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I appreciate the question. My official statement's online but twitter gives me a chance to break down where I landed.
I grew up on my mother's hip at organizing meetings. I would not be here today without the concerted protests and sacrifice of generations who fought for civil rights and liberation. I'm a proud co-sponsor of Rep Omar & Rep Lewis's HRes 496 because of that fundamental belief.
There are a lot of anti-BDS bills out there that infringe on 1st amendment rights at the state and federal level. In my view, HRes 246 wasn't one of them.
What I heard resounding in community was that voting yes on this resolution affirmed to my constituents raised in the Jewish faith Israel's right to exist, a view I share as a supporter of a two state solution.
Like Congressman John Lewis, I believe that I can hold these strong views without opposition. Protest is sacred and activism is critical.
If S.1 were to come to the House floor, I would vote NO. We can call out and question the tactics of a movement but we should never question or marginalize the lived experiences and voices of those who call out for civil rights & liberties, including the Palestinian people.
This resolution does not mitigate the pain and trauma of the Palestinian people and as with my co-sponsorship of the McCollum bill I will cont to be a strident voice critiquing conservative Israeli policies. Dissent is patriotic here and w our allies
We each take these votes alone but aim to represent the districts we serve. My position is similar to that of Rep Khanna, Sen Warren and Sen Sanders. But I speak only for myself when I share my deliberative process here. This was not an easy vote.
In my early months in Congress it has been clear rushing votes to the floor entrenches the status quo and hamstrings our ability to talk about nuanced issues. I made clear with leadership this bill never should have been fast tracked. It was in my view reckless for many reasons.
I remain your steadfast partner in the MA 7th even when we may share different views on a vote or an issue. Let this moment be a catalyst for continued honest dialogue on issues of consequence for all of us.
