Jerusalem: The U.S. Embassy and P.L. 104-45

Publication Date: September 1999

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Government

Type:

Coverage: Israel

Abstract:

Section 3(a) of P.L. 104-45 of November 8, 1995, states that it is the policy of the United States that the U.S. embassy in Israel should be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem by May 31, 1999. Section 3(b) bans the expenditure of 50% of the State Department's FY1999 appropriation for "Acquisition and Maintenance of Buildings Abroad" until the Secretary of State notifies Congress that the U.S. embassy has opened in Jerusalem. Section 7 authorizes the President to waive Section 3(b) for two 6-month periods if such a waiver is necessary for national security interests. The President exercised the waiver on June 18, 1999, and the embassy remains in Tel Aviv. This report will be updated as needed.