US House passes antisemitism bill

WASHINGTON

The US House of Representatives passed an antisemitism bill Wednesday as pro-Palestinian protests continued on campuses across the country.

The measure passed in a 320-91 vote, with 70 Democrats and 21 Republicans voting against the bill, which would next need to be taken up by the Senate.

The legislation, titled the Antisemitism Awareness Act and introduced by Rep. Mike Lawler, came as Republicans seek to launch investigations into antisemitism on college campuses in response to the pro-Palestinian protests.

Lawler said in a statement that "it is critical that we crack down on anti-Semitic hate within our own country."

"I am grateful for the bipartisan support for the Anti-Semitism Awareness Act and for the support of a wide range of Jewish organizations that are standing up, supporting this legislation and saying enough is enough," he added.

Protests are sweeping college campuses nationwide following a police attempt to clear a pro-Palestine encampment at New York's Columbia University almost two weeks ago, resulting in the arrest of more than 100 students.

Hundreds of students have been arrested on campuses, with protests demanding universities divest from Israel and condemning the war on Gaza, where more than 34,400 Palestinians have been killed.

Students in other countries including Canada, Australia, France and Egypt have organized demonstrations at universities in solidarity with Palestine.