[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 23, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H7181-H7188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 OPPOSING GLOBAL BOYCOTT, DIVESTMENT, AND SANCTIONS MOVEMENT TARGETING 
                                 ISRAEL

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 246) opposing efforts to delegitimize the State of 
Israel and the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement 
targeting Israel, as amended.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 246

       Whereas the democratic, Jewish State of Israel is a key 
     ally and strategic partner of the United States;
       Whereas since Israel's founding in 1948, Congress has 
     repeatedly expressed our Nation's unwavering commitment to 
     the security of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state;
       Whereas it is a hallmark of American democracy for citizens 
     to petition the United States Government in favor of or 
     against United States foreign policy;
       Whereas the United States Constitution protects the rights 
     of United States citizens to articulate political views, 
     including with respect to the policies of the United States 
     or foreign governments;
       Whereas American policy has long sought to bring peace to 
     the Middle East and recognized that both the Israeli and 
     Palestinian people should be able to live in safe and 
     sovereign states, free from fear and violence, with mutual 
     recognition;
       Whereas support for peace between the Israelis and 
     Palestinians has long-standing bipartisan support in 
     Congress;
       Whereas it is the long-standing policy of the United States 
     that a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian 
     conflict should come through direct negotiations between the 
     Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, with the 
     support of countries in the region and around the world;
       Whereas cooperation between Israel and the United States is 
     of great importance, especially in the context of rising 
     anti-Semitism, authoritarianism and security problems in 
     Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa;
       Whereas the Global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions 
     Movement (BDS Movement) targeting Israel is a campaign that 
     does not favor a two-state solution and that seeks to

[[Page H7182]]

     exclude the State of Israel and the Israeli people from the 
     economic, cultural, and academic life of the rest of the 
     world;
       Whereas the Global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions 
     Movement is one of several recent political movements that 
     undermines the possibility for a negotiated solution to the 
     Israeli-Palestinian conflict by demanding concessions of one 
     party alone and encouraging the Palestinians to reject 
     negotiations in favor of international pressure;
       Whereas the founder of the Global BDS Movement, Omar 
     Barghouti, has denied the right of the Jewish people in their 
     homeland, saying, ``We oppose a Jewish state in any part of 
     Palestine. No Palestinian, rational Palestinian, not a sell-
     out Palestinian, will ever accept a Jewish state in 
     Palestine.'';
       Whereas the Global BDS Movement targets not only the 
     Israeli government but also Israeli academic, cultural, and 
     civil society institutions, as well as individual Israeli 
     citizens of all political persuasions, religions, and 
     ethnicities, and in some cases even Jews of other 
     nationalities who support Israel;
       Whereas the Global BDS Movement does not recognize, and 
     many of its supporters explicitly deny, the right of the 
     Jewish people to national self-determination;
       Whereas university-based Global BDS efforts violate the 
     core goals of the university and global cultural development, 
     which thrive on free and open exchange and debate, and in 
     some cases, leads to the intimidation and harassment of 
     Jewish students and others who support Israel;
       Whereas the Global BDS Movement promotes principles of 
     collective guilt, mass punishment, and group isolation, which 
     are destructive of prospects for progress towards peace and a 
     two-state solution;
       Whereas boycotts and similar tools aimed at promoting 
     racial justice and social change have been used effectively 
     in the United States, South Africa, and other parts of the 
     world; and
       Whereas in contrast to protest movements that have sought 
     racial justice and social change, the Global Boycott, 
     Divestment and Sanctions Movement targeting Israel is not 
     about promoting coexistence, civil rights, and political 
     reconciliation but about questioning and undermining the very 
     legitimacy of the country and its people: Now, therefore, be 
     it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) opposes the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions 
     Movement (BDS Movement) targeting Israel, including efforts 
     to target United States companies that are engaged in 
     commercial activities that are legal under United States law, 
     and all efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel;
       (2) urges Israelis and Palestinians to return to direct 
     negotiations as the only way to achieve an end to the 
     Israeli-Palestinian conflict;
       (3) affirms the Constitutional right of United States 
     citizens to free speech, including the right to protest or 
     criticize the policies of the United States or foreign 
     governments;
       (4) supports the full implementation of the United States-
     Israel Strategic Partnership Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-296; 
     128 Stat. 4075) and new efforts to enhance government-wide, 
     coordinated United States-Israel scientific and technological 
     cooperation in civilian areas, such as with respect to 
     energy, water, agriculture, alternative fuel technology, 
     civilian space technology, and security, in order to counter 
     the effects of actions to boycott, divest from, or sanction 
     Israel; and
       (5) reaffirms its strong support for a negotiated solution 
     to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict resulting in two states--
     a democratic Jewish State of Israel, and a viable, democratic 
     Palestinian state--living side-by-side in peace, security, 
     and mutual recognition.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from New 
York (Mr. Engel) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Zeldin) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel).


