Article

Jewish Dems Welcome 116th Congress

January 3, 2019

Jewish Dems Welcome 116th Congress

 Urge End to Shutdown and Passage of Essential Legislation

 Statement by Jewish Democratic Council of America Executive Director Halie Soifer

WASHINGTON–—The Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA)welcomes the 116th Congress, which includes 45 members endorsed by JDCA in 2018. We are proud of our role in helping to flip control of the House of Representatives from red to blue, and look forward to Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s leadership, under which the House will lead efforts to make America stronger at home and abroad.

After two years of misguided Republican leadership, it is time for Congress to move our country forward with Democrats at the helm. The first order of business must be to end President Trump’s needless government shutdown. Make no mistake – this shutdown is not really about border security. It is an empty political stunt that has paralyzed segments of the U.S. government, hurt hundreds of thousands of government employees, and cast a shadow of uncertainty on the future of our country. We do not need a border wall. What we need is enhanced border security, comprehensive and humane immigration reform, and a fully functioning government that is open for business to do the work of the American people.

JDCA looks forward to working with the new Congress on our top priorities, which include promoting social justice, human rights, and freedoms; comprehensive and humane immigration reform; combating anti-Semitism and other forms of hatred and bigotry; protecting democratic institutions and the right to vote; supporting the U.S.-Israel relationship and Israel’s security; defending against climate change and other environmental threats; advocating for common-sense gun reforms; and supporting access to affordable healthcare for all Americans.

JDCA also urges the House to fulfill its duty to serve as a check on the executive branch. It is essential that the House investigate all credible claims of wrongdoing, unethical behavior, and potential crimes of the Trump administration and preserve the integrity and independence of the Mueller investigation.

With a Democratic-controlled House, the American people will have a chance to judge for themselves which party is better equipped to govern and which party is working in their interests. JDCA will do its part in 2019 by advocating for legislation consistent with Jewish and American values, and by continuing to serve as the voice of Jewish Democrats.

# # #

About JDCA

The Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) is the voice of Jewish Democrats and socially-progressive, pro-Israel values that Jewish voters hold dear. JDCA supports candidates and elected officials who share our policy positions and advocates for policies that reflect Jewish and Democratic values.