Jewish Members of Congress: Steve Israel (Representative, New York)

Representative Steve Israel was elected to Congress in 2000 and represents Long Island, New York’s 2nd Congressional District.  Israel is considered a leader on the issues of renewable energy and climate change, fighting for a middle class sustainable economic growth, Middle East security, religious freedom and human rights and defense and national security. He has led the fight in Congress to fix the alternative minimum tax (or AMT).

He serves on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which sets funding levels for the federal government.  As a member of the Foreign Operations Subcommittee, Israel works to set funding levels for international programs.  He also holds a seat on the Energy and Water Subcommittee, which sets priorities for federal energy programs.  Additionally Israel serves as Assistant Democratic Whip, Co-chair and founder of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Caucus, Co-chair, House Cancer Caucus, Co-chair, Long Island Sound Caucus, and Chairman and founder of the Democratic Middle Class Working Group.

He has been listed as a “Democrat to Watch” by National Journal magazine and a “rising star” by Newsday.