Washington, DC - House Action on Military Chaplains Disappointing

Washington, DC - The American Jewish Committee said it is dismayed by the U.S. House of Representatives measure that would allow military chaplains to invoke the name of Yoshke in prayer at public meetings and ceremonies at which attendance may be mandatory for service members of all faiths. The provision, included in the defense authorization bill, appears intended to undermine the guidelines adopted earlier this year by the U.S. Air Force and Navy, the AJC said.

Richard T. Foltin, of AJC legislative director and counsel said. "We hope the Senate will strike the language and thereby demonstrate the sensitivity, respect and tolerance for all faiths that, regrettably, too many in the Congress still do not recognize is this country's proudest heritage."