Congressman Maxwell Frost Statement on H.Res. 798
ORLANDO, FL — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (D-FL) released a statement regarding his vote on H.Res. 798.
In a statement, Rep. Frost says:
“After days of reflection, multiple conversations with my constituents and local leaders, and a difficult, but important listening session with students at UCF Hillel’s chapter — I have come to realize that I should have voted differently on H.Res. 798, to send a clear message that I stand against antisemitism.
“As an organizer and someone who has spent countless hours on college campuses fighting for gun violence prevention efforts and for the right to protest, I took issue with a few of the falsehoods included in H.Res. 798 and was hoping I’d have the opportunity to vote on the Senate resolution condemning antisemitism, that passed unanimously, but didn’t include those falsehoods.
“I truly worried that this would open the door for Republicans to infringe on the free speech of students and young people. Which is why I chose to support and co-sponsor the House version of that same Senate resolution.
“I now realize that I did not properly prioritize the message this resolution was intended to send — that antisemitism has absolutely no place on college campuses or anywhere in our communities. A sentiment I have and always will firmly believe in.
“As someone who has taken every opportunity to condemn the vile acts of antisemitism we’ve seen in Central Florida and across the state, I stand firmly with my Jewish brothers, sisters, and siblings who are fearfully seeing antisemitism rise across our country.
“I realize that ending antisemitism will take more than my condemnation. And I know that if allowed to grow and spread in even the smallest corners of our world, history has proven how vile and horrific the pain and suffering of the Jewish people has been as a result of this hate.
“I am and always will be committed to fighting bigotry, and for peace and safety for all. And remain committed to hearing, listening, and learning more from all of my constituents.”
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