                             General Leave

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 
5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on H. Res. 246.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from New York?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, let me start by thanking the authors of this resolution, 
Mr. Schneider, Mr. Nadler, Mr. Zeldin, and Mrs. Wagner. I am grateful 
for their bipartisan leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, there are 339 cosponsors of this resolution. Let me say 
that again: There are 339 cosponsors for this measure opposing the 
global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement that undermines the 
legitimacy of the State of Israel.
  Support for Israel in Congress is an issue that has been like catnip 
for our friends in the press that cover our work. Frankly, this issue 
has been politicized in a way that I find ugly and is ultimately 
harmful to the U.S.-Israel relationship. It is time that leaders stop 
playing politics with our relations with the Jewish state.
  When the fog clears, and the bullies on their pulpits end their 
tirades, what you see with this measure is a real bipartisan reflection 
on how this body regards our country's relationship with and support 
for Israel and our opposition to BDS. Almost 80 percent of House 
Members are cosponsors, and we are here debating it under suspension of 
the rules.
  What this resolution says is simple. It says that support for BDS and 
support for a two-state solution just aren't compatible. Let me explain 
why, and I hope this explanation will also help to address some of the 
concerns about this measure.
  Opposing BDS isn't about opposing any individual's right to protest 
or boycott. The right of any person to express views like that is 
enshrined in our Constitution. That sort of free expression is a pillar 
of American democracy, and this resolution says so. Let me read from 
it:
  ``Whereas it is a hallmark of American democracy for citizens to 
petition the United States Government in favor of or against United 
States foreign policy;
  ``Whereas the United States Constitution protects the rights of 
United States citizens to articulate political views, including with 
respect to the policies of the United States or foreign governments.''
  That is in this resolution. It couldn't be any clearer, Mr. Speaker.
  Throughout history, protests, boycotts, and movements like that have 
played key roles in driving important change. The resolution says that, 
too:
  ``Whereas boycotts and similar tools aimed at promoting racial 
justice and social change have been used effectively in the United 
States, South Africa, and other parts of the world.''
  But here is the thing about the global BDS movement: I don't believe 
it promotes racial justice or social change at all. It promotes a one-
sided view of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that seeks to 
marginalize Israel and that would deny the Jewish people the right of 
national self-determination, a right proclaimed by none other than the 
United Nations.
  Many of us have been fighting for years to advance a future for the 
Israelis and Palestinians of two states for two peoples living side by 
side in peace and security. Building that future will require hard work 
and concessions.
  BDS says that the onus is entirely on Israel. All concessions have to 
come from Israel, and the Palestinians should reject negotiations and 
just allow international pressure to build on Israel.
  That is not how negotiations work, and it is no way to promote peace. 
That is why this movement is so counterproductive, in my view.
  Do you want to criticize a government? That is your right. Do you 
want to stop buying products from a certain country? That is also your 
right.
  But participating in an international commercial effort that 
undermines Israel's legitimacy and scuttles the chances of a two-state 
solution isn't the same as an individual exercising First Amendment 
rights.
  I continue to believe that a two-state solution that guarantees self-
determination for both Jews and Palestinians--not one or the other--is 
the best way to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I believe that 
the overwhelming majority of our colleagues in this body agree with me, 
and Congress has said so before in bipartisan resolutions.
  Today, we have the opportunity to reiterate that point and to warn 
against something that would derail that solution.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2019.
     Hon. Eddie Bernice Johnson,
     Chairwoman, Committee on Science, Space and Technology, House 
         of Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairwoman Johnson: I am writing to you concerning 
     H.Res. 246, Opposing efforts to delegitimize the State of 
     Israel and the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions 
     Movement targeting Israel. I appreciate your willingness to 
     work cooperatively on this resolution.

[[Page H7183]]

       I acknowledge that provisions of the resolution fall within 
     jurisdiction of the Committee on Science, Space and 
     Technology under House Rule X, and that your Committee will 
     forgo action on H.Res. 246 to expedite floor consideration. I 
     further acknowledge that the inaction of your Committee with 
     respect to the resolution does not waive any future 
     jurisdictional claim over the matters contained in the 
     measure that fall within your jurisdiction.
       I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in 
     the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the 
     resolution. I appreciate your cooperation and look forward to 
     continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Eliot L. Engel,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

         House of Representatives, Committee on Science, Space, 
           and Technology,
                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2019.
     Chairman Eliot Engel,
     Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Engel: I am writing to you concerning H.Res. 
     246, ``Opposing efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel 
     and the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement 
     targeting Israel.'' This resolution was sequentially referred 
     to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology (``Science 
     Committee'') on March 21, 2019.
       The Science Committee will forgo action on H.Res. 246 in 
     order to expedite floor consideration. This is, however, not 
     a waiver of future jurisdictional claims by the Science 
     Committee over this subject matter. Additionally, thank you 
     for agreeing to include our exchange of letters in the 
     Congressional Record.
           Sincerely,
                                            Eddie Bernice Johnson,
     Chairwoman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2019.
     Hon. Jerrold Nadler,
     Chairman, Committee on the Judiciary, House of 
         Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Nadler: I am writing to you concerning H.Res. 
     246, Opposing efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel and 
     the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement 
     targeting Israel. I appreciate your willingness to work 
     cooperatively on this resolution.
       I acknowledge that provisions of the resolution fall within 
     the jurisdiction of the Committee on Judiciary under House 
     Rule X, and that your Committee will forgo action on H.Res. 
     246 to expedite floor consideration. I further acknowledge 
     that the inaction of your Committee with respect to the 
     resolution does not waive any future jurisdictional claim 
     over the matters contained in the measure that fall within 
     your jurisdiction.
       I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in 
     the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the 
     resolution. I appreciate your cooperation and look forward to 
     continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Eliot L. Engel,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                   Committee on the Judiciary,

                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2019.
     Hon. Eliot Engel,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of 
         Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairman Engel: This is to advise you that the 
     Committee on the Judiciary has now had an opportunity to 
     review the provisions in H.Res. 246, Opposing efforts to 
     delegitimize the State of Israel and the Global Boycott, 
     Divestment, and Sanctions Movement targeting Israel, that 
     fall within our Rule X jurisdiction. I appreciate your 
     consulting with us on those provisions. The Judiciary 
     Committee has no objection to your including them in the 
     resolution for consideration on the House floor, and to 
     expedite that consideration is willing to forgo action on 
     H.Res. 246, with the understanding that we do not thereby 
     waive any future jurisdictional claim over those provisions 
     or their subject matters.
       Please place this letter into the Congressional Record 
     during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank 
     you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked 
     regarding this matter and others between our committees.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Jerrold Nadler,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                                 Committee on Foreign Affairs,

