Press Releases

House Republicans Fail to Address Growing Antisemitism on College Campuses

“Combating rising antisemitism requires serious action – not performative, non-binding resolutions that attempt to score cheap political points off of the clear and present threats to Jewish Americans.”

Washington, D.C - Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) released the following statement on today’s vote on H.Res 927: 

“I am gravely concerned about increasing antisemitism in the United States. The Director of the FBI has stated that antisemitism in this country is reaching historic levels. The antisemitism that has existed just below the surface in our nation has now been unmasked. Its aim is dehumanization, and it’s both ugly and dangerous. We must be serious about combating it.

“Today’s resolution, authored by someone who has promoted the overtly antisemitic Great Replacement Theory, does nothing to help Jewish students facing antisemitism. Combating rising antisemitism requires serious action – not performative, non-binding resolutions that attempt to score cheap political points off of the clear and present threats to Jewish Americans. Acts of antisemitism we’ve seen in recent weeks are deeply concerning. What our communities need is real action and a concrete plan to keep students and Jewish communities everywhere safe. 

“It should be abundantly clear that calling for the genocide of any people is harassment and has no place on college campuses or anywhere. My grandfather was murdered in the Holocaust and I grew up with the understanding of how fragile our democracy can be, how dangerous our rhetoric can be. When we don’t stand clearly and unequivocally against hate, we risk real violence. 

“I will continue to work tirelessly to ensure we are effectively fighting back against antisemitism, Islamophobia, and bigotry in any form.”

In the 118th Congress, Rep. Balint has consistently condemned antisemitism both in her votes on the House Floor, in her co-sponsorships and throughout her career as a Vermont state legislator. 

Rep. Balint voted to pass: 

H.Res. 382 - Condemning the rise of antisemitism and calling on elected officials to identify and educate others on the contributions of the Jewish American community. 

H.Res. 798 - Condemning the support of Hamas, Hezbollah, and other terrorist organizations at institutions of higher education, which may lead to the creation of a hostile environment for Jewish students, faculty, and staff.

Rep. Balint is a co-sponsor of: 

H.R. 603 - Holocaust Education and Antisemitism Lessons (HEAL) Act - The HEAL Act directs the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum to conduct a study on Holocaust education efforts in public schools nationwide. The study would document where the curriculum is optional or not offered.

H.Res. 839 - Condemning antisemitism at institutions of higher education in the United States and encouraging college and university leaders, administrators, and faculty to speak out against antisemitism.

H.Res. 907 - To condemn the rise in antisemitism, call on all Americans to combat antisemitism in the United States, and implement aspects of the U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism.

H.R. 4172 - To establish a United States Commission on Hate Crimes to study and make recommendations on the prevention of the commission of hate crimes, and for other purposes.