Floor SpeechBipartisan2026-05-19

RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH AND CALLING ON ELECTED OFFICIALS AND CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS TO COUNTER ANTISEMITISM

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On 2026-05-19, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH AND CALLING ON ELECTED OFFICIALS AND CIVIL SOCIETY LEADER" in the Senate.

Full Text

RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH AND CALLING ON ELECTED OFFICIALS AND CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS TO COUNTER ANTISEMITISM

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S2350-S2351] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH AND CALLING ON ELECTED OFFICIALS AND CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS TO COUNTER ANTISEMITISM Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Madam President, I rise today to honor an important community in our country that has done so much for our country--Jewish Americans. America as we know it would not exist without the contributions of Jewish Americans. From Jewish service men and women who have served in every conflict since the Revolutionary War to great minds like Albert Einstein, who helped us to understand the world we live in, their contributions helped to build this Nation. This includes Gertrude Elion, who helped to develop groundbreaking drugs for leukemia and other lifesaving treatments, and Sergey Brin, the cofounder of Google. The success of our Nation is intertwined with the achievements of Jewish Americans. We can never walk away from our Jewish fellow citizens. I am more committed to this relationship than ever before. I am glad we finally have a President who shares that commitment. President Trump has been the most pro-Israel President we have ever had. He moved the American Embassy to Jerusalem. He appointed the most pro-Israel Cabinet ever assembled, and he is committed to defending Israel, combating terrorism, and protecting Jewish citizens. But still, unfortunately, we have seen a rise in anti-Semitism and in anti-Israel hate since the October 7, 2023, attacks. What we have seen in that time are some of the darkest parts of humanity on full display. We have seen Hamas sympathizers take over college campuses, destroy property, and do everything they can to instill fear into Jewish students. From being spat at to being verbally harassed, what some of these students have gone through is unconscionable. Countless stories at some of America's best universities, like Columbia, UCLA, and Rutgers, have all the same stories. Anti-Semitism has cut its way into our political discourse. A new report from Axios this week shows how lawmakers right here in the Capitol are facing an ``explosion of antisemitism.'' Jewish lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, in the House and the Senate, are receiving death threats, harassment, and profane insults that should be out of bounds for American politics. None of this is OK. We should all be concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism because it is un-American and because it is fundamentally inhumane. George Washington knew that too. In 1790, Washington made it clear that America ``gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance'' in his letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, RI. He understood and could see back then the importance our Jewish citizens would play in preserving the American experiment. Make no mistake, the growth of anti-Semitism will not end with anti- Semitism. The Venn diagram of people who spread anti-Semitism and want to destroy Western civilization is just a circle. They are just starting with our Jewish friends. If it grows, everyone suffers. Just like the jihadist adage in the Middle East goes, ``First the Saturday people, then the Sunday people,'' and then it will come for everyone else. This hatred, this evil--we have to root it out. We have to get it out of our schools, our neighborhoods, and our media. We need to call it out wherever we see it. When we go silent, that is when rot festers, and that is what anti-Semitism is. It is rotten to the core and has no place in American society. The United States must always stand with Israel and the Jewish people. More than ever, we must remain committed to rooting out this evil. That is why I am here today with Senator Rosen to ask for unanimous consent to adopt a resolution recognizing the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month. Taking a stand against anti-Semitism and celebrating Jewish Americans mean we are fighting to protect our Nation and the blessings we enjoy. I am proud to lead this effort. I yield to my good friend from Nevada Senator Rosen. