Today, March 3rd, 2022, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) joined over 40 House Republicans, led by Rep. Lee Zeldin (NY-01), in introducing the Israel Anti-Boycott Act, legislation to combat the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and other anti-Israel boycotts.
“There is no place in this world for antisemitism or bigotry. Israel is an important American ally and a global partner in diplomacy and promoting democracy,” said Miller-Meeks. “Unfortunately, we have seen a rise in antisemitic violence in recent years targeting houses of worship, businesses, and communities. The BDS movement is rooted in hate and should be stopped, discouraged, and prevented from taking place. We need to work to support our allies abroad and protect Americans across this country from all forms of hate.
“In the past year alone, we have witnessed an alarming rise in antisemitic and anti-Israel hate and violence in the United States and around the world. Whether it’s Hamas’ terror attacks on Israel, well-known companies embracing the BDS movement, antisemitism in academia, discrimination against Israel at the UN or congregants of a Texas synagogue being held hostage, there is no denying that antisemitism is a persistent problem in our society that needs to be identified, called out and crushed in all forms,” said Zeldin. “Too many, even in the halls of Congress, have emboldened antisemitic and anti-Israel rhetoric by accepting the BDS movement whose founder, in referring to Zionism, said 'I, for one, support euthanasia’. This legislation not only reinforces congressional opposition to the BDS movement but protects American companies from being forced to provide information to international organizations that peddle this hate-filled movement and holds those who attempt to violate that protection accountable.”
Background:
This legislation amends the Export Administration Act of 1979 to prohibit boycotts or boycott requests imposed by international governmental organizations against Israel.
This bill protects American companies from being coerced to provide information to international organizations for the purpose of furthering boycotts against Israel and holds individuals who attempt to violate this protection accountable. Additionally, it affirms Congress’ opposition to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement and that Congress considers the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council’s creation of a database of companies doing business in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights in March 2016 to be an act of BDS.
Original source can be found here
