On His First Day in Congress, a Jewish Freshman Takes a Bow

Vowing to serve whenever possible as a “conduit” between the Jewish community and the Republican leadership, Jon Fox (R-Pa.) this week became the only new Jewish member of the 104th Congress.

“It’s a real thrill to be the only Jewish freshman,” Fox said during an interview Wednesday morning as he took the first of what is certain to be hundreds of walks across Independence Avenue to the Capitol building.

“But with that comes tremendous responsibility,” said the 47-year-old congressman from the suburbs of Philadelphia.

One of 86 freshmen in the new Congress, Fox took the oath of office in front of an overflowing crowd of more than 300 supporters in the House Banking Committee hearing room.

Flanked by a nun, two rabbis, a judge and his mother, Elainne, Fox told the crowd of well-wishers: “I have a vision for this country that includes all people and leaves no one out.”

Jewish activists across the political spectrum here say they are encouraged by having another Jew in the Republican Party.

At the same time, Fox silenced some critics who privately worried that he will support all Republican initiatives, including a school prayer amendment.

“When I believe that the Republican leadership is correct, I’ll be with them, but when I differ, I’ll stand opposed,” Fox said, referring to a promise by Republican leaders to vote on a school prayer amendment by July 4.

Fox said he supports a moment of silence for America’s schools, but stands opposed to prayer and amending the constitution.

Most Jewish organization oppose both a constitutional amendment on prayer and a moment of silence.

As for the first word Fox uttered on the House floor – it was “Gingrich,” said as he voted for the new speaker, Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), during a 40-minute roll-call vote.

And in his first concrete foray into national politics, Fox was scheduled to lead a floor debate Wednesday night on a controversial proposal that would require a three-fifths majority to raise taxes.

The House floor was even more raucous than usual during the day on Wednesday as children and relatives were allowed to sit with members during the opening hour.

At one point during the vote Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) was seen reading “Where’s Waldo” with three children, while other members watched kids play with toy dinosaurs, Nintendo Game Boy, dance the hokey pokey and play cat’s cradle with the strings on their temporary congressional badges.

The day that saw a Republican majority officially rise to power in both chambers of Congress for the first time since 1953 was widely described as “chaos” and “a zoo” by Capitol Hill veterans.

In one of very few lighthearted moments for Democrats whose minority status is only beginning to sink in, Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.) jokingly asked the House clerk to “close the roll” during the vote for the House speaker after he and a fellow Democrat had cast their votes for Richard Gephardt (D-Mo.).

The clerk ignored the joke, and Gingrich eventually won the balloting – a mere formality – by 228-202.

Among the 18 bus loads of well-wishers who traveled from Fox’s suburban Philadelphia district to attend the opening-day ceremonies was Morton Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America.

“Jon Fox has solid pro-Israel credentials and having him in the Congress is only good for the Jewish community and for Israel,” Klein said.

“It’s always good to have a guy in Congress who remembers his people and has special ties to Israel,” agreed Ira Cooperman, a fellow congregant of Fox’s at Congregation Adath Jeshurun in Elkins Park, Pa.

Another constituent, Martin Silverstein, added: “He’s good for Israel and sensitive to American Jewish issues because he knows who he is, a committed Jew.”