Condemning rising antisemitism.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman for his very generous comments and congratulate him for his leadership in so many different ways, not only on this subcommittee, but also on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, which he chairs, and which is so focused on human rights throughout the world.

I thank Mr. Cohen and Mr. Chabot for their leadership on this and bringing this to the floor, bringing it in a bipartisan fashion. I appreciate that very much.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend, the Congresswoman from Florida, Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Debbie Wasserman Schultz has been a giant, yes, on anti-Semitism, but on civil rights and human rights generally.

We understand that if one of us is at risk, all of us are at risk if we do not honor the rights of each individual in our country. And, as a matter of fact, that is one of the things that makes us so distinct.

This is an important resolution. It is a vital resolution. It is a resolution that must be adopted so that Congress can make clear at this moment, at this tragic moment in our history, that Jewish Americans can feel safe and at home in our country, and that anti-Semitism has no place here. Discrimination and bigotry and hate have no place in America.

Throughout the month of May, we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, as the gentlewoman pointed out. Why is that so important?

It is important because when we celebrate the achievements and contributions of a community, we affirm that this community matters; that those in it are valued members of our American family. That is why Black lives matter, Jewish lives matter, individual lives matter.

But we know that there are particular groups who are targeted, targeted for discrimination, and hate, and, yes, violence.

When we fail to recognize or celebrate the history and heritage of a particular community, it sends a signal that they are not valued, that they do not matter, and that they are not equal, that they do not count.

Again and again throughout history, Jewish people were seen as lesser than. Indeed, disturbingly, Jews were seen as less than human, which inevitably led to the discrimination, violence and, yes, even the genocide of the last century.

Jews who came to our shores were seeking a place to live in safety and freedom. We should be proud of that, and we need to protect that. Tragically, anti-Semitism followed Jewish Americans from the Old World to the new one and has become a growing cancer on our body politic.

Too many Americans need to hear the loud voices of their Congress calling out anti-Semitism because too many of our fellow citizens are hearing leaders they support and trust either give voice to anti- Semitism or rationalize anti-Semitism. It is not enough simply to be against anti-Semitism. We must not rationalize or temporize with anti- Semitism.

In recent weeks, we have heard more and more about the great replacement theory, a twisted conspiratorial ideology rooted in historic anti-Semitism and racism that has been used by those seeking to justify heinous acts of domestic terrorism targeting minorities. That is what happened in Buffalo.

We recall it from the billowing echoes of ``Jews will not replace us'' from the marchers in Charlottesville in 2017.

We have also heard accusations of dual loyalty tropes about Jewish financial and political control that inspired the Nazis and, yes, the Soviets alike in their horrific persecution of Jews in the 20th century.

Now, Mr. Speaker, in the 21st century, much of this anti-Semitism is fueled online through social media. We must not ignore it. It must not be allowed to metastasize.

We have a chance to do that today.

As we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month, let us do so with gratitude and with joy, but also with concern and vigilance: Concern for what anti-Semitism does to Jewish communities in America and for what it does to our Nation and our democracy; and vigilance against those who would infect our politics and our culture with the same evils that gave the world places like Auschwitz, Dachau, and Babyn Yar.

One of the most important ways Americans can support our Jewish brothers and sisters in this country during this time of dangerous and rising anti-Semitism is to say, ``We see you. We stand with you. You matter. You count. You are part of this country and of our community,'' and to do so without qualification or equivocation.

Every Jewish American, like every American, deserves to feel safe and respected in America. Period.

Let us affirm that today. Let us affirm it every day. Let us declare that with one strong voice today and every day.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding, and for both gentlemen's remarks.

Mr. Speaker, 17 years ago, the first legislation I passed as a Member of Congress declared the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month, or JAHM, and urged the President of the United States to make that declaration on behalf of the United States.

Since that resolution passed, every President has issued a proclamation declaring May as Jewish American Heritage Month.

The mission of JAHM is to educate all Americans about the contributions American Jews have made to our Nation for more than 350 years.

Jews have blazed American trails, from the battlefield and basketball court, across the biggest stages, to the big screen, and from the Supreme Court, to civil rights and social justice movements. Our story is woven into America's history, through generations of leaders.

Yet, as we who honor the profound impact American Jews made on our national history and culture, I must sadly acknowledge that the recognition and understanding JAHM seeks to foster is critically needed now more than ever.

