Congress
A dozen stated that “ignoring the differences between democracies governed by the rule of law and contemptible organizations that engage in terrorism at best discredits one’s intended argument and at worst reflects deep-seated prejudice.”
They come amid the backdrop of Israel’s recent 11-day conflict with Hamas that saw several progressive members of the Democratic Party accuse Israel of being an “apartheid state.
It would also require the president to submit an assessment of whether foreign nations were doing enough to counter the fundraising, financing and money-laundering activities of these groups.
“We believe we need a united, all-of-government effort to combat rising anti-Semitism in this country,” they say, citing an uptick in violent acts that have occurred across the country.
Bringing his bill to a vote, said Sen. Ted Cruz, would reveal if Democratic lawmakers stand firm in support of Israel or veer to the hard left.
They have been calling into question this ironclad support for Israel. In recent months, legislation has been by Democrats such as Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.) to condition U.S. aid to Israel over its policies towards the Palestinians.
In national press briefings and internationally, the United States has backed up a pledge to defend its ally. But that comes against pressure by progressive lawmakers and even some more moderate congress members who have issued statements that can be perceived as having moral equivalency between Israeli and Palestinian actions.
“The reality is there have been a host of statements from Democrats, as well as from Republicans, condemning the missiles, condemning the rocket attacks and making clear that Israel has the right to defend itself,” said Mark Mellman, president and CEO of the Democratic Majority for Israel.
The image is said to demonstrate the anti-American ideology of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran.
They include California Republican Reps. Mike Garcia, Young Kim and Michelle Steel; and Florida Republicans Reps. Carlos Gimenez and Maria Elvira Salazar.
A treaty is different in that it requires congressional approval under Article I of the U.S. Constitution.
If passed, the legislation would establish a grant program in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to facilitate research and the commercialization of cybersecurity technology.
