These are busy times at CMEP. Despite the difficulty and complexity of the unfolding situation in the region, CMEP is making a positive contribution here in Washington and we look forward to continue working with you to bring the concerns of the churches to your elected leaders and policymakers. 

CMEP Board and staff have held regular meetings over the past year with Congressional staff to communicate to them the churches’ advocacy positions.  Through these meetings and your grassroots advocacy, we have raised CMEP’s profile on the Hill.  Our email network of our Congressional contacts helps us keep in touch on a regular basis.  By sending out timely CMEP memos detailing our position on legislation as well as a monthly “Info Update” (the June 5^th update is now available online) that provides timely and reliable resources, CMEP has built relationships with key House and Senate offices.   

As was mentioned in previous CMEP emails during our work in opposition to HR 4681, the Palestinian Anti-Terrorism Act, our advocacy has been recognized.  CMEP was frequently mentioned in floor statements and referred to in Dear Colleague letters by House members speaking out against the legislation.  One staffer told CMEP that the efforts by Christian and Jewish groups opposing HR 4681 was the most impressive he had seen in years.  While the opposition didn’t defeat the House bill, it has created momentum for further changes in the Senate bill, S. 2370.  Right before Congress left for Memorial Day recess, it was rumored that the Senate bill was moving and could come up anytime under unanimous consent (no debate, no roll call).  The bill has yet to come to the floor, but significant improvements are being worked on in behind-the-scenes negotiations.  We will keep you abreast of developments.   

CMEP has also been active in advocacy with the Administration.  On May 30^th, ten CMEP Board members met with Deputy Assistant Secretary Robert Danin at the State Department.  The highest priority topic for our discussion was the need for US policies that urge change on the part of Hamas and also ensure that financial assistance reaches the Palestinian people.  We also discussed the danger of unilateral actions by Israel replacing mutually negotiated agreements, as well as our concern about the future of Jerusalem and the dwindling Palestinian Christian community.  CMEP reported its support of the Administration’s objections to HR 4681 and encouraged further dialogue between the Administration and Congress on constructive legislation in the wake of the Hamas victory in the Palestinian elections.   

The annual meeting of CMEP’s Leadership Council, a group of former diplomats, church leaders, academicians and business leaders who support CMEP’s work, is coming up on June 19^th.  This year the Leadership Council will be joining CMEP Board members in meetings with Michael Doran, Senior Director for Near East and North African Affairs at the National Security Council and David Welch, Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs at the State Department.  

TAKE ACTION

Reinforce CMEP's advocacy in Washington by making use of CMEP's "Christian Clergy Letter for Israeli-Palestinian Peacemaking". The Christian Clergy letter campaign was introduced to you in a March 17th email and remains a timely advocacy tool.  Download the letter and print it on your church's stationery. Send your letter to President Bush and your members of Congress.

Copy CMEP: 110 Maryland Ave. NE, Ste. 311, Washington, DC 20002 or Fax: 202-543-5025