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"Washington Notes" is MPAC's weekly round-up of Washington, DC news and events that impact the American Muslim community. By highlighting Congressional hearings and policy forums, MPAC connects you directly with the Senate, House of Representatives, think-tanks, organizations, and federal agencies. We monitor important conversations on Islam and Muslims in order to enhance the role of American Muslims in the future of our nation. We invite you to do the same...
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May 11, 2006
JUDICIARY COMMITTEE RENEWS KEY CIVIL RIGHTS LEGISLATION
"The Voting Rights Act is one of the nation's most important civil rights victories and memorializes those who marched, struggled, and even died to secure the right to vote for all Americans. While we must applaud the substantial progress which has been made in the area of voting rights, we must also continue our efforts to protect the rights of every American voter with the reauthorization and restoration of the expiring provision of the Act. The Voting Rights Act remains the 'Crown Jewel' of our civil rights laws. We must extend the Act at full strength, and I am fully committed to do just that." - Congressman John Conyers, Ranking Member, House Judiciary Committee
SEE: "Voting Rights Act Renewal Approved By Judiciary Committee" (House Democrats, 5/11/06)
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May 17, 2006
HEARING: Iran's Political/Nuclear Ambitions and US Policy Options
Presiding: Chairman Richard Lugar (R-IN)
"We have stated that no option is off the table. Although direct talks with Iran come with difficulties and risks, we cannot rule out their utility, particularly as they relate to our primary effort to build an international coalition. Secretary Baker’s talks with Iraqi leaders in 1991 were distasteful, but proved to be a gesture that displayed America’s hope for a peaceful settlement and built international equity for all steps in our response. The United States has the diplomatic prowess to attain a strong multilateral response and win the international debate. We must be prepared to commit the time, energy, and resources necessary to win this diplomatic battle." - Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN)
SEE "Iran's Political/Nuclear Ambitions and U.S. Policy Options" (Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, 5/17/06)
May 16, 2006
HEARING: "Energy, Security and Oil Dependence"
Committee on Foreign Relations
Presiding: Chairman Richard Lugar (R-IN)
"Dependence (on oil) brings intolerable costs to American national security and economic well being. If oil averages just $60 a barrel this year, the import cost to the U.S. economy will be approximately $320 billion. This revenue stream emboldens difficult oil-rich regimes and enables them to entrench corruption and authoritarianism, fund anti-Western demagogic appeals, and support terrorism. As global oil demand increases and the world becomes more reliant on reserves concentrated in unstable regions, the likelihood of conflict over energy supplies will dramatically increase, and energy rich countries will have more opportunity to use their energy exports as weapons against energy poor nations." – Opening Statement by US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations Richard G. Lugar
SEE: "Energy, Security and Oil Dependence" (Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, 5/16/06)
May 13, 2006
NSA SURVEILLANCE CONTROVERSY CAUSES BIPARTISAN ANGER
"Bipartisan anger over the scope of the National Security Agency's surveillance programs continued to ripple through Capitol Hill yesterday, but there was little sign the concerns had derailed the confirmation chances of Gen. Michael V. Hayden to head the CIA. Republicans and Democrats said they expect Hayden to answer tough questions about the Bush administration's post-Sept. 11 eavesdropping activities - and recent reports that the NSA has assembled a huge database of records on Americans' domestic phone calls - before they approve his nomination." - Baltimore Sun
SEE: "Hayden Nomination Seems Safe from NSA Spying Furor" (Baltimore Sun, 5/13/06)
SEE ALSO: "Listen Up; Our Rights Are at Risk" (Bob Barr, 5/13/06)
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May 15, 2006
PRES. BUSH SPEAKS TO THE NATION ABOUT IMMIGRATION
"We're a nation of laws, and we must enforce our laws. We're also a nation of immigrants, and we must uphold that tradition, which has strengthened our country in so many ways. These are not contradictory goals. America can be a lawful society and a welcoming society at the same time. We will fix the problems created by illegal immigration, and we will deliver a system that is secure, orderly, and fair... I support a temporary worker program that would create a legal path for foreign workers to enter our country in an orderly way, for a limited period of time... We must face the reality that millions of illegal immigrants are here already. They should not be given an automatic path to citizenship.
