Rep. Watson Coleman Statement on House Resolution 894
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman released the following statement regarding her vote on House Resolution 894:
The rising threat of antisemitism and the hateful rhetoric that accompanies it is deeply upsetting and must be addressed in a concrete way. It is unfortunate that the Republican resolution H.Res. 894 does nothing but create a more divisive environment during what is already an emotionally charged time.
This resolution offers no solutions. The Republicans who authored it have no intention of making it a bipartisan effort, bringing people together, or facilitating a safer and more inclusive environment for our Jewish communities. In fact, it does the exact opposite. It further divides the country and shifts us further away from unity, peace, and a true two-state solution.
There are very real steps that we as the United States Congress can take to combat antisemitism in a productive, bipartisan manner. However, continuing to vote on non-binding messaging resolutions, week-after-week, to score partisan political points does nothing to address the hate that many Americans, including many of my constituents, are facing. Weaponizing the very real fears of some of our Jewish friends and neighbors to push a specific political agenda - one that is strikingly disrespectful to Palestinians and those who support the cause of a free and sovereign Palestinian state - is not an acceptable response for the American people, and I will not vote for any legislation that is so disingenuous.
As a member of congress, I have a responsibility to be part of the solution to eradicate hate. As a Congress, we have a responsibility to come together and enact real policies. That is why I am supporting Mr. Nadler’s plan to combat antisemitism by implementing the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism and increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program. It’s why I am supporting Mr. Green’s two-state solution resolution. It’s why I signed on to Ms. Wasserman Schultz’s letter regarding the safety and security of our college campuses.
I will not pit communities against each other. Congress should be debating a supplemental bill for Israel and humanitarian aid for the region. We should be pushing diplomacy with the Arab nations for rebuilding commitments. We should not be raising the temperature on rhetoric that seeks to divide and anger communities working towards peace.