Feinstein Set to Offer Own Version of Embassy Bill

Incensed by Senate Majority leader Bob Dole’s (R-Kan.) legislation that would force the United States to begin building an embassy in Jerusalem next year, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.)is one the verge of introducing her own initiative.

A draft of Feinstein’s bill removes the most controversial aspect of Dole’s proposal — the requirement that the State Department begin construction on an embassy by the end of 1996 or face a loss of 50 percent of its overseas maintenance budget.

At a congressional hearing on foreign aid last week, Feinstein, who serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said she believed Dole’s bill would disrupt the peace process.

A draft of Feinstein’s bill declares that “Jerusalem is recognized as the capital of the State Of Israeli” and that “the United States Embassy belongs in Jerusalem.”

But in contrast to Dole’s proposed legislation, Feinstein’s bill states that the president “must relocate the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem” after the final- status agreements between Israel and the Palestinians take effect, which are scheduled for 1999.

Not all congressional opponents of Dole’s bill who favor moving the embassy are supporting Feinstein initiative.

“Having two bills leads to a divisive battle,” said an aide to a senator deeply involved in the debate.

“We would prefer everyone coming together and agreeing on acceptable language. Otherwise we’re doing to have a debacle,” the aide said.

Some members of Congress, Israeli officials, and left-wing Jewish groups have also attacked Dole’s bill, believing it would derail the peace process.

Feinstein began circulating the draft language this week and is apparently set to introduce the measure in the coming days.