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nevada. Ms. ROSEN. I thank Senator Scott. Madam President, Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the generations of Jewish Americans who have helped to build this country, who have helped to strengthen our democracy, who have helped to enhance our country and advance the promise of America. And this year's celebration feels especially significant as our Nation approaches 250 years of independence. For centuries, Jewish Americans have been part of the American story. From the Jewish immigrants who arrived here on our shores in 1654 seeking refuge and freedom and opportunity, to Haym Salomon's helping finance the Revolutionary War, to the scientists, artists, teachers, entrepreneurs, servicemembers, and public servants who helped shape this country into what it is today, the story of Jewish Americans is the story of America. It is a story rooted in resilience, in perseverance, in faith, in community, and in an enduring belief in the promise of a better future. Those values have guided the Jewish-American community for generations. These are the values that taught us to pursue justice, to repair the world, to care for our neighbors, and to stand up for those who are the most vulnerable. They are the values that have inspired Jewish Americans to contribute so profoundly to every corner of American life, from medicine to music, from business to civil rights, from the military to public service. They are the values we continue to carry forward today. But as we celebrate all that Jewish Americans have contributed to this Nation, we must also acknowledge the challenges our community continues to face because while Jewish history in America is filled with achievement and opportunity, it has also included moments of exclusion, discrimination, and hate. Unfortunately, we are once again living through a deeply troubling rise in anti-Semitism. Since Hamas' October 7 terrorist attack in Israel, anti-Semitism incidents have skyrocketed across this country. We have seen Jewish students harassed on college campuses. We have seen synagogues and Jewish institutions threatened. We have seen Jewish Americans verbally attacked, physically assaulted, and even murdered simply because of who they are. And all of it--every single bit of it-- is unacceptable. There can be no excuses and no ambiguity when it comes to condemning anti-Semitism. For me, this work is deeply personal. As one of only a handful of Jewish women ever to serve in the U.S. Senate--the third, to be exact-- and as the first and only former synagogue president in the Senate, my Jewish identity is part of who I am, and it is part of how I lead. The experiences that my family has endured and the hate that I have personally faced have only strengthened my determination to fight anti- Jewish hatred wherever it exists because even in difficult moments, the Jewish people have always found ways to move forward with hope and perseverance. Those are two qualities we hold dear. Jewish Americans are people who have endured--a people who have persevered through hardship time and time again and a people who continue to believe in the hope and the possibility of a brighter tomorrow. Hope is part of our heritage--the very essence of our faith. Hope is a part of what carried generations before us [[Page S2351]] through unimaginable adversity, and hope is what continues to guide us today. In celebration of that heritage and in recognition of our history, I am so proud to work with Senator Rick Scott to pass this bipartisan resolution for Jewish American Heritage Month. In doing so, let us celebrate not only the accomplishments of Jewish Americans throughout our Nation's history but also the values that continue to strengthen both our community and our country. Let us recommit ourselves to fighting hate in all its forms. Let us continue building bridges across all communities. Let us ensure that future generations will grow up in a country where they can live openly, proudly, and safely as Jews and as Americans. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Florida. Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Madam President, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 738, which was submitted earlier today. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The senior assistant bill clerk read as follows: A resolution (S. Res. 738) recognizing the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month and calling on elected officials and civil society leaders to counter antisemitism. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution. Mr. SCOTT of Florida. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The resolution (S. Res. 738) was agreed to. The preamble was agreed to. (The resolution, with its preamble, is printed in today's Record under ``Submitted Resolutions.'') The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Florida. Waiving Quorum Call Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to the Rikhye nomination. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Florida. Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the previously scheduled rollcall vote start immediately. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Vote on Clarke Nomination The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the Clarke nomination? Ms. ROSEN. Madam

