House leadership, following ban on commemorative resolutions, blocks Munich 11 vote

Published on July 26, 2012

The House Republican leadership blocked a vote calling for a moment of silence to memorialize Israeli athletes and coaches slain at the 1972 Olympics.

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.

House approves Rep. Weiner leave of absence

Published on June 14, 2011

The U.S. House of Representatives approved Rep. Anthony Weiner's request for a leave of absence. Weiner (D-N.Y.) requested a two-week leave of absence in order to enter a treatment center to deal with his addiction to having inappropriate online relationships with women. He reportedly entered treatment over the weekend. House memebrs approved the leave request Monday with a unanimous voice vote.

Berman, Ros-Lehtinen introduce toughened Iran sanctions

Published on May 17, 2011

A bipartisan bill introduced by top lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives would considerably tighten sanctions on Iran. The bill, introduced May 13 by Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), the chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.), its ranking Democrat, would ban business with any entity that does $1 million in a single trade with Iran's energy sector, or $5 million over one year.

Wasserman Schultz brings Jewish identity to top party role

Published on April 12, 2011

Debbie Wasserman Schultz’s first day as a sophomore in the U.S. House of Representatives, on Jan. 8, 2007, was marked by a number of extraordinary achievements for a woman barely out of her first term. Named to the Democratic caucus leadership. Named to the all-powerful Appropriations Committee. Named as a major fundraiser -- $17 million -- for the party’s breakthrough 2006 election. Named by a tabloid as one of the 50 most beautiful people on Capitol Hill.

Reform opposes, OU backs voucher bill

Published on March 31, 2011

The Reform movement said it was "alarmed" by the passage of a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives reviving a program that funds scholarships at religious schools, while the Orthodox Union supported it. The Republican-majority House passed the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program on Wednesday by a vote of 225 to 195. The $100 million program, ostensibly enabling parents in Washington, D.C., to steer their children to schools of choice, effectively favors religious schools because its scholarships, typically around $12,000, are too low for secular private schools.

Jewish groups urge renewal of refugee fast-track

Published on February 17, 2011

A number of Jewish groups have joined two senators in an appeal to the U.S. House of Representatives to renew a provision that fast-tracks religious refugees. "If the Lautenberg Amendment is not renewed by March 2011, hundreds of Iranian religious minorities will be stranded in Iran, unable to access the protection of the United States," says the letter signed by the Jewish Federations of North America, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, and other Jewish and Christian groups and first reported last week by Politico.

Nancy Pelosi’s links to Israel are strong and personal

By Jennifer Jacobson
Published on November 16, 2006

Before a packed meeting of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) three years ago, U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) connected her political support for the Jewish state with her personal life.
Now that the Democrats have taken control of the U.S. House of Representatives, the party is expected to install Pelosi, 66, as speaker, making her the first woman to hold the position that is two heartbeats away from the presidency.

Bush Takes Wary Steps in Middle East

By Ron Kampeas
Published on March 3, 2005

Congress officially is lined up behind President Bush's grand vision of Palestinian democracy -- but it wants details along with that vision.

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives' powerful International Relations Committee met last week, right after two congressional resolutions overwhelmingly endorsing Bush's call for a Palestinian state were passed.

World Briefs

By JTA Staff
Published on May 13, 2004

World updates including, Israel-US Anti-Terror Fund, Jusices for Israel, Meeting with Democrats, the Rise of Anti-Semitism in Canada, Crack Down on Hate Sites, Rally in Paris, Condoleezza Rice visit to Palestine, and Arson attack on Synagogue.