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Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) welcomed the House passage of the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act of 2019 (S.238, H.R. 221), a bipartisan and bicameral bill that would enhance the State Department’s role in combating and monitoring anti-Semitism around the world. The bill now heads to the President’s desk for signature into law.

Senators Rubio and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) were joined by Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Bob Menendez (D-NJ), Cory Gardner (R-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in introducing the bill. U.S. Representatives Chris Smith (R-NJ) and Eliot Engel (D-NY) introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives.

“Following the Senate’s passage of this much-needed legislation, I applaud the House for passing this bipartisan and bicameral bill,” Rubio said. “Through this effort, Congress is ensuring that the U.S. Department of State has the ability to lead in combating anti-semitism in all of its dangerous forms. We must remain committed to fighting anti-Semitism both at home and abroad.” 

• 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; and

• 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.

Related:

• January 28, 2019: Rubio, Gillibrand Re-Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Enhancing State Dept Role in Combating Anti-Semitism

• June 7, 2017: Rubio, Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan Legislation Enhancing State Dept Role in Combatting Anti-Semitism