                                    Washington, DC, July 19, 2019.
     Hon. Maxine Waters,
     Chaiwoman, Committee on Financial Services, House of 
         Representatives,
     Washington, DC.
       Dear Chairwoman Waters: I am writing to you concerning 
     H.Res. 246, Opposing efforts to delegitimize the State of 
     Israel and the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions 
     Movement targeting Israel. I appreciate your willingness to 
     work cooperatively on this resolution.
       I acknowledge that provisions of the resolution fall within 
     the jurisdiction of the Committee on Financial Services under 
     House Rule X, and that your Committee will forgo action on 
     H.Res. 246 to expedite floor consideration. I further 
     acknowledge that the inaction of your Committee with respect 
     to the resolution does not waive any future jurisdictional 
     claim over the matters contained in the measure that fall 
     within your jurisdiction.
       I will ensure that our exchange of letters is included in 
     the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the 
     resolution. I appreciate your cooperation and look forward to 
     continuing to work with you as this measure moves through the 
     legislative process.
           Sincerely,
                                                   Eliot L. Engel,
     Chairman.
                                  ____

                                         House of Representatives,


                              Committee on Financial Services,

                                    Washington, DC, July 22, 2019.
     Hon. Eliot Engel,
     Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of 
         Representatives, Washington, DC.
       Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing concerning H.Res. 246, 
     Opposing efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel and the 
     Global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions targeting Israel.
       Because you have been working with the Committee on 
     Financial Services concerning provisions in H.Res. 246 that 
     fall within our Rule X jurisdiction, I agree to forgo formal 
     consideration of H.Res. 246 so that it may proceed 
     expeditiously to the House floor. The Committee on Financial 
     Services takes this action to forego formal consideration of 
     H.Res. 246 with our mutual understanding that, by foregoing 
     formal consideration of H.Res. 246 at this time, we do not 
     waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in 
     this or similar legislation.
       Finally, I would request that a copy of our exchange of 
     letters on this matter be included in the Congressional 
     Record during floor consideration of H.Res. 246.
           Sincerely,
                                                    Maxine Waters,
                                                       Chairwoman.
  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I strongly support H. Res. 246. This is a bipartisan 
resolution I introduced with Brad Schneider, Jerry Nadler, and Ann 
Wagner to oppose BDS and efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel, 
which is now up to 350 cosponsors.
  We must combat the BDS movement targeting our great ally in the 
Middle East. The BDS movement seeks to harm Israel today, tomorrow, and 
well into the future.
  It is an American value to be able to express legitimate, reasonable 
criticism of any government in the world, including our own. The BDS 
movement, though, is different, and we must reject the blatant anti-
Semitism injected throughout BDS and the delegitimizing of Israel.
  We must educate and all be aware of the toxic, anti-Semitic words of 
the founder of BDS and how we have so many Jewish students on college 
campuses right here in the United States from coast to coast targeted 
with blatant anti-Semitism in the name of BDS.
  Congress needs to make a very strong, bipartisan statement against 
BDS, and this resolution does just that. In addition, we should also 
enact legislation with teeth.
  In February, the Senate passed anti-BDS legislation, S. 1, with a 
strong, bipartisan vote. This bill allows State and local governments 
to adopt laws to divest public funds from entities that boycott Israel. 
Lead Republican McCaul already has a bill in the House, H.R. 336, that 
is identical to S. 1 and contains the anti-BDS legislation.
  I strongly encourage the Speaker to bring this bill to the floor as 
well so that not only are we making a strong statement, but we are also 
doing something about it.
  I am grateful to House leadership for bringing H. Res. 246 to the 
floor today, for Chairman Engel's work and his team's work in the House 
Foreign Affairs Committee, and to lead Republican McCaul and his team.
  Mr. Speaker, this is a big deal. I am honored to work with you on 
this important effort, and I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from 
New York (Mr. Nadler), who is the chairman of the Judiciary Committee.
  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 246. 
This resolution, modeled on legislation passed

[[Page H7184]]

by the New York City Council, is fully consistent with the First 
Amendment and affirms the rights of those who support the global BDS 
movement to voice their opinions. Importantly, it also puts Congress on 
Record rejecting this misguided and deceptive movement that is neither 
progressive in its conduct nor pro-peace in its ultimate mission.
  BDS proponents advocate for a complete boycott of Israeli businesses, 
individuals, and institutions--including academic institutions, which 
are supposed to be bastions of intellectual freedom--hypocritically 
seeking to deny all Israeli citizens the same rights and freedoms that 
BDS supporters claim that they themselves are denied.
  Not only does the movement, at times, invoke anti-Semitic tropes and 
seemingly promote violence, it unfairly blames one party in the 
Israeli-Palestinian conflict and does nothing to promote direct 
negotiations to achieve a two-state solution, which is the only path to 
a fair peace.
  In fact, the founder of the movement, when asked whether BDS would 
end when Palestinians were able to establish their own state, flatly 
says ``no.'' That tells you everything you need to know, Mr. Speaker.
  Instead of promoting peace and a two-state solution, the mission of 
BDS is clear: to delegitimize Israel, regardless of its policies or 
conduct, and to deny the Jewish people, and only the Jewish people, the 
right of national self-determination.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.
  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New 
Jersey (Mr. Smith), who is a senior member of the Committee on Foreign 
Affairs.
  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding.
  I applaud Mr. Schneider and Mr. Zeldin for sponsoring this important 
resolution. I especially thank Chairman Eliot Engel for his very 
eloquent comments a moment ago.
  Not wishing to be redundant, I will just say this because I associate 
myself with their strong and persuasive remarks: The great former 
Soviet refusenik and religious prisoner Natan Sharansky, who testified 
at two of about a dozen hearings that I have chaired on combating anti-
Semitism, proposed what he called a simple test to help us distinguish 
legitimate criticism of Israel from anti-Semitism. Sharansky called it 
the three Ds, demonization, double standard, and delegitimization.
  When the three Ds are advanced, we know that anti-Semitism is the 
issue. The BDS movement demonizes Israel and, by extension, Jews, who 
are always cast in the role of oppressors, who are always in the wrong. 
In so doing, it applies a double standard, whereby Israel is always 
wrong and the oppressed Palestinians are always in the right, 
regardless of whether groups such as Hamas are engaging in terroristic 
acts upon Israeli citizens. The objective of this is to delegitimize 
the State of Israel, to deny its very right to exist.
  Mr. Speaker, I applaud them on this bill, and I hope this vote is 
unanimous.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from 
Illinois (Mr. Schneider), who is the author of this resolution.
  Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I proudly rise today in support of H. 
Res. 246, of which I am the sponsor.
  This resolution does four things.
  First, it affirms the vital relationship between the United States 
and Israel, our most important ally in a complicated region of the 
world.
  Second, it reiterates our unbreakable commitment to Israel's 
security.
  Third, it restates Congress' strong, bipartisan support for a 
negotiated two-state solution.

