Rep. Watson Coleman Votes for Resolution Condemning Antisemitic Attacks, Opposes Resolution Which Seeks to Politicize Them
Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman issued the following statement regarding her votes on two House resolutions addressing the recent attack on a peaceful demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, and the broader rise in antisemitic violence:
“There is no place in our country, or anywhere, for antisemitic hate or violence. What happened in Boulder was a heinous act of terrorism, and my heart remains with the victims and their families.
“I voted in favor of H.Res. 481 which clearly condemns the attack in Boulder, the killing of the Israeli Embassy staffers in DC, the attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence during Passover, and highlights the need to protect every American’s right to gather peacefully without fear. It is unfortunate that such a resolution is necessary, but this statement reflects our shared obligation to speak out forcefully against acts of antisemitism and political violence.
“I could not, however, vote for H.Res.485. I am deeply concerned that this resolution takes a tragic moment - one that should unite us in condemnation of hate, and uses it for partisan political purposes. My colleague from Colorado, Congressman Joe Neguse - whose district includes Boulder - introduced a bipartisan resolution that condemns this egregious act of antisemitic violence without exploiting it to score cheap political points. I support his resolution, and would gladly vote in favor of it if Republican leadership had allowed it to come to the floor for a vote. They chose not to.
“Combating antisemitism and all forms of hate demands seriousness, clarity, and purpose. It cannot be used as a tool for political posturing. The victims of Boulder, the Jewish community, and every American deserve better than that.”