Bipartisan Roskam bill would shield Israel from boycotts, divestments and sanctions

Bipartisan legislation recently introduced by U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL) would counter efforts by the United Nations and other intergovernmental bodies to pursue boycotts, divestments and sanctions against Israel.

The United Nations Human Rights Committee (UNHRC) approved a resolution earlier this year calling for foreign divestment of Israel and creation of a blacklist of companies that do business with Israeli entities.

The Protecting Israel Against Economic Discrimination Act would voice congressional opposition to the resolution, and it would require the Export-Import Bank to consider the Israel Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement participation when evaluating applicants.

Roskam and U.S. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) joined a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers in May who sent a letter urging U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman to oppose the UNHRC resolution.

“Congress has long combated boycotts and other discriminatory treatment of Israel,” the lawmakers wrote. “‘Blacklists’ are among the most nefarious, as they serve only to isolate and stigmatize.”

The letter added, “Any foreign company, including American ones, could be targeted by this effort even if they are conducting completely legal activities under U.S. and international law.”

The lawmakers also have argued that the resolution threatens the economic viability of America’s strongest ally in the Middle East, as well as American companies operating in Israel.

Portman introduced companion legislation in the Senate.