  Lastly, it makes clear that Congress opposes the global Boycott, 
Divestment, and Sanctions, or BDS, movement that seeks to delegitimize 
Israel; opposes a two-state solution; and pushes the cause of peace for 
both Israelis and Palestinians further out of reach.
  It has been our country's long-held policy that the best path to 
ensuring Israel's long-term security as a democratic and Jewish state, 
and realizing the Palestinian people's aspirations for a state of their 
own, is through a negotiated two-state solution.
  The global BDS movement, on the other hand, denies the Jewish 
people's connection to the land of Israel; refuses to accept the basic 
idea of a Jewish state; and seeks to delegitimize Israel in 
international forums, on college campuses, and in global commerce.
  But don't take my word for it. The founder of the global BDS 
movement, Omar Barghouti, has said as much: ``We oppose a Jewish state 
in any part of Palestine. No Palestinian, rational Palestinian, not a 
sellout Palestinian, will ever accept a Jewish state in Palestine.''
  When global BDS movement supporters chant, ``From the river to the 
sea, Palestine will be free,'' these are not words of peace. This is a 
call for the destruction of the entire State of Israel and the 
elimination of the Jews from the land--all the land, not just Gaza and 
the West Bank.
  That is why it is so important that we take a stand today and vote to 
condemn the global BDS movement.
  Let me also be clear: This resolution explicitly recognizes that 
boycotts have a long tradition in this country, including the civil 
rights movement, efforts to end apartheid in South Africa, and other 
matters. However, not all boycotts seek just ends.
  Such is the case of the BDS movement against Israel and its 
fundamental aims: the delegitimization of Israel and the destruction of 
the Jewish state.
  I am proud that this resolution has gained 350 cosponsors, including 
more than three-quarters of the Members of both parties. I would like 
to thank the leadership of my Democratic colead Congressman Jerry 
Nadler as well as the efforts of our Republican coleads, 
Representatives Lee Zeldin and Ann Wagner.
  This strong, bipartisan support sends a clear, united message that 
this Congress not only supports the Jewish, democratic State of Israel 
and two states as the path to peace for both Israelis and Palestinians 
but that at the same time we condemn efforts to delegitimize and block 
the path to peace.

                              {time}  1545

  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from 
Louisiana (Mr. Scalise), the esteemed Republican whip.
  Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate both of my colleagues from New 
York, the distinguished gentlemen, Mr. Zeldin and Mr. Engel, for their 
strong leadership in standing up against this BDS movement.
  I think we all know what it is designed to do. It is designed to 
delegitimize Israel as a Jewish state and to undermine their economy, 
which ultimately goes to the heart of trying to bring down Israel by 
people who have been against a Jewish state and expressed anti-Semitism 
for decades. We all need to stand up against that, and so this 
resolution is incredibly important.
  As my other colleague just mentioned, our nations had a rich history 
of using boycotts to promote freedom. There are other boycotts that 
have been displayed to undermine freedom, and that is really where the 
BDS movement is in a very different category. I think we all need to 
make that distinction.
  If a boycott is being used to advance freedom, that is one we should 
support; but if a boycott is being used to undermine the very freedoms 
that exist in the only real elected democracy in the Middle East, we 
all need to rise up against that as people who respect that great 
tradition, that great love between the United States and Israel, an 
unbreakable bond, one that brings Republicans and Democrats together. 
We need to continue that tradition.
  But I would also add, Mr. Speaker, that, as we are talking about why 
we need to oppose the BDS movement with this resolution, words are 
hollow if we don't follow it up with action. So, at the same time, Mr. 
Speaker, hopefully, we get an overwhelming, maybe unanimous, vote on 
this resolution.
  It is long past time that the Democrat leadership of this House bring 
up H.R. 336 by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. McCaul), the bill that 
actually puts teeth in the law to stand up against the BDS movement all 
around the world.
  Here, even, sometimes in Congress or in other states, but in other 
countries

[[Page H7185]]

