In 1995 Congress overwhelmingly passed “The Jerusalem Embassy Relocation Act.” According to the Act, it became the policy of the U.S. government to recognize Jerusalem as the united, and undivided capital of Israel. Despite the stand of Congress fifteen years ago, holdouts in the executive branch–both Republican and Democrat–have refused to enact the full provisions of the law. Each president finds loopholes and excuses. But the time has come to put an end to such a confused posture, and signal America’s full and irrevocable support for a united Jerusalem. It is time to finally bring the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem!
New legislation has come before Congress–House Bill, H.R. 1006–that demands the American Embassy to be moved to Jerusalem by January 1, 2013. H.R. 1006, if passed, removes the waiver loophole which permits the President to continue postponing enactment of the Embassy law.
HR 1006 is sponsored by Rep. Dan Burton (R-IN) and has 31 co-sponsors. Finally we have a House Bill that fully proclaims America’s support for Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and puts legs to that support.
Now is the time to contact your Congressman and urge them to support HR 1006, the Jerusalem Embassy and Relocation and Recognition Act.
Find Contact Information for your Congressman here or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121.
Add your virtual signature to our letter to Congress in support of this bill. This is a historic opportunity!
Cosponsors of the Bill:
Shelley Berkley
Robert Brady
Steven Chabot
Jason Chaffetz
Bob Dold
Eliot Engel
Trent Franks
Scott Garrett
Jim Gerlach
Louis Gohmert
Michael Grimm
Walter Herger
Steve Israel
Doug Lamborn
Leonard Lance
Thomas Marino
Mike McIntyre
David McKinley
Candice Miller
Frank Pallone
Mike Pence
Ted Poe
Mike Pompeo
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen
Dennis Ross
Steven Rothman
Heath Shuler
Patrick Tiberi
Joe Walsh
Allen West
Congressional Summary of the Bill:
Jerusalem Embassy and Recognition Act of 2011 – States that it is U.S. policy: (1) to recognize Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel; and (2) that the U.S. Embassy in Israel should be established in Jerusalem not later than January 1, 2013. Amends the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 to eliminate the President’s authority to waive certain funding limitations for Department of State acquisition and maintenance of buildings abroad until the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has officially opened. Requires any official U.S. document which lists countries and their capital cities to identify Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Limits appropriations that may be obligated in FY2013 for Department acquisition and maintenance of buildings abroad until the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has officially opened. States that for each of FY2012-FY2013, of funds authorized to be appropriated for Department acquisition and maintenance of buildings abroad, necessary sums should be made available until expended only for construction and other costs associated with the establishment in Jerusalem of the U.S. Embassy in Israel.