"Americans are bound together by our shared ideals, an appreciation of our history, respect for the flag we fly, and an ability to speak and write the English language. English is also the key to unlocking the opportunity of America. English allows newcomers to go from picking crops to opening a grocery, from cleaning offices to running offices, from a life of low-paying jobs to a diploma, a career, and a home of their own. When immigrants assimilate and advance in our society, they realize their dreams, they renew our spirit, and they add to the unity of America." – President George W. Bush
SEE: "President Bush Addresses the Nation on Immigration Reform" (The White House, 5/15/06)
"The President's lack of leadership and tonight's band-aid approach to border security was more of the same. Democrats have been consistent and will continue to fight for comprehensive immigration reform that is both tough and smart. That means reform that strengthens our borders. It means reform that protects U.S. workers and their wages, reunites families, and allows hard working immigrants who pay taxes and obey the law the opportunity to apply for the responsibilities of citizenship." - Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean
SEE ALSO: "Dean Responds to Bush's PR Campaign on Immigration" (The Democratic Party, 5/15/06)
"President Bush in his speech to the nation Monday night took an important step towards comprehensive immigration reform by endorsing a path to citizenship for an estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the U.S. illegally. The president's decision to face the citizenship issue head on and his admission that deporting these individuals is not an option should be applauded, though one speech will not brake the legislative stalemate unless the president uses his bully pulpit to move Congressional Republicans to support comprehensive reform." – Center for American Progress
SEE ALSO: "Citizenship is the Right Path" (Center for American Progress, 5/16/06)
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May 10, 2006
HUGHES DISCUSSES THE STATE DEPT'S 'TRANSFORMATIONAL PUBLIC DIPLOMACY' STRATEGY
"And so our transformational public diplomacy is being implemented through a comprehensive strategy that's based on three strategic objectives: first, that we must offer people throughout the world a positive vision of hope and opportunity that is rooted in our belief in freedom, equality, justice and opportunity for all.
"Our second strategic imperative is to isolate and marginalize the violent extremists and confront their ideology of tyranny and hate. We must undermine their efforts. They want to portray the West as in conflict with Islam. That's the window into which they recruit. We have to undermine those by providing platforms for debate, by empowering mainstream voices and by demonstrating respect for Muslim cultures and contributions to our society and to world society.
"Our third strategic imperative is to foster a sense of common interests and common values between Americans and people of different countries and cultures across our world." - Karen Hughes, Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs
SEE: "Remarks at the Council on Foreign Relations" (Department of State, 5/10/06)
May 15, 2006
US RESTORES DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH LIBYA
"I am pleased to announce that the United States is restoring full diplomatic relations with Libya. We will soon open an embassy in Tripoli. In addition, the United States intends to remove Libya from the list of designated state sponsors of terrorism. Libya will also be omitted from the annual certification of countries not cooperating fully with United States anti-terrorism efforts. We are taking these actions in recognition of Libya's continued commitment to its renunciation of terrorism and the excellent cooperation Libya has provided to the United States and other members of the international community in response to common global threats faced by the civilized world since September 11, 2001.
"For Libya, today's announcements open the door to a broader bilateral relationship with the United States that will allow us to better discuss other issues of importance. Those issues include protection of universal human rights, promotion of freedom of speech and expression, and expansion of economic and political reform consistent with President Bush's freedom agenda." - Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice
SEE: "U.S. Diplomatic Relations With Libya" (Department of State, 5/15/06)
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May 15, 2006
PENTAGON RELEASES LIST OF DETAINEES HELD AT GUANTANAMO
"The United States on Monday issued its most comprehensive accounting to date of detainees currently or formerly held at the Guantanamo prison for foreign terrorism suspects, naming 759 people and their nationalities. The 18-page list was disclosed and posted on a Pentagon Web site in conjunction with an ongoing Freedom of Information Act lawsuit filed by the Associated Press. It listed detainees by name, citizenship, place of birth, date of birth and an internment identification number. Only 10 of the detainees have been charged with a crime, and not one of the trials has been completed. The United States classifies Guantanamo detainees as 'enemy combatants' and not prisoners of war, thus denying them rights afforded POWs under the Geneva Conventions." – Reuters
SEE: "U.S. Releases Fullest Guantanamo Jail List to Date" (Reuters, 5/15/06)
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May 14, 2006
DEMS AND REPS AT ODDS ON SENDING NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS TO THE US-MEXICO BORDER
"The White House said on Sunday it was considering sending National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border only in a supportive role as a stopgap measure, but the idea got a mixed reception on Capitol Hill. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said on Sunday he backed sending National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border. But Nebraska Republican Sen. Chuck Hagel, who helped broker the compromise immigration legislation to be debated on the Senate floor this week, said he was 'skeptical.' 'I think we have to be very careful here. That's not the role of our military. That's not the role of our National Guard,' Hagel said" - Reuters
SEE: "Bush Sees National Guard as Stopgap on Mexico Border" (Reuters, 5/14/06)
SEE ALSO: "Press Briefing by Secretary Chertoff on the President's Immigration Reform Plan" (Department of Homeland Security, 5/16/06)
May 16, 2006
PRES. BUSH DEFENDS SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMS
"President George W. Bush on Tuesday defended intelligence programs that have raised concerns the government is spying on Americans, saying his administration was obliged to 'connect dots' to protect citizens after the September 11 attacks. 'What I have told the American people is, we'll protect them against an al Qaeda attack, and we'll do so within the law,' he said." – Washington Post
SEE: "Bush: Spying Program Protects America" (Washington Post, 5/16/06)
"Attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union asked the FBI on Monday to release documents detailing any post-Sept. 11 surveillance of Southern California mosques and Muslims. Local Islamic leaders said they enlisted the ACLU's help after the FBI provided little information in response to their allegations that the agency was monitoring them and their places of worship. They say some Muslims are afraid to go to mosques because they fear government monitoring.
