washington | In the wake of the Jack Abramoff scandal, Jewish groups are closely watching plans to restrict lawmakers’ lobbyist-sponsored travel, which could have a devastating impact on Israel trips that build support for the Jewish state in Congress.
Rules proposed in Congress this month could place stringent restrictions on how lawmakers travel at the expense of lobbyists and the organizations connected to them. The most aggressive plans call for restrictions on paying for legislators’ hotel rooms and airfares, which could prevent them from traveling across the country to speak to interest groups such as American Jewish organizations.
Jewish lobbyists and advocates in Washington said they’ll watch the proposed regulations closely when Congress returns to work Jan. 31.
“It could really change the access that elected officials have to their own constituencies,” said Hadar Susskind, Washington director for the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. “If they can’t speak and they can’t come to Israel with their community leaders, it has a significant effect on their ability to understand their constituency and the issues that affect them.”
Jewish groups have used trips to Israel as a key tool to help lawmakers understand the significance of the Jewish state and its need for political support. Such trips have helped sensitize lawmakers to Israeli concerns.
For example, President Bush was said to have been deeply moved during a 1998 trip to Israel as governor of Texas. He formed strong ties with future Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon on the visit, paid for by the Republican Jewish Coalition.
AIPAC has sent numerous lawmakers to Israel over the years through the American Israel Education Foundation. These trips often include extensive travel in Israel and meetings with key political leaders. The trips have been credited with helping lawmakers see controversial topics such as the West Bank security barrier and the Gaza Strip withdrawal in a light favorable to Israel.
Other organizations, including political groups and local federations, have sponsored similar trips. The proposed legislation would not affect official congressional delegations, which are paid for by taxpayers.
A proposal introduced Jan. 17 by House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) would ban all privately sponsored travel for members of the House. Also, Sens. John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) proposed a plan that stressed disclosure of travel and gifts and increased sanctions for violations.
One suggested rule, proposed by Rep. David Obey (D-Wis.), would forbid lobbyists from paying for or participating in trips by lawmakers, and would prevent trips sponsored by organizations that perform any lobbying activities. Many Jewish groups likely would be included in the ban, analysts said.
“Any member can travel anywhere they want to go, they’ve just got to do it on their own dime,” said Ellis Brachman, an Obey spokesman.
Other ideas being considered include exempting nonprofit organizations from the new regulations, which would allow Jewish groups to continue to operate as they currently do.
Jewish officials said they would wait to see what proposals are introduced before formulating a strategy, but groups already are seeking potential allies to fight a travel ban.
Many Jewish leaders said they were in favor of some travel reform after the Abramoff scandal. Several congressmen, including deposed House Majority Leader Tom DeLay (R-Texas), are accused of taking lavish overseas trips paid for by lobbyists associated with Abramoff, an Orthodox Jew.
Abramoff pleaded guilty earlier this month to defrauding Native American tribes, enticing government officials with bribes and evading taxes.