Jewish Groups Oppose Two Aspects Of Proposed Congressional Reform

This week's Forward reports that while Jewish groups support most of the ethics and lobbying reforms being considered by Democrats for enactment in the next Congress, two aspects of reform proposals are opposed by key Jewish organizations. The proposed ban on privately funded Congressional travel will interfere with educational trips to Israel by lawmakers and their aides, sponsored by groups such as the American Israel Education Foundation. The other area of concern is the proposed ban on earmarks in appropriation bills. The key national Jewish charitable group, United Jewish Communities, stands to lose millions of dollars it receives for its Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities project in 41 cities. Earmarks in the Older Americans Act reauthorization bill has funded the program that finances on-site social service programs that allow elderly residents to remain in their existing apartments and neighborhoods. A total ban on earmarks is unlikely; instead it is probable that reforms will require the name of every earmark sponsor to be disclosed.