by Reuters and Israel Hayom Staff
Legislation also includes BDS provision aimed at protecting states that refuse to do business with supporters of Israel boycott.
The U.S. Senate
advanced legislation reaffirming support for allies in the Middle East
on Monday, including fresh sanctions on Syria and a measure that combats
the boycott, divestment and sanctions movement.
Democrats had blocked the package in the
Senate during the 35-day partial government shutdown, saying the chamber
should first consider legislation to reopen the government.
But after Friday's agreement to end the
shutdown at least until Feb. 15, most of the Senate's Democrats joined
Republicans in favor of taking up the bill.
The measure is still several steps from
becoming law, and may never get there. Even if passed by the Senate, it
must also be approved by the House of Representatives, where Democrats
hold a majority of seats.
The legislation includes provisions to
impose new sanctions on Syria and guarantee security assistance to
Israel and Jordan. Those are seen as efforts to reassure U.S. allies
worried about shifts in U.S. policy since President Donald Trump
abruptly announced plans last month for a quick withdrawal of U.S. troops in Syria.
However, the act also includes the BDS
provision, aimed at protecting state governments that refuse to do
business with supporters of a boycott. Opponents claim the provision is
an impingement of free speech.
"While I do not support the BDS movement,
we must defend every American's constitutional right to engage in
political activity. It is clear to me that this bill would violate
Americans' First Amendment rights," said Senator Bernie Sanders, an
independent who caucuses with Democrats and was a "no" vote on Monday.
Some Republicans accused Democrats of
supporting the BDS movement, which they say is anti-Semitic. Democrats,
in turn, accused Republicans of trying to use the BDS measure to divide
moderate and liberal Democrats.
Reuters and Israel Hayom Staff
Source: http://www.israelhayom.com/2019/01/29/shutdown-over-us-senate-advances-middle-east-bill/
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