Schakowsky Statement on H.R.6090

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement after voting against H.R.6090:

"As a proud Jewish Member of Congress representing a large and diverse Jewish community, I take very seriously the widespread and growing threat of antisemitism, particularly following the October 7th terrorist attacks on Israel. I strongly condemn Hamas's brutal attacks and recognize the urgent need to address the rising antisemitic incidents against Jewish communities both in the U.S. and abroad.

"Unfortunately, H.R. 6090, the Antisemitism Awareness Act, does absolutely nothing to counter antisemitism and is another Republican attempt to pit the Jewish community and Democrats against each other. This problematic bill would codify the overly broad International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism and chill free speech - including legitimate criticism of the Israeli government. Enshrining this working definition into law would do more harm than good, and IHRA's own documentation states that it is intended to be non-legally binding guidance for education and training purposes only. I have long held that we should not codify any definition of "antisemitism" and should instead consult multiple definitions and examples when we carry out this important work - just as we have not codified a formal definition of racism, sexism, or other forms of discrimination. The Jewish community itself has yet to reach a consensus on the definition of antisemitism or what constitutes antisemitic speech, and it is inappropriate for Congress to step in.

"Instead of arguing about definitions and pitting the Jewish community against itself, Republicans must join us to fully fund and implement the Biden Administration's first ever, whole-of-government U.S. National Strategy to Counter Antisemitism. That is why I am pushing House and Senate leadership to vote on the Countering Antisemitism Act and other measures that will help implement the National Strategy. The Countering Antisemitism Act takes concrete and proactive steps to combat antisemitism by establishing a National Coordinator to Counter Antisemitism within the Executive Office of the President as well as an Interagency Task Force to Counter Antisemitism. It includes strong reporting requirements, annual threat assessments, studies, and will specifically target the spread of Holocaust denial and antisemitism online. I will also continue working to increase funding for our federal agencies to enforce Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and other laws that protect our students from discrimination, harassment, and abuse based on their Jewish ancestry or ethnic characteristics.

"I will never stop fighting to end antisemitism. Together, we can build a safer and more accepting world for all."

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