Rep. Brian Mast (D) was booed and jeered on the floor of the House last week when he spoke out against the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions (BDS) movement, in particular, a pro-BDS bill introduced by Rep. Ilhan Omar (D).
“This amendment Mr. Speaker is very simple,” said Mast “It would prohibit pension plans receiving loans under this bill from engaging in the Boycott, Divest, and Sanctions movement against Israel.”
Democrats began to boo and jeer just as Mast began his remarks.
The acting Speaker of the House called for Mast to suspend his time, calling for order in the House.
Mast continued after the order was restored, but was once again met with more opposition.
“I hear colleagues who must believe that BDS is a one-day event occurring so that’s why it makes it even more important for us to speak about this NTR,” stated Mast “Mr. Speaker, the House is not in order.”
Once the Speaker regained control of the House, Mast urged the 398 members who voted against the BDS in the House of Representatives.
"So today, let’s simply continue that progress understanding that BDS equals anti-Semitism.
And while anti-Semitism may be a political investment by some, it has no place in managing retirement pensions, and BDS has no place in this House. So, let us say simply, let us agree. Let us plant our flag bipartisanly (sic) that anti-Semitism and BDS will have no home here in Congress, and no home in this bill. It’s simple. If you are one of the 398 members, who voted last night to condemn the BDS movement, then you should support this MTR. Stand with our ally Israel and continue to combat this anti-Semitic movement"