There has been a precipitous rise in anti-Semitism. In the last year alone, the Anti-Defamation League reports that anti-Semitic incidents are up 34 percent nationwide.

The American Jewish Committee reports that 24 percent of American Jews were personally targeted by anti-Semitism in the past 12 months. Four in 10 American Jews changed their behavior at least once out of fear of anti-Semitism. An alarming 90 percent believe anti-Semitism is a problem in the United States.

We also know that there has been a particularly disturbing surge in assaults against Americans who are identifiably Jewish by virtue of their wearing religious garb, particular clothing, or based upon the locations in which they live or shop.

In May 2021, during the military conflict between Israel and Hamas, there was a substantial surge of anti-Semitic incidents in the U.S., with 387 of them reported, or a 148 percent increase in reports of anti-Semitic incidents compared to May of 2020.

Anti-Semitism also emerged in the horrific Buffalo shooting, where an armed white terrorist targeted African Americans for mass murder. He was driven, in part, by a xenophobic plan called replacement theory, which at its root, blames Jews for masterminding an effort to erode the power of White Americans. This madness will only fuel more violence, and it cannot be allowed to stand.

To combat this anti-Semitic scourge in our communities, leaders throughout our country must firmly, and clearly, and forcefully denounce the alarming rise in rampant hate, violence, and harassment targeting Jewish Americans.

That is why I am proud today to bring H. Res. 1125 to the floor, which is unequivocal, bipartisan condemnation of anti-Semitism, because enough is enough.

This resolution denounces the alarming rise in anti-Semitism in the United States and globally, and it issues a call for real, concrete action to combat it. Those action items include:

Promoting Holocaust education, Jewish identity, and anti-Semitism education, along with condemnation of all denials and distortions of the Holocaust.

Working with the newly confirmed State Department's Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism to ensure U.S. leadership in the fight against global anti-Semitism.

Working with all social media platforms to institute stronger efforts to address online anti-Semitism, while protecting First Amendment rights.

Taking all possible steps to improve the physical security of Jewish institutions, including increased funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program so it can continue its essential work of protecting Jewish and other faith-based institutions across the country.

Ensuring the safety, security, and dignity of American Jews in all aspects of their lives, including the workplace, university campuses, and at home.

During Jewish American Heritage Month, we celebrate the continued diversity and contributions to American life by the Jewish community. In doing so, we must also acknowledge anti-Semitism is not a relic of the past but remains a clear and present danger today.

Taking action today is just one step. Let us renew our commitment to defending the rights of all people.

Before I end, I want to take a moment to thank all those who made today possible: my co-leads, Congressmen Mario Diaz-Balart, Brad Schneider, and Lee Zeldin and, of course, Leader Hoyer, and many other colleagues and staff whose effort helped bring this resolution to the floor today.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 1125.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, Jewish Americans have contributed an immense amount to our country in politics, and in justice, and all fields of science, the arts, and the greatest left-handed pitcher of all time, Sandy Koufax. So much has been contributed by the Jewish community, yet there has been much anti-Semitism.

There has been anti-Semitism throughout history against Jewish people. It is sad. And it has been rising in America and continues to rise.

We saw the killings in Buffalo, New York, aimed at African Americans, but the killer, in his manifesto, said he not only wanted to get rid of and kill African Americans, but he also considered himself anti- Semitic, and indeed he was.

He fostered some crazy theory of replacement, some replacement theory that I had not really heard about, and he claimed that Jews were in favor of. Well, that is just malarkey.

We need to fight this anti-Semitism, and nobody more than Debbie Wasserman Schultz, our colleague from Florida, has done more to have folks reflect on the contributions of Jewish people during Jewish Heritage Month, which she sponsored and passed and keeps alive, and then the passage of this resolution to bring anti-Semitism to our attention.

It is important that we pass this, and that we understand Jewish American Heritage Month, which is this May, while we celebrate the contributions of Jewish Americans and we reject hate whenever and wherever it appears.

I thank Ms. Wasserman Schultz again--she has done so much, and she is a leader in this area and so many others as well--for bringing this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Foreign Affairs,

Washington, DC, May 18, 2022.

Hon. Jerrold Nadler,

Chair, Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives,

Washington, DC.

Dear Chair Nadler: In an effort to work cooperatively and

to expedite consideration of H. Res. 1125, Condemning Rising

Antisemitism, the Committee on Foreign Affairs agrees to

waive formal consideration of the resolution as to the

provisions that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the

Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The Committee on Foreign Affairs takes this action with the

mutual understanding that the Committee does not waive any

jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in H. Res.

