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As you have probably seen in recent headlines, our friend Israel has been unfairly attacked by new and loud voices in the House of Representatives.  Far-left members of the Democratic Caucus have claimed that America’s support for Israel is bought by Jewish Americans, that Israel has no right to exist and that thinking otherwise is a betrayal of one’s patriotism.  I condemn this anti-Semitic rhetoric and want to reaffirm that, no matter how loud, these false narratives will not succeed in undermining Congress’s prioritization of the U.S. - Israel relationship.

Republicans in Congress and the White House understand that Israel is one of our country’s greatest friends and deserves America’s continued defense and support.  The simple truth is that, throughout history, Israel has made numerous concessions in the pursuit of peace while seeking only the right to exist.  Historically, this support for Israel has been a well-established bipartisan priority in Congress.  Just last May, for the 70^th anniversary of Israel’s independence, the House passed by unanimous consent a resolution I introduced with two of my Democrat colleagues supporting robust bilateral relations with Israel globally and fairness in its treatment in multilateral fora.

This Congress, Republicans are taking the lead in denouncing anti-Semitism and standing strong with our strategic ally.  Last month, we put forth a measure to reject anti-Semitism in all forms.  This “motion to recommit” is a procedural vote that provides one final opportunity for the House minority to amend legislation put on the floor and passed by the majority.  Astonishingly, some members expressed dissent during the voice vote on the motion.  However, after being called for a recorded vote so that members could not remain anonymous, the motion passed 424 – 0. 

Very unfortunately, yet unsurprisingly, anti-Semitic rhetoric persisted.  On March 7^th, the House passed H. Res. 183, a resolution condemning Anti-Semitism in addition to white supremacy, anti-Muslim discrimination and bigotry against minorities as hateful expressions of intolerance.  In true Democrat fashion, the majority lumped together numerous coalitions as if they are all the same.  This resolution should have given Jewish Americans and supporters of Israel the singular recognition they rightfully deserve. Instead, Democrats turned it into a ploy to disguise the issue of Anti-Semitism among their ranks.

Anti-Semitism does not belong anywhere in our society, and certainly not in Congress.  Additional steps must be taken to uproot this hatred, which is why I’m a proud cosponsor of H. Res. 72.  This resolution outright rejects the global Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and all other anti-Israel and anti-Semitic hatred in the United States and around the world.  In the face of subversive anti-Semitic actions, you can count on my continued solidarity with Jewish Americans and Israel—the strategic partner that Congress has long enshrined in our laws, our policy priorities, our hearts and our minds.