In a bid to address the rising concerns over antisemitism in the United States, the House of Representatives is scheduled to vote on the Antisemitism Awareness Act. Introduced by Representative Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.), the bipartisan legislation aims to enforce anti-discrimination laws by adopting the broad definition of antisemitism used by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA).

The IHRA defines antisemitism as a "certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews." It includes "rhetorical and physical manifestations" such as calling for the harm or killing of Jews and holding Jews collectively responsible for actions taken by the state of Israel.

The bill has garnered support from Democratic moderates, including those who stand in solidarity with Israel during its ongoing conflict with Hamas. However, some Democratic lawmakers have voiced opposition, citing concerns about the bill's potential impact on free speech and its broad definition of antisemitism.

Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) wrote a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) urging consideration of the bipartisan Countering Antisemitism Act instead. This act proposes appointing a new adviser to the president, dedicated to implementing a coordinated strategy to combat antisemitism. Jeffries emphasizes the need for a bipartisan approach and notes that addressing antisemitism is an American issue that requires urgent attention.

Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, has publicly opposed the Antisemitism Awareness Act. Jayapal argues that Republicans are weaponizing antisemitism and claims that the bill does more harm than good for addressing the issue. She stressed the importance of denouncing all forms of discrimination, including antisemitism, Islamophobia, and others, and accused Republicans of trying to create division.

Jayapal also raised concerns about the broad definition of antisemitism in the bill, stating that it is not supported by many Jewish groups. She suggested that its inclusion may be a political ploy to exploit the issue. Jayapal further criticized Republicans for their silence in the face of President Donald Trump's previous comments that were deemed antisemitic.

Coinciding with the introduction of this bill, Republicans are pushing for investigations into antisemitism on college campuses in response to the pro-Palestinian protests taking place across the country.

As the House prepares for the vote, the discussion around combating antisemitism continues to highlight the need for bipartisan cooperation in addressing this pressing issue at hand.