Should the State Department's Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism be Strengthened? (H.R. 221)

What is H.R. 221?

(Updated February 1, 2021)

This bill would make the Special Envoy to Monitor to Combat Anti-Semitism an ambassador-level position appointed by the president and subject to confirmation by the Senate. The Special Envoy would be required to: 1) be a person of recognized distinction in the field of combating anti-Semitism or religious freedom; 2) serve as the primary advisor to the U.S. government and coordinate efforts across agencies to monitor and combat anti-Semitism and anti-Semitic incitement; and 3) report directly to the Secretary of State.

The bill would require that a Special Envoy be nominated within 90 days of a vacancy or this bill’s enactment (the role has been vacant for more than 500 days).

Argument in favor

Jewish communities in the U.S. and around the world are targeted for hatred and violence, and by strengthening the State Department’s Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism in the the government will counteract such bigotry.

Argument opposed

While the Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism fills an important role, making it an ambassador-level position won’t make much of a difference. Alternatively, the position should be eliminated or left vacant.

Impact

The Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism; and the State Department.

Cost of H.R. 221

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) reintroduced this bill from the 115th Congress to elevate and enhance the State Department’s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism:

“Jewish communities here and abroad continue to be targeted for hatred and deadly violence. America has a great bipartisan history of leading the fight against anti-Semitism. We must build upon and expand this history. The Special Envoy is critical to focusing and redoubling our leadership and this bill enhances the position.”

This bill's 116th Congress reintroduction has the support of seven bipartisan cosponsors, including four Democrats and three Republicans. In the 115th Congress, this legislation passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee on a voice vote and has the support of 82 bipartisan cosponsors, including 49 Democrats and 33 Republicans.

Media:

• Sponsoring Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) Press Release (Previous Congress)
  
• Haaretz
  
• Jewish News Syndicate
  
• Times of Israel