where they are trying to advance this movement, we need teeth--words 
and action. So these are words today. We need to follow it up with H.R. 
336, real action.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge that we stand strong together.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Mrs. Murphy).
  Mrs. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the State of Israel. It 
is a homeland for the Jewish people and a sanctuary from anti-Semitism. 
Israel is a thriving democracy, and its citizens have made enormous 
contributions to our global society.
  The U.S. has no better friend than Israel. And, yes, on occasion, our 
two governments will disagree on certain policies, as all sovereign 
nations do, but our strong alliance is rooted in shared values, shared 
security interest, and a deep historical connection.
  I also believe the Palestinian people have legitimate aspirations, 
deserve a better future, and should have their own state. I support 
direct negotiations between the parties leading to two states living 
together in peace and security.
  I support this bipartisan resolution because the BDS movement makes a 
just peace harder, not easier. It unfairly vilifies Israel, blaming it, 
and it alone, for this complex conflict.
  American citizens have the right to boycott, and boycotts often 
promote positive change, but the BDS movement is misguided and harmful, 
and Congress should say so unequivocally.
  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my 
time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Deutch), chairman of the Subcommittee on the Middle East, 
North Africa, and International Terrorism, and a valued member of the 
Foreign Affairs Committee.
  Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Engel for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 246 and to voice my 
relentless opposition to the Global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions 
campaign that seeks to delegitimize the State of Israel and deny the 
Jewish people--and only the Jewish people--the right to self-
determination.
  This resolution reminds us that boycotts have been previously used as 
tools for social justice in this very country. But BDS doesn't seek 
social justice. It seeks a world in which the State of Israel does not 
exist.
  It is not incompatible to support a strong, secure Jewish State of 
Israel and to support human rights, dignity, and prosperity for the 
Palestinian people. It is incompatible, however, to support BDS and 
claim to support two states for two people when BDS envisions Palestine 
from the river to the sea, one state, and the other, rejection of the 
Jewish State of Israel.
  You simply will not, and cannot, achieve lasting peace and security 
for both Israelis and Palestinians and work toward a two-state solution 
if you support a movement that seeks to delegitimize the very existence 
of Israel.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues, Mr. Schneider, Mr. 
Zeldin, Mr. Nadler, and Mrs. Wagner, for bringing this resolution to 
the floor today. I strongly support their efforts.
  I strongly support this resolution condemning BDS, and I urge all of 
my colleagues to do the same.
  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, it is important to note, really, from coast 
to coast, we are hearing stories of students on college campuses, in 
the name of BDS, being targeted with blatant anti-Semitism.
  For example, at New York University, after the student government 
passed a resolution supporting BDS, the Bronfman Center for Jewish Life 
was temporarily closed in response to threatening Twitter posts by a 
student who expressed ``a desire for Zionists to die.''
  A University of Michigan professor refused to write a letter of 
recommendation for a qualified student solely because she wanted to 
study abroad in Israel.

  A Students for Justice in Palestine cofounder and University of 
California, Berkeley, professor spoke at a national conference and 
shared the anti-Semitism meme of an Orthodox Jewish person in his 
presentation.
  At Warren Wilson College, an invited speaker stated: ``Jews are doing 
the same thing to the Palestinians as the Nazis did to the Jews.''
  A Yik Yak posting at the University of California read: ``Gas them, 
burn them, and dismantle their power structure. Humanity cannot 
progress with the parasitic Jew.''
  More globally, University of Durban in South Africa called for the 
expulsion of Jewish students who did not support the BDS movement at 
the university.
  It is really important for people who may just be getting familiar 
with what BDS is to know that, right now, we have so many Jewish 
students who are being targeted with this blatant anti-Semitism, and 
that is why today's statement sends such a powerful message.
  Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from 
Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz).
  Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for 
yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the House to pass this resolution 
which opposes efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel through the 
global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions Movement. This resolution 
reiterates that there is a viable pathway to peace: through direct 
negotiations to achieve two states for two people.
  If implemented, the BDS movement would blacklist Israeli businesses, 
devastate the Israeli economy, and create doubt about Israel's 
legitimacy among the next generation. That undermines any possibility 
of achieving a lasting peace.
  The global rise of anti-Semitism is manifesting itself in many 
terrifying ways, and we must remain vigilant. This resolution is 
paramount in ensuring that BDS supporters cannot utilize this movement 
to promote an anti-Semitic agenda.
  BDS does not seek and will not help achieve Israeli-Palestinian 
peace. In fact, it pushes the hope for a two-state solution even 
further away. BDS only gives fodder to Israel's enemies who seek to 
destroy her and isolate her from the rest of the world.
  Direct, bilateral negotiations between the parties is the only option 
for a viable, long-lasting peace.
  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, some supporters of the BDS movement--in fact, the 
movement, in total, makes the argument that Israel is the bad guy on 
humanitarian issues, on human rights.
  It is important to note, Israel has a long history of LGBT 
protections and women's rights enshrined in Israeli law that is in 
stark contrast to its Middle East neighbors.
  Regardless of ethnicity or religion, there are broad freedoms in 
Israel, including the right to vote, freedom of speech, equal access to 
education and the workplace, and no special restrictions on the way 
women dress. By law, women are protected from discrimination.
  In fact, Israel's declaration of independence grants all Israel's 
inhabitants equality of social and political rights, irrespective of 
religion, race, or gender. Even Palestinians in the autonomous regions 
have voting rights and receive social services.
  Under Israeli jurisdiction, some 350,000 Palestinian residents in 
Jerusalem receive certain civilian welfare, health, and municipal 
services. In other parts of the Middle East, it is a monarchy with no 
voting rights whatsoever.
  Hamas has repeatedly denied humanitarian aid offered by Israel. In 
May 2018, when there were clashes on the border, Gaza refused two 
truckloads of aid from Israel to relieve medical shortages.
  There are so many falsehoods that have been perpetrated by supporters 
of the BDS movement, and that is, again, another reason why today's 
resolution is such a powerful statement.
  Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from 
New York (Mr. Suozzi), my very good friend.
  Mr. SUOZZI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. 
Engel) for yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, the BDS campaign has been heralded by critics and 
enemies of

[[Page H7186]]

Israel as a penalty for what they claim is Israel's oppression of the 
Palestine people. Nothing could be further from the truth.
  These critics and enemies of Israel are, in reality, simply adding 
the BDS campaign to their arsenal of weapons to try and isolate, 
weaken, delegitimize, and, ultimately, destroy the State of Israel, as 
they have for decades.
  For over 70 years, Israelis have faced repeated terrorism, bombs 
detonated on public buses, in cafes, and at religious observances. This 
terrorism has been beaten back by a nation simply trying to defend 
itself and persevere under withering attacks.
  So now Israel's enemies have adopted a new strategy. BDS is an anti-
Semitic movement, plain and simple.
  The founder of BDS, Omar Barghouti, said it very clearly: `` . . . we 
oppose a Jewish state in any part of Palestine. No Palestinian . . . 
will ever accept a Jewish state.''
  The goals of BDS are clear. Just read their words.
  Israel shall not and cannot yield. And we in the United States must 
stand with our ally that shares our values and has also worked with us.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge strong bipartisan support of this bill.
  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Suozzi just pointed out one quote. Earlier, we heard another 
quote from the BDS founder. I will share one more. He also stated--and 
this is the founder of the BDS movement: ``Many of the methods of 
collective and individual `punishment' meted out to Palestinian 
civilians at the hands of young, racist, often sadistic and ever 
impervious Israeli soldiers . . . are reminiscent of the common Nazi 
practices against the Jews.''

