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The world is a dangerous place to live; not because of the people who are evil,    but because of the people who don't do anything about it

Occupation magazine - Related Issues Home page  back Print  Send To friend US Democrats split about "anti-BDS bill" The Senate GOP`s First Bill of the New Congress Is Dividing Democrats Over Israel Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky. arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, as the 116th Congress begins on Jan. 3, 2019. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky. arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, as the 116th Congress begins on Jan. 3, 2019. Andrew Harnik—AP By Lisa Mascaro / AP 1:55 AM EST (WASHINGTON) — Senate Republicans’ first bill of the new Congress aims to insert the legislative branch into President Donald Trump’s Middle East policy — but also tries to drive a wedge between centrist and liberal Democrats over attitudes toward Israel. The bipartisan package backed by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R- Ky., had initially drawn widespread support ahead of Tuesday’s vote. It includes measures supporting Israel and Jor the addition of dan and slapping sanctions on Syrians involved in war crimes. But “Combatting BDS Act,” which seeks to counter the global Boycott, Divest and Sanctions movement against Israel over its treatment of Palestinians and the settlements. For now, the package will almost certainly stall. The bill comes amid the partial government shutdown, and Democrats say they will block it until government is reopened. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer will oppose proceeding to the legislation, according to a senior aide who was unauthorized to speak publicly about the vote and spoke on condition of anonymity. Other Democratic senators who also support the bills will likely follow suit. The Brief Newsletter Sign up to receive the top stories you need to know right now. View Sample Sign Up Now Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., tweeted that the Senate “should not take up any bills unrelated to reopening the government” until the shutdown is resolved. But Republicans see an opening to focus on newly elected House Democrats, including the country’s first Palestinian American woman in Congress, Michigan Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who has spoken about the rights of Americans to support the BDS issue. “This is the U.S. where boycotting is a right & part of our historical fight for freedom & equality,” Tlaib said in a weekend tweet. “Maybe a refresher on our U.S. Constitution is in order, then get back to opening up our government instead of taking our rights away.” Israel sees a growing threat from the BDS movement, which has led to increased boycotts of the Jewish state in support of the Palestinians. A Woodstock-style concert was canceled and some companies stopped offering services in the West Bank settlements. That has led to a “boycott of the boycotts” as Israel pushes back against those aligned with BDS. In support of Israel, Rubio’s bills Opponents say Rubio’s measure infringes on free speech. Democrats must block consideration of any bills that don’t reopen the government. Let’s get our priorities right.” But Rubio’s office says the bill allows the governments “to counter economic warfare against Israel.” Both sides are squaring off ahead of Tuesday’s votes. A coalition of civil liberties and liberal Jewish groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union and J Street, is working to defeat the legislation, while the influential pro- Israel AIPAC supports it. “Any contention that the bill infringes upon First Amendment rights is simply wrong,” said AIPAC’s Marshall Wittman by email. “It ensures Israel has the means necessary to defend itself-by itself-against growing threats and helps protect the right of states to counter boycotts against Israel.” J Street’s President Jeremy Ben-Ami said in a statement: “While millions of Americans suffer from the effects of the ongoing government shutdown, it’s outrageous that Senate Republican leaders are prioritizing legislation that tramples on the First Amendment and advances the interests of the Israeli settlement movement. Not a single Democrat should vote to enable this farce.” Republicans hold a slim majority in the Senate and would need Democratic votes to advance the measure over the 60-vote threshold. Links to the latest articles in this section Poll: Many Democrats want more US support for Palestinians Coalition scrambles for way to extend ban on Palestinian family reunification Families belong together!