WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 27, 2017)–Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement today after cosponsoring the “Combating Anti-Semitism Act,” which ensures that people who threaten religious centers with violence are prosecuted for committing a hate crime. This legislation is in direct response to the rise of bomb threats and violence targeted at Jewish Community Centers across the nation.

“In light of the recent string of threats, vandalism, and hate crimes at Jewish Community Centers and cemeteries across the country, I am reaffirming to our Jewish communities that we stand strong with them. In Spokane, we’ve seen a rise in hate-related incidents, and in Mercer Island, a bomb threat was directed at the Stroum Jewish Community Center. In America, we have a moral imperative to ensure that no matter your background, religion, or walk of life, you are safe and free to worship whatever religion you choose without fear. We’re united under one flag, and one Constitution that guarantees life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and the ‘Combating Anti-Semitism Act’ reaffirms this.”

The Congresswoman’s remarks as prepared for delivery:

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to make it very clear: The People’s House stands strong against prejudice.

Since January, we’ve seen a disturbing rise of bomb threats and violence targeted at Jewish Community Centers all over the country

Including the Stroum Jewish Community Center in Mercer Island, Washington.

Our nation is better than this!

Today, I’m joining one of the strongest leaders I know on this issue — Representative David Kustoff– in introducing the “Combating Anti-Semitism Act.”

This bill is a direct response to the bad actors who are terrorizing our neighbors and friends.

If you threaten someone because of who, or how, they worship …this bill ensures you’ll be prosecuted for committing a hate crime.

No matter your background, your religion, or your walk of life, you should be safe and free to worship without fear in this country.

With this bill, we’re supporting our Jewish Communities all across the country, and I am proud to give my full support.

In response to the recent acts of hate around Spokane and a disparaging Guardian article, the Congresswoman released this video today sharing her thoughts on why Eastern Washington is a great place to live, saying “No matter where you go in the world, whenever you meet someone from Eastern Washington, you know you’ve met a kindred spirit.”

 

 

NOTE: Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers has been actively working with the Spokane NAACP and community leaders to push back against the recent racist and hateful acts occurring around Spokane. In January and February, the Congresswoman participated in the Spokane NAACP’s “Peaceful Communities Roundtable” discussion and penned an op-ed in TIME about unity.

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