Risch Leads Effort to Counter Hate Against Israel

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) led 11 colleagues in introducing the Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors Act, which would prohibit the federal government from contracting with entities who boycott the State of Israel. Idaho and 36 other states have passed laws or regulations opposing the boycott, divestment, or sanction (BDS) of Israel.

"Antisemitism has no place in America. Businesses who boycott Israel only seek to normalize antisemitism and delegitimize our greatest friend and partner in the Middle East. Not a single taxpayer dollar ought to go to any entity engaged in this hateful behavior," said Risch. "With the Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors Act, we will ensure those seeking to do business with our government do not engage in acts of hate and antisemitism against the Israeli people."

Risch is joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and John Thune (R-S.D.) in introducing the Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors Act.

"Our federal contracting process needs to reject and remain free of bigotry in all of its forms," said Crapo. "Prohibiting anti-Israel businesses from receiving taxpayer dollars sends a strong message that the United States does not stand with any organization promoting antisemitism."

"Not a single dime of taxpayer money should support antisemitism. Fulfilling our promise of 'Never Again' must include rooting out and condemning antisemitism in every corner of our nation, most especially in our federal government. As Israel continues to fight for her people and her very existence, it is imperative we stand firm with our tremendous ally here at home," said Britt.

"I have made it a priority to stop the flow of U.S. taxpayer dollars to anti-Semitic, anti-Israel organizations. This legislation holds the federal government to a standard that over two-thirds of states have already set, including my home state of West Virginia. I'm proud to join my colleagues in this effort to make certain the U.S. does not engage in business with government contractors who boycott our ally and friend, Israel," said Capito.

"Maintaining and strengthening U.S.-Israel relations is in our best interest and the world's best interest. The United States stands with Israel; our federal agencies shouldn't contract with entities that demonize our nations' valued alliance. Our bill simply clarifies that position in statute," Grassley said.

"Amid a rising tide of antisemitism, the federal government should not be awarding contracts to companies that actively oppose our greatest ally in the Middle East and thus, do not promote U.S. values. We as a nation must remain unified against this widespread hatred," said Rubio.

"In the United States, we have no tolerance for hate or antisemitism, and we must demand that any company that wishes to do business with our government share our values. As Governor of Florida, I signed legislation that banned the state government from doing business with companies participating in the BDS movement and I'm proud to continue this effort on the federal level with our Countering Hate Against Israel (CHAI) by Federal Contractors Act. I encourage all of my colleagues to stand with Israel and against hate by supporting this bill,"said Scott.

"Federal contracts should not be awarded to American companies that support the antisemitic BDS movement," said Thune. "I'm proud to join Senator Risch in introducing this legislation that would prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to undermine Israel, the United States' strongest ally in the Middle East."

The Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors Act has received support from Christians United for Israel (CUFI).

"American taxpayer dollars should not be subsidizing the effort to achieve with boycotts what Hamas seeks with bombs: the destruction of the state of Israel. Thirty-seven states have enacted similar policies to this legislation and it is well past time that the federal government joins them. The vast majority of American people stand with Israel, and we have a right to ensure our government's policies match our values. The signal to every boardroom should be heard loud and clear: if you give into the antisemitic BDS movement, the federal government will not do business with you," said CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Parker.

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