Press Release

March 2, 2015
Cardin and Portman Introduce Bill to Deter Countries from Participating in Anti-Israel Movement

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio) announced the introduction of the United States-Israel Trade Enhancement Act of 2015, legislation to combat the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Over the past several years, a growing contingency of countries have sought to isolate and delegitimize Israel through BDS. This legislation leverages ongoing trade negotiations to discourage prospective U.S. trade partners from engaging in economic discrimination against Israel.

 

“If you want to trade with the United States, you cannot participate in illegitimate sanctions or backdoor boycotts against Israel,” said Cardin. “Our government should not stand idle if our trading partners use BDS tactics to isolate one of our key allies.”

 

“This legislation sends a clear message that if you want to be an economic partner with the United States, you cannot support politically motivated boycotts of Israel,” Portman stated. “I’m pleased to introduce this bill that says the United States will not stand with those who attempt to weaken Israel.”

 

 

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