Pelosi adds two Israel lobbyists, er, Jewish lawmakers to appropriations

Pelosi adds two Jews to appropriations Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), speaker-elect of the U.S. House of Representatives, doubled the Jewish membership of its most powerful committee. Announcing additions to the House Appropriations Committee this week, Pelosi increased Jewish membership from two to four with Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.). Wasserman Schultz’s appointment underscores the young congresswoman’s rapid rise; she was elected in 2004, and placement within two years on Appropriations, the committee that determines federal spending, is exceptional. The two other Jewish lawmakers on the committee are Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), who will chair its foreign-operations subcommittee; and Rep. Steve Rothman (D-N.J.).