AIPAC assists the media with frequently updated briefs on important issues affecting the Middle East and U.S.-Israel relations. Press releases, statements, issues analysis and other useful resources are also available.

AIPAC's Annual Policy Conference, June 2-4, 2008

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) will hold its annual Policy Conference in less than 3 weeks, June 2-4, at the Washington Convention Center.  Set to be AIPAC's largest Policy Conference ever, the event will bring together more than 6,500 pro-Israel activists, including 1,000 students representing over 250 campuses. Previous AIPAC Policy Conference speakers have included President George W. Bush, President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni. Already confirmed for this year's Policy Conference are: Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, House Republican Leader John Boehner, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and former Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Ephraim Sneh. Media must pre-register to attend by emailing a credential request to PCpress@aipac.org. 

• Learn about AIPAC's Annual Policy Conference.

Congress Approves Foreign Aid

Congress has approved the Fiscal Year 2008 Foreign Operations Appropriations bill, which includes $2.42 billion in U.S. aid to Israel, including $2.38 billion in military aid and $39.6 million in assistance for the resettlement of refugees.  The bills now awaits the president’s signature. In a statement following the passage of the bill, AIPAC said, "The U.S.-Israel relationship is the keystone of America's policy in the Middle East, and our enduring partnership with our democratic ally Israel is one of our nation's key strategic assets.”

• Bill Summary: House (PDF, 38K) | Senate (PDF, 38K)
• Cosponsors or Vote: House (PDF, 13K) | Senate (PDF, 11K)
• Read AIPAC's press statement on the passage of the FY08 foreign aid bill (PDF, 37K)

President Signs Energy Cooperation Bill

President Bush signed into law legislation that will expand renewable energy cooperation between the United States and Israel, and takes important steps toward achieving energy security for the United States and the world.  Included as part of a larger energy package, the bill establishes a grant program for joint research and development projects between the two allies in the fields of alternative energy, energy efficiency, and renewable energy.

• Read the AIPAC press release on the passage of the energy bill. (PDF, 32K)

House Approves Iran Sanctions Bill

The House approved H.R. 1400, the Iran Counter-Proliferation Act, legislation strongly supported by AIPAC that strengthens U.S. tools to thwart Iran's nuclear program. The bill closes loopholes in existing sanctions law, urges the president to add the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to U.S. terror lists, and prohibits U.S. nuclear agreements with Russia and other nations until they cease nuclear cooperation with Iran.  Similar legislation currently awaits consideration by the Senate.

• Bill Summary: House (PDF, 41K) | Senate (PDF, 42K)
• Text of Legislation: House | Senate
• Read AIPAC's press statement on the House passage of the Iran Sanctions bill. (PDF, 51K)