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Kustoff Stands Against Religious Intolerance

March 30, 2017

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative David Kustoff (TN-08) today delivered the following remarks on the House floor regarding his bipartisan bill, the Combating Anti-Semitism Act of 2017:

"I am proud to introduce this important legislation with my colleague from the other side of the aisle, Representative Derek Kilmer of Washington.

"Since this January, we've seen a wave of disturbing violence and threats towards religious institutions across America.

"In 2017 alone, more than 100 bomb threats have been made at 81 Jewish Community Centers across our nation in 33 states.

"Tennessee, the state I call home, is also on that list.

"It's time we send a clear message – Religious intolerance has no place in this country.

"The Combating Anti-Semitism Act of 2017 would increase the penalty for these violent threats and make them punishable as hate crimes under federal law.

"We have a moral duty and responsibility to protect the rights of all Americans to worship freely and without fear, whether at a church, a synagogue or any religious institution.

"With this bill, we will deter threats and stand united against religious intolerance."

Find more information about the Combating Anti-Semitism Act of 2017 here, and read the full bill text here.

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