Multiple GOP Lawmakers Break With Their Party Over Anti-Boycott Act

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green speaks before president Donald Trump

Prominent figures within President Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" movement have opposed the bipartisan IGO Anti-Boycott Act, House Resolution 867. Lawmakers Mike Lawler (R-NY), and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) recently introduced the legislation to combat antisemitic boycott actions by international organizations. The bill has garnered bipartisan support but also faces significant opposition.

Rep. Mike Lawler speaks during at town hall event

Lawler said, "I'm proud to reintroduce the IGO Anti-Boycott Act, a bipartisan effort to protect U.S. citizens, businesses, and our allies, particularly Israel, from discriminatory boycotts. This bill closes a critical loophole by ensuring that international organizations cannot enable harmful BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) efforts. This legislation is essential to safeguarding Israel's security and economy from unjust attacks."

Rep. Josh Gottheimer

Gottheimer stated, "International organizations can't get away with targeting our key democratic ally, Israel. That's why we are introducing the bipartisan IGO Anti-Boycott Act to counter the blatant anti-Israel bias in international organizations like the United Nations, which has a long history of targeting the Jewish state."

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Green

Critics claim H.R. 867 violates the First Amendment by penalizing individuals who boycott Israel, imposing civil fines and potential imprisonment for up to 20 years.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL)

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) wrote, "I will be voting NO. 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." Greene added, "But what I don’t understand is why we are voting on a bill on behalf of other countries and not the President’s executive orders that are FOR OUR COUNTRY???"

Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla. speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) stated that H.R. 867 "aims to curb antisemitism but threatens First Amendment rights. Americans have the right to boycott, and penalizing this risks free speech. I reject and vehemently condemn antisemitism but I cannot violate the First Amendment."

Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) speaks during a press conference

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) wrote, "I agree with @RepMTG. I'll be voting No on this bill as well."

Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) talks to Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA)

The legislation arises amid ongoing protests against Israel, particularly on university campuses, where demonstrations concern Palestinian rights amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. This conflict escalated after a violent attack by Hamas last fall, resulting in heavy casualties on both sides.

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla. speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz said, "There’s a real danger in passing bills like this. Somewhere Democrats are writing a bill to imprison the rest of us for 20 years if we boycott countries who sign the Paris Climate Accords…or join the UN…or bribe the WTO/WHO. And they may get power again."

Former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., withdrew his bid to become attorney general

Gaetz stated, "Which is why we shouldn’t use ours to punish dissent or 'thought crimes' with prison. Antisemitism is a real problem. It deserves a response far more serious and thoughtful than this dangerous and unconstitutional Lawler virtue signal."

Former US representative Matt Gaetz and wife Ginger Luckey

H.R. 867 was set for a House vote on May 5th. However, following backlash, Greene announced that the vote, now canceled, has left the bill’s future uncertain. The American Israel Public Affairs Committee supports the measure, stating it aims to protect Israel from harmful boycotts.

Emily Prescott covers U.S. politics & news for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.