Congressman Don Bacon (R-Neb.-02) and Congressman Eugene Vindman (D-Va.-07) have introduced the Violent Antisemitism Threat Assessment Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing antisemitism within violent extremist movements in the United States. The legislation would require the U.S. Department of Defense to provide Congress with a detailed report on how antisemitism is influencing these movements.
Rep. Bacon said, “The fight against antisemitism is not a Republican or a Democratic issue, but it’s about being an American. I am glad to co-lead the Violent Antisemitism Threat Assessment Act with Rep. Vindman, which directs the Executive Branch to provide a comprehensive assessment on the rise of violent antisemitism. The intersection of violent antisemitism and extremist movements presents a clear and present danger. Our Jewish-American friends deserve more than just words, they deserve our unwavering support and active partnership in ensuring their safety and dignity. When it comes to antisemitism, I refuse to be a bystander.”
Rep. Vindman added, “Antisemitism has long been a dangerous force in extremist movements, and today it is resurging in ways that threaten both Jewish Americans and our broader democracy. Violent extremism thrives on dangerous conspiracy theories and antisemitic lies, and Congress needs clear, unflinching information about how this hatred is being weaponized so we can strengthen our response and keep our communities safe.”
Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO and National Director of ADL, stated: “Violent antisemitism is a growing global threat, fueled by extremists who place hatred of Jews front and center. In 2024 alone, ADL tracked 9,354 antisemitic incidents in the United States, the highest number we’ve ever recorded. And according to the FBI, Jews remain the most frequently targeted religious group. Extremist networks are spreading antisemitic propaganda and tactics around the world, recruiting followers, and inspiring violence. The Violent Antisemitism Threat Assessment Act will provide the facts needed to assess the dangers transnational violent extremists motivated by antisemitism pose to all Americans, giving us critical information to respond effectively. We are grateful to Reps. Vindman and Bacon for their bipartisan leadership in standing up for Jewish communities and holding extremists accountable.”
The proposed bill requires that the Secretary of Defense submit a report covering transnational violent extremist ideologies connected with antisemitism as well as an assessment of related threats facing the United States.
Don Bacon has served as U.S. Representative for Nebraska’s 2nd District since 2017 after succeeding Brad Ashford (https://bacon.house.gov/about). He was born in Momence, Illinois in 1963 and currently resides in Papillion (https://www.omaha.com/news/state_and_regional/nebraska-rep-don-bacon-talks-trump-impeachment-campaign/article_44f6a8d0-ffb5-11e9-970f-ef7fa35e9431.html). Bacon graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1984 with a BA degree before attending University of Phoenix.
