[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 135 (Thursday, October 1, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING MR. MORRIS AMITAY, DISTINGUISHED PRO-ISRAEL ACTIVIST

 Mr. SPECTER. Mr. President, I was happy to read a recent 
article in the Washington Jewish Week, Guide to Jewish Life in 
Washington, 1998-1999, about Morrie Amitay and his tireless work toward 
improving the bonds between the United States and Israel.
  I have known Morrie since my earliest days on Capitol Hill and have 
had the opportunity to witness many of his accomplishments. Morrie's 
career is indeed impressive. During his years at Harvard Law School, 
Morrie developed a strong interest in United States foreign policy. 
This led to a career with the U.S. Foreign Service, where he served the 
U.S. embassies in both Italy and South Africa. Morrie's talents were 
quickly noted and he was promoted rapidly. In 1969, Morrie turned his 
attention to Capitol Hill where he took a position as a legislative 
assistant in the House of Representatives.
  In 1974, while working as an aide for Senator Abraham Ribicoff, 
Morrie was instrumental in crafting the Jackson-Vanik Amendment--part 
of the Trade Act of 1974--which provided for an increase of Jewish 
immigrants from the then-religiously oppressive Soviet Union, into the 
United States.
  Another significant achievement of Morrie's was to become executive 
director of AIPAC, the American Israel Public Affairs Committee. During 
Morrie's tenure at AIPAC, the political action committee grew to be one 
of the most successful interest groups in Washington, D.C. His current 
work involves educating the American Jewish community on defense 
issues, and also strengthening the strategic ties between the defense 
establishments of the United States and Israel. This important work is 
accomplished through his position as vice chairman at the Jewish 
Institute for National Security Affairs.
  Mr. President, I am privileged to be a friend of Morrie Amitay and I 
am proud to stand before you today and recognize his successful career. 
I offer congratulations to Morrie and best wishes for the 
future.

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