This week, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., called on the U.S. State Department to do more to battle anti-Semitism across the globe.
Noting that Sunday was International Holocaust Remembrance Day, on Monday, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., teamed up with U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY, to bring back the “Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act” which would “enhance the State Department’s role in combating and monitoring anti-Semitism around the world.”
The two senators reeled in the support of Republican U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner of Colorado and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and Democrat U.S. Sens. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, Jacky Rosen of Nevada and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.
“Anti-Semitism has been on the rise globally at an alarming rate. We must do everything to combat this evil in all its forms and wherever we see it,” said Rubio. “I’m proud to re-introduce this bipartisan legislation which will ensure the United States remains a leader in combating anti-Semitism internationally.”
“Seventy-four years after the liberation of Auschwitz, anti-Semitism continues to haunt communities around the world. The United States must do everything in its power to fight back against this growing threat,” said Gillibrand. “I am proud to reintroduce this bipartisan bill to ensure that the State Department is able to monitor and help stop anti-Semitism around the world, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. This is a necessary and urgent fight. We must always fight back against anti-Semitism in all of its forms, no matter where in the world it occurs.”
According to Rubio’s office, the bill would “elevate the position of special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism to the rank of ambassador; direct the special envoy to report directly to the secretary of state; prohibit the special envoy from being double-hatted with another portfolio of issues; emphasize that the special envoy should be a person of recognized distinction in the field of combating anti-Semitism or religious freedom; clarify that the special envoy shall be the primary advisor and coordinator for U.S. government efforts to monitor and combat anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic incitement in foreign countries.”
Over in the U.S. House, the proposal is being championed by U.S. Rep. Eliot Engel, D-NY, and U.S. Rep. Chris Smith, R-NJ.
Kevin Derby can be reached at Kevin.Derby@floridadaily.com.
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