Jewish Dems Reject Republican Attempts to Politicize Israel

WASHINGTON – The Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) issued the following statement in response to Senate Republicans forcing a second vote on S.1, a package of Middle East security bills, while the government is still shut down. In advance of the vote scheduled for this afternoon, JDCA Executive Director Halie Soifer said:

“On the 20^thday of the government shutdown, Senate Republicans have abdicated their responsibility to the American people by forcing a second vote on S.1, a bill that has nothing to do with reopening the government. After consideration of this bill was blocked on Tuesday, Senate Republicans’ decision to hold a second vote on the same bill is a clear effort to defer reopening the government and politicize U.S. support for Israel.

“Senate Democrats support aid to Israel and unanimously oppose the Boycott, Sanctions, and Divestment (BDS) movement – these two issues are not in question. The government shutdown imposes grave and growing social, economic, and security risks on the American people. JDCA stands behind Senate Democrats’ insistence that the Senate prioritize opening the government, and demands that Senate Republicans stop politicizing historically bipartisan support for Israel.”

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About JDCA

The Jewish Democratic Council of America (JDCA) is the voice of Jewish Democrats and socially-progressive, pro-Israel values. JDCA supports candidates and elected officials who share our policy positions and advocates for policies that reflect Jewish and Democratic values. In response to the U.S. government shutdown, JDCA has launched a petition calling on the president and Senate Republicans to immediately reopen the government.