Rockland Reporter

Congressman Mike Lawler has issued a statement following Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's decision to advance the Antisemitism Awareness Act as an amendment to the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The bill, which had previously passed the House with strong support, had been awaiting action in the Senate for six months.

"After dragging his heels for six months after the bill passed the House overwhelmingly, I am glad that Senator Chuck Schumer has succumbed to pressure and is finally moving the Antisemitism Awareness Act," said Congressman Lawler. "I don't think it's any coincidence this news comes just days after Senator Schumer was roundly criticized for his conversations with Columbia University administrators undermining efforts to hold them accountable. I just sent the Senator a letter on this, signed by several of my New York colleagues. Jewish students cannot afford to wait any longer for their safety to be protected on campus. It is long past time to get the Antisemitism Awareness Act across the finish line."

Earlier in the week, Congressman Lawler and several other New York Representatives sent a letter criticizing Senator Schumer's remarks to Columbia University administrators following antisemitic incidents on campus. This came after a report from the House Committee on Education and Workforce highlighted issues of antisemitism at colleges and how some administrators have enabled such behavior.

In discussions with university officials accused of enabling antisemitic acts, Senator Schumer reportedly assured them that universities would not face repercussions if Democrats were in charge. He also advised then-President Minouche Shafik of Columbia University not to engage with Republicans.

"Your comments are a disgrace to the office you hold and they warrant serious explanation," wrote lawmakers in their letter. They expressed concern over Schumer's assurances that accountability would not be enforced under Democratic leadership and criticized his advice for Shafik to avoid Republican engagement.

The lawmakers further noted discrepancies between Senator Schumer's public condemnation of discrimination at Columbia University earlier this year and his private advocacy. They questioned whether his upcoming book was intended more for personal gain than contributing meaningfully to discussions about combating antisemitism.

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District, covering areas north of New York City including Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.