? “Don’t Characterize the Strength that We Bring”
As we wrap-up 2018, we are hopeful about political change in the new year with Democratic control of the House. This week, in an Oval Office showdown between President Trump and Democratic Leaders Schumer and Pelosi, we saw yet another example of why such change is needed. We applaud Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi for holding her ground and asserting to President Trump that he should not “characterize the strength” she brings – and we all bring – to our country, as demonstrated on Election Day when Democrats won the popular vote by the largest margin in historyfor midterm elections. In the 116th Congress, the Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) looks forward to leveraging this strength to advocate for our values and further our domestic and foreign policy priorities. We can’t do it alone, so please read on to learn more about how you can take action with JDCA, support our efforts, and join us in advocating for our values in 2019 and beyond.
JDCA stresses the importance of bipartisan support for Israel
While Democrats share our values on a wide range of issues, we also know that bipartisanship is an essential component of effective governance. When it comes to Israel, bipartisan support for the U.S.-Israel relationship has been a bedrock principle of U.S. foreign policy for decades, and is in the interest of both our nations. This week, JDCA had the opportunity to express its support for bipartisanship when it comes to U.S.-Israel ties, speaking for the first time alongside the Republican Jewish Coalition. As JDCA Executive Director Halie Soifer stated at an event hosted by the American Zionist Movement, “We [JDCA] strongly support the U.S.-Israel relationship, and have repeatedly – and forcefully – spoken out in support of maintaining bipartisan support for Israel.”
JDCA will fight for important legislation
As the 115th Congress comes to an end, JDCA is urging its supporters to write to their Members of Congress in support of the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, which would protect U.S. companies from coercion by international organizations to participate in boycotts against Israel. The final version of this bill addresses free speech concerns and does not alter U.S. policy on final status issues regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Last week, JDCA issued a call to action and continues to urge passage of this important legislation before year-end.
In addition to supporting the U.S.-Israel relationship, JDCA will urge the 116th Congress to address vital domestic issues that the current Republican-controlled Congress has neglected, including climate change, immigration reform, gun safety, and advocating for social justice programs. We look forward to the Democratic leadership’s introduction of H.R.1 next year, which will improve voting access, enact campaign finance reform, improve ethics in government, and ensure that public officials are serving the public interest. As we plan for the next Congress, stay tuned for more ways you can get involved to advocate for Jewish and Democratic values with JDCA.
Standing up for human rights
On Thursday, the Senate voted to condemn the Saudi Crown Prince for the horrific murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. President Trump, despite ample evidence from U.S. intelligence officials, had refused to hold the Saudis accountable for the brutal murder of a Washington Post journalist. JDCA applauds the Senate’s clear rebuke of Trump’s embrace of Saudi Arabia, and strongly supports the Senate’s bipartisan and unanimous statement in support of human rights and freedom of speech. JDCA will continue to advocate for these important principles in the 116th Congress.
No one is above the law
With each passing week of the Trump administration, it becomes clearer that crimes were committed by associates of the President – and possibly the President himself – in his campaign and since assuming office. Thanks to the special counsel investigation led by Robert Mueller and an investigation led by the Southern District of New York, the public now has additional information about the crimes committed by Trump attorney Michael Cohen, Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort, and others. This week, a Russian citizen pled guilty to conspiring to act as a foreign agent by working for an organized Russian effort to influence U.S. politics. Foreign interference in our elections and illegal campaign contributions should concern all Americans. No one is above the law, and we must allow these investigations to reach their conclusions. Join JDCA today in urging Congress to protect Special Counsel Mueller’s investigation and strengthen election security to protect against foreign intervention in future elections.
JDCA seeks interns
Serve as an integral part of our growing team, and further Jewish and Democratic values as a JDCA intern. Apply to serve as a JDCA intern today or to find out more, please email [email protected].Shabbat Shalom,
Ron Klein
Chair, Jewish Democratic Council of America