Salazar Introduces Legislation to Address Antisemitism in the United States

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) joined Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Max Miller (R-OH), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), and Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) in introducing H.R. 6578, the Commission to Study Acts of Antisemitism in the United States Act. The bill establishes a nonpartisan, nonpolitical commission to study the facts and causes surrounding the historically high levels of antisemitism facing the Jewish community.

Since Hamas’ invasion of Israel on October 7th, 2023, there has been a dangerous uptick in documented reports of antisemitic rhetoric, threats, and violence towards the Jewish community. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray, in turn, reported that antisemitism has reached historically high levels in the United States. The Anti-Defamation League also reported a 388% spike in antisemitic activity in response to Hamas’ invasion of Israel.

“There is no room for antisemitic hatred in the United States,” said Rep. Salazar. “The federal government must respond to the unacceptable rise of antisemitism our Jewish communities face. This bill will give federal, state, and local officials the ability to zero in on the roots of this hatred and crush it.”

The Commission established in this bill would be made up of eight members appointed by Congress and responsible for overseeing an investigation into antisemitism in the United States.

As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and representative for South Florida in the House of Representatives, Salazar is a leading member on U.S.-Israel policy and is concerned about the growing antisemitism in the United States and abroad. She has repeatedly criticized global leaders who have espoused antisemitic tropes and conspiracies.

“With the rise in antisemitic violence and brazen attacks on our Jewish communities in the United States, it is important, now more than ever, that we find the cause of these alarming acts of antisemitism and work to protect our communities and religious institutions,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “I am proud to introduce this legislation that would establish a commission to study the circumstances surrounding the uptick in heinous acts of antisemitism and work to find solutions to keep our communities safe.” 

“Before Oct. 7th, antisemitism was on a sharp rise, but now we’ve seen it skyrocket, especially online,” said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. “This bipartisan, bicameral inquiry, which is supported by Jewish civil society leaders and experts, will complement the implementation of President Biden's first-ever National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism and inform key policy decisions in combatting this disturbing trend.”

“Since Hamas’ heinous terrorist attack on Israel, there has been an explosion of antisemitism, violence, and intimidation at home and around the world — especially on our college campuses. As the only Jewish member of the New Jersey congressional delegation, I’m full of grief, anger, and disgust following the darkest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust,” said Rep. Gottheimer. “I’m proud to help lead this critical bipartisan, bicameral legislation to confront antisemitism wherever it rears its ugly head. We have an obligation to teach future generations about this evil and protect Jewish students from violence and the virulent impact of all hate.”

“Since the October 7th attacks on Israel, the world has seen a drastic increase in antisemitism that has brought fear to the lives of Jews across this country,” said Rep. Miller. “We must do everything in our power to combat this hatred.”

The bill is also cosponsored by Reps. Lance Gooden (R-TX), Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY), Guy Reschenthaler (R-PA), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ), Joe Wilson (R-SC), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Mark Amodei (R-NV), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), John Rose (R-TN), Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Thomas Kean, Jr. (R-NJ), Michael Guest (R-MS), Rudy Yakym (R-IN), and Brad Schneider (D-IL).

The American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) support this legislation.

Click here to read the full text of the bill.

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