Two key House Republicans oppose bill to penalize some anti-Israel boycotts

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said she would not support the anti-Israel boycott bill because of the way it appears to infringe on Americans’ protest rights. “I will be voting NO,” she wrote on X. “It is my job to defend American’s rights to buy or boycott whomever they choose without the government harshly fining them or imprisoning them.” MIKE STEWART/AP

Two major House Republicans announced they would vote against a proposed bill that would penalize those who support some anti-Israel boycotts.

It appears the bill has been removed from the congressional schedule.

Rep. Michael Lawler, R-N.Y., in January, introduced HR 867, known as the “IGO Anti-Boycott Act,” along with Rep. Josh Gottheimer. D-N.J. That measure would expand “existing anti-boycott law to include certain boycotts imposed by international governmental organizations (IGOs).”

“This bill closes a critical loophole by ensuring that international organizations cannot enable harmful BDS efforts,” Lawler said in a news release when the legislation was introduced. “This legislation is essential to safeguarding Israel’s security and economy from unjust attacks. “I’m committed to standing with our allies and ensuring Israel’s strength and position in the global community remains unwavering.”

Under the measure, Americans could be penalized for participating in boycotts sponsored by international groups such as the United Nations or European Union. The bill would apply to some anti-Israel boycotts, as well as some protests targeting other countries.

Party hardliner Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., wrote she would not support the bill because of the way it appears to infringe on Americans’ protest rights.

“I will be voting NO,” she wrote on X. “It is my job to defend American’s rights to buy or boycott whomever they choose without the government harshly fining them or imprisoning them.”

Also speaking out was Rep. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., who has pushed back against several new policies from the Trump administration.

“I agree with @RepMTG,” he wrote. “I’ll be voting No on this bill as well.”

Massie later noted on X the bill had been removed from the congressional schedule.

“Thank you for your vocal opposition on this platform,” he wrote. “It was a ridiculous bill that our leadership should have never scheduled for a vote.”

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