  The list goes on and on. As people out there are listening to this 
debate, becoming familiar with what the BDS movement is, just 
understand and take heed of the words from the BDS movement founder, 
Omar Barghouti.
  Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from 
New Jersey (Mr. Gottheimer).
  Mr. GOTTHEIMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this 
bipartisan solution opposing the boycott of Israel and supporting a 
two-state solution.
  I want to thank Chairman Engel for his excellent leadership on this 
important issue and Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer for 
bringing this resolution to the floor.
  With this bill and 349 cosponsors, it is very clear that Members of 
both parties support our vital ally, Israel, the leading democracy in 
the Middle East, because our countries share common interests and 
fundamental values, and Israel's security is key to America's 
security--to fighting Hezbollah, Hamas, PIJ, and global terror.
  However, the Global Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions, BDS, Movement 
seeks to delegitimize Israel and deny its right to exist as a Jewish 
state.
  As Mr. Suozzi, my colleague, just so aptly read, the founder of BDS, 
Omar Barghouti, said it very clearly: ``Definitely, most definitely, we 
oppose a Jewish state in any part of Palestine. No Palestinian, 
rational Palestinian, not a sell-out Palestinian, will ever accept a 
Jewish state.''
  That exactly captures what we are fighting here today. There are few 
clearer examples of bias and double standards than the BDS movement. No 
other democratic country faces a global boycott.
  But BDS is also fundamentally incompatible with a two-state solution, 
which I strongly support. BDS seeks to punish only Israel, and it 
rejects direct negotiations in favor of unilateral strategy. That is 
why it is so important that Congress goes on record opposing BDS and 
other harmful efforts to single out and delegitimize Israel.
  Standing up for the U.S.-Israel relationship should not be a partisan 
issue. That is why the members of the Problem Solvers Caucus are proud 
to support this resolution.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The time of the gentleman has expired.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the 
gentleman from New Jersey.

                              {time}  1600

  Mr. GOTTHEIMER. This resolution was introduced by our colleague 
Congressman Brad Schneider, along with Congressman Lee Zeldin, Chairman 
Jerry Nadler, and Congresswoman Ann Wagner.
  They have all done an excellent job. Nothing in this resolution would 
prevent anyone, in any way, from being able to engage in free speech. 
That is not what this is about, and we must not allow false attacks on 
Israel.
  Mr. Speaker, today, we must continue to make sure that confronting 
biased anti-Semitism and supporting a two-state solution remain 
bipartisan priorities.
  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  BDS supporters also claim that the BDS movement is nonviolent. The 
BDS movement does not distance itself from Hamas, a designated Foreign 
Terrorist Organization. BDS supporters, individually, are not 
distancing themselves from Hamas either. Instead, their criticism is 
focused on attacking Israel and, in many cases, the Jewish people 
specifically.
  Two Fridays ago, Fathi Hammad, a senior Hamas official, called upon 
Palestinians worldwide: ``Our brothers'' in the diaspora ``are still 
preparing. They are trying to prepare. They are warming up. A long time 
has passed with them warming up. All of you 7 million Palestinians 
abroad, enough of the warming up. You have Jews everywhere, and we must 
attack every Jew on the globe by way of slaughter and killing, if God 
permits. Enough of the warming up.''
  Where are all the supporters of BDS condemning these remarks? This is 
two Fridays ago, calling for the murder of every Jew in the world.
  During a closed meeting in October 2017 between Hamas chief Sinwar 
and Gazan youth about reconciling with the Fatah movement, Sinwar 
stated that the time spent discussing recognition of Israel is over and 
that now Hamas will, instead, discuss when they will wipe out Israel.
  Hamas uses women and children as human shields. They deny 
humanitarian aid to their own people. They incite violence. They have 
launched rockets into Israel, killing innocent civilians. They have 
declared that jihad is an obligation. That list goes on.
  The Palestinian Authority, not only do they incite violence, but they 
financially reward terror, by policy. If you kill an Israeli or an 
American, you get called a martyr. You will have streets and football 
stadiums renamed after you. You and your family will get paid money.
  There are existential threats all around Israel. To the north, with 
Hezbollah, another designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, they have 
built terror tunnels. They have amassed tens of thousands of rockets on 
the border between Lebanon and Israel.
  Every year, Hamas mobilizes Palestinians in their Days of Rage to 
attack Israelis at the border, calling on people to throw rocks and 
fire missiles at Israel, which often result in actual violence, 
including death, targeting innocent civilians.
  This past May, Hamas fired approximately 700 rockets into Israel, 
killing innocent civilians. Hamas has used incendiary kites and 
balloons, which have destroyed some 8,000 acres of Israeli farms, 
parks, and forests.
  Earlier this year, Hamas carried out the Salift operation, sending 
out operatives to murder Israelis, including Rabbi Achiad Ettinger, a 
father of 12.
  Where are all the BDS supporters in the United States, on college 
campuses, people who are involved in American politics, those who are 
at the United Nations, those who are abroad? Where is their voice right 
now? If everything that they say about their cause is legitimate and 
reasonable, that their concern is one that the entire world should be 
taking heed of and caution to, where is their voice condemning all the 
actual violence right now of Palestinian terrorists murdering innocent 
Israelis and, in some cases, Americans?
  Taylor Force--the Taylor Force Act that this Chamber passed and was 
signed into law--he was a United States Military Academy graduate, an 
Army veteran, a United States Army veteran, who was killed. The PA pays 
those terrorists and their families to commit those terrorist acts.
  We are here in this Chamber to call that out for exactly what it is, 
in bipartisan fashion.
  I appreciate Chairman Engel's work at the Foreign Affairs Committee. 
I see

[[Page H7187]]

