Congress tackles antisemitism in new bill
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Congress is trying to tackle antisemitism with a new bill that could have major impacts on the protests happening at colleges.
Supporters say the legislation will crack down on hate speech against Jewish people while opponents argue it goes too far.
The bill is called the Antisemitism Awareness Act, and it would dramatically redefine the federal definition of antisemitism which could have important consequences.
As the Israel-Hamas war plays out overseas pro-Palestinian protests on college campuses are capturing the attention of Congress.
“It is long past time that Congress act to protect Jewish Americans from the scourge of antisemitism on campuses,” said Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.).
Congressman Russell Fry says that’s why he supports the Antisemitism Awareness Act.
It would change federal anti-discrimination law to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism which would make certain language and chants used at protests punishable by law.
“Now more than ever. It is critical at the federal government’s definition of antisemitism is clear and uniform,” said Rep. Michael Burgess (R-Texas.).
Congressman Michael Burgess says that would give the Education Department more authority.
“So universities are empowered to take appropriate and decisive steps to keep Jewish students safe and respond to exercises of speech that are so hostile and discriminatory,” he added.
Congressman Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) argues the bill is too broad.
“This bill threatened us to chill constitutionally protected speech. Speech that is critical of Israel alone does not constitute unlawful discrimination,” Nadler said.
Instead, some Democrats are pushing to pass the ‘Countering Antisemitism Act’ which would establish a national White House Coordinator to combat antisemitism.
Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Penn.) called that legislation, “a much more bipartisan solution oriented useful bill.”
Congressman Jim McGovern (D-Mass.) agreed saying lawmakers need to come together on this issue.
“It is a mistake to not approach these issues with more unifying actions,” McGovern said.
In a split vote lawmakers did pass the Antisemitism Awareness Act out of committee setting it up for a vote in the full House later this week.
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