"The ACLU filed the request under the federal Freedom of Information Act on behalf of individual Muslims and six Islamic groups, including the Shura Council, an Anaheim-based federation of more than 60 mosques, and the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil rights group whose Southern California chapter is also in Anaheim." – Los Angeles Times
SEE: "On Behalf of Muslims, ACLU Seeks FBI Surveillance Data" (Los Angeles Times, 5/16/06)
"In April, ACLU leaders met with White House officials, asking for a review of whether federal agencies working to combat terrorism are targeting innocent citizens or other lawful residents. USA Today report confirms that this is the case, despite White House assurances that innocent Americans are not the target of electronic surveillance.
"Once again, it is clear that the president and the attorney general have lied to the American people," said ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero. "The NSA spying program is not only focused on terrorists or international calls. The government is clearly tracking the calls and communications of millions of ordinary Americans and that's just plain wrong. This news serves only as further proof of how far we have slid into an abuse of power that undercuts the values Americans hold dear." – American Civil Liberties Union
SEE ALSO: "ACLU Condemns NSA's Massive Database of Americans' Phone Call Records, Demands Full, Thorough Congressional Investigation" (ACLU, 5/11/06)
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May 11, 2006
CORNELL PRES. SPEAKS ON RELIGION IN POLITICS
"'Madison was wrong... The state must take cognizance of religion. It's too important a source of ideas and values to ignore or to privatize completely. Religion shapes most Americans' values, aspirations, beliefs…[grassroots democracy and religion often reinforce one another]...Religion is most effective publicly, not when it joins with the state and speaks prescriptively, but when it acts in its prophetic role. Faith can be a great moral force to reform society when government and science fail, as they often do." – A Director's Forum with Hunter R. Rawlings III, President of Cornell University
SEE: "What Place Do Religious Ideas Have in American Politics?" (Woodrow Wilson Center, 5/11/06)
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May 15, 2006
MUSLIM CANDIDATE RECIEVES DFL ENDORSEMENT TO SUCCEED REP. SABO IN MN FIFTH
"Ellison's style and personal history are under inspection as never before since he received the DFL (Democratic-Farmer-Labor party) endorsement in stunningly strong fashion May 6 to succeed Rep. Martin Sabo in the Fifth District Congressional seat. The seat, which Sabo will have held for 28 years, has been a DFL stronghold, although Ellison appears likely to face a challenge in the September primary, and Republican, Independence and Green Party candidates are running in November.
"Ellison became a Muslim while at Wayne State University in Detroit, and if he wins, he would apparently be the only Muslim in Congress. He said he became interested in Islam after reading 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X,' but that there was no 'epiphany' that led him to the faith. 'I just started studying it and found it interesting and here I am,' he said.' I lead my life in a way to not make religion a big deal.'" - Star Tribune
SEE: "DFL Endorsee for Sabo's Seat, Rep. Ellison, Faces Tough Scrutiny" (Star Tribune, 5/15/06)
May 10, 2006
SAUDI AMBASSADOR PRESENTS KING ABDALLAH'S PEACE PLAN FOR MIDDLE EAST
"Saudi Arabia, ladies and gentlemen, understands its role. We cannot mediate between parties. And we cannot act as real estate brokers. But what we can do, and what we have done, is to act as a voice of reason and moderation. And we have worked to bring the Arab world together to support the peace process.
"Starting a quarter of a century ago, Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of then Crown Prince Fahd, began to offer a simple vision: If Israel and the Palestinians can find a peaceful territorial compromise along the lines of UN resolution 242 and 338, under which Israel would withdraw from the lands it occupied in the 1967 War, and make peace with a Palestinian state, then the Arab world would not only accept Israel's existence, but have full diplomatic relations with it." - Saudi Ambassador to the United States Prince Turki Al-Faisal
SEE: "Prince Turki's Keynote Address to the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars Conference" (Saudi Embassy, 5/10/06)
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May 16, 2006
UN SECURITY COUNCIL STRENGTHENS POSITION ON DARFUR
"The U.N. Security Council passed a resolution Tuesday that would accelerate planning for a United Nations peacekeeping force in Sudan's Darfur region. The resolution, passed unanimously, also threatens 'strong and effective measures' - diplomatic language for sanctions - against anyone who stands in the way of a May 5 peace agreement signed by the Sudanese government and Darfur's main rebel group. According to the document, the council demands that an assessment team deploy to Sudan within a week to prepare for the United Nations to take control of an African Union-led peacekeeping mission now in Darfur." - Associated Press
SEE: "U.N. Passes Darfur Peacekeeping Resolution" (Associated Press, 5/16/06)
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