Problem Solvers Caucus Applauds Schneider on the Passage of Bipartisan Resolution Opposing Global BDS Movement and Supporting Two-State Solution

WASHINGTON – Today, Members of the Problem Solvers Caucus praised the passage of the Caucus-endorsed H. Res. 246, a bipartisan resolution opposing the Global Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement targeting Israel.

The Caucus’ endorsement, spearheaded by Congressmen Brad Schneider (IL-10) and Steve Watkins (KS-02), united Democratic and Republican Caucus members behind the effort to denounce the boycott of Israel, and support a two-state solution, providing this bipartisan resolution with more momentum for today’s vote on the House Floor.

The BDS movement attempts to use economic tools to pressure Israel by boycotting Israeli goods and services and punishing individuals and companies who do business with the Jewish state. The anti-BDS resolution, which had 346 cosponsors when it was brought to the floor today, passed the House with significantly more cosponsors than nearly any other bill currently being considered in Congress.

“There are few clearer examples of bias and double standards than BDS movement. But BDS is also fundamentally incompatible with a two-state solution. It seeks to punish only Israel and it rejects direct negotiations in favor of a unilateral strategy. That is why it is so important that Congress is on record opposing BDS and other harmful efforts to single out and delegitimize Israel,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer, Co-Chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus.

“Israel is an unwavering ally of the United States and one of our most important strategic partners around the globe. I am proud of our Problem Solvers Caucus members who have to stood up to ensure Jewish people are treated fairly and spoken out to show we care about this great nation,” said Congressman and other Co-Chair of the Caucus, Tom Reed.

Other members of the Problem Solvers Caucus spoke about their support for the resolution as well.

“This resolution makes clear that Congress continues to support preserving a path to a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with two peoples living side-by-side in peace, security and prosperity. Towards that end, we also oppose the Global BDS Movement, which seeks to delegitimize the state of Israel by denying the Jewish people’s claim to a homeland. I appreciate the support of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus for this resolution and stand with my colleagues against efforts to push further out of reach a two-state solution and peace for both Israel and the Palestinians,” said Congressman Brad Schneider, who introduced the resolution.

“Republicans and Democrats can both agree that any efforts to delegitimize the state of Israel must be condemned. I am proud to join members of the Problem Solvers Caucus in strongly supporting this resolution to express our shared support for Israel and opposition to the deeply misguided BDS movement,” said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick.

“The Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions campaign has been heralded by the critics and enemies of Israel as a penalty for what they claim is Israel’s oppression of the Palestinian people. Nothing could be further from the truth! BDS is an anti-Semitic movement, plain and simple. Israel shall not and cannot yield. We, in the United States must stand with our ally, an ally that shares our values and always stands with us,” Congressman Tom Suozzi said.

“The BDS movement demonizes Israel and Jews and 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 terrorist acts upon Israeli citizens,” said Congressman Chris Smith a human rights leader in the Congress and co-chair of Bipartisan Task Force on Combatting Anti-Semitism. “The overwhelming vote in favor of the House resolution to reject the BDS movement and its efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel, underscores America’s strong support for Israel as a key ally and our commitment to Israel’s right to exist.”

“The BDS movement is an overt attempt to isolate and weaken our ally, and should be directly and vigorously opposed,” said Congressman Jim Costa. “Attacking the economic and cultural stability of Israel does nothing to improve the well-being of the Palestinian people and is counterproductive to achieving a peaceful solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I am pleased the House voted today to support our ally and limit barriers to peace in the Middle East.”

“Israel is our best ally and the only democracy in the Middle East. The anti-Semitic BDS movement would only isolate Israel politically, economically, and culturally,” said Congressman Don Bacon. “I am thankful that the Problem Solvers Caucus could lead the way in showing our support for Israel and our condemnation for this harmful legislation. We don’t want our tax dollars to go to organizations that seek to weaken our friends in Israel.”

“The BDS movement delegitimizes the state of Israel and pushes peace further out of reach. I am proud that both sides of the aisle voted to reaffirm Congress’ strong support of a two-state solution by passing this bipartisan anti-BDS resolution,” said Congressman Joe Cunningham.

Congressman Anthony Brindisi said, “I’ve been at this fight since I was in the NYS Assembly when I supported legislation directing New York State to divest all public funds that support the BDS campaign against Israel. The BDS movement does not further the cause of peace, and it does not recognize the legitimacy of a secure Israel. I am proud to work with Democrats and Republicans to help pass this resolution.”

