Urgent Action Needed

July 13, 2001

To:       Officers, Rabbis, Key Contacts
From:  Richard B. Stone, Chairman
            Betty Ehrenberg, Director, International and Communal Affairs
RE:      Foreign Aid Bill

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On June 27th, the House Foreign Operations Subcommittee, led by Chairman Jim Kolbe (R-AZ) and ranking member Nita Lowey (D-NY), approved Israel's annual aid package in the fiscal year 2002, the Foreign Aid Appropriations Bill. The bill includes $2.04 billion in military aid and $720 million in financial assistance for fiscal year 2002. Israel's aid package was earmarked for the first time in a House Appropriations Bill since 1992, a provision which mandates the exact level of aid to be provided to Israel. The bill also contains all the traditional terms of Israel's assistance. 

In addition, the Foreign Aid Bill stimulates new PLO compliance requirements, similar to the language of the Middle East Peace Commitments Act (H.R. 1795). If the President deems that the Palestinian leadership has failed to "substantially comply" with their commitments to renounce terrorism and discipline violators, a sanction will be imposed. Furthermore, the bill contains new language prohibiting U.S. assistance for the headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross unless the President determines that "the Magen David Society of Israel is not being denied participation in the activities of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent movement."

Immediate Action Necessary

The Foreign Aid bill is scheduled for a vote on the House floor on July 17th.

Ask for your Representative 

• Oppose any amendments calling for a reduction in aid to Israel or a change to the terms of Israel's assistance.
• Support final passage of the FY02 Foreign Aid Appropriations Bill containing $2.724 billion in aid to Israel.

Talking points

• Support aid to Israel: Israel's aid is a bargain to the United States as it provides tremendous benefits both to the U.S. and Israel. Aid to Israel maintains the deterrent strength of reliable ally, enhances Israel's security and projects American power without risking U.S. soldiers. U.S. aid helps Israel survive and maintain its qualitative edge in a very dangerous neighborhood.
• Unshakeable commitment to Israel's security: Israel today faces severe existential threats, in addition to daily security problems that affect the lives of every Israeli. The violent Palestinian uprising, instability on Israel's border with Lebanon as a result of Hezbollah's growing military presence, and the acquisition of weapons of mass destruction by Iran and Iraq create a dangerous instability that could easily lead to a rapidly escalating conflict. U.S. military assistance provides Israel the wherewithal to meet these growing threats and symbolizes, more than anything else, the unshakeable commitment the U.S. has to Israel's security.
• Support U.S. Global Leadership: The Foreign Assistance programs are cost-effective ways to advance U.S. national interests throughout the world. At less than 1% of the federal budget, foreign aid provides the United States the tools needed to pursue an active and engaged American foreign policy. Without necessary resources in the foreign aid bill, the U.S. cannot be a global leader.

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