June 25, 2021
What's On Our Mind ...

Every single GOP Senator continues to put politics over country. They are letting their self-serving interests hijack their Constitutional responsibilities, and have chosen to prevent both debate and a vote on the For the People Act (S.1). This bill, if enacted, would be the most significant voting rights and democracy reform in more than half a century.

However, the GOP does not want to protect the civil rights for groups of Americans that they falsely claim stole the election from them and who, if allowed to vote, could potentially vote them out of office.

Voting rights are the heartbeat of our democracy. We can’t and won’t give up. This defeat should renew our commitment and energize us to keep fighting for the right of all Americans to vote in safe, fair, and free elections.

Clearly, it won’t be easy. We need to be ready for a prolonged battle.

The Brady Background Check Act — another landmark piece of legislation — was first introduced in 1987. But it stalled in Congress for seven years. Finally, it passed 13 years after Jim Brady, the bill’s namesake, was shot during the assassination attempt on President Reagan.

In 2015, the Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage. This ruling came 45 years after the first legal challenge to the U.S. ban on same-sex marriage.

The 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, was first introduced in 1878. The Amendment was not ratified until 1920.

In 1965, reproductive choice activists won a victory when the Supreme Court ruled that the Constitution protected the right to privacy in family planning decisions. This paved the way for the right of women to have an abortion to be declared 8 years later.

These victories came after unending perseverance. They took years of consistent advocacy, action, and activism.

There is too much riding on election reform for us to accept defeat now. This week’s action is a step backward — for now — but one that must ultimately push us forward.

As the late Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), the conscience of Congress, said, “Nothing can stop the power of a committed and determined people to make a difference in our society.”

Today we begin the fight for tomorrow. We are committed and determined people. Show your commitment and determination by supporting JAC candidates who will make protecting voting rights their priority. Stay involved with JAC. Help us continue to make a difference.
 
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Upcoming Events
Informational Event hosted by JAC NextGen
Why YOU Should Join JAC's NextGen
Tuesday, July 13th
11:30 am ET | 10:30 am CT | 8:30 am PT
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Congressional Update with Rep. Robin Kelly (D-IL)
Co-Chair, House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force
Monday, July 19th
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Instagram of the Week
June 25, 2021 Yesterday, President Biden announced his Administration’s plan to combat gun violence. He is advocating for stricter background checks, bans on assault weapons as high capacity magazines, and a zero tolerance policy for gun sellers who violate existing laws and knowingly put guns in the hands of dangerous people. We applaud Biden’s Administration for taking this epidemic seriously and promoting steps to keep our friends and families safe from gun violence.

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In the News
ISRAEL
The U.S. is set to delay the next round of Iran talks in anticipation of Israel's new position on the issue. In an historic move, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said Wednesday he is willing to work with the new Israeli government. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will meet with Israel’s new Foreign Minister Yair Lapid in Rome this coming weekend.
ANTISEMITISM AND BDS
Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Joe Manchin (D-WV) reintroduced a bill to combat the BDS movement. The Biden Administration and the German government are joining together to promote Holocaust education. In Canada, the Green Party is plagued with antisemitic and anti-Israel rhetoric.
CHOICE
U.S. Catholic leadership remains divided on how to approach President Biden's abortion views. Susan B. Anthony List, an anti-abortion group, plans to spend six figures on ads targeting House and Senate Democrats for the upcoming election. These anti-abortion tactics can be emotionally challenging for those who have experienced miscarriages.
RELIGION AND STATE
Biden's Department of Education has ruled that transgender students are protected at school under Title IX. There is a growing conservative movement influencing the Catholic Church that is deciding how the Church asserts its power in America.

BEYOND THE CORE
President Joe Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland laid out the Administration's plans to combat gun violence in the U.S. Although Senate Republicans blocked the For the People Act, Democrats can't give up on voting reform. As some states across the country are dropping barriers to voting, others are making it harder.
POLITICAL BYTE
Many states across the U.S. have given the power to redraw redistricting maps to independent commissions. After a post-COVID reopening spike in crime, reducing the crime rate has become one of the biggest political issues. A small group of Republicans is forming a Conservative Climate Caucus in response to growing climate concerns in the GOP.

FYI
This year's Olympics will feature the largest Israeli delegation in history. A non-Jewish Swiss baker’s challah has become the latest internet sensation. 90 years after Hitler expelled Jewish soldiers, a rabbi is joining the German army.
The Last Word
“We will make sure you can’t sell death and mayhem on our streets....It is an outrage. It has to end and we will end it.”

– President Joe Biden announcing his new initiative to end America's gun violence epidemic
Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs (JACPAC) is a pro-Israel PAC with a domestic agenda. We support a strong U.S.-Israel relationship and advocate for reproductive health and the separation of religion and state and incorporate other issues of importance to the Jewish community, including gun violence prevention and climate change. In addition to providing financial support for U.S. Senate and House campaigns, JACPAC educates our membership with outreach events designed to inform and activate their participation in the political process.
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