This week, U.S. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., stressed his support of Israel and his opposition to the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement, as a stance that is beginning to define his re-election campaign.
First elected to Congress in 2006, Buchanan has already drawn a major challenger in state Rep. Margaret Good, D-Sarasota, who defeated his son James for an open state House seat in a special election early last year.
Buchanan stressed his support of U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch’s, D-Fla., “United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act" which passed the House on voice vote last week. The bill increases support for Israel by $3.3 billion a year through 2023 and adds $1 billion over the next five years to add more resources to the U.S. War Reserve Stockpile in Israel.
The Florida Republican also showcased his support of a resolution from U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Ill., condemning the BDS movement which passed the House on a 398-17 vote with every member of the Florida delegation outside of U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., backing it. Wilson did not vote.
Buchanan also backed Florida Republican Brian Mast’s bill sanctioning Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and their supporters which passed the House on a voice vote last week. According to Mast‘s office, the bill “imposes sanctions on foreign persons, agencies and governments that assist Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad or their affiliates.”
“As Israel continues to confront threats to its very existence, it is important now more than ever to maintain our unwavering support,” Buchanan said. “When it comes to combating threats like Iran’s nuclear development and promoting terrorism, there is no daylight between America and its greatest ally in the Middle East.
“With anti-Semitism on the rise both here and around the world, we need to do all we can to support our ally,” Buchanan continued. “It is shocking that some members of Congress are pushing for the anti-Israel BDS movement.”
Buchanan also stressed his opposition to Iran and praise from Sarasota AIPAC leader David Chaifetz.
“There has not been a greater defender of Israel in the U.S. Congress than Vern Buchanan,” Chaifetz said.
