Brian Mast: “This amendment is very simple. It would prohibit pension plans receiving loans under this bill from engaging in the…”

“This amendment is very simple. It would prohibit pension plans receiving loans under this bill from engaging in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement against Israel. Understanding this MTR does not take a lot of words. Mr. Speaker, I hear colleagues who must believe that BDS is a 1-day event occurring, so that is why it makes it even more important for us to speak about this MTR. Now, understanding this MTR takes very few words. Let me be very blunt about this. Yesterday, as was aptly pointed out, this Chamber passed a bipartisan resolution--398 in support, 17 opposing--which opposed any efforts to delegitimize the State of Israel, condemning the BDS movement as dangerous and anti-Semitic. Today, let's simply continue that progress, understanding that BDS equals anti-Semitism. While anti-Semitism may be a political investment by some, it has no place in managing retirement pensions, and BDS has no place in this House. Let us say simply, let us agree, let us plant our bipartisan flag that anti-Semitism and BDS will have no home here in Congress and no home in this bill. It is simple. If you are one of the 398 Members who voted last night to condemn the BDS movement, then you should support this MTR, stand with our ally Israel, and continue to combat this anti-Semitic movement. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.”