Referenced legislation: SRES738

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RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH AND CALLING ON ELECTED OFFICIALS AND CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS TO COUNTER ANTISEMITISM Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)] [Senate] [Pages S2350-S2351] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH AND CALLING ON ELECTED OFFICIALS AND CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS TO COUNTER ANTISEMITISM Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Madam President, I rise today to honor an important community in our country that has done so much for our country--Jewish Americans. America as we know it would not exist without the contributions of Jewish Americans. From Jewish service men and women who have served in every conflict since the Revolutionary War to great minds like Albert Einstein, who helped us to understand the world we live in, their contributions helped to build this Nation. This includes Gertrude Elion, who helped to develop groundbreaking drugs for leukemia and other lifesaving treatments, and Sergey Brin, the cofounder of Google. The success of our Nation is intertwined with the achievements of Jewish Americans. We can never walk away from our Jewish fellow citizens. I am more committed to this relationship than ever before. I am glad we finally have a President who shares that commitment. President Trump has been the most pro-Israel President we have ever had. He moved the American Embassy to Jerusalem. He appointed the most pro-Israel Cabinet ever assembled, and he is committed to defending Israel, combating terrorism, and protecting Jewish citizens. But still, unfortunately, we have seen a rise in anti-Semitism and in anti-Israel hate since the October 7, 2023, attacks. What we have seen in that time are some of the darkest parts of humanity on full display. We have seen Hamas sympathizers take over college campuses, destroy property, and do everything they can to instill fear into Jewish students. From being spat at to being verbally harassed, what some of these students have gone through is unconscionable. Countless stories at some of America's best universities, like Columbia, UCLA, and Rutgers, have all the same stories. Anti-Semitism has cut its way into our political discourse. A new report from Axios this week shows how lawmakers right here in the Capitol are facing an ``explosion of antisemitism.'' Jewish lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, in the House and the Senate, are receiving death threats, harassment, and profane insults that should be out of bounds for American politics. None of this is OK. We should all be concerned about the rise of anti-Semitism because it is un-American and because it is fundamentally inhumane. George Washington knew that too. In 1790, Washington made it clear that America ``gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance'' in his letter to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport, RI. He understood and could see back then the importance our Jewish citizens would play in preserving the American experiment. Make no mistake, the growth of anti-Semitism will not end with anti- Semitism. The Venn diagram of people who spread anti-Semitism and want to destroy Western civilization is just a circle. They are just starting with our Jewish friends. If it grows, everyone suffers. Just like the jihadist adage in the Middle East goes, ``First the Saturday people, then the Sunday people,'' and then it will come for everyone else. This hatred, this evil--we have to root it out. We have to get it out of our schools, our neighborhoods, and our media. We need to call it out wherever we see it. When we go silent, that is when rot festers, and that is what anti-Semitism is. It is rotten to the core and has no place in American society. The United States must always stand with Israel and the Jewish people. More than ever, we must remain committed to rooting out this evil. That is why I am here today with Senator Rosen to ask for unanimous consent to adopt a resolution recognizing the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month. Taking a stand against anti-Semitism and celebrating Jewish Americans mean we are fighting to protect our Nation and the blessings we enjoy. I am proud to lead this effort. I yield to my good friend from Nevada Senator Rosen. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nevada. Ms. ROSEN. I thank Senator Scott. Madam President, Jewish American Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the generations of Jewish Americans who have helped to build this country, who have helped to strengthen our democracy, who have helped to enhance our country and advance the promise of America. And this year's celebration feels especially significant as our Nation approaches 250 years of independence. For centuries, Jewish Americans have been part of the American story. From the Jewish immigrants who arrived here on our shores in 1654 seeking refuge and freedom and opportunity, to Haym Salomon's helping finance the Revolutionary War, to the scientists, artists, teachers, entrepreneurs, servicemembers, and public servants who helped shape this country into what it is today, the story of Jewish Americans is the story of America. It is a story rooted in resilience, in perseverance, in faith, in community, and in an enduring belief in the promise of a better future. Those values have guided the Jewish-American community for generations. These are the values that taught us to pursue justice, to repair the world, to care for our neighbors, and to stand up for those who are the most vulnerable. They are the values that have inspired Jewish Americans to contribute so profoundly to every corner of American life, from medicine to music, from business to civil rights, from the military to public service. They are the values we continue to carry forward today. But as we celebrate all that Jewish Americans have contributed to this Nation, we must also acknowledge the challenges our community continues to face because while Jewish history in America is filled with achievement and opportunity, it has also included moments of exclusion, discrimination, and hate. Unfortunately, we are once again living through a deeply troubling rise in anti-Semitism. Since Hamas' October 7 terrorist attack in Israel, anti-Semitism incidents have skyrocketed across this country. We have seen Jewish students harassed on college campuses. We have seen synagogues and Jewish institutions threatened. We have seen Jewish Americans verbally attacked, physically assaulted, and even murdered simply because of who they are. And all of it--every single bit of it-- is unacceptable. There can be no excuses and no ambiguity when it comes to condemning anti-Semitism. For me, this work is deeply personal. As one of only a handful of Jewish women ever to serve in the U.S. Senate--the third, to be exact-- and as the first and only former synagogue president in the Senate, my Jewish identity is part of who I am, and it is part of how I lead. The experiences that my family has endured and the hate that I have personally faced have only strengthened my determination to fight anti- Jewish hatred wherever it exists because even in difficult moments, the Jewish people have always found ways to move forward with hope and perseverance. Those are two qualities we hold dear. Jewish Americans are people who have endured--a people who have persevered through hardship time and time again and a people who continue to believe in the hope and the possibility of a brighter tomorrow. Hope is part of our heritage--the very essence of our faith. Hope is a part of what carried generations before us [[Page S2351]] through unimaginable adversity, and hope is what continues to guide us today. In celebration of that heritage and in recognition of our history, I am so proud to work with Senator Rick Scott to pass this bipartisan resolution for Jewish American Heritage Month. In doing so, let us celebrate not only the accomplishments of Jewish Americans throughout our Nation's history but also the values that continue to strengthen both our community and our country. Let us recommit ourselves to fighting hate in all its forms. Let us continue building bridges across all communities. Let us ensure that future generations will grow up in a country where they can live openly, proudly, and safely as Jews and as Americans. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Florida. Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Madam President, as if in legislative session, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 738, which was submitted earlier today. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title. The senior assistant bill clerk read as follows: A resolution (S. Res. 738) recognizing the significance of Jewish American Heritage Month and calling on elected officials and civil society leaders to counter antisemitism. There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the resolution. Mr. SCOTT of Florida. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to, the preamble be agreed to, and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The resolution (S. Res. 738) was agreed to. The preamble was agreed to. (The resolution, with its preamble, is printed in today's Record under ``Submitted Resolutions.'') The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Florida. Waiving Quorum Call Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum call with respect to the Rikhye nomination. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Florida. Mr. SCOTT of Florida. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the previously scheduled rollcall vote start immediately. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Vote on Clarke Nomination The question is, Will the Senate advise and consent to the Clarke nomination? Ms. ROSEN. Madam Referenced legislation: SRES738