It looks like the Senate may introduce its own resolution to condemn anti-Semitism as the House of Representatives drafts its own resolution in response to the latest anti-Semitic remarks from Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN).
The Washington Examiner reported that Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell found the rise in anti-Semitism “disturbing” and has concerns about it.
At a town hall last weekend, Omar said, “I want to talk about the political influence in this country that says it is okay to push for allegiance to a foreign country.”
Jonathan Chait at The New Yorker explained that “[A]ccusing Jews of ‘allegiance to a foreign country’ is a historically classic way of delegitimizing their participation in the political system.” Chait wrote that the congresswoman “is directly invoking the hoary myth of dual loyalty, in which the Americanness of Jews is inherently suspect, and their political participation must be contingent upon proving their patriotism.”
House Democrats have started to draft a resolution to condemn anti-Semitism, but does not name Omar. Reports have also emerged that the Democrats may expand the language to include anti-Muslim bias.
The Senate passed a bipartisan anti-BDS bill in early February. McConnell mentioned the bill in his remarks, but thinks the Senate may have to expand on it:
“We feel like we already addressed a portion of this through the BDS proposal, and we may well address it again,” McConnell said.“This is a good time in America to think again about anti-Semitism,” McConnell said. “It seems to be more fashion in Europe. it seems to be more fashionable in this country regretfully, at least among some members of the new class in the House. We need to stand up to it in any way we possibly can.”
McConnell addressed the House resolution this morning:
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