Schakowsky, Kuster Introduce Resolution in Support of Pro-Democracy Movement in Israel
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Annie Kuster (NH-02) introduced a concurrent resolution supporting Israeli democracy and opposing any actions that undermine Israel’s future as a Jewish, democratic state.
This week’s vote by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s extremist coalition to strip the judiciary’s check over the government’s decisions and appointments – after months of unprecedented public protest – represents a huge blow to Israeli democracy. With additional anti-democratic reforms in the pipeline, this resolution sends the message that the United States Congress supports protestors in Israel demanding their voices be heard and that Israel’s democratic institutions be protected.
“"The Netanyahu government’s anti-democratic agenda not only threatens Israel’s standing in the world, but also the very core of the special relationship between the United States and Israel," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. "I hope this resolution serves as a warning to the Netanyahu government to reverse course, and as a beacon of hope for the millions of Israelis protesting to save the foundation and future of their nation."
“Like many Israelis and Americans, I am alarmed by the Israeli government's passage of the ‘reasonableness law,’” said Congresswoman Annie Kuster. "This law limits the Supreme Court of Israel’s ability to serve as a check on the nation’s legislative and executive branches. The current Israeli government's attempts to weaken the Supreme Court pose a critical threat to Israel’s democratic institutions, which are the foundation of the relationship between our two countries. I am proud to join this resolution to send a clear message that the United States Congress stands for democracy in Israel.”
In addition to Schakowsky and Kuster, the resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Jerry Nadler (NY-12), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), Anna Eshoo (CA-16), Dan Goldman (NY-10), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Mark Takano (CA-39), and Susan Wild (PA-07).
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