Speaker Mike Johnson
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House Democrats are facing agitation over an upcoming vote orchestrated by Speaker Mike Johnson. This vote may compel them to take a stance against left-wing factions that are critical of Israel.
Anti-Semitic groups
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Radical, anti-Semitic groups on the far left have gained traction on college campuses, with lawmakers like Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar of Minnesota aligning with their movement. However, not all Democrats have explicitly voiced their endorsement of these protests.
Significant backing
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The issue is one that some may prefer to steer clear of, as there is significant backing for Palestinians among many Democratic voters, especially following the events where Hamas caused the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis last year.
Awareness
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Johnson has slated a vote for Wednesday on the Antisemitism Awareness Act proposed by Republican Representative Mike Lawler of New York. This legislation, enjoying bipartisan support, would be implemented by the Department of Education if passed.
Anti-Semitism
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According to Axios, the bill incorporates definitions of anti-Semitism endorsed by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).
Racist endeavor
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The IHRA considers it anti-Semitic to assert that “the existence of a State of Israel is a racist endeavor.” Additionally, the group deems it anti-Semitic to draw parallels between “contemporary Israeli policy and that of the Nazis.”
Genocide
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With Israel facing accusations of genocide from many pro-Hamas demonstrators and criticisms from the left regarding alleged illegal occupation of Arab lands, the bill puts certain Democrats in a challenging position.
Voted against
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They must choose between potentially alienating some of their constituents or being labeled as individuals who voted against raising awareness about anti-Semitism.
Declined
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A senior House Democrat, as reported by Axios, described the bill as potentially divisive. While several House Democrats declined to publicly comment on the bill.
Discontent
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Expressing her discontent, Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal from Washington remarked, “I am troubled by the continuous efforts of both Republicans and some within our party to exploit and politicize this significant matter.”
Hakeem Jeffries
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House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries proposed replacing the current bill with one titled the Countering Antisemitism Act, which does not rely on the IHRA definitions of anti-Semitism.
American issue
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“The effort to crush anti-Semitism and hatred in any form is not a Democratic or Republican issue,” Jeffries stated of Wednesday’s vote on Lawler’s bill. “It’s an American issue that must be addressed in a bipartisan manner with the fierce urgency of now.”
Politically motivated
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Rep. Kathy Manning, a House Democrat from North Carolina, labeled the bill as “politically motivated.” On the other hand, Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin of Maryland disclosed that many of his colleagues had expressed their private concerns and dissatisfaction with Lawler’s bill.
Frustration
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“A number of members have expressed to me their frustration that this is what’s being presented instead of both bills,” Raskin said.
