The Institute for Palestine Studies has just launched a Congressional Monitor Database. It is a powerful new research tool that contains every Palestine-related legislative initiative introduced in the U.S. Congress during the George W. Bush administration (2001 through 2008).The database is web-based and completely open access.
Through the legislation it passes, the U.S. Congress plays an important role in U.S. policy toward the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The database provides a highly focused collection of legislation from the immense volume of the Congressional record, and at the same time allows easy access to the raw data the record contains.
Using the database will give users an important view into how Congress helps determine the range and magnitude of U.S. involvement in the conflict. It can also reveal the prevailing attitudes among lawmakers, especially among the initiators of legislation, toward the conflict and regional actors.
Key features of the Congressional Monitor Database include:
- A quick summary of every piece of legislation and access to its entire text.
- A Topic search function that allows users to quickly view legislation on key issues such as refugees, Jerusalem, and military or economic aid. It also has a search function for bill sponsors.
- An extensive set of Frequently Asked Questions that provide a detailed guide to the database, how to use it, the U.S. Congress, and the legislative process.