Chairman Deutch is still here, along with many other voices around this 
Capitol who believe strongly in this effort on the other side of the 
aisle. We need to work together to combat the BDS movement. This is an 
important next step.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time for the 
purpose of closing.
  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gentleman from New York (Mr. Zeldin) has 
7 minutes remaining. The gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) has 4\1/2\ 
minutes remaining.
  Mr. ZELDIN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, with regard to the BDS movement, the supporters make 
territorial claims as it relates to Gaza, Judea and Samaria, the West 
Bank.
  Let's clear up the record a little more on that. Judea and Samaria, 
often referred to as the West Bank, contain disputed territory, not 
occupied territory. Israel ended up with this territory after it was 
attacked, before there was even a Palestinian Authority. Time and 
again, the PA has rejected peace proposals because they refuse, 
publicly and privately, to accept a Jewish state in Israel. That is on 
them. In 2008, Israel offered to withdraw from 93 percent from Judea 
and Samaria.
  As for Gaza, Hamas, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, they 
are in charge. There is no Israeli occupation there. This small strip 
of land is packed out with 1.7 million people living in sub-Third World 
country conditions because of Hamas. As was pointed out earlier, Hamas 
refuses humanitarian aid, uses women and children as human shields, 
calls jihad as an obligation, and murders innocent civilians.

  One of the most important reasons we are here today is not only 
making a strong statement in opposition to the BDS movement but also to 
refute all the lies that are being told out there.
  People will speak up to try to justify the hate that is filling the 
ranks of the BDS movement, and they will never tell you the other 100 
percent of the story. This Chamber today comes together, Republicans 
and Democrats, both sides of the aisle, to make that powerful 
statement.
  There is a list of victims--we don't have enough time to go through 
it--of Palestinian violence and terrorism in 2019. Mr. Speaker, 1,355 
people have been killed by Palestinian violence and terrorism since 
September of 2000--1,355 people.
  Never will the BDS supporters take any opportunity to set the record 
straight on any of that, but we will here.
  I see that Brad Schneider is with us as well, the main author of the 
bill. This is a bipartisan effort that I am very proud to be part of 
today.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank all of my colleagues for speaking today, as well 
as Chris Smith and Minority Whip Scalise. This is something that we are 
very passionate about.
  We also believe that the strong statement that is going to be made 
here today with this vote is not the last step of this Chamber's 
speaking out. I really hope that we all can work together in a 
bipartisan fashion to figure out how to do something about it, to be 
able to pass legislation with teeth.
  Today is nothing short of progress, and it is something for all of us 
to be proud of around our country and around the world because it 
should be an American value to stand strong, shoulder to shoulder with 
our great ally, our greatest ally in the Middle East in Israel. It is a 
beacon of hope, freedom, liberty, and opportunity.
  Americans, in our day-to-day lives, don't even realize just how much 
we are using Israeli technology, American companies that have used 
Israeli technology. We probably have used it multiple times just today.
  You can't boycott Israel and, at the same exact time, spend your 
entire day using Israeli technology. You can't boycott Israel and 
travel to Israel.
  We are going to call out the hypocrisies that exist. Ultimately, as 
we flush this out, let's work together. This is about advocacy. It is 
also about education.
  When I came to Congress in 2015, honestly, there were a lot of 
Members of Congress that, if you asked them, ``Where do you stand on 
the BDS movement?'' their answer would have been, ``What is BDS?''
  Now, in 2019, here we are, July 2019, coming together. We know what 
BDS is: Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement. We know it is 
filled with anti-Israel hate. We know it is about delegitimizing 
Israel. We know that it is filled with anti-Semitism, from the founder 
of BDS to those in the name of BDS on college campuses from coast to 
coast.
  I plead with all of my colleagues, if we can all work together as we 
move past this great vote today, that we can next pass legislation that 
has teeth in it.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank, again, Brad Schneider, Jerry Nadler, Ann 
Wagner, the 350 cosponsors, and, hopefully, everyone today voting 
``yes.'' I thank lead Republican   Michael McCaul on the House Foreign 
Affairs Committee.
  This is a resolution for us all to be proud of. We should all vote 
``yes,'' tell all of our constituents about it, and redouble our 
efforts to do something about it right after that vote.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, as the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I am 
really heartened by the outpouring of support we have heard from both 
sides of the aisle involving the U.S.-Israel relationship and involving 
the unfair BDS movement against Israel.
  I thank all the people who have spoken in favor of this resolution--
the gentleman from New York (Mr. Zeldin) and others who have spoken--
because it shows that, when it comes to support for the U.S.-Israel 
relationship, there really is no difference between Democrats and 
Republicans.
  Israel should not be a political football. We support the U.S.-Israel 
relationship, and we know that BDS is very destructive, very unfair, 
very anti-Jewish, anti-Semitic, and should have no place in the public 
spectrum.
  I think that this Chamber is getting together. If we look at the 
numbers we bring to the floor today, they really speak for themselves. 
Almost 80 percent of the House of Representatives has cosponsored this 
resolution.
  There are Members not just from different sides of the aisle but from 
across the entire political spectrum, from one end to the other, 
supporting this resolution, saying the BDS movement is unfair, that the 
BDS movement singles out Israel, that the BDS movement is really 
supported by people who want to see the destruction of the world's only 
Jewish state, and that is not something that we can stand idly by and 
watch happen.
  I have never been prouder of this body--and I have been here for a 
while now--than I am tonight. I am proud of my colleagues on both sides 
of the aisle.
  Again, I think the reason why we have that kind of support is clear. 
Congress supports the U.S.-Israel relationship. We support a two-state 
solution. We support the rights enshrined in the First Amendment.
  We know that the global BDS movement threatens the possibility of 
future peace between Israelis and Palestinians. It is that simple.
  We know that the global BDS movement threatens what is fair. We know 
that the global BDS movement is really a fraud. It is a fraud. It is 
Israel-hating. It is Jew-hating.
  We have had enough of that in the world. Frankly, they should be 
ashamed of themselves.
  I would like to note that today's resolution is a very powerful 
rebuke of the global BDS movement, more powerful than any particular 
legislative proposal. What we are saying today, to those who want to 
see a peaceful end to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, is that the 
global BDS movement has no place here.
  Mr. Speaker, I am glad to support this measure. I urge all Members to 
do likewise. Again, I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. I 
have never seen Congress as united as it is on this resolution, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I support House Resolution 246, opposing the 
anti-Semitic Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions--or BDS--
movement and all efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel.

