By Emily Hytha;
Communications Director
Congressman K. Michael Conaway (TX-11)
Washington – Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11) released the following statement after signing the petition to discharge H.R. 336, the Strengthening America’s Security in the Middle East Act of 2019 and bring it to the House Floor for a vote:
“We are currently witnessing a disturbing rise in anti-Semitism around the world. Even Congress is not immune to this upsetting trend- several newly-elected Democrats in the House of Representatives repeatedly use anti-Semitic rhetoric and actively support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The horrific BDS movement, led by Palestine, seeks to isolate, punish, and delegitimize Israel by compelling individuals, private corporations, and entire nations to not invest or do business with Israeli companies.
“Months ago, the Senate took action against the anti-Semitic BDS movement by passing the exact same legislation with a bipartisan supermajority. This legislative package lends critical support to Israel and Jordan, while re-affirming the basic right of Israel to exist as a nation. Now, through the discharge petition, the House will also have the opportunity to stand with Israel.
“Israel is our most important ally in an increasingly unstable and volatile region. It is puzzling to me that Speaker Pelosi, who claims to support Israel and stand against anti-Semitism, would not immediately bring this bipartisan legislation to the floor for a vote. However, until she is willing to take a stand, my colleagues and I will continue to ask for a vote, so Congress can reaffirm the United States’ support for Israel and our fervent opposition to any anti-Semitic rhetoric or policy.”