ethics review

Published on July 10, 2012

The House Ethics Committee has launched an investigation into U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley, a pro-Israel lawmaker, potentially complicating the Nevada Democrat's bid for the U.S. Senate.

Senate affirms commitment to Israeli military’s qualitative edge

Published on July 2, 2012

The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation that reaffirms U.S. security commitments to Israel.

Senate passes Munich 11 moment of silence resolution

Published on June 26, 2012

The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution urging the International Olympic Committee to observe a moment of silence at the 2012 London Olympics for the Munich 11.

Senate passes farm bill, rejects full SNAP funding

Published on June 22, 2012

The U.S. Senate passed the Farm Bill, whose final version some Jewish organizations had expressed dismay over because it did not include full funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food stamps.

Jewish groups, Senate Dems talk Iran and budget

Published on May 29, 2012

There was common ground on Iran and preserving the social safety net at a meeting between Democratic senators and Jewish community leaders, although subtle tensions on both issues emerged.

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.

Senate distinguishes between Palestinian refugees and descendants

Published on May 24, 2012

The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee approved language that would distinguish between Palestinian refugees alive in 1948 and their descendants.

Senate candidate posts anti-Semitic views, videos on Facebook

Published on May 23, 2012

Thomas Bleming, a candidate for the U.S. Senate from Wyoming, has posted anti-Semitic videos on his Facebook page.

US Senate Republicans block Iran sanctions vote

Published on May 17, 2012

U.S. Senate Republicans blocked legislation for new economic sanctions on Iran's oil sector on Thursday saying they needed more time to study the bill, a surprise move that drew anger from Democrats who wanted approval ahead of nuclear talks next week.

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.

Russ Feingold will not run for Senate or Wisconsin governor

Published on August 19, 2011

Former senator Russ Feingold has taken himself out of contention for both a Wisconsin Senate seat and a run for governor.

Vast Senate majority urges sanction of Iran’s central bank

Published on August 8, 2011

Nearly the entire U.S. Senate has signed on to a letter urging the Obama administration to implement sanctions targeting Iran's central bank.

U.S. Senate: Palestinians risking aid by seeking statehood vote

Published on June 29, 2011

The U.S. Senate threatened to cut off aid to the Palestinian Authority if it continues to seek a unilateral declaration of Palestinian statehood. The resolution passed unanimously on Tuesday also reaffirmed U.S. opposition to any Palestinian government that includes Hamas unless the group renounces terrorism and is willing to make peace with Israel. The United States and European Union consider Hamas a terrorist organization.

U.S. lawmakers talk Palestinian statehood, Iran at Mideast confab

Published on June 23, 2011

U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin said supporters of Israel must be prepared for a U.N. General Assembly vote recognizing a Palestinian state in September, saying the Palestinians have "the upper hand" in pushing through such a resolution.

Senate confirms Shapiro as U.S. ambassador to Israel

Published on May 27, 2011

The U.S. Senate voted Thursday to confirm Daniel Shapiro as America’s next ambassador to Israel.

Senate approves chaplains monument

Published on May 27, 2011

The U.S. Senate unanimously voted to authorize the construction of a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery for fallen Jewish chaplains. The bill approved Thursday night had already been approved by the House of Representatives.

Belgium Senate proposal accepts amnesty for Nazi collaborators

Published on May 17, 2011

Belgium's Senate voted to accept draft legislation that would give amnesty to Nazi collaborators. The legislation initiated by the far-right Flemish Vlaams Belang party was approved last week.

GOP Senate freshmen pledge support for Israel

Published on April 7, 2011

The vast majority of Republican freshmen in the U.S. Senate have signed on to a letter committing to current levels of defense assistance to Israel. Among the 13 freshmen, 11 have signed the letter initiated by Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) to the party's Senate leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

Palestinian incitement letter garners 27 senators

Published on March 30, 2011

A bipartisan slate of 27 U.S. senators signed on to a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to press the Palestinian Authority to address incitement. The letter, sent Tuesday but initiated two weeks ago by Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Mark Kirk (R-Ill.), focuses on the March 11 massacre of five members of a Jewish family in Itamar, a settlement in the northern West Bank, and suggests that the Palestinian Authority, under the leadership of Mahmoud Abbas, has not done enough to stem incitement.

Maryland Senate committee passes Holocaust disclosure bill

Published on March 7, 2011

A bill requiring recipients of state contracts to fully disclose their ties to any operation responsible for transporting people to Nazi concentration camps, was passed unanimously by a Maryland state Senate committee. The Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee approved the bill, aimed at the French rail company known as SNCF, on March 3. The full state Senate is scheduled to take up the measure this week. A state House committee also heard testimony last week.

Senate bill allows Holocaust survivors to sue for unpaid claims

Published on March 3, 2011

A bill that would give Holocaust survivors the right to sue European companies for unpaid life insurance claims was introduced in the U.S. Senate. Sen. Bill Nelson (D.-Fla.) offered the bill on the floor of the Senate Wednesday, two days before a planned protest by Holocaust survivors at a Nelson fundraising event in Miami Beach with President Obama, the Miami Herald reported Thursday.