Representative Randy Fine (R-FL) has introduced a bill that would prohibit members of Congress from holding dual citizenship.
Specifically, the Disqualifying Dual Loyalty Act requires House and Senate candidates to renounce any citizenship in another country before they can be elected to serve in Congress.
"I think it's a fair argument to say you can only swear allegiance to one country, and if you're in Congress, that allegiance should be to America," Rep. Fine addressed in a statement. "This bill ensures that the people making laws for our citizens are themselves fully committed to our country, not divided between two."
He emphasized that "the Constitution sets basic requirements for office," adding that "in a globalized world, dual citizenship is more common than ever, and while that's fine for private citizens, it's not acceptable for lawmakers entrusted with America's national interests."
In further comments to Breitbart, Rep. Fine said he did not introduce the bill to target members of Congress who already hold dual citizenship. Instead, his bill is intended to counter antisemitic accusations of loyalty to Israel among Jewish lawmakers.
"I got tired of the antisemites going after people like me because we're Jewish, and saying because we're Jewish, we must be dual citizens," the Florida Congressman expressed. "I think this is some fictionalized concern that people have, and let's call it out. Let's deal with it."
Additionally, Fine suggested he would be "open" to legislation that prohibits certain federal employees from holding dual citizenship, and that he does not "think that it is a bad idea."
"Should you be able to work, for example, at the CIA if you're a dual citizen of a country that may not like us very much?" he questioned.