“I’m proud to be part of a Congress that stood by our ally Israel and opposed the BDS movement in a bipartisan way,” Congresswoman Elaine Luria said. “I support a peaceful path toward a two-state solution and oppose all efforts to delegitimize Israel.”

“As one of our strongest global allies, and only ally in the region, we must support Israel’s right to defend itself against efforts to delegitimize their right to exist, which is exactly what the BDS movement does,” said Congresswoman Susie Lee. “The United States must continue advocating for a two-state solution, which is the best and only way to peacefully resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. However, the global BDS movement will essentially kill the path toward achieving that goal, which is why it’s so important that Congress came together today to pass this resolution.”

“The United States and Israel have an unbreakable bond rooted in shared values and interests. Anti-Semitic efforts to delegitimize Israel’s very existence, like the BDS movement, must be strongly condemned and put to an end. That is why I am proud to stand with the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus in support of this resolution which denounces this hateful movement,” said Congressman Lloyd Smucker (R-PA).

“I am very pleased that members of the Problem Solvers Caucus are committed to fighting against the BDS movement and oppose efforts to delegitimize the state of Israel. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated and I commend the House for acting in an overwhelmingly bipartisan manner by passing a resolution to denounce this movement,” said Congressman Dan Meuser (R-PA).

Congressman Bill Johnson said, “This resolution defends our greatest ally in the Middle East and fights back against the anti-Semitic BDS movement. Some of our far-left colleagues might support destroying Israel through discriminatory economic warfare, but the vast majority of the House – both Republicans and Democrats – do not.”

“For too long Congress has stood idly by as anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiment has been on the rise. I applaud my Problem Solvers Caucus colleagues in joining me in fully opposing the misguided and anti-Semitic BDS movement. Any effort to delegitimize Israel must be met with swift condemnation from the United States. Israel is, and always will be, a strong ally of the United States,” said Congressman Steve Watkins.

“There is no place for anti-Semitism or any similar hatred in our society,” said Congressman Dave Joyce. “Sadly, anti-Semitism has been allowed to live on in our global economy in the form of the BDS movement. This thinly-veiled act of anti-Semitism cannot be tolerated. I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting this resolution, standing with Israel and condemning anti-Semitism in all its forms.”

“I am and always will be a strong supporter of Israel as they are our closest ally in the Middle East. I wholeheartedly support this resolution condemning the anti-Semitic BDS movement and am pleased to see its passage out of the House because attempts to delegitimize Israel are both wrong and detrimental to future peace negotiations,” said Congressman Pete Stauber.

Congressman Dean Phillips said, “It is important that Israel exists as a Jewish state, and that the conflict in the region is resolved with a negotiated two-state solution with Israelis and Palestinians living side-by-side in peace, security and mutual recognition. We must also work hard to eradicate anti-Semitism and hatred in all its forms. This resolution expressing the opposition of Congress to the BDS movement is an important step as we continue to work toward all these goals, and it was important to support it.”

“The BDS movement seeks to not only delegitimize the State of Israel, but also push an anti-semitic narrative that runs contrary to our values,” said Congressman Mike Gallagher. “I’m glad that the movement’s message was met with overwhelmingly bipartisan condemnation in the House, and hope Congress will continue to advance legislation that demonstrates our support for Israel.”

“As we pursue the U.S. foreign policy goal of a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, we need policies that support a peaceful coexistence,” said Congressman Dan Lipinski. “H. Res. 246 reaffirms Congress’ support for a two-state solution while at the same time making it clear that we do not support BDS or any other efforts that attempt to unfairly discredit our strong democratic ally Israel.”

“The BDS Movement undermines our long-sought effort to achieve peace through a two-state solution,” said Congressman Salud Carbajal. “I’m glad that the House was able to come together in a bipartisan way to further promote the peace process, and I’m proud that our caucus played a large role in ensuring this resolution’s passage.”

“I was proud to be a cosponsor of this bipartisan bill to denounce the anti-Israel BDS movement that seeks to undermine and delegitimize the state of Israel. The United States stands with Israel and against anti-Semitism of any kind, and this vote made that clear here at home and the rest of the world,” said Congressman Anthony Gonzalez.

The Problem Solvers Caucus is a bipartisan group in Congress comprising 48 members – equally divided between Democrats and Republicans – who are committed to forging bipartisan cooperation on key issues. It is co-chaired by Congressman Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY).

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