From: Voices United For Israel
To: heb_roots_chr@hebroots.org
Subject: Moving the USA embassy in Israel to Jerusalem
From The National Unity Coalition
Phone 913 432 7900 Fax 913 432 7997
Web www.Isirael-unitycoalition.com
AN URGENT REQUEST
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION REQUIRES YOUR IMMEDIATE ATTENTION.
REPRESENTATIVE SAXTON DESERVES OUR WHOLE-HEARTED SUPPORT
IN OBTAINING CO-SPONSORS FOR THIS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT BILL.
IT IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE THAT YOU CALL YOUR CONGRESSMAN
ASAP AND ASK HIM TO SIGN ON TO H.R. 2584.
CALL THE CONGRESSIONAL SWITCHBOARD AT 202 224 3121 AND THEY WILL DIRECT YOUR CAL
L.
-------------------
THE HONORABLE JIM SAXTON
339 CANNON OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515
PHONE 202 225 4765
FAX 202 225 0778
JULY 21, 1999
MOVE THE UNITED STATES
EMBASSY TO JERUSALEM NOW
Dear Colleague:
In 1995, Congress overwhelmingly passed the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995. This
bipartisan initiative received broad public support.
The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995, as codified by Public Law 104-45, states that
U.S. policy should recognize that Jerusalem is the undivided capital of Israel,
and that the U.S. Embassy in Israel should be established in Jerusalem no later
than May 31, 1999. May 31st has come and gone and we have seen little progress
in moving the Embassy to Jerusalem. Why?
Section 7 of the Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Act gives the President waiver aut
hority if there are national security threats associated with the Embassy move.
On June 19, 1999 President Clinton issued the waiver and subsequently delayed th
e Embassy move to Jerusalem. This is unacceptable and the delay in constructing
the Embassy in Jerusalem is equally inappropriate. What can be done?
I urge you to join me in amending Public Law 104-45 by repealing the President's
section 7 waiver authority. The recognition of a united Jerusalem as Israel's e
ternal, undivided capital enjoys the broad support of the American public and is
of paramount concern to virtually all American and Israeli Jews as well as the
Government of Israel. Nevertheless, the persistent failure by the United States
to move its Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem contributes to the cloud of uncer
tainty that hangs over Jerusalem's long term status.
Members need to send a message that the initiative taken in 1955 was serious and
should not be circumvented. If you would like to co-sponsor this bill, please c
all Jason Blazakis in my office at
5-4765.
Sincerely, Jim Saxton, Member of Congress
106th CONGRESS
1ST SESSION H.R. 2584
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. Saxton introduced the following bill,
PRINCIPAL ELEMENTS OF A BILL
To amend the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of
America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE
This Act may be cited as the " Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1999"
SEC. 2 TIMETABLE FOR CONSTRUCTION IN THE CAPITAL CITY OF JERUSALEM
OF UNITED STATES EMBASSY IN ISRAEL.
(a) CONSTRUCTION COMMENCEMENT TIMETABLE
Section 3 of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 ( Public law 104-45) is amended--
-
" construction of a facility in the capital city of Jerusalem to be designated a
s the United States Embassy in Israel should begin not later than December 31, 1
999."; and (2) in subsection (b) to read as follows:
"CONSTRUCTION COMMENCEMENT DETERMINATION,--Not more than 50 percent of the funds
appropriated to the Department of State for fiscal year 2000 for "Acquisition a
nd Maintenance of Building Abroad" may be obligated until the Secretary of State
determines and reports to Congress that the construction of a facility in the c
apital city of Jerusalem to be designated as the United States Embassy in Israel
has commenced."
SEC. 3. FISCAL YEARS 2000 AND 2001 FUNDING FOR CONSTRUCTION
Section 4 of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1955 (Public Law 104-45 is amended to
read as follows:
"SEC. 4. FISCAL YEARS 2000 and 2001 FUNDING LIMITATIONS.
" FISCAL YEAR 2000. Of the funds authorized to be appropriated for "Acquisitio
n and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad" for the Department of State for fiscal ye
ar 2000, not less than $25,000,000 shall be available until expended only for co
nstruction and other cost associated with the establishment of the United States
Embassy' in Israel in the capital Jerusalem.
" FISCAL YEAR 2001. Of the funds authorized to be appropriated for "Acquisitio
n and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad" for the Department of State for fiscal ye
ar 2001, not less than $25,000,000 shall be available until expended only for co
nstruction and other costs associated with the establishment of the United State
s Embassy in Israel in the capital of Jerusalem.".
SEC. 3. REPEAL OF PRESIDENTIAL WAIVER AUTHORITY.
The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 (Public Law 105-45) is amended:
SEC. 4. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Act shall take effect October 1, 1999.
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