[[Page H7188]]

  It is important that we clearly state our opposition to the BDS 
movement, as this non-binding resolution with 349 cosponsors before us 
does. However, it is even more important that we take strong 
legislative actions to defend Israel.
  As hateful as this growing movement is, sadly, it is not new.
  Over 40 years ago, the Arab League began its boycott of Israel. In 
response to this boycott, Congress passed a law that makes it illegal 
to participate in foreign boycotts of U.S. allies.
  Today, the Global BDS movement seeks to pressure Israel by using 
Israel's participation in the global economy, in academic exchanges, 
and in cultural activities as leverage.
  For example, the BDS movement tries to pressure recording artists 
from performing in Israel.
  It tries to keep students from studying abroad in Israel. It tries to 
keep consumers from purchasing Israeli goods.
  Not only is the BDS movement antithetical to the values of openness 
and exchange shared by the United States, Israel, and free democracies 
all over the world, it is antithetical to peace.
  As threats to U.S. allies, including Israel, evolve over time, we 
must update our policies to effectively stand with our partners. In 
weakening Israel, the global BDS movement endangers the national 
security of the United States.
  I introduced a real legislative solution in January--H.R. 336, the 
Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act. This bill has 
direct policy implications by allowing state and local governments to 
adopt laws to divest public funds from entities that boycott Israel.
  Additionally, it would sanction the Assad regime and its backers for 
their malign activities, and strengthen our support for Israel and 
Jordan.
  While I support today's resolution, I regret that we are not 
considering H.R. 336 instead. The Senate companion to H.R. 336, S.1, 
was the first bill the Senate considered this Congress, demonstrating 
how urgent it was.
  It passed with robust bipartisan support.
  But, neither S.1, nor my House companion H. R. 336, have received 
consideration in this body.
  Standing up for Israel has never been a difficult decision for the 
United States Congress.
  It wasn't difficult for Senator Chuck Schumer when he voted in favor 
of S.1, and it wasn't difficult for over half of the Democrats and 
nearly all Republicans in the Senate when they too supported the bill.
  Just as we passed the original anti-boycott act 40 years ago, we must 
update our laws to protect our interests.
  When foreign entities foster boycotts against Israel in the United 
States, they are interfering in U.S. policy, and it is appropriate for 
our government to respond.
  We take a first step today by publicly acknowledging BDS is dangerous 
and antiSemitic; but tomorrow we must take real actions--and advance 
the real policies in my bill--to protect Israel and combat the BDS 
movement.
  I want to thank Mr. Schneider, Mr. Zeldin, Ms. Wagner, Mr. Nadler, 
Chairman Engel and the Foreign Affairs Committee Membership for their 
bipartisan work to counter this threat to our friend and ally Israel.
  I sincerely hope all Members vote in favor of this resolution that 
shows our solidarity with our friend and ally Israel, and hope we can 
vote on my bill this week.
  Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, peaceful dissent and the protesting of 
injustice are the right of all Americans guaranteed by the 
Constitution. It is called freedom of speech. H. Res. 246 renounces the 
peaceful promotion of human rights, self-determination, and justice on 
behalf of Palestinian people living under Israeli military occupation. 
At the same time, this resolution completely ignores the Netanyahu 
government's brutality, dehumanization, and subjugation of Palestinian 
people at the root of this peaceful movement.
  The State of Israel is a sovereign nation, an ally of the United 
States, and a military power that occupies Palestinian lands for the 
benefit of Jewish settlers. H. Res. 246 originally claimed that the use 
of voluntary boycotts, divestment, and sanctions ``undermines the 
possibility of a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian 
conflict.'' I am pleased that this language has been removed.
  I am also very pleased that resolving clause 3 was added to affirm 
the Constitutional right of U.S. citizens to free speech, including 
``the right to protest or criticize the policies of the United States 
or a foreign government.''
  Israel cannot be delegitimized by any outside movement, it is a 
nation-state that is selfgoverned and makes its own laws, its own 
policies. Sadly, and I say sadly because I want peace and security for 
the Israeli people, it is the actions of the Netanyahu government that 
delegitimizes Israel's standing in the world community.
  Today's Washington Post ran a headline: ``Israeli demolition of 
Palestinian homes provokes outcry.'' Is this the action of a nation 
seeking peaceful negotiations? Is the annexation of Palestinian lands 
or the military detention and torture of Palestinian children an effort 
to seek a negotiated peace agreement?
  Under Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israel is engaged in a systemic, 
violent, and repressive strategy to annex Palestinian lands and 
permanently displace the Palestinian population, not seek a negotiated 
peace or a two-state solution. Shamefully, the President of the United 
States and the U.S. ambassador to Israel are enabling this effort in a 
reversal of decades of bipartisan U.S. foreign policy.
  Actions by Congress, like passing H. Res. 246, which ignore reality 
and effectively supports military occupation, violations of 
international humanitarian law, and the subjugation of the Palestinian 
population, does not strengthen Israel, but it does damage the standing 
of the U.S. House in the eyes of the world.
  It is time for Congress to exercise real American leadership that is 
based on our values and the belief that Israel deserves peace and 
security, and at the same time the Palestinian people deserve justice, 
equality, and an end to Israeli repression and occupation. H. Res. 246 
offers nothing but the perpetuation of the status quo, repression, and 
conflict.
  I am voting to oppose H. Res. 246.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from New York (Mr. Engel) that the House suspend the rules 
and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 246, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further 
proceedings on this motion will be postponed.

                          ____________________