East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) has joined Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and 10 other colleagues in introducing the Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors Act. This legislation aims to prohibit the federal government from contracting with entities that boycott the State of Israel. Currently, Idaho and 36 other states have enacted laws or regulations opposing the boycott, divestment, or sanction (BDS) of Israel.

“Our federal contracting process needs to reject and remain free of bigotry in all of its forms,” said Crapo. “Prohibiting anti-Israel businesses from receiving taxpayer dollars sends a strong message that the United States does not stand with any organization promoting antisemitism.”

“Antisemitism has no place in America. Businesses who boycott Israel only seek to normalize antisemitism and delegitimize our greatest friend and partner in the Middle East. Not a single taxpayer dollar ought to go to any entity engaged in this hateful behavior,” said Risch. “With the Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors Act, we will ensure those seeking to do business with our government do not engage in acts of hate and antisemitism against the Israeli people.”

The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), Rick Scott (R-Florida), and John Thune (R-South Dakota).

The Countering Hate Against Israel by Federal Contractors Act has received support from Christians United for Israel (CUFI).

“American taxpayer dollars should not be subsidizing the effort to achieve with boycotts what Hamas seeks with bombs: the destruction of the state of Israel. Thirty-seven states have enacted similar policies to this legislation and it is well past time that the federal government joins them. The vast majority of American people stand with Israel, and we have a right to ensure our government's policies match our values. The signal to every boardroom should be heard loud and clear: if you give into the antisemitic BDS movement, the federal government will not do business with you,” said CUFI Action Fund Chairwoman Sandra Parker.