Our Work in Washington
We’re passionate about creating lasting change for our entire country because we know that our Jewish communities will only be as strong as the civic society’s in which they exist. As Congress has worked to aid the country in battling the social, political and economic impact of COVID-19, we lobbied with our partners in the nonprofit sector in support of the CARES Act and expanded eligibility and increased funding for the Paycheck Protection Program. We helped ensure that thousands of Jewish institutions and synagogues were able to access more than $500 million in forgivable loans.
Read our full 2023 public priorities.
We uphold the social safety net
We know a nation is only as healthy as its people. That’s why we help protect essential programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare, support Jewish health and long-term care agencies, and promote service coordination, wellness initiatives and financing solutions that help clients and health professionals alike.
We secure the future for charitable organizations
Charitable tax deduction, donor-advised funds, and the IRA charitable rollover encourage more donors to support the causes they value most strongly. We advocate for these tax vehicles and others — like enhancing and safeguarding a new, "above the line" charitable deduction for those who do not itemize — as well as policies that help nonprofits work smarter and better.
We empower older adults to age with dignity
Services we lobby for — such as transportation, affordable housing, and caregiver support — make a world of difference for seniors. Our Center for Aging and Trauma, part of our Holocaust Initiative, is a national leader in caring and advocating for the 25,000+ vulnerable survivors living in poverty in the U.S. We also protect retirement programs and help keep the elderly safe from financial exploitation and physical abuse.
We strengthen the critical U.S.-Israel relationship
Allies know they can count on one another. We stand with Israel — the only democracy in the Middle East — and support legislation that allows the country to better defend itself and counter the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement and other efforts to threaten its economic vitality. And we continue to advocate for peace through a two-state solution.
We ensure the safety of Jews worldwide
Amid an increasingly unstable world, we support legislation, funding and actions that enhance the physical safety of our institutions, condemn global antisemitism and allow communities to counter emerging threats, from terrorism to cyberattacks and active shooters.
We promote human and civil rights
To build flourishing Jewish communities, we depend on the strength of the civil societies in which we live and must proactively address concerns raised by communities of color and Jews of color about racial discrimination. We oppose discrimination and promote civil rights protections and educational, health, housing, nutrition and transportation equity; work with LGBTQ communities to promote policies that ensure equity; and support Jews and other marginalized populations fleeing international persecution.
We support a full range of possibilities for people with disabilities
Everyone deserves the chance to realize their full potential. With and as people with disabilities and their families, friends, and caregivers, we work to safeguard and improve laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act, which support full inclusion in and accessibility of education, employment, transportation and more.
We ensure that those who are most economically vulnerable receive the services they need
Our communities thrive when everyone’s needs are met with respect and compassion. We advocate for legislation that ensures ongoing funding from programs that serve the millions of Americans facing poverty and food insecurity.
We help communities recover from natural disasters
We act before crises happen, lobbying for federal funding that ensures disaster survivors receive food, shelter and other emergency provisions. Our Emergency Committee coordinates a system-wide disaster response, mobilizing resources where they are most needed.