1125 or similar legislation, and the Committee will be

appropriately consulted and involved as the resolution or

similar legislation moves forward.

Finally, I would appreciate your response to this letter

confirming this understanding and ask that a copy of our

exchange of letters on this matter be included in the

Congressional Record during Floor consideration of H. Res.

1125.

Sincerely,

Gregory W. Meeks,

Chair.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the distinguished leader of the House of Representatives, a gentleman who continues to amaze me each and every day with his vast knowledge, and his big heart, and his love for justice.

Madam Speaker, I yield 2\1/4\ minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Schneider), a great supporter of this resolution and the ideas contained therein.

Madam Speaker, I close and ask everybody to support this important resolution.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1125), condemning rising antisemitism, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material H. Res. 1125.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, throughout the month of May, we recognize the struggles and triumphs of Jewish Americans, and we honor the indispensable contributions that the Jewish community has made to our Nation's civic life. Sadly, we also know that anti-Semitism continues to be a menace here at home and around the world. That is why I am pleased to support this important resolution condemning rising anti-Semitism.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, for being so vigilant over the years to recognize a particular month where we have particular appreciation of Jewish residents' contributions to our country, and for bringing this resolution to the floor to recognize this horrific rise in anti-Semitism.

Since our Nation's founding, Jewish Americans have served in elected office, from local school boards to this building's hallowed halls, the Supreme Court, and other prestigious positions. They have done so in magnificent manners. They have made crucial contributions to the arts, the sciences, and to our collective struggle for a more just America. They even had a baseball pitcher, Sandy Koufax, who was better than any.

Indeed, this resolution calls upon us to recognize the Jewish- American story, like the story of America itself, which is also marked by bigotry and hatred. Informed by this experience of prejudice, by the scourge of anti-Semitism, the Jewish Americans have worked so that the opportunities they have secured are extended to others. That is part of the Jewish religion. Part of what you do to have a good life is to help others have that good life, too. They have led movements for social justice, demanding civil rights, women's rights, and workers' rights.

This work is far from over. Anti-Semitism violence is on the rise. This past weekend, we saw a deranged individual in Buffalo kill 10 African Americans and injure others. He had a hate for African Americans, but he also said he was anti-Semitic. He learned all this over the internet, and he learned a lot of that from rhetoric that has sprung up in different places and political circles around this country. It has spread, and it has influenced people to commit acts of violence.

Mr. Speaker, for collegiality purposes, I ask to withdraw the motion.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1125, which clearly and vigorously condemns anti-Semitism. During Jewish American Heritage Month, it is critical to, once again, call attention to this vile form of bigotry.

Persecution against any person, or any group on the basis of religion is absolutely wrong. It is a fundamental value upon which this Nation was founded, which is why the free exercise of religion is protected in the very first amendment to our Constitution.

The historic and pervasive nature that makes anti-Semitism a truly unique problem has, unfortunately, proven to make it difficult to overcome. In the aftermath of the Holocaust, the world realized just how pernicious anti-Semitism was and has been for centuries, and rightly sought to eliminate it.

Unfortunately, despite this recognition, Jewish Americans have experienced a rise in anti-Semitism. From their places of worship to their neighborhoods, Jewish Americans experience anti-Semitism all too often. And the incidents range from mere slurs all the way to outright violence.

Regrettably, Jewish Americans have even been attacked in major cities such as Pittsburgh, New York, and Los Angeles just to name some.

At the same time, our Nation's collective memories of the Holocaust, unfortunately, continues to fade. That is why it is critically important to condemn anti-Semitism in no uncertain terms, without drawing false equivalencies or diminishing anti-Semitism just as another form of bigotry.

I am concerned about the references to government intervention in the online speech, and I do wish my Democratic colleagues had been willing to work with us to ensure that that particular portion actually represented the sentiment of the entire House on those issues. We cannot allow our shared desire to combat anti-Semitism to lead to censorship and control, which may only exacerbate the problem.

Our Jewish friends deserve our respect and admiration and appreciation. That is why, for my time in Congress I have always tried and always sought to support Jewish Americans, as well as Israel. So while I am not happy with every aspect of this resolution, I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers and would be willing to close at this time unless the gentleman has additional speakers.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill on both sides of aisle, and I yield back the balance of my time.